Detroit Public Library

File:Detpubliclibrary logo.JPG

Detroit Public Library logo.

The Detroit Public Library (5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202) is the largest library system in Michigan. It is composed of a Main Library on Woodward Avenue, which houses DPL administration offices, and twenty-three branch locations across the city. The Main Library is located in Detroit’s Cultural Center neighborhood adjacent to the Wayne State University campus and across the street from the Detroit Institute of Arts.

History

Skillman Branch reopened in 2006 after renovations. A public library has been on the site since 1875.

A stand alone public library in Detroit dates back to 1865. A 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 at 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.

Several additional branches opened shortly afterwards, including one in the Old Main building of Wayne State. 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 commission to construct his design of a three floor, early Italian Renaissance-style building. Due to delays and World War I, the Main Library was not officially dedicated until June 3, 1921.

Mission

The Detroit Public Library is guided by a mission and vision statement, as well as a set of core values. The five values are: Excellent Customer Service, Teamwork, Community Collaborations, Diversity and Intellectual Freedom. The DPL mission statement is:

The Detroit Public Library enhances the quality of life for the diverse and dynamic community in the City of Detroit. The library enlightens and empowers its citizens to meet their lifelong learning needs through open and equitable access to information, technology, and cultural/educational programs.(DPL website.)

The Vision statement is:

The Detroit Public Library system will provide easy access to local and global information that will assist all users in the development of a lifetime of enrichment and growth. As the Library moves into the future, it will hold on to the best of its services while meeting changing community needs.The community will recognize the library as a vital force for expanding the mind, promoting literacy, embracing diversity, creating opportunities for individual and community development, and building a thriving city. (DPL website.)

Administration

The Skillman Branch from a street named aptly- Library Street.

The library is a publicly funded, independent, municipal corporation. DPL funds are administered by the Detroit Public Library Commission whose members are appointed by the Detroit Public Schools CEO. There is an annual general meeting, and several monthly meetings held at the Main Library that can be attended by the public.

Collections and services

The Detroit Public Library offers users books, magazines, CDs, videos, DVDs and electronic materials through access to subscription databases. It also houses the Burton Historical Collection, the Hackley Collection, and the National Automotive History Collection. Additionally, there are online collections, including one on Detroit Tigers and Baseball Hall of Fame radio broadcaster Ernie Harwell. The Ernie Harwell Online Exhibit is part of the Burton Historical Collection.

The library also offers practical advice to Detroiters through their TIP service, short for 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.

Branches

Branch	Address
Bowen Branch	3648 W. Vernor/W. Grand Blvd.
Campbell Branch Library	8733 W. Vernor/Springwells
Chandler Park Branch	12800 Harper/Dickerson
Chaney Branch	16101 Grand River/Greenfield
Chase Branch	17731 W. Seven M./Southfield
Conely Branch	4600 Martin/Michigan
Duffield Branch	2507 W. Grand Blvd./14th St.
Douglass Branch for Specialized Services	3666 Grand River/Trumbull
Edison Branch	18400 Joy Rd./Southfield
Elmwood Park Branch	550 Chene/Lafayette
Franklin Branch	13651 E. McNichols/Gratiot
Hubbard Branch	12929 W. McNichols/J. Couzens
Jefferson Branch	12350 E. Outer Drive/E. Warren
Knapp Branch	13330 Conant/E. Davison
Lincoln Branch	1221 E. Seven Mile/Russell
Main Library	5201 Woodward Ave
Mark Twain Annex/Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church	4741 Iroquois
Monteith Branch	14100 Kercheval/Eastlawn
Parkman Branch	1766 Oakman Blvd./Linwood
Redford Branch	21200 Grand River/W. McNichols
Richard Branch	9876 Grand River/Stoepel
Sherwood Forest Branch	7117 W. Seven Mile/Livernois
Skillman Branch	121 Gratiot / Library
Wilder Branch	7140 E. Seven Mile/Van Dyke

External links

• Detroit Public Library website includes a historical sketch of the DPL and information on branches and access to the Online Catalogue.
• The TIP (The Information Place).
• The Ernie Harwell Online Exhibit.
• The Drawing Power: An Exhibit of Motor City Ad Art in the the Age of Muscle and Chrome.
• The The Making of Modern Michigan.