1. Detroit Public Library

    1. Detroit Public Library

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    Detroit, MI

    Detroit Public Library

    4.2 (53 reviews)
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    Detroit Public Library Photos

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    Lisa L.

    This library is a almulti-level architectural delight from the inside out! Definitely take a tour. They house many cool artifacts. I was disappointed with the number of old books in contrast to what's new. They definitely need MORE new books in circulation. I appreciate that there's a section for kids, a space to research your family ancestry, and so much more! Stop in and see for yourself!

    Yarn Lovers event. Crafty good fun.
    Melissa A.

    Is there anything more delightful than borrowing way too many books from the library at once? Of course there are but most of them cost money and are bad for you. The library is free and good for you...unless you're bad about returning your books on time, or extending them before they were due, or you read a book that makes you realize you're whole life is a sham, and you have to destroy it all in order to get on the right path, which is ultimately good, but it is a rough couple years in the interim.... Anyway... I'm entering my fourth year as a Detroiter and finally got my library card today on the heels of my 2024 goal to read more. I thought the main branch was downtown but actually, this is the main branch, right across from the DIA and the Detroit Historical Museum (both of which I've been to multiple times, I'm not a totally uncultured rube). It's a beautiful building that has been well maintained and smells like old books and faintly of wood polish. I was really impressed with the way the main floor is set out, lots of "New Books" shelves and various paperbacks, graphic novels, and periodicals. I like all the community events they had advertised, I might go to the music ones coming up and I know some knitting friends who might like that one. Several other seminars, meetups, and such. The map of the currently open and closed/demolished libraries bummed me out a little... Lots of orange stars on the Eastside. But this main branch was easy to get to and, even though it was paid street parking, I got a spot on the side though, still got my steps in walking all the way around to the front door because it's such a grandiose building. The upstairs levels are closed right now but will eventually be open again. With that said, if you need books from those levels, the librarians will fetch them, but maybe know the actual names of the books or write down the numbers legibly...I had written one down and then scribbled a few other titles, thinking I would get to browse but the librarian took my scratch paper and went on the mission to find me books on Mediterranean cooking published in the last few years (another 2024 goal). She brought me back a huge stack which I thought was very nice and I picked out the ones I wanted and she took the rest back. Everyone I encountered was very nice, including the other patrons. I highly recommend visiting this main branch or one of the neighborhood libraries and just browsing the stacks or seeing what events are coming up.

    Children's library
    Jo W.

    A lovely library. I enjoyed stopping by here and exploring their collection for a bit when I stopped by Detroit as a tourist.

    Marielle M.

    Such a beautiful library! I could spend hours here. They have a great physical and electronic collection as well.

    Cari A.

    Great public library near Wayne State. I got lucky and found street parking (meters) right in front. It was really reasonable- $1 per hour, 2 hours max. And it took credit cards. The most iconic parts of this library is located on the 3rd floor. Just walk up the grand stairs and you'll start to see the high ceilings and ornate murals and glass ceilings. The other parts of the library are pretty typical. They have communal computers, so lots of people were using the internet to watch YouTube videos or catch up whatever they needed to do. There's also various seating options. I really appreciated that their tables had electrical outlets included on them. Very helpful! I'm glad I stopped by and got to check it out.

    Entrance
    Ronda N.

    Beautifully maintained library with loads of history waiting to be explored. I attended DPL's author series with Ambassador Susan Rice. It was a free event that took place in the auditorium located on the libraries lower level. There was plenty of seats available the event was only half full. Ms. Rice discussed her experience during both the Clinton and Obama administrations. She also shared inspiring stories about her family and upbringing. I am so happy that I attended this special event. The library has many fun activities and hosts guest speakers each month. You can visit the DPL website for more information. Nearby parking is available on the street or in a structure.

    Brian S.

    This was a very special place to come and visit. The tour my friends and I took was lead by the friends of the Detroit public library. The art and history of this great building was nothing short of amazing. The tour guides gave all they had and then went above and beyond with there unique knowledge of the Library. They keep the place in great condition and the staff are really happy to help with anything you need. This library is abundantly stocked with every book imaginable and the reference section is by far the best I've ever seen. A truly grand institution that is a must see and the experience will leave you breathless. This library gets my full recommendation.

    Ali F.

    I miss the Detroit Public Library. I no longer live in Detroit, but when I was, I visited the library every now and then, and I even got a library card. The library is majestic. It looks incredible from the outside with its Vermont marble and serpentine Italian marble trim in the beautiful Italian Renaissance style. From the inside, the larger-than-life murals will meet you. There is a universe of books, from children's and young adult to horror to chick lit. And of course, my favorite section is the Banned Books section, where books banned somewhere in the world (including here in the United States) stand tall, waiting for you to pick them up home. Just make sure you check them out ;)

    Ali B.

