Libraries all around the world are the staples, the backbones, of our communities whether we realize it or not. If you think about it, there isn’t another establishment you can find in each community that is free and open to the public and offers free services and information.

When you’re wondering what free things to do in Ashland WI you can hop over to the Vaugh Public Library or check out the Vaugh Public Library’s Facebook Page for the free events they have going on! From family friendly gatherings, book clubs, and hobby-centered learning, there are all sorts of activities you can get involved with.

That’s pretty remarkable when you let that sink in for a moment, isn’t it? If you ask me, libraries are underrated! There are hundreds of libraries in Wisconsin, but only one precious and bookish, Vaughn Public Library. So, let’s dive in and learn more about this legend amongst all of the libraries in Wisconsin!

Pssttt, be sure to follow Vaughn Public Library on Facebook, and while you’re there, we’d love to see you in our Loving Life On Lake Superior Facebook group.

The History of Vaughn Public Library

The Vaughn Public Library is home to thousands of stories, embedded within its foundation, the plaster on the walls, and the busied sidewalks that surround it is a story enriched with local history in itself of how the Vaughn Public Library came to be.

I will be paraphrasing a very brief history of Vaughn Public Library from the history section on the Vaughn Public Library website. I deeply encourage you to check out the extremely well-written and interesting historical write-up that they have on their website for a more in-depth reading of their rich history. Thank you, Vaughn Public Library, for the terrific information!

The Vaughn Public Library’s humble beginnings started around 1872. Though it was not officially created yet, the Ashland Library Association was breathed into the shuffle of Ashland’s civic duties, and years later, in 1976, established in a reading room within the City Clerk’s office surrounded by stacks of books where we first get a glimpse of the beloved Vaughn Public Library.

The beginnings of the Vaughn Public Library we see today, and the classic name itself, comes from married couple Samuel and Emeline Vaughn. These visionaries sought out a mission to bring books and public space to the city of Ashland so that it could further grow, expand, and be enriched with the love and power of books.

Sadly, Samuel Vaughn passed away before he could see their aspirations blossom, but his wife, Emeline Vaughn, was an obvious person of drive and dedication, for she saw their dream through. In the brisk of November in 1888, the doors of Vaughn Public Library were opened with around three thousand and five hundred books to enjoy. Below is a quoted response to what Emeline Vaughn said about her vision for the Vaughn Public Library.

“A literary and social center of the city where people from all walks of life may find mental food.”

– Emeline Vaughn

Proudly and impressively, Vaughn Public Library is the oldest library in Wisconsin to be operating in its original building; that’s quite the achievement!

We have the gratitude and trailblazing ideologies of the Vaughn’s to thank for the existence of Vaughn Public Library, and we have the friendly and knowledgable staff, fabulous volunteers, and wise board members to thank for its present triumph.

Where is Vaughn Public Library?

Nestled in the historic heartbeat of downtown Ashland, you can find Vaughn Public Library, where you’re blocks away from being on Lake Superior, and you have an inspiring view of mural number eight, The Veterans Mural.

Vaughn Public Library Address

502 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806

10 Quick & Fun Library Facts | Wisconsin & Beyond

After exploring the interesting history of Vaughn Public Library on Lake Superior, are you hungry for more library bookish knowledge? I’ve got ten quick and fun library facts for you!

These facts range from libraries in Wisconsin to libraries all over the world; you’re in for a treat and let us know your favorite library fact or if you have one of your own!

