Dearborn Public Library — Henry Ford Centennial Library
🏢 Dearborn Public Library System · Dearborn, Michigan
Dearborn Public Library — Henry Ford Centennial Library
The Henry Ford Centennial Library — Dearborn's flagship public library — was built in 1969 with a $3.5 million grant from the Ford Foundation and features striking public art including a Marshall Fredericks Henry Ford statue and a Glen Michaels serpentine wall sculpture.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 1 PM – 5 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 16301 MICHIGAN AVENUE, DEARBORN, MI 48126
Phone: +1-313-943-2330
Website: dearbornlibrary.org
Plus Code: 86JR8Q7W+FR (DEARBORN, MI)
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📖 About Dearborn Public Library — Henry Ford Centennial Library
Dearborn Public Library traces its origins to 1919, when the Garden Club of Dearborn led the effort to establish a reading room; the first formal library opened in Village Hall in March 1921, and an original Main Library on Michigan & Mason followed in 1924. The current flagship Henry Ford Centennial Library at 16301 Michigan Avenue was dedicated November 25, 1969, designed by architects Harley, Ellington & Associates with funding from a $3.5 million Ford Foundation grant — a nod to Henry Ford's deep ties to the city. The building houses notable public artwork: a Henry Ford statue by sculptor Marshall Fredericks and a "Serpentine Wall" sculpture by Glen Michaels. The library system also operates the Bryant Branch and Esper Branch (both currently closed for renovations). The system went fine-free in 2022, and a Digitization Lab and SparkLab makerspace were added for community use. Dearborn's large Arab-American community — the city has one of the highest concentrations in the country — is well served by the library's multilingual resources and community programs.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Henry Ford Centennial Library — 1969 landmark building funded by a $3.5M Ford Foundation grant
- Public art by Marshall Fredericks (Henry Ford statue) and Glen Michaels (Serpentine Wall)
- SparkLab makerspace and Digitization Lab for community creativity and preservation
- Michigan Activity Pass — free access to cultural and recreation sites statewide
- Fine-free since 2022 — no overdue fines for most materials
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your Dearborn library card unlocks powerful digital resources for research, learning, and entertainment:
📚 Services
- SparkLab makerspace (digital production and creative tools)
- Digitization Lab (digitize family photos, slides, and documents)
- Michigan Activity Pass (free cultural and recreation site access)
- Computer & internet access (free)
- Printing, copying & fax
- Mobile hotspot lending
- Exam proctoring
- Room rentals for community use
- Veterans Resource Center
- Community Cabinet (community resources hub)
- Seed Library
- Book Club Kits
- Fine-free borrowing (since 2022)
🎸 Programs
- Video game tournaments for teens and adults
- Silent Book Club (adults)
- Story times for young children
- Homework help and tutoring resources
- Author talks and literary events
- PSAT preparation workshops
- Qigong and wellness programs
- Seasonal Grab & Go activity kits
📍 Nearby Libraries in the Dearborn Area
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Dearborn main library called the Henry Ford Centennial Library?
The library was dedicated in 1969 — the centennial year of Henry Ford's birth in 1863 — and was built largely with a $3.5 million grant from the Ford Foundation. The name honors both Ford's birth centennial and his enduring connection to Dearborn, where he was born and where the Ford Motor Company is headquartered.
What is the SparkLab at Dearborn Public Library?
The SparkLab is the library's makerspace, offering access to creative and digital production equipment for community members of all ages. Alongside it, the Digitization Lab lets patrons convert family photos, slides, and documents into digital formats to preserve personal and community history.
Does Dearborn Public Library charge overdue fines?
No. The library went fine-free in 2022, meaning there are no overdue fines for most borrowed materials. Replacement fees may still apply for lost or damaged items — contact the library for current policy details.
How can I access the Michigan Activity Pass?
Cardholders can reserve Michigan Activity Passes through miactivitypass.org using their Dearborn library card number. The passes provide free or discounted admission to participating Michigan museums, parks, and cultural destinations.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes by state.
🔨 This library has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces 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.
🌱 This library has a seed library. See how library seed libraries work — borrow free seeds, grow them, and save some to return — and find other libraries with a seed library seed libraries by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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