[Michlib-l] Your Help Needed: What Is The Oldest Public Library in Michigan?

[Jim Flury]

All,

Earlier today I was contacted by Chris Hall at the Detroit Free Press. You will recall that Chris has always been very interested in as well as supportive of, the Michigan Activity Pass program. To that end, here is the link to an article she wrote about the program that appeared in the March 1, 2015 issue of the Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/02/28/michigan-activity-pass-program-expands-state-parks-program-free-admission-special-discount/24191905/

Anyway, with the ongoing celebration of the 150th birthday of Detroit Public Library, Chris asked me if I knew what was the oldest public library in the state of Michigan. By that she didn't mean oldest building but rather, earliest establishment of a public library. She wondered if it might be DPL. I said I didn't know, but that if I had to guess it would be either Sault Ste. Marie or Monroe (previously Frenchtown), based on the fact that those two places were settled so early. I also told Chris that there were people out there in library land who are a lot smarter than I am, who would know the answer to her question:

What is the oldest public library in Michigan?

Thanks!

Jim

Jim Flury
Technical Services Manager
The Library Network
41365 Vincenti Court 
Novi, MI 48375
248-536-3100 x133 
Fax 248-536-3098 
jflury at tln.lib.mi.us