1. Peterborough, New Hamshire, holds the treasure of the country’s very first library, The Darby Free Library, which opened its gracious doors and started serving the community around 1743. Pretty remarkable, huh?
2. The largest public library in the state of Wisconsin is the Milwaukee Public Library, with a bustling thirteen branches and a serving population of 594,833 patrons. That’s a lot of public access to books; how amazing is that!
3. On the topic of big dogs (or, shall I say, big books) in the library game, where is the largest library in the United States? That would be none other than the famous Library of Congress located in Washington, D.C. This powerhouse of knowledge and stories is also the largest library in the WORLD!
4. According to Wisconsin State Legislative documents (serious business), the grand ole Dairy State has a total of 389 municipal and county libraries that are currently in service. And hopefully, more to come!
5. Now that we know how many libraries are in Wisconsin, which state has the most public libraries? As of 2020, in the calculations of WordsRated.com, California takes home the paperback crown for housing a whooping 1,226 public libraries.
6. If you want to see the tallest library in the United States you’ll have to take a stroll to the University of Massachusetts, but I don’t think you’ll have a hard time finding it with its great height. This academic library stands at a gigantic 286.5 feet and houses around six million books! I’d apply to hang out in the library!
7. Want to hear something ironic? According to Pantagraph.com, the Guinness Book of World Records, you know, those books we all ran to check out first and gape at outrageous and quirky achievements worldwide, has the record for being the most stolen book from libraries– how nuts is that!
8. New York City, as we all know, is one incredibly vast city that’s full of bustling folks. You know what that means, right? Big city, bigger library! It took around fourteen years (1897-1911) to build the New York Public Library (Main Branch). That’s quite a lot of time, but I’m sure it was worth every year for all of the patrons it serves every day.
9. Another NYC Public Library fact is coming your way! The most checked-out book of ALL TIME at the NYC Public Library is “The Snow Day” by Ezra Jack Keats, and it has borrowed (so far) a total of 485,583 times. That’s a lot of bookworm hands it’s passed through and many bookish hearts this story has touched. Runner-up is “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss (469,650), and coming in third is “1984” by George Orwell (441,770).
10. Have you seen those adorable mini-libraries in neighborhoods? Those are Little Free Libraries! And you can’t believe how many there are around the entire world on all the continents (yep, including Antarctica!); there are more than 150,000!

There’s a lot of beautiful history within the Vaughn Public Library and in Ashland’s community, but there’s plenty of excitement to look forward to in the future as well. The Vaughn Public Library will be having some beautiful renovations that will benefit the community in multiple ways. From more space for children/teen programming, reading areas, and meeting rooms to an aesthetically pleasing exterior and interior, things are coming up Vaughn for this public library! Learn more about the Renovations Project here, and be sure to follow Vaughn Public Library on Facebook and Instagram to be in the loop of all of the free things to do in Ashland WI, and fun events you don’t want to miss out on.

Thank you for taking the time to read about a wonderful public library among the many libraries in Wisconsin, and I hope to see you over on our Loving Life On Lake Superior Facebook page to keep this Lake Superior love going. Enjoy your reading time at the library!

And with the Little Free Library App and the Little Free Library Map Near Me guide, it’s easier than ever to explore the Little Free Libraries in your community. You never know what hidden paperback gem you can find in Little Free Libraries, especially On Lake Superior!

I love that new book smell, but sometimes, it’s hard to get your hands on a new book with other financial obligations in the mix. That’s one of the many things I love about Little Free Libraries: much like community libraries, they bridge the gap between having access to books and not being able to afford new books.

What is a Little Free Library?

A Little Free Library is a book-exchange box, typically located in an area with a good amount of foot traffic. People can take a book if they’d like, or leave books if they have extra books they’d like to share with the community. Millions of books are exchanged each year through Little Free Library boxes, which profoundly increases access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds all over the globe.

Everyone, regardless of any circumstances, deserves the opportunity to read and continue their reading journey with books that excite them. Isn’t that one of the purest feelings in the world? When you get those little bookish butterflies fluttering in your bookworm stomach after you’ve read an intriguing blurb on the back of a book with an interesting cover, and you get to take it home, cozy up, and dive in? That’s the feeling everyone should have access to, and that’s just one of the wonderful missions of the Little Free Library organization.

As stated perfectly on the Little Free Library Website:

“Building community.
Inspiring readers.
Expanding book access.”

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In 2020, I graduated from CVTC with an Associate Degree in Library & Information Services; I’ve found an oasis in libraries ever since I can remember. The harmonious feeling of a thousand stories all humming in blissful undertones as you scan the stacks. The millions of characters waiting for their tales to be heard and for your bookworm hearts to connect. Libraries truly are one of the oldest and mighty pillars of communities across the world, and they consistently remain free and open to the public. Now, is that rad or what?

I bring up my little ole college years because one of my favorite units was studying/observing Little Free Libraries and learning more about them. It’s bringing the library out into neighborhoods, parks, and even country roads, and there is something so wholesome and moving about that.

