Tricia Wehrenberg, Youth Services Librarian at the Winona Public Library, chose two documents: a Petition from the Polish Residents of Winona, and a Petition from the Bohemian Residents of Winona, both from the early 1900s.

Read both petitions below:

Petition from the Polish residents of the city to the Winona Public Library, 1906

Petition from the Bohemian residents of the city to the Winona Public Library, 1907

In 1906, Polish residents of Winona submitted a signed petition to the Board of Directors of the Winona Free Public Library requesting the purchase of books published in the Polish language. Not long after in June of 1907, the Bohemian residents of Winona submitted a similar petition to the Board of Directors of the Winona Free Public Library requesting the purchase of books published in their native language. It is accompanied by a letter from Edward M. Lehnerts, State Normal School, Winona, Minnesota, stating his support for the petition.

At first glance, these seem like simple documents, but the underlying significance of creating a space that includes all members of the community cannot be overlooked. Public libraries have long worked hard to provide a welcoming space that is representative of their communities. These documents ranging back to the beginning of the 20th century are a prime example that a community thrives in seeing itself represented in public spaces.

I chose these two documents because, as a public librarian, it's always been important to me that the collection I maintain is reflective and representative of the individuals I serve. I also feel that the submission of these petitions shows how important the Winona Free Public Library was to Winona residents. These particular residents saw the library as a pillar in the community and a place they wanted others to experience the culture they hold dear.

On January 21, 2024, the Winona Public Library will be celebrating its 125th building anniversary. While the Winona Public Library has served many purposes over the last 125 years, including a brief stint as a Red Cross headquarters during World War I, the Library has held steadfast to its original sentiment: uplift the community and benefit all citizens. These documents represent the diverse nature of our community and the library's commitment to providing spaces for all to feel welcome and comfortable. It's very special to see that from its inception, the Winona Public Library has been a pillar and center of its community.

The historic Winona Public Library, built in 1899, serves the residents of the city of Winona and Winona County, Minnesota. Located in the beautiful Mississippi River Valley in southeastern Minnesota, it offers a wide range of programming for children and adults, and is a member of SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating). The local history collection includes books, Winona city directories, and the local newspaper on microfilm. The library's contribution to the Minnesota Digital Library includes the original library blueprints, Kenyon Cox sketches, Library Board minutes dating back to 1866, photographs, historical documents on the creation and operation of the Winona Public Library, Winona High School commencement programs from the late 1870s, and an 1857 map of the City of Winona.

Browse the Winona Public Library collection in MDL.

See more favorites using the page links below.