Our History

Lodi has had a library since October 1885 when a group of Lodi residents, including Congressman J.A. Louttit, Ben Langford, and Ross Sargent, established one for an initial investment of $1,500. Their original nest egg was supplemented from time to time by benefit events and donations. Over time the library collection dwindled, but was revived in 1901 when librarian Harvey Clark took charge. The ongoing support of the library was provided through annual dues levied on the members of the Lodi Library Association.

In 1908 the library began to receive regular contributions from the City of Lodi and became a free public library. During the same year a movement to finance construction of a library building got under way. $10,000 was secured from the Carnegie foundation and the library's first home was erected on Pine Street next to the present City Hall. In 1928, the city spent $36,382 on improvements and additions to that building.

In 1979 the library moved to its present location on Locust Street. The library currently contains approximately 150,000 books as well as collections of audio-books, videos, music CDs and CD-ROM software. The library subscribes to 235 magazines and 12 newspapers. About 52,000 registered borrowers check out about 340,000 items annually.

The library is currently open to the public 64 hours per week with a staff of 15 full time employees, including 5 professional librarians and a literacy specialist, and 8 part-time employees.