HISTORY OF THE FRIENDS OF THE LEELANAU TOWNSHIP LIBRARY The Friends of the Library was organized in 1962 by a group of local citizens inspired by Irma Dalzell, the Librarian. Once the group was formed and money raised in various ways for needed furnishings, a telephone and some new books for the library located in an old house in Northport, it became apparent that this library was not sufficient to meet the needs of the community. The focus and energy of the Friends soon turned to provide a new library. With help from many local citizens, the State Library and various fund raising ventures the move to build a new library was underway. The township board then decided it would like to have the building include township offices, possibly those of the village and the fire department. Under these circumstances, the old Village Hall could be replaced by the new building. A new building committee representing all the possible participants was formed. Arrangements had been made to secure federal matching funds if plans and the local financing were in place by Jan. 1, 1967. The Friends met their goal of providing a third of the total cost. A new building was completed and the library moved to its present location in 1968. The FRIENDS OF THE LEELANAU TOWNSHIP LIBRARY continues to be a vital resource to the township library and its patrons.