Detroit Public Library, Public library in Detroit, United States
The Detroit Public Library is a public library building with Italian Renaissance architecture, featuring carved stone details and ornamental elements on its facade. The main facility spans three floors along Woodward Avenue and provides access to millions of books and electronic resources across a network of branch locations.
The library opened in 1921 after Andrew Carnegie provided funding and architect Cass Gilbert designed the building, which had been delayed by World War I. This opening marked a major step forward for public education and access to knowledge in the city.
The library houses collections about Michigan's history and the automobile industry that visitors can explore today. These holdings show how the city developed and what role the auto industry played in people's lives.
The main building and branch locations operate during various hours to accommodate different visitor needs and activities, with clear signage and easy-to-navigate spaces. Parking and public transportation are readily available near the Woodward Avenue location to make access convenient.
In 1970, Clara Stanton Jones became the first African American and first female director of a major library system in the United States when she took charge here. Her appointment marked a turning point for diversity and inclusion in cultural institutions across the country.
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