Detroit Public Library

A stand-alone public library in Detroit dates back to 1865.{{cite web| title=Significant Dates in Michigan Library History| url=https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,2351,7-160-19270_28958-69498--,00.html| website=Library of Michigan| date=January 29, 2016| access-date=May 8, 2018}} An 1842 state law requiring the Detroit Board of Education to open a library resulted in a public reading room opening on March 25, 1865, in the old Capitol High School at State and Griswold Street. In 1872, the Centre Park Library opened across the street from the current location of the Skillman Branch in downtown Detroit at Gratiot and Library Street. The first branch library opened in 1897 when the Detroit Water Commission library was opened to the public; in 1905 this library was turned over to the Detroit Library Commission.

File:Detroit Public Library.jpg

Several additional branches opened shortly afterwards, including one in the Old Main building of Wayne State University. But it was not until 1910 when Andrew Carnegie, the great American library philanthropist of the early 20th century, donated funds did Detroiters decide to build a larger central library to supplement Centre Park. Property near Woodward and Kirby was purchased and in 1912 Cass Gilbert was commissioned to construct his design of a three-floor, early Italian Renaissance-style building. Due to delays and World War I, the Main Library did not open until March 21, 1921. It was dedicated June 3, 1921.{{cite web| title=DPL History| website=Detroit Public Library| url=http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/About_DPL/DPL_History.htm| year=2006| access-date=2011-04-18| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222012248/http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/About_DPL/DPL_History.htm| archive-date=2011-02-22| url-status=dead}} In 1937, the Detroit Public Library hired its first African-American librarian, Marjorie A. Blackistone; Blackistone worked throughout her career to expand the library's African-American literature collection.{{cite news| url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6124008/marjorie_bradfield_1999_obit_free_press/| title=Marjorie Bradfield: Put black history into library| last1=Audi| first1=Tamara| date=20 November 1999| newspaper=Detroit Free Press| access-date=8 September 2019| df=mdy-all}} The library system's bookmobile service began in 1940.Carlisle, John (Detroitblogger John) (June 15, 2011). [http://metrotimes.com/culture/magic-bus-1.1161864 "Magic bus"]. {{Webarchive| url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818193658/http://metrotimes.com/culture/magic-bus-1.1161864| date=2011-08-18}}. Metro Times. Retrieved August 13, 2011.

Ralph Ulveling was Director from 1941 to 1967.

File:Public Library (NBY 10500).jpg

After World War II, Detroit Public Library obtained "projected books" on microfilm and loaned these with portable projectors to disabled veterans (and other patrons with disabilities) who could press a switch under their chin more easily than turning a page.{{cite news| last=Rusk| first=Howard A.|title=Special pontoon suits help disabled veterans to swim; microfilmed books, typewriting by remote control also assist the handicapped| newspaper=The New York Times| date=July 27, 1947| page=39}}

The north and south wings opened on June 23, 1963, and added a significant amount of space to the building. The wings were connected along the rear of the original building and a new entrance created on Cass Avenue. Above this entrance is a mosaic by Millard Sheets entitled The River of Knowledge.{{cite web| title=The River of Knowledge Mosaic| website=detroit1701.org| url=http://www.detroit1701.org/River%20of%20Knowledge%20Mosaic.html| date=December 2007| access-date=December 9, 2010}} As part of the addition, a triptych mural was added to the west wall of Adam Strohm Hall on the third floor. The mural by local artist John Stephens Coppin is entitled Man's Mobility and depicts a history of transportation. This mural complements a tryparch mural on the opposite wall completed in 1921 by Gari Melchers depicting Detroit's early history.{{cite journal| title=The Main Detroit Public Library| journal=Hour Detroit| first=George| last=Bulanda| url=http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/September-2008/The-Main-Detroit-Public-Library/| date=September 2008| access-date=December 9, 2010}}

