Franklin

Spotlight: Benjamin Franklin Branch

Located at the corner of Gratiot and McNichols, the Detroit Public Library Benjamin Franklin Branch was the first of a new type of “modern” branch when it opened to the public on January 24, 1950. The new branch replaced the older Outer Gratiot Branch, which had been located in a rented storefront since 1929. During the Depression, with threat of closure, the community rallied around the Outer Gratiot Branch and raised the funds through bridge parties, carnivals, and fairs to help cover the rent. Library service and access to books was vital to the neighborhood.