Our History
The Tipp City Library began in 1923 as a collection of 1,500 books on the second floor of the old City Building, staffed only by volunteers. It was originally funded by the Women’s Civic Club, and then by local taxes in 1926, becoming a City library. In 1950, the land at the library’s current location was donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, after which neighboring properties were purchased. The library was dedicated at its present location in 1962. A children’s room was added in 1982, and the building went through another renovation creating the adult fiction and teen areas in 1991 with the teen area completed in 1996. Currently, the library collection consists of over 59,500 books, 4,500 movies, and 2,500 books on CD, plus 66 periodical titles.
The Tipp City Public Library has been truly lucky in their caring and community-minded staff. Past and present Librarians/Directors include: Ann Shaffer, Lulu Cottingham, Catherine Kessler, Florence Cook, Caroline Weaver, Nancy Stottman McAlpin, Pat Liening, Mark Mabelitini, Anthony Orsini, and, since 2016, Lisa Santucci
Our Mission Statement: The mission of the Tipp City Public Library is to preserve knowledge, provide information, and enrich the community.
Our Vision Statement: The Tipp City Public Library is an indispensable community resource and gateway to information, and providing materials and services for lifelong learning and cultural enrichment.
Tipp City Public Library Timeline
- 1922: Women’s Civic Club begins project to establish a public library
- 1923: Village Council voted to allow the planned library the use of the west half of the upstairs (3 E. Main St.)
- June 1923: Dedication held
- 1926: Support for the library was placed on the Tax Duplicate
- 1926: Name became Tipp City Public Library and first paid librarian
- 1928: Additional space given to library
- 1961: Building at 7 & 11 E. Main St. demolished for construction of new building
- 1962: New building opened
- 1991: 15 E. Main St. razed for expansion to today’s current size
- 2016: New north entrance addition
- 2019: The alley opens
- 2020: The mural is painted
- 2023: The Library turns 100
Ways to Donate
If you feel called to contribute to this historic milestone for the library, there are several ways to do so.
Become a part of our Legacy Shelf: Our legacy shelf consists of three sizes of book spines for patrons to choose from: small ($75), medium ($125), and large ($250). For more information, contact Library Director, Lisa Santucci.
Become a Friend of the Library: This membership gains you access to early shopping at the biannual Friends of the Library book sales. To become a member, visit the library and pay the annual membership fee of $3 for an individual or $5 for a family, and receive a Friends of the Library membership tote.
Direct Donation: If you are interested in donating directly to the library, contact the Library Director at (937) 667-3826 or click the donate button below.