The Free Public Library opened its doors to the public on Saturday, July 2, 1910. Edna Sue Green served as the first librarian in this new Carnegie library. The library, located at 107 State Street, quickly became a cornerstone of the Charlevoix community. The establishment of the library was made possible by a $10,000 grant in 1907. The library was strategically built at the corner of State and Clinton streets. Today the Charlevoix State Bank is on this corner.
The Charlevoix Carnegie Library served the community for several decades, becoming a vital resource for education and public engagement. However, by 1967, the building faced numerous challenges that led to its closure and eventual demolition. According to David Miles, curator of the Harsha House Museum operated by the Charlevoix Historical Society, the library had become “outmoded and very expensive to heat in the winter. With no air conditioning in the summer it would become like a sauna bath inside.”
The bank officials at the time were looking for a new location to construct a building. This led to the decision to demolish the historic library to make room for new development. Local authorities responded by constructing a new library building on Clinton Street. That location is now home to the nonprofit Circle of Arts organization. This transition marked a significant shift in the community’s approach to public library services, as the new building aimed to meet the modern needs of its patrons.
Reflecting on the decision to demolish the Carnegie library, David Miles noted that in today’s context, such an action would likely provoke significant public outcry. “Today, of course, there would be an uproar over the destruction of a Carnegie library and some expensive method would probably be found to save it for some purpose,” he said. This sentiment underscores the growing recognition of the historical and cultural value of Carnegie libraries across the country.
Carnegie libraries, funded by the philanthropic efforts of Andrew Carnegie, were designed to be accessible public institutions that promoted education and community development. The Charlevoix Carnegie Library was no exception. It served as a beacon of knowledge and cultural enrichment for the town’s residents. Its presence at the corner of State and Clinton streets symbolized a commitment to public service and the dissemination of knowledge.
The library’s closure and subsequent demolition in 1967 marked the end of an era for Charlevoix. While the original building no longer stands, the spirit of the Charlevoix Carnegie Library endures. It serves as a reminder of the importance of public libraries and the enduring impact of Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropic vision. The story of the Charlevoix Carnegie Library highlights the evolving nature of public institutions and the ongoing efforts to balance modernization with historical preservation.
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).