About Us
Who We Are
Mission Statement:
Providing residents a pathway for literacy, lifelong enjoyment, collaborative space, and tools to thrive as citizens of the 21st century through access to, and preservation of, print and electronic resources.
Vision Statement:
A 21st century library whose pervasive presence within Manistee County is responsive to the diversity of the community's needs.
Who we are:
The Manistee County Library is a 6 branch public library system serving all of Michigan’s Manistee County. The main library is located in Manistee at 95 Maple Street. Branch locations can be found in Arcadia, Bear Lake, Kaleva, Onekama and Wellston. The library system’s materials collection has 99,985 items including books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, music and video games. MCL serves a population of 24,640 residents and circulates over 168,000 items per year.
MCL offers patrons many services. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff can assist you with research questions, book suggestions, and much more. The Manistee location houses over one-hundred years of local newspaper articles on microfilm.
Those that can’t make it to one of our 6 locations can still use many library resources through our website with a valid MCL library card. Patrons can choose from hundreds of downloadable eBooks and audiobooks available online. The Michigan Electronic Library is a great source for research and educational databases. The Newsbank database gives access to newspaper articles from around the country.
All the branches are equipped with computers for public access. They offer internet and Microsoft Office compatible programs. You may print from the computers for a $0.25 charge per page. All 6 locations provide fax and copying services.There are non-internet computers installed with fun, educational children’s games in the kids’ area of all MCL locations.
The youth services department offers programming throughout the year for babies and adults and all ages in between. Check out our schedule for story times, book clubs, writing contests, the Teen Advisory Board, holiday programming, summer reading programing and special events.
The Manistee County Library System has locations in Arcadia, Bear Lake, Kaleva, Onekama and Wellston, as well as Manistee.
Contact Us
Our mailing address is:
Manistee County Library
95 Maple St.
Manistee, MI 49660
Our phone number is:
231-723-2519
Our fax number is:
231-723-8270
Or you can use the appropriate form below to contact us via e-mail:
- Search MeLCat
- Interlibrary loan request
- Ask your librarian a question
- Make a purchase request
- General comments or suggestions
We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Library
Library Board
Library Policies
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MCL Patron Code of Conduct Policy
The purpose of the Patron Code of Conduct Policy is to assist the Library in fulfilling its mission as a community resource enriching life, stimulating intellectual curiosity, fostering literacy, and encouraging an informed citizenry.
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MCL Internet/Computer Use Policy
As part of its mission to provide public access to information resources in a variety of formats, the Manistee County Library provides access to the Internet.
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MCL Library Card Policy
Governs the use of Manistee County Library's materials, facilities and services by visitors, guests, and non-residents. Describes limitations, restrictions and fees.
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Genealogy Research Policy
Policy for individuals seeking assistance with genealogy or local history research.
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Materials Selection Policy
The Materials Selection Policy provides a framework for types of materials acquired, weeded and a framework for when materials are challenged.
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Michigan Library Privacy Act
The Michigan Library Privacy Act provides for the confidentiality of certain library records; and for the selection and use of library materials
Library Services
The Manistee County Library is Pleased to Offer Many Services for our Patrons
Reference Services
Our skilled staff is available to help patrons with various reference questions. We have: encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, on-line databases, microfilm on local papers dating back to 1871, microfilm with census information, Victoriana collection, Chilton auto manuals, Mitchell auto manuals, law encyclopedias, music encyclopedias, and much more. We are able to furnish patrons with addresses for business, government, and associations. Through the interlibrary loan system we are able to get books and other material from other libraries. We also have outreach programs.
Children's Services
There are children's sections in all of our library locations and the Manistee branch proudly boasts our recently redecorated Children's room. We have a busy summer reading program schedule as well as Preschool story times and youth programs throughout the year. All Manistee County Library locations have non-Internet computers installed with fun and educational children's games. In addition, we also have Realia (educational toys), book-CD/cassette read alongs, children's and family DVDs, children's CDs, and of course a large selection of books for all types of interests and reading levels (from pre-school through teen).
Computer Services
All of our branches are equipped with computers available for public access. These computers include Internet access and Microsoft Office compatible programs. We also have Internet access for patrons bringing in their laptops. At library locations you may enjoy full subscription rights to MEL, test preparation (ACT, ASVB, Civil Service Careers, GED, SAT, and more!), Ancestry.com and Consumer Reports.com. You may print from the computers, with a $.25 charge per page. The Dear Readers on-line book club is accessible through our web page. As well as NewsBank, a world wide newspaper and magazine database.
Other Services
We also have fax service, tax forms, and microfilm readers with printing capabilities.
Special Collections
* Books on CD, MP3 and Playaways
* Music on Compact Disc
* Genealogy Collection
* Instructional and foreign language CDs
* Large Print Books
* Michigan Collection
* Telephone Books
* Victoriana Collection
* DVDs, videos and BluRay
* Equipment: Opaque projector, digital projector and floor screens
* eBooks
Request Services
Your Manistee County Library card
To get a library card at any Manistee County Library location a valid ID showing proof of current name and current address must be presented. Applicants must be a resident or property owner in Manistee County, in conjunction with the Manistee County Library Non Resident policy. Other forms of address validation may be used as approved by staff. A charge of $1.00 will be made to replace any lost or destroyed library card.
YOU MUST PRESENT A VALID LIBRARY CARD OR PHOTO ID TO CHECK OUT MATERIAL
We believe in open access to our collections, and will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, sex, religion, nation of origin, etc.
CHILDREN/WARDS
The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for borrowing privileges to be granted to minors (under 18 years of age). Parents or guardians are responsible for the care and return of materials borrowed by minors (under 18 years of age). Parents or guardians are responsible for the reading/viewing/listening choices of the minors (under 18 years of age) for whom they are responsible.
A 'Release of Minor Child's Library Record' form must be on file for a parent or designated person to access or be informed of use of a child's record.
A parent or guardian must sign an Internet Access Agreement for a Minor Child in order for a minor child to be allowed access to the Internet. The child must present a library card with the appropriate sticker attached in order to be allowed to use the Internet Terminals. Children under 9 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to use the Internet.
ORGANIZATIONS
Upon the signature of the person in charge of an agency or organization, a "group card" will be granted. A $5.00 fee is charged for lost or destroyed group cards. This card must be presented to borrow items.
