Mackinac has long been noted as a gathering place. Located on the shores of The Straits of Mackinac our library serves people from all corners of the world. The new facility is the result of efforts of the entire community. The Mackinac Island Public Library is classic Michigan Pioneer architecture, blending classic lines with its timeless surroundings.
The library is a busy gathering place for the community and all who reach her shores. The collection holds a wide selection of reading materials for all ages and all interests. We have regular print and large print books; audio tapes for both adult and children; entertainment and informational video tapes, We have a CD-ROM workstation with many CD-ROM products available for used. We also have a public access computer with word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
The Rosa Webb Room houses materials pertaining to Michlimackinac and Michigan history. The Benjamin Clarke Morse Jr. Collection consists of over 300 books and ephermals gathered by Mr. Morse. This significant collection covers a wide-range of topics inc luding: Mackinac and Michigan history; Great Lakes shipping, biographies, Northern Michigan travel pamphlets. This is the largest collection of Mackinac Island and Michlimackinac materials open to the public in northern Michigan.
The library's decor was specially designed to reflect the rich history of Mackinac and the traditional role of public library reading rooms. The main room oak reading table was originally in a law library in Colorado. The brass chandelier is from the Ne wport Beach home of John Jacob Astor. A Jerome and Co. veneer inlay clock hangs over the fireplace mantle. Carleton located this American made clock in Ireland. A Barnes and Hubbard Copper Chandelier hangs in the Rosa Webb room, as does a photo of Mrs. Webb and a group of law librarians meeting at their annual conference at Grand Hotel in 1890. Daguerreotypes of 19th century American Literary Figures (Holmes, Longfellow, Bryant, Emerson, Lowell and Whittier) hang near the custom designed maple circula tion desk. All of these furnishings were paid for by designated donated funds from generous library supporters and funds raising efforts by the Board of Trustees.
The Mackinac Island Public Library touches the shores of the Straits of Mackinac. Its reading deck is a stone's throw from the waters traveled by voyageurs, Ojibway, missionaries and tourists It's four laminated wood rocking chairs are a popular resting spot.