Although the library is free for everyone, perhaps not everyone has access to go there or they have other reasons for not visiting. But, a Little Free Library is available to all and there are so many of them to be explored wherever you go! That’s where the Little Free Library App comes in handy; you can pull the app up when you go on an out-of-town adventure and see where there are Little Free Libraries near you, isn’t that neat!?

If you’re wondering, ‘Where’s a Little Free Library near me?’ I encourage you to check out their Little Free Library Website, where you can view the Little Free Library Map Near Me section.

Little Free Library History

You’ve heard a bit of my personal history with Little Free Libraries; now, let’s dive into the Little Free Library History and how these cute and inspiring little pop-ups came about.

Before Little Free Libraries began to spread all across the world, it began with a single Little Free Library in St. Paul, Minnesota. Beginning with the inspiring mission to have a 24/7 accessible book resource for diverse books in the community sprung into the ambitious journey of having a Little Free Library in every community and sharing the wealth of books for all.

Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that lives and breaths for providing diverse and accessible books to everyone, especially in high-need areas. With donations, sponsors, and volunteers, they are able to build and grant Little Free Libraries in neighborhoods and communities that deserve the enrichment of books. You can become a volunteer or donor yourself to be a part of this wholesome and inspiring movement!

The do-gooder folks at Little Free Library are busy bees with building and granting Little Free Libraries all over the world, and the bookish action doesn’t stop there. There are three valuable and incredible programs that Little Free Library runs, which is: the Impact Library Program, the Indigenous Library Program, and the Read in Color program. Each serves a vital purpose and changes lives, which can be even further enhanced with a little or big donation from a book lover like yourself. I highly encourage you to click those links and check out these beautifully-missioned programs, it truly is inspiring and remarkable!

Give Little Free Library a follow on Facebook & Instagram to stay up to date on new Little Free Libraries in the area and exciting news in the community.

For a quick and informational look inside Little Free Library, check out their video below!

Little Free Library Near Me On Lake Superior

Let’s check out where you can find these cutesy book stops on Lake Superior in a couple of major areas!

These Little Free Libraries are neatly placed, and each has its own personality, story, and charter number. Some are outside of establishments, on the Island, hanging out in parks, or outside avid readers’ homes. If you hop on the Free Little Library website, you can see pictures for yourself when you go on their map and click on the little icons on the map.

You can also look on their website to check out the map for yourself or on their mobile app.

Ashland (12 Little Free Libraries)

1. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 2021 6th St E, Ashland, WI
   • Charter #56651
2. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 102 14th Ave E, Ashland, WI
   • Charter #56647
3. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 118 11th Ave E, Ashland, WI
   • Charter #56654
4. David Pagels
   • 623 Main Street E., Ashland, WI
   • Charter #48014
5. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 201 Lake Shore Dr W, Ashland, WI
   • Charter #56659
6. Presbyterian-Congregational Church
   • 214 Vaughn Ave, Ashland, WI
   • Charter #56644
7. SARA HUDSON #5942 ASHLAND WI
   • 601 Main St W, ASHLAND, WI
   • Charter #5942
8. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 417 6th St. W, Ashland, WI
   • Charter #56650
9. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 619 9th Ave W, Ashland, WI
   • Charter #56658
10. Aunt Sheila’s Library
    • Macarthur & 11th, Ashland, WI
    • Charter #76334
11. Northwood Tech Ashland Free Little Library
    • 2100 Beaser Ave, Ashland, WI
    • Charter #129467
12. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
    • Park Road, Prentice Park, Ashland, WI
    • Charter #56652

Washburn (9 Little Free Libraries)

1. Gramma O’s Little Free Library
   • 220 Fifth Avenue West, Washburn, WI
   • Charter #123107
2. Tracy Martinez #32668 Washburn WI
   • 231 W. 5th St., Washburn, WI
   • Charter #32668
3. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 146 W Bayfield St, Washburn, WI
   • Charter #56645
4. AdventureUs
   • 101 W Bayfield St, Washburn, WI
   • Charter #56631
5. Chris Lindsey #142388
   • 1 West Bayfield Street, Washburn, WI
   • Charter #142388
6. Jackie’s Field
   • 300 E 3rd St, Washburn, WI
   • Charter #56640
7. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 400 E 3rd St, Washburn, WI
   • Charter #56639
8. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • 715 E 3rd St, Washburn, WI
   • Charter #56656
9. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • Memorial Park, Washburn, WI
   • Charter #56635

