The Torkelson Memorial Library was established in 1937 in Cashton, Wisconsin, United States. It was founded by the Cashton Women's Club, who saw the need for a public library in the community. The library was named after local businessman and philanthropist, John Torkelson, who donated the land for the library building.
At the time of its establishment, the library was housed in a small room in the Cashton Community Hall. In 1940, the library moved to a larger space in the Cashton State Bank building. In 1965, the library moved again to a new building on Main Street, which was funded by a donation from the Torkelson family.
The library continued to grow and expand its services over the years. In 1997, a new addition was built to accommodate the growing collection and provide more space for programs and events. In 2017, the library underwent a major renovation and expansion project, which included a new children's area, community room, and updated technology.
The Torkelson Memorial Library continues to serve the community of Cashton and surrounding areas, providing access to books, technology, and educational programs. It remains a vital resource for the community, fulfilling its mission to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
1. Fiction Books: This collection includes a wide range of novels, short stories, and other works of fiction from various genres such as romance, mystery, science fiction, and more.
2. Non-Fiction Books: This collection includes books on various topics such as history, biographies, self-help, cooking, travel, and more.
3. Children's Books: This collection includes books for children of all ages, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for young adults.
4. Young Adult Books: This collection includes books specifically targeted towards teenagers and young adults, covering a variety of genres and topics.
5. Reference Books: This collection includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and other reference materials for research and general knowledge.
6. Audio Books: This collection includes audiobooks in various formats such as CDs and digital downloads, allowing patrons to listen to books on-the-go.
7. Large Print Books: This collection includes books with larger font sizes, making them easier to read for those with visual impairments.
8. Magazines and Newspapers: This collection includes a variety of popular magazines and newspapers for patrons to read and stay updated on current events.
9. Local History Collection: This collection includes books, documents, and other materials related to the history of Cashton and the surrounding area.
10. Digital Collection: This collection includes e-books, audiobooks, and other digital resources that can be accessed online through the library's website.
11. Special Collections: This collection includes rare and unique books, manuscripts, and other materials that are not available for checkout but can be viewed by appointment.
12. Book Club Kits: This collection includes multiple copies of popular book club titles, along with discussion guides, for book clubs to borrow and use for their meetings.
Torkelson Memorial Library in Cashton, United States, offers a wide range of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts for its readers. These materials provide a unique opportunity for readers to explore and learn about various historical events, cultures, and perspectives.
Some of the rare books available at the library include first editions, limited editions, and out-of-print books. These books cover a diverse range of topics such as literature, art, science, and history. Some notable rare books in the collection include "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, and "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The history archives at Torkelson Memorial Library contain a wealth of information about the local community and its surrounding areas. These archives include photographs, maps, newspapers, and other documents that document the history of the region. Some notable collections in the history archives include the Cashton Centennial Collection, which showcases the town's history from 1851 to 1951, and the Civil War Collection, which contains letters, diaries, and other documents from soldiers who fought in the Civil War.
The library also has a collection of manuscripts that offer a glimpse into the lives of individuals and communities from different time periods. These manuscripts include personal letters, journals, and other documents that provide a firsthand account of historical events. Some notable manuscripts in the collection include the diary of a Civil War soldier, the letters of a pioneer woman, and the journal of a Native American chief.
In addition to these materials, the library also offers access to online databases and digital collections that contain rare books, history archives, and manuscripts. These resources provide readers with a convenient way to access and explore these materials from the comfort of their own homes.
Overall, Torkelson Memorial Library's collection of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts offers a valuable resource for readers interested in delving into the past and gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. The library's dedicated staff is always available to assist readers in accessing and utilizing these materials for their research and learning needs.

Services:

1. Book Borrowing: The library offers a wide range of books for subscribers to borrow, including fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and audiobooks.
2. Interlibrary Loan: If the library does not have a particular book, subscribers can request it through interlibrary loan and the library will borrow it from another library.
3. EResources: Subscribers have access to a variety of electronic resources such as ebooks, emagazines, and online databases for research and learning.
4. Computer and Internet Access: The library provides free computer and internet access for subscribers to use for research, job searching, and other purposes.
5. Printing and Scanning: Subscribers can print and scan documents at the library for a small fee.
6. Programs and Events: The library hosts various programs and events for subscribers and the community, such as book clubs, author talks, and children's storytime.
7. Reference and Research Assistance: The library staff is available to help subscribers with research and reference questions, and provide assistance in using library resources.
8. Meeting Room Rental: The library has a meeting room available for rent by subscribers and community organizations for meetings and events.
9. Homebound Services: The library offers homebound services for subscribers who are unable to visit the library due to illness or disability.
10. Outreach Services: The library provides outreach services to schools, nursing homes, and other community organizations to promote literacy and access to library resources.
11. Book Sales: The library holds book sales throughout the year, offering subscribers and the community the opportunity to purchase books at discounted prices.
12. Community Information: The library serves as a hub for community information, providing access to local newspapers, community event calendars, and other resources.
13. Technology Classes: The library offers technology classes for subscribers and the community to learn basic computer skills, internet usage, and other technologyrelated topics.
14. Summer Reading Program: The library hosts a summer reading program for children and teens to encourage reading and learning during the summer months.
15. Volunteer Opportunities: The library offers volunteer opportunities for subscribers and community members to get involved and support the library's services and programs.