In 1970 Clara Stanton Jones became the first African American and the first woman to serve as director of a major library system in America, as director of the Detroit Public Library.{{cite web|url=https://diversity.umich.edu/news-features/news/trailblazing-librarian-u-m-alumna-clara-stanton-jones-elected-to-michigan-womens-hall-of-fame/|title=Trailblazing librarian, U-M alumna Clara Stanton Jones elected to Michigan Women's Hall of Fame |website=Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | University of Michigan|first=Sheryl |last=James |date=July 25, 2018 }} The Clara Stanton Jones Friends Auditorium is named in her honor.{{cite web |date=January 9, 2025 |title=Policies |url=https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/policies/meeting-room-policy |website=Detroit Public Library}}

The Detroit Public Library is also a founding member of the Detroit Area Library Network. The network initially ran the Integrated Library System (online library catalog) for the library, but the library later purchased its own servers, after the mainframe computer era began to wane, and the library now runs its own systems. The library continues to be a member partner in the network consortium.{{cite web| title=DALNET – Historical Timeline| date=November 2010| access-date=2011-04-18| url=http://www.dalnet.lib.mi.us/docs/DALNET_history.pdf| website=The Detroit Area Library Network| first1=Louise| last1=Bugg| author2=Christy A. Wells| author3=Deborah Adams}}

The Detroit Public Library is a publicly funded, independent, municipal corporation. The Detroit Public Library Commission, whose members are appointed by the Detroit Public Schools Board of Education, is the governing authority for the system. The commission establishes policies and administers funds. There are 7 Library Commissioners, with the seventh commissioner being the current president of the Board of Education, who is an ex-officio commissioner. Library Commissioners are appointed to 6 year staggered terms. There is an annual general meeting where the president, vice president, and secretary of the commission are elected, and monthly meetings held at the Main Library which are open to the public. The commission appoints and hires the Director and deputy director, while all other employees are hired by the commission, upon the recommendation of the Director.

September 16, 2014, former chief administrative and technology officer Timothy Cromer was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a $1.5 million kickback scheme."{{cite news| first=Christine| last=MacDonald| title=Former Detroit Library exec gets 10 years for bribery| url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2014/09/16/former-detroit-library-exec-gets-10-years-for-bribery/15719861/| work=The Detroit News| date=September 16, 2014| access-date=2014-11-12}}{{cite journal| first=Lisa| last=Peet| title=Ex-Detroit Library Official Timothy Cromer Sentenced to Ten Years| url=http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2014/11/litigation/ex-detroit-library-official-timothy-cromer-sentenced-to-ten-years/| date=November 10, 2014| journal=Library Journal| access-date=2014-11-12| archive-date=November 13, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113013526/http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2014/11/litigation/ex-detroit-library-official-timothy-cromer-sentenced-to-ten-years/| url-status=dead}}

The Detroit Public Library offers users books, magazines, records, CDs, videos, DVDs, and electronic materials through access to subscription databases. [https://detp.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/? The Detroit Public Library catalog] can be viewed online. The Main Library houses the [https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/research/burton-historical-collection Burton Historical Collection] (named for historian and donor Clarence M. Burton), the [https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/research/e-azalia-hackley-collection E. Azalia Hackley Collection] (named for Emma Azalia Hackley), the [https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/research/rare-book-collection Rare Book Collection], and the [https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/research/ernie-harwell-sports-collection Ernie Harwell Sports Collection]. Skillman Branch houses the [https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/research/national-automotive-history-collection National Automotive History Collection]. Additionally, a selection of digitized materials are available in an [https://digitalcollections.detroitpubliclibrary.org/ online collection].