Cornucopia (1 Free Little Library)

1. Thrivent Community Superior Shores
   • Jim’s House, Cornucopia
   • Charter #56636

Madeline Island (1 Free Little Library)

1. Ferry Landing Library
   • 776 Main St, La Pointe, WI
   • Charter #128274

Superior (14 Free Little Libraries)

1. Kelly & Kids Homestead little library
   • 6626 John Ave, Superior, WI
   • Charter #106217
2. Little Free Library
   • 3713 E 3rd St, Superior, WI
   • Charter #62161
3. Amelia
   • 3616 E Third St, Superior, WI
   • Charter #105986
4. The Soar Family Library
   • 2626 East 7th Street, Superior, WI
   • Charter #153929
5. Stephanie Dzikonski #166885
   • 505 20th Ave E, Superior, WI
   • Charter #166885
6. McKone Free Little Library
   • 1621 E 10th Street, Superior, WI
   • Charter #51606
7. GL Elementary PTA Little Library
   • 129 N 28th Street E, Superior, WI
   • Charter #63363
8. The Library Around the Corner
   • 1307 N 23rd St, Superior, WI
   • Charter #168183
9. Books to Share
   • 2302 Hammond Ave, Superior, WI
   • Charter #87768
10. Sullivan’s Little Free Library
    • 1718 N 22nd St, Superior, WI
    • Charter #62170
11. Katie’s place
    • 32 Highgate Street, Superior, WI
    • Charter #62168
12. PHILLIPS FAMILY FREE LITTLE LIBRARY
    • 1223 N. 16Th St., Superior, WI
    • Charter #106210
13. The Two Black Cats little library
    • 1306 Cumming Avenue, Superior, WI
    • Charter #101803
14. Julie Larson #62160 Superior WI
    • 1115 Hammond Ave., Superior, WI
    • Charter #62160

Duluth (52 Little Free Libraries)

1. Stephanie Lunning
   • 2831 Minnesota Ave., Duluth, MN
   • Charter #10946
2. Park Point Beacon
   • 1140 Minnesota Avenue, Duluth, MN
   • Charter #40834
3. Vine’s Little Library
   • 814 W 6Th Street, Duluth, MN
   • Charter #125184
4. Dalager’s Little Free Library
   • 2411 Springvale Rd, Duluth, MN
   • Charter #93254
5. Joe’s Little Free Library
   • 3045 Hutchinson Rd, Duluth, MN
   • Charter #137584
6. Bookwyrm Little Free Library
   • 1919 Denim Street, Duluth, Minnesota
   • Charter #165875
7. Jane Martin
   • 118 S Basswood Ave, Duluth, MN
   • Charter #10699
8. Elise Pechek #107113
   • 810 N Arlington Ave, Duluth, MN
   • Charter #107113
9. Little Bird Library
   • 207 Wren Drive, Duluth, MN
   • Charter #165872
10. Neighborhood Nature Nook & Little Library
    • 1512 Boulevard Place, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #149487
11. Kala Pedersen #126008
    • 1715 Warren Ave, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #126008
12. Promise Preschool
    • 1100 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN
    • Charter #68083
13. Hillside Public Orchard
    • 500 East 10th Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #62576
14. Brewery Creek Little Free Library
    • 428 E 10th Street, Duluth, Minnesota
    • Charter #147852
15. Marie Pank #165868
    • 723 Eeat 7th Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #165868
16. Blue Wolf Little Free Library
    • 1009 East 8th street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #165867
17. Jim Larson #156664
    • East Hillside, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #156664
18. Jon Bakke #50714
    • 1417 East Fifth Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #50714
19. John Pastor #2278
    • 1612 E Skyline Pkwy, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #2278
20. 1132 Chester Park Drive
    • 1132 CHESTER PARK DR, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #69742
21. Gold Humanism Honor Society – Duluth
    • 1035 University Dr, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #141605
22. Abby Evans #165874
    • 31 West College Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #165874
23. David Harper #146355
    • 1805 Vermilion Rd, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #146355
24. Michelle’s Library
    • 1825 Wallace Ave, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #17094
25. Christine Valento #97279
    • 329 Snively Road, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #97279
26. Rachel Mason #9119
    • 2236 Vermilion Road, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #9119
27. Patrick Sharp #13950
    • 2430 Roslyn Ave, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #13950
28. GamFamSix
    • 2320 Wilkyns Ave, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #75058
29. Reece Patten
    • 817 Valley Dr, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #31093
30. #141838 Duluth MN
    • 712 Jill St, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #141838
31. The Cabin
    • 2525 E. 3rd St, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #100272
32. #92569 Duluth MN
    • 2519 Jefferson St, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #92569
33. Center For Indigenous Health – Great Lakes Hub
    • 1915 South Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #173257
34. The Book Coop
    • 21 S 20Th Ave E, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #149921
35. Les Chateaux
    • 3820 London Rd, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #77920
36. Cathy Wood #4789
    • 3700 E. Superior Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #4789
37. 525 Little Library
    • 525 N Old Howard Mill Road, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #126069
38. Sandy Popham
    • 3531 East 4th Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #9641
39. Carol Hesch
    • 3854 E Superior St, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #15164
40. Luverne Street Library
    • 4305 Luverne St, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #2220
41. Laura Dahleen #24111
    • 4201 Gilliat Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #24111
42. Janelle W
    • 4705 REGENT ST, DULUTH, MN
    • Charter #156441
43. Eddy Gilmore #7632
    • 4110 McCulloch St, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #7632
44. Suzanne Rauvola #17789
    • 4124 Cooke St, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #17789
45. JOETTA SNOW #328
    • 4005 Dodge St., Duluth, MN
    • Charter #328
46. Henrietta’s Inclusive LFL
    • 4429 Gladstone Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #105769
47. Duluth MN Little Library at Jay & 50th
    • 4931 Jay Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #90008
48. Jenna Harting #50932
    • 1127 North 49th Ave East, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #50932
49. Lakeside Little Library
    • 5102 Wyoming Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #169823
50. Corrie Ehrbright
    • 6010 Avondale Street, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #1123
51. Beth Hewes #32144
    • 1308 N 54th Ave E, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #32144
52. Little Red Cottage Library
    • 5308 Broadwing Drive, Duluth, MN
    • Charter #20382

