Canton Public Library brings together community members from within Canton and beyond.
Did you know that we are a part of the Library Network Consortium? This means that there is a full list of other libraries in Michigan with which we reciprocate. To check out materials from CPL, bring your home library card and a picture ID, and you can check out physical materials from our collection in no time.
Many travelers visit libraries while vacationing in Michigan. It’s a fun and engaging way to see what other libraries throughout the state have to offer. We asked Michigan libraries to share what makes them special and worth visiting, and got lots of great responses.
From beautiful and historic architecture to stunning gardens with musical instruments, vibrant children’s departments to amazing historical rooms, Michigan libraries are outstanding and just waiting to be discovered. If there’s one thing all libraries have in common, it’s how much we love seeing smiling patron faces.
If you visit any or all of the fantastic places on this list, be sure to tell them the Canton Public Library said hello.
Ann Arbor Area
Chelsea District Library is located in a beautiful building that combines the new and the historic. Twenty years ago, the town voted yes on a bond that allowed it to expand the existing library, located in the historic McKune House, into a two-story structure with room for over 80,000 items.
They have some things you wouldn't expect in a library: tiny fairy houses and barns in their Reading Garden, large sculptures on the lawn that change each year, and even a makerspace. The makerspace room houses equipment for creating things: sewing machines, resin and 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers, vinyl heat presses and more. It's a place to let your ingenuity shine, so they call it the Ingenuity Engine.
Metro Detroit
At the Berkley Public Library, they have a large train in the children's room that you can sit inside to read.
Bloomfield Township Public Library
Bloomfield Township Public Library features 13 signature gardens designed by Jim Slezinski, a landscape horticulturist and Vice President of Goldner Walsh Garden and Home. These gardens—which won a Detroit Design Award for Commercial Landscape in 2022—are open year-round for public enjoyment.
Jim has been enhancing the library grounds since the 1970s, providing a beautiful space for visitors to read and relax. His favorite space is the Library Terrace: "It's nice to go read a book and sit at the tables, surrounded by the garden. I like to watch the gardens change with the seasons."
The Brighton District Library houses the Norma Gray Gallery, featuring art by local artists (some pieces are available for sale). They also have a gorgeous garden maintained by a local garden club, as well as a children's playhouse.
But that's not all: they have outside musical instruments to play and a learning walk with stations to make rubbings of different types of Michigan nature. There's a pavilion and tables outside, so you can enjoy the garden and the grounds, and enjoy a picnic in the pavilion as well.
The Center Line Public Library has a wonderful collection of zines. If you're not familiar, zines are short booklets on any subject created and produced solely by independent writers and artists, with no assistance or input from publishers.
Zines allow anyone (really, anyone) to put their thoughts down on paper and distribute them to readers in their community and beyond. They're usually obtained at zine fairs, indie bookstores, or simply by chance.
Since zines can be hard to come by for people outside of very artsy/indie spaces, having them in the library is a great way for these small creators to reach a wider audience and spread awareness of the art form.
The Center Line Public Library collection features zines from creators nationwide, but has a focus on local creators, especially those in the indie comics and cartooning scene. Many of the zines are sourced from artists known personally to the librarians, as well as through frequent visits to local festivals like A2CAF (The Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival), Detroit Zine Fest, Detroit Art Book Fair and more.
Located very close to the Detroit River and beautiful Dingell Park, the Ecorse Library offers a variety of unique items alongside its well-maintained, updated collection. They offer a care closet and Little Free Pantry for library visitors.
Their "Family Fun Kits" are dedicated to popular characters like Bluey, Curious George and others, and include books, games and toys so the whole family can enjoy a variety of materials based on the character their young one loves most. They also offer Life Kits for adults and teens that address sensitive topics such as divorce, co-parenting and pregnancy (among others).
Don't forget to stop in and say hello to their giraffe, Mina.
The Grosse Pointe Public Library’s Central Library branch is truly a work of art, and it was named to the National Register of Historic Places by the Department of the Interior in 2021.
The building was built in 1953 by the Bauhaus-trained architect Marcel Breuer, born in Hungary in 1902. The Central Library was one of his first major public commissions in the United States and the only one of his buildings in the Detroit area.
Inside the Main Reading Room of the Central Library, they also have a Calder Mobile. The mobile was a gift from W. Hawkins Ferry and was made by the artist, Alexander Calder, in his studio in Roxbury, Connecticut, for the library.
There are other works of art throughout the library to discover and enjoy as well.
Highland Township Public Library
Highland Township is a small community nestled among many larger communities. It retains a small-town "nature" feel, and its library was designed to reflect such an atmosphere.
If you are a fan of architecture or nature, visit their library. David Osler designed the library with nature in mind. He considered the building a vantage point for the environment around it: a lake, pine trees, frogs, turtles and more
They have tiles with frogs and turtles, and a treehouse area that makes you feel as though you are in a treehouse overlooking the lake. These areas are very peaceful for reading and are meant to help the library blend into the natural surroundings. This quiet library, nestled in a pine grove, is worth a visit.
