Capital Area District Libraries Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Lansing, MI – February 1, 2023 – Capital Area District Libraries (CADL), an award-winning public library system, is celebrating 25 years of serving its communities. For the last quarter-century, CADL has empowered its diverse communities to learn, imagine and connect by offering a wide range of materials, programs and resources that encourage literacy and lifelong learning. CADL was formed in February 1997 after the Lansing City Council and Ingham County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to create a district library system by combining the existing Ingham County Libraries with the Lansing Public Libraries. Later that year, voters agreed to fund the library system with tax dollars collected through a district-wide millage. On January 2, 1998, CADL officially opened its doors. Since its opening, CADL has continued to expand its services, materials and technology. This includes adding eBooks to its collection in 2005, debuting a Library of Things collection in 2016, launching the Student Success Initiative in 2019 and more. A timeline of pivotal moments in CADL’s history can be viewed here. Additionally, CADL continues to be of tremendous value to its communities. Library members can save an average of $900 a year by borrowing just one item a week from CADL’s collection of books, movies, music albums and more. CADL also offers a wide range of free resources that can help members learn a new language, support students in school and more.

“This anniversary is a significant milestone and it gives us the opportunity to look back at the history of CADL as well as anticipate the future of continuing to provide exceptional library services to Ingham County,” said CADL Executive Director Scott Duimstra. “We look forward to serving our communities for the next 25 years and thank everyone who has continued to support us.” CADL will be hosting several special events and projects in celebration of its 25th anniversary this year. To kick off the celebration, CADL is hosting a 25-Day Winter Reading Challenge. Community members can learn more about CADL’s 25th anniversary at cadl.org/25.

About CADL: Under the leadership of an appointed Board of Trustees, CADL serves most residents in Ingham County and part of Eaton County. With 13 branches and a Mobile Library, CADL’s service area includes 23 different municipalities. Its system is funded through a district-wide millage.