The Dorsch Memorial Branch Library celebrates 100 years of service in the Dorsch Building! 

Monroe’s beautiful Library formally opened to the public on March 6, 1916. One hundred years later, more than 35,000 items, including books, periodicals, DVDs, and CDs are available at the Dorsch Memorial Branch. The Branch also provides local newspapers, stock and mutual fund resources, Internet access and downloadable materials, not to mention a variety of free programs for children and adults!  An extensive history of the Dorsch Memorial Branch Library is available online at http://bit.ly/dorschhistory, including the full text from a 1916 newspaper article detailing the opening of the library.  

In honor of this outstanding hallmark, the Dorsch Memorial Branch invites patrons of all ages to stop by the library to enjoy special celebrations.

March is the Month of Celebrations!

  • Throughout the month of March, commemorative book bags will available for purchase (while supplies last)
  • “Did You Know?” Dorsch trivia and “Then and Now” pictorial exhibits will be display at the branch for history buffs of all ages to enjoy. 
  • “Color Your Dorsch” coloring sheets will also be available at the branch.
  • "Where, Oh Where, Is Little Brown Bear?"  Children can search the building for a small stuffed bear hidden inside the library, in honor of our famous Little Brown Bear statue.  Those who find the stuffed bear and return it to the front desk will receive a small prize. 
  • Teens and adults are encouraged to share their favorite Dorsch memory at the Branch, or posted to the Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mymcls.  All entries will be submitted for a prize drawing, held on April 1, 2016.   
  • Don’t forget to rub the Little Brown Bear statue’s nose for good luck each time you visit the Library!

And the celebrations don’t stop there! 

Don’t miss the lineup of special free events:

  • Wednesday, March 2, 2016 is Patron Appreciation Day!  Stop in any time between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  A special building tour will take place at 2:00 pm.
  • On Tuesday, March 8, 2016, children are invited to join in hands on, kid friendly science experiments, in memory of Dr. Dorsch – a man of science.
  • On Tuesday, March 15, 2016 the Library celebrates 100 years in the Dorsch building with a 100 minute reading marathon!  Drop in any time between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm and listen to as many stories as you'd like!
  • Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 1:30 pm children of all ages are invited to a birthday party for Dorsch Memorial Branch.  Happy Birthday Dorsch!
  • On Wednesday, March 30, 2016, join the It’s Another World Book Adult Book Club at 7:00 pm for a discussion about the books people were reading in 1916, when the Dorsch Memorial Library first opened.
  • Then on Saturday, April 9, 2016 children are invited to a very special Dolly and Me Tea.  Bring your favorite doll and dress up if you would like.  Our guests will play with games and toys that children would have enjoyed in 1916. 

All events are free and open to the public, but registration may be needed for some events.  Be sure to reserve your place at http://bit.ly/dorsch100, or contact the Dorsch Memorial Branch Library at 734-241-7878.