The Vernon Library was founded in 1928 by the Vernon Woman’s Club. The Library consisted of a donated bookcase and books which were housed in the Village Hall. It was run entirely by volunteers from the Woman’s Club.

In 1945, Rhoda Hopkins was appointed Librarian, assisted by high school girls and later by Rev. Merle Townsend.

In 1968, the Library gained District status and changed its name to the Vernon District Public Library. Ownership of the Library passed from the Woman’s Club to Vernon Township. With this change came so many book donations that more space was required. On advice from the State, the Tithof building was rented to house the VDPL. Mrs. Geraldine Jones was hired as Assistant Librarian.

Then in 1972, work began remodeling the interior of the former gas station at the corner of Maple and Main Street. Louis Goward took over as Librarian in 1976. This warm, welcoming library was a cornerstone, beloved by the community for more than three decades.

As donations began to pile up, it became clear the library in Vernon had outgrown its space once again. In 2005, a massive fundraising campaign began in order to construct a new library building. On May 9, 2006, construction at the site began! It would be 2 more years of fundraising and considerable volunteer support before the newly constructed 5,500 sq. ft. library opened to the public. The larger space allowed us to offer a wide range of unique programming and events as well as 12 public computers! In 2008, Cheryl Davenport became Library Director when Louis Goward retired.

In 2021, Cheryl Davenport retired and the title of Library Director passed to JoAnna Lincoln-Freouf.

Today, the Vernon District Public Library stands as a testament to the lasting love of literacy held by Vernon Residents. We welcome you to stay awhile and learn just what makes this place so special!

Email : vernonlibrary@gmail.com

Phone #: 989-288-6486

Mailing Address:  115 E. Main St.
                            PO Box 416
                            Vernon, MI 48876

We look forward to hearing from you!

Obtaining a Library Card

Who can get a card?

• • Resident cards are available free of charge to people who live or own property in the Village of Vernon or Vernon Township. Proof of address is required.
    
    
  • Reciprocal borrowing cards are free to Community District Library card holders. These cards provide access to VDPL physical and digital
    collections, as well as inter-library loan. Technology loans are not included.
    
    
  • Non-resident cards may be purchased for $30/household/year and grant access to VDPL physical collections, inter-library loan, and electronic materials on Libby.

How to get your card?

• • Please present a Drivers License OR ID with your current permanent address at the circulation desk and fill out a Library Card Application form.
  • If you live outside of Vernon Township or the Village of Vernon, present your Community District Library card for a free VDPL reciprocal borrower card.
  • Non-residents may purchase a library card at the current rate. You are a non-resident if you live outside of the following municipalities: City of Corunna, City of Perry, Village of Vernon, or the Townships of Burns, Caledonia, Hazelton, Perry, Shiawassee, Venice, and Vernon.

What can I do without a card?

• • Enjoy free WiFi, public computers, Genealogy and Local History Reference Center, and use materials in house.
  • You can also print, copy, fax, and laminate for a small fee.

Using a Library Card

Library Services:

• • Books
  • Audiobooks
  • Magazines
  • DVDs
  • Laptops
  • Launch Pads - educational tablets for kids!
  • Electronic resources like eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines
  • Public Computers
  • Wifi
  • Local History and Genealogy Center
  • Print, Copy, Fax, Scan (for a small fee)
  • Lamination (for a small fee)
  • Inter-Library Loan — borrow materials from libraries statewide for free!

Borrowing Limits

• • Books and audiobooks check out for 2 weeks at a time and may be renewed a maximum of 2 times. Books from the genealogical collection may be checked out for 2 weeks and renewed once. DVDs check out for 1 week and may be renewed once. Laptops and children's Launch Pads check out for 1 week and may be renewed once. 
  • "New" materials which have been added to the collection within the last 3 months have slightly different borrowing limits. "New" books and audiobooks may be checked out for 2 weeks and renewed once. "New" DVDs check out for 1 week and may not be renewed.

Placing Holds

• • A book may be put on reserve only after it has been cataloged in the library system.
  • You may reserve books yourself using your patron login or by phoning the library.

Renewing Your Borrowed Items

• • Items may be renewed by calling the library or using your patron login on VDPL's catalog.

Library Fines

• • Books and audiobooks have a late fine of .10 per day. Late fines for DVD's are $1.00 a day. Overdue laptops and launch pads have a $10.00 per day late fine.
  • If a book is lost or damaged, the patron may be charged replacement cost, late fines, and other charges related to the incident.
  • Outstanding fines and lost materials will result in a suspension of the patron account until all debts with the library have been settled. 

The mission of the Vernon District Public Library is to enhance the quality of life in the Village of Vernon and Vernon Township, Shiawassee County, Michigan, by providing the resources and services necessary to satisfy the evolving information needs and recreational pursuits of the community.

The Core Values of the Vernon District Public Library are to:

• Provide equal access to information and services for all people.
• Create an environment rich in a wide range of ideas that represent all points of view.
• Nurture a love of reading and learning in children, teens and adults.
• Maintain an atmosphere of fairness, honesty, and dignity.
•  Provide excellent customer service.
• Maintain a well-trained, informed, motivated staff.
• Provide an effective combination of library materials, programs, and services for the community.
• Use technology to expand and facilitate the community's access to information.
• Maintain functional and attractive facilitate while seeking opportunities to provide new services outlets, both traditional and innovative.
• Integrate the Library into the community, its institutions and schools.
• Continue to recognize and respond to the changing nature of the Village of Vernon and Vernon Township.
• Practice responsible management, with fiscal accountability to the community.

Library Closure Policy

The Vernon District Public Library closes for Board approved federal holidays. 

The Vernon District Public Library will close for inclement weather in the interest of preserving the safety of patrons and staff using the facility. The decision to close is made in conjunction with other area libraries and the Durand Senior Center. 

Weather closure updates are posted on the Library's Facebook page, our website, and on ABC12 School Closings. 

Holiday Closures
*Subject to change*

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day 
• Thanksgiving (Nov. 28-30)
• Christmas (Dec. 23-26)