Behind the Scenes: Detroit Public Library Main Branch

Sat Apr 25 2026 at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm UTC-04:00

Detroit Public Library | Detroit

Detroit Historical Society
Publisher/HostDetroit Historical Society
Behind the Scenes: Detroit Public Library Main Branch
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The steel frame skeleton of the Detroit Public Library’s Main Branch sat naked and unfinished through much of 1915 and 1916 as library leadership awaited voter passage of a bond issue intended to finance the structure’s completion in a fashion true to the board’s lofty vision. That passage occurred on Election Day of 1916 and its cornerstone was laid early the following year. Four more years of construction would then ensue, culminating in the 1921 dedication of what is today considered one of the city and state’s top architectural attractions; a veritable museum unto itself.
Join author, photographer and architectural historian Dale A. Carlson for a tour and discussion of the architectural and artistic highlights of the Detroit Public Library's Main Branch at Woodward & Kirby Street.
Detroit Historical Society members $25
Guests $35
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Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Ave,Detroit, Michigan, United States

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