The Detroit Public Library 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 part of Detoit's Cultural Center Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places adjacent to Wayne State University campus and across the street from the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Designed by Cass Gilbert, the Detroit Public Library (1921) was constructed with Vermont marble and serpentine Italian marble trim in an Italian Renaissance style. His son, Cass Gilbert, Jr. was a partner with Francis J. Keally in the design of the library's additional wings added in 1963. Among his other buildings, Cass Gilbert designed the United States Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

History

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 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 was not officially dedicated until June 3, 1921.

Mission

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 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 Board of Education. There is an annual general meeting, and several monthly meetings held at the Main Library that can be attended by the public.

Collections

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 (named for historian and donor Clarence M. Burton), 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.

Services

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.

Photo gallery

<gallery> Image:DetroitPublicLibrarymainfromcass.jpg|Detroit Public Library back entrance from Cass Ave. Image:Skillman Branch Detroit Public Library.jpg|First branch in Detroit history, now called Skillman. Image:Detlib2.jpg|The Skillman Branch from a street named aptly- Library Street. Image:Detlib.jpg|Skillman Branch reopened in 2006 after renovations. </gallery>

Branches

References and further reading

External links

• Detroit Public Library website includes a historical sketch of the DPL and information on branches and access to the Online Catalogue.
• 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.