In addition to a large children’s department, a Library of Things, a bookstore and other services, the Civic Center Library in Livonia has a 1,000-square-foot art gallery on the 2nd floor that changes every month. Check out the schedule on the Livonia Arts Commission website.
Madonna University, a small private university in Livonia, has an open-to-the-public library. They have guest Wi-Fi and computers with guest access, allowing patrons to access the library’s digital resources. In addition, they have a law library, children's books, and a collection of Polish-language books.
More information can be found on their website or by contacting them at 734-432-5703 or ref@madonna.edu.
The Novi Public Library offers the iCube Makerspace for patrons to explore. Need to laminate something, print photos, make buttons or transfer a photo to a mug? The library is here to help. Check out the availability of the equipment and explore your options.
Additionally, the library offers beachside access to the Lakeshore Lending Library kiosk in beautiful Lakeshore Park, located on the shores of Walled Lake. With a collection of 235 adult and youth items, the kiosk gives the whole family the chance to read at the beach or the playground and allows patrons to check out hot new titles without waiting in line for a hold.
Lakeshore Lending Library was the first self-service library kiosk in Michigan, and residents love the convenience it offers.
At Plymouth District Library, get crafty in their Technology Commons with tools like a Glowforge laser cutter, Cricut cutter, poster printers, embroidery machine, sewing machines, and 3D printers. Their Library of Things offers neat items you can borrow like a telescope, GoPro camera, projector and screen, metal detector, bird watching kit, hiking poles, plus STEM kits for kids.
Additionally, they have a board game collection with games for loan for all ages and difficulty levels. For readers, they have an extensive manga collection and a collection of talking Vox picture books and Wonderbooks chapter books. Be sure to check out their summer programs in their outdoor program space, the Wilcox Amphitheater.
The Southfield Public Library is special for two big reasons. Their children's area is a place to learn and explore. It has a castle made out of books, including a book throne and Slumber the dragon. They have a Reader's Treehouse, Imaginarium Garden, and, of course, lots of books. TLN library cardholders can check out up to 25 items at the Southfield Library.
The second reason is their artwork. They have permanent artworks by Marshall Fredericks, Gary Lee Price Studios, Jerry Pinkney, Dr. Seuss, Arthur Kraft and more. You can see some of the pieces here.
Waterford Township Public Library
Waterford Township Public Library has a beautiful, walkable campus, and the library grounds feature lovely gardens tended by the Library Garden Club, a volunteer group.
The grounds of the Township campus include a large pond, a Veterans Memorial area and a well-tended cemetery owned by the Township.
If you are lucky while out and about on the campus, you may meet the members of the Sandhill Crane family that frequent the area. Sometimes they try to get into the library, usually before they open. (They peer in the windows and doors.)
West Bloomfield Township Public Library
The West Bloomfield Township Public Library has a few unique features that make it an attractive destination for many out-of-towners.
With a playhouse, kid-sized car, puppet theatre, activity tables and more toys or games available by request, both the Main Library and Westacres Branch in West Bloomfield have plenty to offer visiting families with kids of all ages.
Hunt for nursery rhyme tiles around the room and settle into a cozy reading nook for a story. The Storybook Trail outside the Main Library's Youth Terrace is a great way to engage with literature and get outdoors. Check the calendar on their website to see which library programs are open to non-residents.
Students and adults appreciate the Main Library's many work environments, including study pods, study tables, outdoor terrace tables, cozy fireplace seating, quiet study room and more.
The Reflection Room offers a relaxing space for users to take breaks from their studies, meditate, pray or read quietly, with rocking chairs, cushioned floor seating and yoga mats facing nearby woods.
Visitors can also walk through the woods on the Civic Center Trail. A Community Commons space is available for public use when not reserved, with flexible collaborative tables and seating, whiteboards and cutting-edge technology, including a 3D printer, Cricut and laser cutter.
Westland Public Library has a seed library that is open to all. With a Westland Library card, you can gain access to their Library of Things, STEM kits, and Storytime Kits. Westland cardholders at least 18 years old can check out wireless hotspots, too.
If you enjoy participating in creative and artistic pursuits, you might be interested in submitting to their Tiny Art Show, photography contest, or the Westland Writes program (a great opportunity for attendees of the Adult Writers' Group held at CPL on Tuesday evenings!).
The White Lake Township Library has outdoor patio spaces with all kinds of games for kids, sensory and butterfly gardens and space to read while enjoying the natural beauty around us.
They also have an Idea Lab/Library of Things that includes a 3D printer, garden tools, cake pans and much more, which you can see here. Their new building opened in 2019—take a virtual tour here.
Mid-Michigan
The T.A. Cutler Memorial Library in St. Louis, MI, spans almost a full city block and includes a custom-built gazebo modeled after a historic well-house from when St. Louis was a destination for magnetic mineral springs and their healing properties.
Northern Michigan
Traverse Area District Library
The entire Traverse Area District Library (TADL) network has six unique libraries around Grand Traverse County, a county that abounds in recreational areas, wineries, restaurants, beaches and many other attractions that make for a great visit—including the libraries.
