In 1912, the Monday Study Club, a still-active organization in Boyne City, made a significant cultural contribution by purchasing the private library of a Petoskey lawyer who was relocating westward. This acquisition was pivotal for the community. In 1913, the club generously donated the entire collection to the public school library. Myrtle White was subsequently hired as the librarian. She was tasked with managing and nurturing this growing repository of knowledge.
As Boyne City’s population expanded, the existing school facilities became increasingly overcrowded. This prompted the school superintendent, H. W. McIntosh, to seek external funding for a dedicated public library building. In 1916, McIntosh reached out to the Carnegie Corporation, a philanthropic organization renowned for funding library construction across the United States. The Carnegie Corporation responded positively, granting $15,000 for the construction and furnishing of a new library building at the corner of Main and Park streets.
Construction of the new library began in 1917, culminating in a grand opening celebration on April 20, 1918. The final cost for the construction and furnishings totaled $17,953.08. This was a testament to the community’s commitment and investment in creating a central hub for learning and culture.
However, the library faced a significant setback in 1961 when a new high school opened. The public library’s shelves were stripped of books and the facility’s closed. It appeared that the Boyne City Public Library might be lost forever. Nevertheless, the community’s resilience shone through as a group of determined citizens embarked on a mission to revive the library. Their relentless efforts bore fruit, and in the spring of 1963, the Boyne City Public Library re-opened. A renewed dedication to public access to information and educational resources.
The library’s journey continued to evolve, and in 1996, a pivotal moment arrived when voters approved district library status and a millage to support its operations. This shift marked the beginning of a new era for the library, characterized by growth and modernization. Significant changes ensued, and in 2001, the library underwent a comprehensive renovation and expansion. This was funded by a generous $2.3 million gift from the Mary K. Peabody Foundation. This transformation equipped the library with state-of-the-art facilities and expanded resources. The renovation ensured the library could meet the needs of the community well into the future.
Today, the Boyne City Public Library stands as a testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to education, culture, and public service. Its rich history, marked by resilience, generosity, and forward-thinking, continues to inspire and serve as a cornerstone for the citizens of Boyne City
Northern Lower Peninsula – Boyne City, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, East Jordan, Mancelona, Manistee, Petoskey and Traverse City.
Upper Peninsula – Escanaba, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Ishpeming, Sault Ste. Marie, and Stambaugh (now Iron River).