Before 1930 

1878    Pack, Woods & Company, an Oscoda sawmill, created a library reading room for employees.

1887   The Ladies Literary Club East Tawas, Inc., set-up a circulating library for member use.

 1930s – A “New Deal” and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) 

1934    The State Library of Michigan helps establish a library system with branch locations in Tawas City, East Tawas, Oscoda, Long Lake, Whittemore, Hale
              and Alabaster.  Oscoda decides to remain independent as it already has an established library.  

1935    The Great Depression and a “New Deal” brings the WPA's library services program to East Tawas, designating it a book mending service location
              and employing 5 local women. 

1940s – State Funding, WPA,  and “George”

1942    Miss Leonora Hass was hired as the first Director of the Iosco County Library.  A certified librarian, she met state requirements opening the door for
             state library funding.

             The first bookmobile service begins - a used panel truck retrofitted with bookshelves. 

1943   The WPA’s support of libraries ends due to World War II. 

1948    A new bookmobile affectionately known as “George” replaces the 1942 panel truck.

1950s – Iosco-Arenac Regional Library becomes Michigan’s First 2-County Regional Library

1954    Iosco and Arenac Counties receive a $14,000 grant to conduct a one year trial as a regional library.

1955    After a successful trial and community vote, the Iosco-Arenac Regional Library (IARL) begins service with branches in Oscoda, Standish, AuGres, Hale
             (Plainfield Township), Whittemore, Tawas City, and East Tawas.

             IARL receives official visits by librarians from Germany, Greece and India studying the regional library system.

             “Big George” a new bookmobile is introduced to residents. 

1960s – Iosco-Arenac Regional Library Moves To Alabaster

1960    Iosco-Arenac Regional Library was presented with a bound file of the Stars and Stripes by the Glen Staley Post, American Legion, Hale.

1963    IARL moves to new headquarters in Alabaster.

1970s – New Bookmobile and An Unexpected Visitor

1970    A new bookmobile is put into service.

1972    Plainfield Township branch has an unusual visitor, a white tail deer dropped in for a visit.  But, without a library card she couldn’t take a book out. 
             She was escorted back to the woods.

1980s – Regional Library to District Library?

1985    Mary Johnston, namesake of the Standish branch, passes away at the age of 90.  She was the first librarian of the Standish Library in the 1950s when
              it was located in the Standish-Bakery Restaurant. 

 1989    The Library of Michigan recommends that IARL become a District Library based on a statewide taskforce report recommendation.  

 1990s – Iosco-Arenac District Library Established

1990    Iosco and Arenac Counties approve resolutions to establish the Iosco-Arenac District Library (IADL).

1990    November 1, 1990, the State Librarian of Michigan approves the establishment of the Iosco-Arenac District Library.

             District Library Establishment Act of 1989, Act 24

1995    Robert J. Parks successfully campaigned to have the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base library reopened as the local public library after the base closed.

2000s – Going digital and We have a new look!

2003   The District Library website is launched and wins the 2003 Best of Show Competition for website design at the Michigan Library Association
              conference.

              After 61 years bookmobile service ceases.

2005    The District begins an automation project that included barcoding all materials, creating a patron database, and can create statistical reports for
              governmental units, state aid reports, and more.

2010    The District makes downloadable audio and ebooks available free to residents.

2025    We have a new website, mission, and vision.