Located on the east side of beautiful Boardman Lake, the Main Library/Woodmere is surrounded by gardens, including a neighboring children's garden, and is on the regional TART trails system. They have a busy events calendar and vibrant local music. In 2024, they rolled out a local music streaming service called TADL Waves. Stop by for the great Wi-Fi, stay for the Hi-Fi.
The East Bay Branch Library is a little jewel box of a library in a charming historic building. It features a popular Sing & Stomp program twice a week.
The Kingsley Branch Library, located in downtown Kingsley next to a newly renovated park, is a certified Monarch butterfly waystation and a destination for many fans of the Wigglers storytimes. It has a large pollinator garden and a beautiful Monarch sculpture created by a local artist.
The Fife Lake Public Library is nestled in the wooded area surrounding Fife Lake. This bright and airy library features a lakeside front porch with rocking chairs, where you can enjoy a book. They are currently planning a two-story expansion project.
Interlochen Public Library is a stone's throw from neighboring Interlochen Arts Academy, a world-class school for young artists and musicians. It has a creative vibe, popular yoga classes and a commercial kitchen.
Peninsula Community Library is centrally located on the peninsula's Old Mission Wine Trail. While it can be mistaken for a winery by visitors, you can't judge a book by its cover. It has a beautiful stone fireplace, gardens, and more. One cool feature: “Stay Sharp” memory care kits.
TADL celebrates over 150 years of library history. They trace their origins to the Ladies Library Association (LLA), founded in 1869. The LLA's founding members were inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in December 2023.
Southern Michigan
The Homer Public Library offers a weekly “Color Me Calm” crafting event. While you are there, be sure to check out the lighthouse and lightkeeper's house made out of Petoskey stones.
What makes Tecumseh special is that the staff consistently go above and beyond for patrons (and for each other) to make every experience as perfect as possible. Staff are continually trained to put them in the best possible position to serve the public.
They also have the Clara Waldron Historical Room that houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Tecumseh and Lenawee County. Many of the artifacts are mirrored on their website as well.
The Stair District Library in Morenci, MI, has 15 outdoor musical instruments from Percussion Play right in front of their library on Main Street. They are beautiful, sound great even if you have zero musical ability, and are such a delight. So, whether the library is open or closed, the instruments are available for anyone to play—making it worth the drive from anywhere.
Inside, in the children’s area, they have many building toys, traditional wood blocks, Connectagons, Bristle Blocks and Squigz. There are games, puzzles and puppets ready to play, no need to ask. They also have an Art Cart with cool supplies like alcohol ink markers, Prismacolor pencils and Scratch Art.
A community puzzle is usually featured in the main area, and Magnetic Poetry is featured in the Teen Area. Their Baby/Toddler materials (silk and regular scarves, shaker eggs, bells, ribbons, lummi sticks, etc.) are not in the public area, but can be requested for in-library use.
There are other cool features like stuffed felt animal heads hanging on the walls, eight small farming-related stained-glass windows from when the library hosted the Smithsonian Institution’s “Barn Again: Celebrating an American Icon” exhibit in 2004, and a quilt that mirrors a mural in a park across the street.
There’s also a StoryWalk at the park, a few blocks from the library. The park also has fun playground equipment plus tennis/pickleball courts.
Thumb Area
This is a little one-room library housed in a former church. They try to pack a lot into their little space. They have books, of course, including a rather large collection of Amish romances that are popular with their patrons.
Patrons can read books in a couple of big comfy chairs in front of a bay window with a device charging station, where everyone is welcome to a hot beverage or some water. They have public computers and printing available on their open Wi-Fi network, with an extension for better service outside the building when they're not open.
For families, the library offers a homeschooling collection of books, flashcards and other items kindly donated by one of their patrons. Their Library of Things has puzzles, a metal detector, a volleyball net, children's toys and themed memory kits with activities to engage all senses.
Upper Peninsula
The St. Ignace Public Library is a true community library, which means they're a little loud (but that's okay with them!). The library sits on a hill at the southern edge of town, offering a marvelous view of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac just below.
The library itself is a great place to discover the latest titles, upcoming community events and to stay for great conversation. Their Local History Room contains digitized local newspapers, local history titles and family histories. The Michigan Collection is housed in the library proper, along with the library's Native/Tribal collection.
As if that weren't enough, the Children's Area is full of toys and games and early literacy fun.
Western Michigan
The Allegan District Library is a Carnegie library that opened in 1914. Though they have had two expansions since then, they have kept the original building and have worked to keep and reconstruct the original shelving, lighting and other details. The library also overlooks the Kalamazoo River, Allegan's historic iron bridge and the beautiful riverfront boardwalk.
Muskegon Area District Library
Anyone visiting the Muskegon Area District Library will have access to camping equipment, color blind glasses, yard games, translation pens, bike lending, metal detectors, laptops, iPads and Wi-Fi hotspots.
Patrons can enjoy beach bookmobile visits on Lake Michigan, zoo visits, Farmers Market storytimes, bilingual programming, euchre tournaments, murder mysteries, Bluey parties and a number of other programs that are all free to the public.
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