The Detroit Public Library was founded in 1865 and located in the Detroit High School (originally the State Capitol Building) downtown. A new library building was constructed in 1877 at Gratiot and Farmer streets. Seeing the need for a larger library for a growing city, Carnegie funds were accepted, and land was purchased on Woodward in 1913.
Construction began in 1915 with the cornerstone laid in November of 1917. Delays occurred over the years due to World War I, but the Main Library finally opened for service on March 29, 1921. This monument on Woodward constructed of marble, filled with books and knowledge, and adorned with art, mosaics, and murals remains a treasure for Detroit and its citizens.
National Library Week begins on April 4 this year and the theme is “Welcome to Your Library.” Everyone is welcome to the library, but the library and its services are more than just a physical building. This has been especially true during the past year as the library has adapted with new resources and technology to accommodate our customers both in-person and now virtually, such as our new Digital Library Card!
People who live or go to school in Detroit or Highland Park are eligible for a FREE digital library card which provides access to most of the Library’s digital resources, including e-books and streaming movies. (A digital library card cannot be used to check out materials or use a library computer.)
The Detroit Public Library plans to honor and the 100-year history of Main Library while looking forward to the future. Please visit our website, www.detroitpubliclibrary.org, for updates and details throughout 2021.
Main Library Facts
Located: 5201 Woodward Ave.
Nov. 1, 1917: Cornerstone laid
March 29, 1921: Open to public
June 3, 1921: Formal Dedication
Architect: Cass Gilbert
Area: 180,000 square feet
1963 addition of the Cass Ave. wings designed by Cass Gilbert, Jr., son of Cass Gilbert, brings the total square footage to 420,000