Detroit Public Library — Main Library
🏢 Detroit Public Library · Detroit, Michigan
Detroit Public Library — Main Library
The Detroit Public Library's Main Library at 5201 Woodward Avenue is one of the most architecturally distinguished public libraries in the United States. Designed by Cass Gilbert in Italian Renaissance style and opened on March 29, 1921, it houses the world-class Burton Historical Collection for Detroit and regional history, the HYPE Teen Center with podcast studio and 3D printers, a Patent & Trademark Resource Center, and an adult literacy program — open seven days a week.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 481-1400
Website: detroitpubliclibrary.org
Plus Code: 86JR9W5M+87 (Detroit, MI)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Detroit Public Library — Main Library
The Detroit Public Library traces its roots to March 25, 1865, when a public reading room opened in the old Capitol High School on Griswold Street with a collection of 5,000 books. The current Main Library, at 5201 Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit, was designed by architect Cass Gilbert, partially funded by Andrew Carnegie, and opened in March 1921. Its Italian Renaissance facade of Vermont marble was called the most beautiful building in Detroit. In 1963, the Cass Avenue wings doubled the building's footprint to 240,000 square feet. Today the Main Library is the flagship of a 21-branch system — the 12th-largest public library system in the United States, with approximately 7.6 million items. The building holds the Burton Historical Collection (books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, newspapers and genealogy records spanning Detroit, Michigan and the Old Northwest), a Patent and Trademark Resource Center, a Federal Depository Collection of government documents, a dedicated HYPE Teen Center (for ages 13–18) with makerspace and recording studio, and an adult literacy program. In 1970, Clara Stanton Jones became director of DPL — the first woman and first African American to lead a major American public library system. The Main Library remains open on Fridays while all branches have moved to a Saturday open schedule.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Cass Gilbert-designed Italian Renaissance landmark opened March 29, 1921 — funded in part by Andrew Carnegie and built with Vermont marble
- Burton Historical Collection: one of the country's most important archives for Detroit, Michigan and Great Lakes history, genealogy and manuscripts
- Patent & Trademark Resource Center — expert librarians and comprehensive USPTO databases for inventors and entrepreneurs
- HYPE Teen Center (ages 13–18): podcast studio, 3D printers, makerspace, manga, gaming, and career-prep resources
- Federal Depository Collection, Detroit Newspaper Search (1874–present), and adult literacy program — all free with your library card
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
DPL cardholders can research, stream and borrow free through Detroit's collections and Michigan's statewide digital library:
📚 Services
- Burton Historical Collection — genealogy & Detroit regional history research (appointment recommended; open Tue–Sun with walk-in hours 2–6pm)
- Patent & Trademark Resource Center — USPTO patent and trademark searches with expert assistance
- Federal Depository Collection — legislative, legal, trade and consumer government documents
- HYPE Teen Center (ages 13–18) — makerspace, 3D printers, podcast studio, manga, gaming
- Adult Literacy Program — tutor-led reading instruction in a learner-centered environment
- Career & Employment assistance — resume help, cover letters, job listings
- Obituary & death record research using newspaper and microfilm archives
- Laptop-to-Go & Hotspot-to-Go lending
- Public computers, printing (MobilePrint/Princh app), and meeting rooms
- Accessible services and Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
🎸 Programs
- Summer Reading Program (Unearth a Story)
- HYPE Teen events: gaming tournaments, makerspace workshops, coding and career programs
- Burton Historical Collection research events and genealogy workshops
- Author talks and community programs at the Main Library
- Adult literacy tutoring sessions year-round
📍 Nearby Detroit Public Library Branches
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Detroit Public Library Main Library open, and who designed it?
The Main Library opened on March 29, 1921. It was designed by Cass Gilbert — the same architect who designed the U.S. Supreme Court Building — in Italian Renaissance style, with a facade of Vermont marble. Construction was partly funded by a gift from Andrew Carnegie, and the building was widely praised as the most beautiful in Detroit. The Cass Avenue wings, which doubled its size to 240,000 square feet, opened in June 1963.
What is the Burton Historical Collection, and how do I access it?
The Burton Historical Collection (BHC) is one of the country's most important private historical archives, donated by Detroit attorney Clarence Monroe Burton. It holds books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, newspapers, family histories, church and military records, and land records documenting Detroit, Michigan, the Great Lakes region and early North America. Walk-in access is available Tuesday through Saturday 2–6pm, and by appointment at other times. Contact bhc@detroitpubliclibrary.org or (313) 481-1401.
What is the HYPE Teen Center at the Main Library?
HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) is DPL's teen-focused center, located at the Main Library. It's open to teens ages 13–18 and features a podcast and recording studio, 3D printers, sewing machines, young adult books, manga and comics, board games and gaming stations. Teens can also access databases for career prep, financial literacy, and STEM learning, and the HYPE Teen card is available at the circulation desk for anyone turning 13.
Is the Main Library open on Sundays and Fridays?
Yes — the Main Library is open Sunday 1pm–5pm and Friday 10am–6pm. (All DPL branch locations are closed on Fridays and open on Saturdays; the Main Library is the one exception that retains Friday hours.) Full hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday 10am–6pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm–8pm; Saturday 10am–6pm; Sunday 1pm–5pm.
📜 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 has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces by state.
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