Things To Do:

1. Art Exhibitions: The library regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring the works of local artists. These exhibitions showcase a variety of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and photography.
2. Book Readings and Author Talks: The library invites authors to read from their latest books and engage in discussions with the audience. This is a great opportunity for book lovers to interact with their favorite authors and discover new books.
3. Book Clubs: The library hosts book clubs for different age groups, where members can discuss and analyze a selected book. This is a great way to meet new people and share your love for reading.
4. Children's Storytime: The library organizes storytime sessions for children, where they can listen to engaging stories and participate in fun activities related to the books.
5. Book Sales: The library holds book sales throughout the year, where visitors can purchase books at discounted prices. These sales are a great way to expand your personal library without breaking the bank.
6. Writing Workshops: The library hosts writing workshops for aspiring writers, where they can learn about different writing techniques and get feedback on their work from experienced writers.
7. Film Screenings: The library occasionally screens films based on popular books or literary themes. These screenings are free and open to the public.
8. Book Fairs: The library hosts book fairs where visitors can browse and purchase books from a variety of genres. These fairs also feature activities and games for children.
9. Local History Exhibitions: The library showcases exhibitions on the local history of Cashton and the surrounding areas. These exhibitions feature photographs, artifacts, and documents that provide a glimpse into the past.
10. Technology Workshops: The library offers workshops on various technology topics such as coding, digital photography, and social media. These workshops are designed to help visitors improve their digital skills.

1. Respect the library's rules and regulations: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the library's policies, such as noise levels, food and drink restrictions, and borrowing limits. This will help maintain a peaceful and organized environment for everyone.
2. Keep your phone on silent: Be considerate of others and keep your phone on silent or vibrate mode while in the library. If you need to take a call, step outside to avoid disturbing others.
3. Use headphones: If you need to listen to audio or watch videos, use headphones to avoid disturbing others. Keep the volume at a reasonable level.
4. Handle books and materials with care: The library's books and materials are for everyone to use, so make sure to handle them with care. Avoid bending pages, writing in books, or damaging them in any way.
5. Return books to their proper place: After using a book or material, make sure to return it to its designated spot. This will help others find it easily and maintain the library's organization.
6. Keep the library clean: Help keep the library clean by throwing away any trash and returning chairs and tables to their proper place after use.
7. Be mindful of your noise level: The library is a place for quiet study and reading, so make sure to keep your noise level to a minimum. If you need to have a conversation, use designated areas or step outside.
8. Respect others' personal space: Be mindful of others' personal space and avoid talking loudly or invading their study area.
9. Use the library's resources responsibly: The library offers a variety of resources, such as computers and printers. Make sure to use them responsibly and follow any guidelines or time limits set by the library.
10. Ask for help if needed: If you need assistance finding a book or using a resource, don't hesitate to ask a librarian for help. They are there to assist you and make your experience at the library more enjoyable.
11. Be aware of your surroundings: While the library is generally a safe place, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings close to you.
12. Be respectful of others' privacy: Avoid looking over someone's shoulder or reading their computer screen without their permission. Respect others' privacy while using the library's resources.
13. Avoid disruptive behavior: Any disruptive behavior, such as loud talking, playing music, or causing a disturbance, is not allowed in the library. If you witness any disruptive behavior, report it to a librarian.
14. Follow COVID-19 safety guidelines: During the pandemic, make sure to follow the library's COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.
15. Be mindful of your time: The library may have limited hours, so make sure to be mindful of your time and plan accordingly. If you need to use a computer or printer, make sure to finish your tasks before the library closes.

Torkelson Memorial Library offers a variety of subscription plans for its patrons. These plans are designed to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the community. The following are the subscription plans offered by the library:
1. Basic Plan: This plan is free for all residents of Cashton and surrounding areas. It allows patrons to borrow up to 10 items at a time, including books, DVDs, and audiobooks. The loan period for these items is 3 weeks, with the option to renew for an additional 3 weeks.
2. Premium Plan: This plan is available for a yearly fee of $25 for individuals and $40 for families. It offers all the benefits of the Basic Plan, with the added advantage of being able to borrow up to 20 items at a time. The loan period for these items is also extended to 4 weeks, with the option to renew for an additional 4 weeks.
3. Digital Plan: This plan is ideal for those who prefer to access library resources online. It is available for a yearly fee of $10 and allows patrons to access the library's digital collection, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, and online databases.
4. Premium Digital Plan: This plan combines the benefits of the Premium Plan and the Digital Plan. It is available for a yearly fee of $30 for individuals and $50 for families. In addition to the benefits of the Premium Plan, patrons can also access the library's digital collection.
5. Non-Resident Plan: This plan is designed for those who do not reside in Cashton or surrounding areas but would like to use the library's resources. It is available for a yearly fee of $50 for individuals and $75 for families. Non-residents can borrow up to 10 items at a time, with a loan period of 3 weeks.
6. Institutional Plan: This plan is available for schools, daycares, and other institutions in the community. It allows them to borrow up to 50 items at a time, with a loan period of 6 weeks. The yearly fee for this plan is $100.
All subscription plans include access to the library's online catalog, interlibrary loan services, and computer and internet access. Patrons can also attend library programs and events for free with any subscription plan.

Monday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM  1:00 PM Sunday: Closed

Looking to visit Torkelson Memorial Library in Cashton, United States? You have multiple public transport options! Take the bus, train, or subway to the nearest station and then transfer to a local bus or taxi. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Plan your trip using a transportation app or website for the most convenient route. Happy reading!