Mount Clemens Public Library
🏢 Mount Clemens Public Library · Mount Clemens, Michigan
Mount Clemens Public Library
Founded in 1865 by a school superintendent who carved out shelf space in a Union School building, Mount Clemens Public Library is widely recognized as Michigan's oldest public library — now anchoring the Macomb County seat with one of the state's most extensive genealogy collections.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 150 Cass Avenue, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Phone: 586-469-6200
Website: mtclib.org
Plus Code: 86JVH4W8+XJ (Mount Clemens, MI)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Mount Clemens Public Library
Superintendent Silas Wood established the Mount Clemens Public Library in 1865 by setting aside space in the Union School building, making it one of the earliest public libraries in Michigan. The collection outgrew its school quarters and eventually moved into a Carnegie-funded building on Gratiot Avenue — the structure now known as the Anton Art Center — which opened to the public in February 1905. In 1969, the library relocated to a purpose-built facility at 150 Cass Avenue, and in 2020 Mount Clemens voters approved a major renovation of that building, reconfiguring interior spaces to expand programming capacity and address aging infrastructure. Today the library holds one of Macomb County's most significant genealogy collections: over 300,000 print volumes, more than 5,000 reels of microfilm, popular subscription databases, and locally produced indexes covering Macomb County and Mount Clemens records. Free notary services and MeL statewide interlibrary lending add to the library's daily utility for residents of the Macomb County seat.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1865 by Superintendent Silas Wood — widely recognized as Michigan's oldest public library
- Original Carnegie building (1905) on Gratiot Ave now preserved as the Anton Art Center
- One of Macomb County's largest genealogy collections: 300,000+ volumes, 5,000+ microfilm reels, local indexes
- Free notary service by appointment (call 586-469-6200) — no fee for the notarization itself
- 2020 voter-approved renovation expanded programming space and modernized the Cass Avenue facility
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your free Mount Clemens Library card opens MeL databases, statewide MeLCat interlibrary loans, digital books, and a full suite of research tools available around the clock.
📚 Services
- Free library cards for Mount Clemens and Macomb County residents
- Genealogy collection: 300,000+ print volumes, 5,000+ microfilm reels, local indexes
- Free notary service by appointment
- Public computer workstations with internet access and Microsoft Office
- MeLCat interlibrary loan — access items from any Michigan library
- Printing, copying, and scanning services
- Meeting rooms for community use
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and early literacy programs
- Teen and adult programming throughout the year
- Community outreach and local history events
- Summer reading programs for all ages
📍 Nearby Libraries in Macomb County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Mount Clemens · Browse all Michigan libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount Clemens Public Library really Michigan's oldest public library?
Yes. The library was established in 1865 when Superintendent Silas Wood set aside space in the Union School building (now St. Mary Catholic School) for a public collection — predating most Michigan public libraries by decades. This heritage is documented in the library's own historical records and widely recognized by Michigan library history sources.
What makes the genealogy collection at Mount Clemens unique?
The library holds one of Macomb County's most extensive genealogy resources: over 300,000 print volumes, more than 5,000 reels of microfilm, popular subscription databases, and locally produced databases indexing Macomb County and Mount Clemens records. Experienced staff can also perform look-ups for researchers who cannot visit in person — call 586-469-6200 for details.
Does Mount Clemens Public Library offer free notary services?
Yes. The library provides free notary services by appointment. Call 586-469-6200 to schedule — there is no charge for the notarization itself.
What is MeLCat and how does it expand my borrowing options?
MeLCat is Michigan's statewide interlibrary catalog. With your Mount Clemens Library card, you can request items from participating libraries across Michigan; they are delivered to 150 Cass Avenue for pickup. This gives you access to materials far beyond the local collection. Search at www.mtclib.org/208/MeLCat.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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