Manistee County Library
Library Branches
Welcome to the literary tapestry of Manistee County, where the love for knowledge converges with the picturesque landscapes of Northern Michigan.
The Manistee County Library System (MCLS) is a testament to the county’s commitment to intellectual growth. It stands proudly in the charming Victorian Port City of Manistee. Rooted in history, the main Manistee branch itself is a living monument – a Carnegie Library – gracing both the State and National Registers of Historical Buildings.
Established in 1905 as a city library, the Manistee County Library underwent a transformative merger in 1972, transcending its municipal origins to become a county-wide library system.
Today, MCLS is a beacon of literary enrichment, embracing a six-branch network that extends its reach throughout Michigan’s Manistee County and welcomes all residents of the state.
Manistee County Library Branches
Each branch is a unique gateway to knowledge, and as you navigate this literary landscape, you’ll encounter distinct narratives echoing the essence of their communities.
The Manistee Main Library Branch, housed within the historic Carnegie edifice, breathes life into the rich history of the port city. Its venerable presence speaks volumes about the enduring commitment to education that has shaped Manistee over the years.
Venturing further into the realms of Northern Michigan, the Arcadia Branch Library offers a haven for those seeking solace in the world of books amid the serene beauty of the region. Meanwhile, the Kaleva Branch Library, with its small-town charm, reflects the intimate connection between community and learning.
The Keddie Norconk Memorial Library stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of learning, paying homage to individuals who, through their commitment, have become synonymous with the pursuit of knowledge. In the village of Wellston, the Wellston Branch Library serves as a vibrant hub where curiosity is nurtured, and stories come to life against the backdrop of Michigan’s natural splendor.
Completing this literary constellation, the Onekama Branch Library embodies the ethos of its community, fostering a love for reading and discovery. Together, these branches form a constellation of knowledge, each contributing a unique chapter to the collective narrative of Manistee County’s intellectual journey.
Library Branch History
During the last four decades of the twentieth century, the establishment and upgrading of bona fide branch libraries with librarians greatly bolstered the library services availble to those residing in the rural areas.
The first branch library in Bear Lake was established in 1963 in the former offices of Dr. Ruth Lalime. Mrs. Carl Cook was appointed librarian of this branch. The Bear Lake Branch moved to a new location in 1988, which was the former Polly’s Village Ceramic building on U.S. 31. In 2000, a generous gift was received from the John Martins for construction of a new Bear Lake facility. It opened as the Keddie-Norconk Memorial Library in 2002.
The Copemish Branch Library opened in the former municipal building in 1964. Vivian Dinger was appointed librarian. The branch had a formal opening after it moved to new quarters in the Cleon Township Hall in 1973. The librarian was Barbara Hysell. The branch later closed.
The Onekama Branch Library opened during 1965 in a small addition to Farr Center. Blanche Rollin was librarian. In 1996, a large anonymous donation was received, which was used to build a new branch wing at Farr Center beginning that year. The Selma Johnson Memorial/Onekama Branch Library reopened in its new facility during 1997.
The Kaleva Branch Library opened in the lower level of the community building during 1965. Mrs. Einar Hagelberg was librarian. After construction began in 2003, a new facility was completed in 2004 as the third location of this branch.
The Arcadia Branch Library opened in 1982 with June Iverson as librarian. A fire destroyed the interior of this building in September 2003; it reopened in December of that year.
As you embark on this exploration of library branches in Northern Michigan, you’ll witness how the Manistee County Library System weaves together the past, present, and future—a tapestry of learning, community, and the enduring power of the written word.