The library also offers practical advice to Detroiters through their TIP service, short for [https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/services/tip The Information Place]. Librarians and support staff have access to a TIP database and offer free community information and referral service on matters such as food, housing, transportation, financial aid, legal advice, education, counseling, health care and family support. Library clients can search the TIP database themselves when visiting the library.{{cite web |title=TIP |url=https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/services/tip |access-date=January 9, 2025 |website=Detroit Public Library}}

File:Detroit April 2008 219.JPG|Main entrance of the Italian Renaissance-style building

File:DetroitPublicLibrarymainfromcass.jpg|Detroit Public Library, Cass Avenue entrance

File:Library Mosaic Closeup.jpg|Detail of the Mosaic above the Cass Avenue entrance

File:Detroit Public Library July 2018 17 (Pewabic fireplace).jpg|Pewabic fireplace in the HYPE Teen Center

File:Detroit Public Library July 2018 03 (HYPE Teen Center).jpg|HYPE Teen Center

File:Detroit Public Library July 2018 14 (Children's Library).jpg|Children's Library

File:Detroit Public Library July 2018 15 (Burton Historical Collection).jpg|Burton Historical Collection

File:Skillman Branch Detroit Public Library.jpg|Skillman Branch, opened in 1932 on the site of the Centre Park Branch

File:Detlib2.jpg|Skillman Branch seen from the aptly named Library Street

File:Detlib.jpg|Skillman Branch reopened in 2006 after renovations

"[https://web.archive.org/web/19980613192924/http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/locations_hours.htm Locations & Hours]." Detroit Public Library. Retrieved on April 26, 2009.

"[https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations Locations]." Detroit Public Library. Retrieved on April 22, 2024.

Chandler Park, in the Eastside of Detroit, is a three-story facility built in 1957. The library, which has a collection specializing in books written by African-Americans, is located on Harper Avenue, in proximity to Dickerson Street. {{As of|2009}}, the interior is decorated with artwork from children living in the area and portraits of notable African-American people. In 2009 John Carlisle (Detroitblogger John) wrote in the Metro Times that most of its patrons go to the library to use its computers.Detroitblogger John. "[http://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/dewey-eyed/Content?oid=2193966 Dewey-eyed ]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20160623154812/http://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/dewey-eyed/Content?oid=2193966 Archive]). Metro Times. January 7, 2009. Retrieved April 10, 2016.

The Douglass Branch for Specialized Services is the base of operations for the [https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations/mobile-library bookmobile service]. It also houses the Library for the Blind and the Physically Handicapped and other special services.

The quotes on the outside of the Skillman Branch read, per side:

Gratiot Avenue : "The Fountain of Knowledge Flows Through Books"

Library Street Side: "The Wealth Of The Mind Is The Only True Wealth"

Grand River Street Side : "Religion, Knowledge, Morality"

Farmer Street Side: "Civilization is the Accumulated Culture of Mankind"