    While on vacation in Detroit we had to stop at the Detroit Public Library. This Library is huge both inside and out and it is very well maintained. Once inside it is divided into sections: Kids, videos, articles, and so much more. The staff were friendly and very helpful and the paintings, artwork, architecture were beautiful.

    Alfred B.

    The Detroit Public Library is truly a center of learning for all. The library is well stocked with materials for everyone. From babies to new parents to elementary school students, college students, researchers, scientists, writers, editors and our beloved senior citizens this library offers it all. As part of the Michigan electronic catalog system a variety of inspiring and study materials are also available online. Through the Detroit Reads! Program the Detroit Public Library at this branch takes the lead in the providing reading and writing tutoring to adults. Also offered are classes and tutors for English as a Second Language. Not only that, they offer training for the tutors! Math tutoring is also provided at many levels, from beginner to advanced. The building itself is a historical monument. Through paintings on its walls and statues and other objet d'art throughout the structure the story of Detroit is well told. The stories of Detroit's inhabitants are offered for inspiration. Also contained at this location is the premier ancestor catalog for Wayne County Michigan. That's not all - there is also an extensive technical, scientific and historical library concerned with the city's and the region's automotive history. Computer classes are offered here in a state-of-the-art classroom set by trained and well prepared professionals. I like the classes as they are unlike any I have seen elsewhere and offer a thorough and refreshing look at our modern world and technologies. Taking a test for a profession is just as easy as making an appointment. This is a registered testing center. Again - that's not all - they have the training materials all ready for preparation for a wide variety of exams from Overland Truck Drivers, to Postal Workers, to Cisco Certified Network Administrators and on and on. As another plus this location is a wonderful place to visit in and of itself. Located between the Detroit Institute of Arts and Wayne State University there are three other major university libraries within walking distance! The building is decorated with all the power and history of this great city of trade. Have fun! Read a book! Ask a librarian a question - you'll never know what you might learn! Catch you in the stacks ,ciao!

    Old school
    Deb M.

    Go the first Saturday of the month for the free tour. Lasts a little over an hour and takes you through the old and new part, both floors. Highlights a lot of the art, but still represents for what it is, a library. Lead by Friends of the Library, obvious they have a passion for the library. Very impressive special collections. Ended in the Ernie Harwell collection. If you are from Detroit you know how special this room is.

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    6 months ago

    Beautiful building. 3 stories, includes an art exhibit room and lots of spots to sit where it's quiet.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Detroit Public Library

    Are there bathrooms open inside? Can I just walk around?

    Yes and yes.

    I have limited time to attend an event at the main library. Where is the "Explorer's Room"?

    On the Lower Level - take the elevator

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Detroit Public Library

    Not that there's anything wrong with that library, it's just the main branch of the DPL is what libraries should be.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

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    Henry Ford Centennial Library - This is a beautiful library, inside and out.

    Henry Ford Centennial Library

    4.3(9 reviews)
    7.6 mi

    The Henry Ford Centennial Library is a large, rectangular building…read more                 It is very imposing.  From Michigan Avenue there is a large entryway.  It is difficult to access it.  You need to drive around back and enter the building from there.                 It is finely designed and the white marble is striking in the sunlight or the rain.  It is very beautiful in the evening.  The interior is very interesting.  The entryway leads to a circular stairway which you must take if you are going to check out a book.  The checkout desk is on the second floor.  So is the reference desk.                 I didn't see the entire collection.  What I saw was a standard offering.  They have a LOT of books.  The building is as voluminous inside as you would expect after having it seen it from the outside.                 The clerks at the checkout desk were very happy to assist me.  I went to the Reference Desk and was also treated with respect and dignity - except for one clerk who we'll just assume was having a bad day.                 There is a fountain sculpture in the first floor lobby.  I caution you not to look at it while heading up the staircase or heading down the staircase.  Just thinking about it right now is making me dizzy - so think about it with caution too.  Otherwise it's a fine library.

    this is the best library in the area by far. it's huge. great public space to do work in. lots of…read moreprivate meeting rooms and conference spaces

    Photos
    Henry Ford Centennial Library
    Henry Ford Centennial Library
    Henry Ford Centennial Library

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    Ferndale Area District Library - Library first floor

    Ferndale Area District Library

    4.3(21 reviews)
    7.8 mi

    Oh my local library how I love thee. Free thirty minute parking in certain spots, private rooms to…read morestudy, comfy chairs to skim books or read zines, friendly and helpful staff, book clubs, rotating book displays, huge media collection, seed library and library of things to borrow. They can get books you request in a pretty timely matter, are linked to other libraries to fill requests for popular or difficult to find titles. I visit at least a couple times a month and am in two book clubs. They also host making events and artists. Can't say enough good things. Love this place.

