The Canal Fulton Public Library has a rich historic past. The beginnings of the libraiy can be traced to the efforts of former Northwest School District superintendents and the school’s Board of Trustees in 1937. The library began to take shape in a back room of the High School while efforts to find a permanent location were periodically renewed. Finally in 1948, Canal Fulton residents Mr. and Mrs. George Muhlhauser financed the purchase and remodeling of a residence on the corner of Liberty and High Streets. Their initial contribution of $8,500 for the purchase of the home was followed by many contributions throughout the years, eventually totaling more than $45,000. The library began with a collection of 5,000 volumes at the 1949 dedication. With steady growth it was soon in need of an addition, which was constructed in 1958. The new addition, while allowing more room for books, also included a lower level social hall, which would eventually become the children’s department. The library continued growing and again was in need of expansion, which was undertaken in 1992. The farmhouse, first built in 1889, received a complete renovation and an addition that doubled the library’s floor space.
Throughout the years the library received national attention for its diverse services and cutting edge collection that features items not usually found in other libraries. The library was an early adopter of both computer and video services years before they became mainstream in public libraries. Continuing that leading edge collection and service philosophy, the library has recently added DVDs and a DVD player to its circulating collection. Landlocked on its property, the library recently purchased an additional lot behind the library for $90,000 for future expansion efforts. The library continues to have strong community support and strong leadership that have allowed it to grow and become an integral part of historic Canal Fulton.