• John S. Gray Branch
• Bernard Ginsburg Branch (Closed in 1927 and turned over to Recreation Department.)
• Gabriel Richard Branch (Was located on 9876 Grand River/Stoepel. Closed due to budget cuts on December 22, 2011)
• George Van Ness Lothrop Branch (At the southwest corner of West Warren Avenue and West Grand Boulevard-demolished October 2009){{cite book| title=Detroit Public Library Branches, 1914| url=https://archive.org/stream/detroitpubliclib00detr/detroitpubliclib00detr_djvu.txt| publisher=J Bornman & Son| location=Detroit| access-date=January 24, 2025}}
• George Osius Branch
• Henry M. Utley Branch ( 8726 Woodward Avenue, now "The Family Place". ){{cite web| url=http://www.thefamilyplace4c.org/| title=The Family Place| publisher=thefamilyplace4c.org| access-date=2011-01-02| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728093356/http://www.thefamilyplace4c.org/| archive-date=2011-07-28| url-status=dead}}
• Magnus Butzel Branch (At the southwest corner of Harper Avenue (I-94 Service Road) and East Grand Boulevard; demolished in 1998)
• Mark Twain Library (Closed and Relocated to Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 1996. Demolished October 2011)
• Mark Twain Annex (Closed due to budget cuts on December 22, 2011. Located at 4741 Iroquois)
• George S. Hosmer Branch (Opened January 11, 1911 and closed May 30, 1932. Located at 3506 Gratiot Avenue. Purchased in 2016 and planned to be a bookstore and café.){{cite news| title=Historic public library on Gratiot to open as bookstore| first=Louis| last=Aguilar| newspaper=The Detroit News| date=September 27, 2016| url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2016/09/28/historic-public-library-gratiot-open-bookstore/91194512/}}{{cite book| last=Woodford| first=Frank B.| title=Parnassus on Main Street: A History of the Detroit Public Library| location=Detroit| publisher=Wayne State University Press| url=https://archive.org/details/parnassusonmains0000fran/page/436/mode/2up?q=hosmer| year=1965| page=437| isbn=978-0-7837-3600-6}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Christen |first=Barbara S. |author2=Flanders, Steven |title=Cass Gilbert, Life and Work: Architect of the Public Domain |publisher=W.W. Norton |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-3937-3065-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x3X_D6L5JEwC&q=cass+gilbert}}
• {{cite book |last=Cohn |first=Barbara Madgy |author2=Merritt, Patrice Rafail |title=The Detroit Public Library: An American Classic |publisher=Wayne State University Press |year=2017 |isbn=978-0-8143-4232-9}}
• {{cite book |author1=Hill, Eric J. |author2=John Gallagher |title=AIA Detroit: The American Institute of Architects Guide to Detroit Architecture |year=2002 |publisher=Wayne State University Press |isbn=978-0-8143-3120-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/aiadetroitameric0000hill|url-access=registration |page=[https://archive.org/details/aiadetroitameric0000hill/page/349 349] |quote=Parnassus on Main Street: A History of the Detroit Public Library. }}
• {{cite book |author=Meyer, Katherine Mattingly and Martin C.P. McElroy with Introduction by W. Hawkins Ferry, Hon A.I.A. |title=Detroit Architecture A.I.A. Guide Revised Edition |year=1980 |publisher=Wayne State University Press |isbn=978-0-8143-1651-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GZ60AAAAIAAJ&q=detroit+architecture |url-access=subscription }}
• {{cite book |last=Sharoff |first=Robert |title=American City: Detroit Architecture |publisher=Wayne State University Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-8143-3270-2 |author-link=Robert Sharoff |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_quVubxm6EMC&q=detroit+architecture}}
• {{cite book |last=Woodford |first=Donald G. |title=Parnassus on Main Street: A History of the Detroit Public Library |publisher=Wayne State University Press |year=1965 |isbn=978-1-1251-2686-8}}

{{Portal|Michigan}}

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070212161426/http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/tip/ TIP (The Information Place)].
• [http://digital.library.wayne.edu/digitalcollections/item?id=wayne:collectionNYHS Selected Cass Gilbert Architectural Drawings of the Detroit Public Library] at Wayne State University Library contains 19 presentation drawings by Cass Gilbert of the Detroit Public Library, which he designed in 1921.
• The [https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/research/ernie-harwell-sports-collection Ernie Harwell Online Exhibit].
• The [https://web.archive.org/web/20070104000301/http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/drawingpower/index.htm Drawing Power: An Exhibit of Motor City Ad Art in the Age of Muscle and Chrome].
• [http://mmm.lib.msu.edu/search/browsecollections.cfm?t=2&col=48%20 The Making of Modern Michigan].

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{{Architecture of metropolitan Detroit}}

{{Detroit}}

{{National Register of Historic Places in Michigan}}

{{Midtown Detroit}}

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Category:Public libraries in Michigan

Category:Libraries in Detroit

Category:Carnegie libraries in Michigan

Category:Education in Detroit

Category:Government of Detroit

Category:Historic district contributing properties in Michigan

Category:Michigan State Historic Sites in Wayne County, Michigan

Category:National Register of Historic Places in Detroit

Category:Cass Gilbert buildings

Category:Renaissance Revival architecture in Michigan

Category:1865 establishments in Michigan

Category:Library buildings completed in 1921

Category:Libraries established in 1865