    I'm always on the hunt for new study spots in Southfield Michigan and I'm so grateful to have…read morestumbled upon the Ferndale Public Library! What I really love about this library is that it's an a suer convenient location that is waking distance from a lot of great bakeries and restaurants in Ferndale. The library itself is quiet but not to a deafening degree. There's some light chatter and it gets a lot of sunlight which is also a plus. The staff is super friendly and there are plenty of computers and seating available. They also have a kids corner with books, games, and other activities to keep kids occupied. I also love that there's a lot of different seating options with spacious countertops for work and individual seating if you want to study alone. Highly recommend getting some work done here or just stopping by to dig into a good book !

    Photos
    Ferndale Area District Library - Library first floor

    Library first floor

    Ferndale Area District Library - Library first floor

    Library first floor

    Ferndale Area District Library - From http://www.ferndale.lib.mi.us/

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    From http://www.ferndale.lib.mi.us/

    Bloomfield Township Public Library - plenty of magazines

    Bloomfield Township Public Library

    4.6(25 reviews)
    18.0 mi

    A well-appointed, gorgeous public library. I entered on a Friday afternoon and found the library…read morebusy with teens studying, all ages browsing books and seniors filling several tables playing cards and board games in a rec. room that is right at the front entrance. I browsed the little bookstore and purchased a 1000 piece puzzle from Springbok and two cd's all for just $5.00. There is a children's room right at the front of the entrance. Also at the front of the entrance are a nice selection of mobility aids for those that need a little assistance getting around. The entrance itself is full of beautiful plants, trees and scenic decorations, making the entire vibe very welcoming. There is a computer room in the far back, a heft section of nothing but large print books. The front desk people were very knowledgeable and friendly.

    In town for a few days with plans to spend time with family while working remotely, I needed…read moresomewhere to go due to my mom's dog barking. She suggested the Bloomfield Township Public Library and admittedly, I was a bit hesitant at first. However, I was in need of somewhere quiet to connect to video calls and I didn't have much time, so I somewhat begrudgingly headed over. Wow - I was blown away by the beautiful space - both indoor and out. There are plenty of friendly staff members to help answer your questions, obviously tons of books, a large and colorful children's area, an outdoor area, a vending machine area, computer area, plenty of desks, and private rooms for members. I am not a resident or member, so I headed outside to a beautiful terrace and I'm now back for my second day working here because I loved it so much. I haven't looked too deeply, but there also appear to be programs for community members of all ages to partake in - from book clubs and writers groups to knitting groups, summer craft kits, language conversation groups, speed dating with a book, and so much more. I'm literally so impressed with everything this library has to offer. I will be back and this may inspire me to also visit my own library back home. Lesson learned: never question a suggestion from my mom ;)

    Photos
    Bloomfield Township Public Library - Very active game room

    Very active game room

    Bloomfield Township Public Library - Another view of the entrance

    Another view of the entrance

    Bloomfield Township Public Library - Easy self checkout

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    Easy self checkout

    Southfield Public Library - Children's sitting options

    Southfield Public Library

    4.6(43 reviews)
    12.3 mi

    The Southfield Public Library is fantastic! It's a gathering space with FREE rooms to meet for…read moresmall groups in addition to having Video Conference rooms for Zoom meetings(for one person). There's three floors with a separate section for children, teens and adults along with the traditional categories. They hold book readings, used book sales and author talks. I love that the library is centrally located. Clean restrooms and the library very well organized. They even have a mobile app! Decor is nice with plenty of space and artwork. The staff is pleasant and helpful. The library is very well used and busy and that's a good thing!

    Southfield Public Library is not only a great asset to the Southfield community. It is also a…read moretourist attraction for the Metropolitan Detroit area. It is acclaimed to be one of the finest libraries in the country. It is wonderful to have a third generation of my family enjoying and discovering all that the library has to offer. My granddaughter loves the children's room. Her imagination gets to run with the kitchen play area, doll house, puzzles, puppets and the books. This puts me in the mind of the Dr. Seuss book, Oh The Places You Will Go! The library has plenty of room and space for the whole family. Parents please note: You MUST keep your children with you at all times. You also can not drop your children off and leave them unattended for their safety.

    Photos
    Southfield Public Library - Southfield Public Library Seed Library

    Southfield Public Library Seed Library

    Southfield Public Library - Guess what is behind the question mark

    Guess what is behind the question mark

    Southfield Public Library - Children's imagination station

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    Children's imagination station

    Detroit Public Library - libraries - Updated July 2026

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