Just in those few cities, there are TONS of Little Free Libraries that are ready to be explored and prepared to have your books placed in them. You can create a whole dawdling adventure made entirely of discovering, giving, and receiving from Little Free Libraries!

Create Your Own: Little Free Library Requirements

If all of this knowledge and passion for Little Free Libraries has you fired up with ideas for your own Little Free Library, you’re not alone! Although there are over 150,000 Little Free Libraries across the world, there are never too many free books to go around!

The next question is, of course, what are the Little Free Library requirements, and how do you get things started?

There are so many awesome resources right on the Little Free Library website, and I highly recommend taking a peek for yourself and watching the short informational video that I’ll link below that walks you through the Little Free Library requirements.

But for now, I’ll list out a basic outline that the Little Free Library website has listed. Whether you prefer to buy an already-made Little Free Library or build your own Free Little Library, this is exciting stuff!

1. Establish the location of your Little Free Library and who will be the caretaker of the library.
2. Build/buy your Little Free Library!
3. Once you have your Little Free Library it’s time to register it, which can be done by purchasing a charter sign through the Little Free Library organization. A charter sign is a plaque that you see on Little Free Libraries that states the name of the organization and the charter number for that specific library. It’s sort of like the Little Free Library’s social security number.
4. After you have your charter sign and your Little Free Library is established, you can then set up your ‘Steward Account, ‘ which can be done through the Little Free Library app or the Steward Web Portal on the Little Free Library website.
5. Spread the word about your Little Free Library to help it gain some traction or even get your local media coverage involved; this is an exciting day!

This is a brief overview of the steps you can take to establish Little Free Libraries, there’s lots of good details to gain from checking out their website and giving it a read. It’ll fill you with a firey passion for books and Little Free Libraries!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got some big dreams for Little Free Libraries and I hope that bookish passion travels through and we see even more Little Free Libraries surround our areas and bring even more books to our communities on Lake Superior.

Please be sure to share your support and follow Little Free Libraries on Instagram and Facebook, and while you’re over there, consider joining our Loving Life On Lake Superior Facebook group, we’d love to see you there!