Albion library celebrated 125th birthday today
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library in Albion, holds one of the buttons that were given away today on the 125th anniversary of the library opening.
Albion’s public library was called Swan Library from 1900 to 2012, and then became Hoag Library when the new library opened at 134 South Main St.., increasing the size from 6,000 square feet to 14,600.
The first library was chartered by the state on Dec. 21, 1899. Swan Library opened March 17, 1900 in a former mansion on 4 North Main St. The library was named for its benefactor, William G. Swan.
The new library that opened in July 2012 was named for Albion native Maurice “Mo” Hoag and his wife Courtenay who gave $1 million towards the library, which is legally the Hoag Library of the Swan Library Association. 
Library staff meet two young patrons by the ox statue which is on display as part of Orleans County bicentennial this year. Brothers Mikey Madison, 11, in blue shirt and Timmy Madison, 8, were happy to try some of the cookies given out for the library birthday. The treats were compliments of the Friends of Hoag Library. The library also had a contest to guess the jelly beans in the container held by Mikey.
The staff pictured include, from left: Michael Magnuson, Adult Services librarian; Betty Sue Miller, director; and Elizabeth Haibach, assistant director.
“For 125 years, we’ve been a cornerstone of the community — a place for stories, learning, and connection,” the library posted on its social media accounts. “From books to programs, local history to friendly faces, we’ve grown alongside Albion, and we couldn’t have done it without you!”
