In 1902, Andrew Carnegie offered a generous $20,000 gift to establish a public library for the residents of Traverse City. Carnegie’s offer came with the two standard stipulations. The city must agree to contribute $2,000 annually for the library’s maintenance and must provide a suitable site for its construction.
Perry Hannah, a prominent local figure, volunteered a site on Sixth Street, offering a sizeable plot at no cost. The proposed location was praised for its scenic views and central location. “On one side one of the city’s handsomest residential streets, and on the other the Boardman River. A good view can be had from this point over the bay, and being centrally located, it is a particularly desirable park.”
Despite the appeal of Hannah’s site, some residents and city officials took issue with its proximity to Hannah’s own residence. Soon after, a second proposal came from Henry S. Hull, president of the Oval Wood Dish Company. Hull offered the Ashton-Hobbes site, an east side location near the intersection of Cass and State streets, arguing that his proposed site was closer to the downtown business district and more convenient for residents.
In response to the competition, Hannah enhanced his original offer by adding an additional 75 feet of land, now known as Hannah Park, to the proposed site. This move swayed some city council members, but opposition persisted.
After extensive debate, a special meeting of the city council was convened in March 1904. During this meeting, Hannah’s Sixth Street site was officially accepted. A contract was awarded, putting an end to the location controversy.
Construction of the library proceeded, and in February 1905, the Traverse City Carnegie Library officially opened its doors. On its first day, 350 residents visited.
For nearly a century, the Carnegie Library on Sixth Street served as an essential hub for the community. However, by 1999, the library had outgrown its historic home and moved to a new, larger building.
The original Carnegie Library building did not fall into disuse. It was repurposed to house the History Center of Traverse City, preserving its role as a custodian of local heritage. More recently, the building became the home of the Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Traverse City location. The legacy as a center for cultural and educational activities continues.
Today, the Traverse City Carnegie Library stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy and the vision of local leaders like Perry Hannah and Henry S. Hull. It remains a cherished landmark, reflecting the city’s rich history and ongoing dedication to learning and community enrichment. The building’s preservation and adaptive reuse ensure that it continues to serve as a vibrant part of Traverse City’s cultural landscape.
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).