Library seeking historical photos
Published 7:31 am Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Niles District Library is inviting patrons to bring historical photos of Niles to its Photo Share Fair it is hosting Wednesday, May 25 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
There will be a display of collections of photos from local historians at the library as well.
The library and Niles Main Street are working together to publish a book of historical photos of the area. The book will focus on downtown merchants as well as businesses and industries from 1900 to 2000 with emphasis on companies that have had a lasting impact on the community.
According to Library Director Nancy Studebaker, Niles Main Street began the project as a fundraiser. The library then got involved and was able to find a publisher for the book, Arcadia Publishing.
The book will be part of Arcadia’s “Images of America” series. Area towns have published histories in this series, including Dowagiac, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, South Bend and Elkhart.
“We are looking for the photographic treasures that might be in the closets of Niles natives,” Studebaker said. “We are especially interested in family photos, photos of local businesses, photos of the downtown and group photos.”
Contributors to the book will be credited but will retain rights to the photo and possession of the original.