Detroit Public Library

This tour is SOLD OUT! Please call Rebecca at 313.833.1801 for wait list information. 

Friday tour

While the Detroit Public Library opened in 1865, its Main Branch on Woodward wasn’t opened in its present location until March 21, 1921. Due to lack of funds, construction delays and World War I, the formal dedication of the Main Library did not take place until June 3, 1921. The early Italian Renaissance-style building of three floors housed eight reference departments and 439,000 books. In 1963, wings fronting Cass Avenue were added to the north and south ends of the original building. This tour will highlight the art, architecture and collections of the Main Library.