The Village Library That Could

Groundbreaking ahead for new Elk Rapids District Library

After 75-plus years in the charming Island House, and despite a generous lease that stretches out to 2038, the Elk Rapids District Library is planning to move into new digs in 2027, a space that will not only change the footprint but also the reach of the library—and the opportunities for the region.

The Island House was built in 1865 as a private residence for Edwin S. Noble, an industrialist who was part of the Noble-Dexter iron smelting company, at one time Elk Rapids’ largest employer. Eventually, the Dexter family acquired the house, and it was donated to the village in 1948 by descendant Katherine Dexter McCormick, suffragette, co-founder of the League of Women Voters, MIT grad in biology, funder of the development of the birth control pill, and heir to the International Harvester fortune.

The philanthropist stipulated only that the Island House be used for the benefit of the community, and in 1949 it became the home of the village library; in 1971 it was designated the Elk Rapids District Library. The Michigan Historical Commission designated the site in the State Register of Historic Sites in 1979.

“[Over] five thousand people are served by this old house,” says director Pamela Williams, including Elk Rapids and Milton Townships, Village of Elk Rapids, and portions of Torch Lake Township.

Growing Up

In fact, over the last fiscal year, the Elk Rapids District Library saw 40,477 visitors, checking out 33,262 items from a permanent collection of 20,073 total books and materials. (Not including what’s in storage.) All this in a building that has trouble seating a large group comfortably, necessitating that many programs are conducted off-site.

The steady use of the Island House proved two things: that the library is a community treasure and that it was in dire need of expansion.

Several expansion plans were studied over a decade, but they were impractical and sometimes even contentious, given the historical designation, and so focus switched from expanding the space to looking for a new space completely. (The Island House committee meets regularly to help transition the old location into its next iteration as a beloved community asset.)

The Breton Group, a Grand Rapids-based consulting firm, created a feasibility study in 2024 based on deep levels of community input, and presented a phased fundraising effort from a combination of private monies, foundation grants, and business support. The resulting fundraising program found vigorous support, and Phase I is fully funded with $3.5 million from grants and private donations and $3.5 million from a short-term capital bond mileage.

In 2024, the library purchased the former Traverse Bay Manufacturing building on Cairn Highway.

Architectural firm Quinn Evans, with six locations, including Ann Arbor and Detroit, is renowned for its methods for reuse and sustainability, including landmarks from the Smithsonian to the Lansing statehouse, in addition to numerous library projects. In 2024 they received the annual AIA Architecture Firm Award, the highest honor given by the American Institute of Architects.

In fact, the knowledge that Quinn Evans was driving the project proved a big boost. Says Williams, “Their significance and the quality of this firm actually increased support for the project.”

The construction management team from Cunningham Limp, the Novi, Michigan-based development company with offices in Traverse City, is facilitating the project.

Moving Out

Groundbreaking is scheduled for June 30, with construction commencing shortly after. The project is estimated to take from 10 to 12 months, with high hopes for an early completion.

“A May 2027 [completion date] would be incredible,” Wilson says.

A portion of the funding includes a professional moving package to make the transition process fast and seamless when the time comes. (There will be no need for employees to fill their cars with boxes and make multiple trips.)

“I anticipate [that it will take] about two weeks to get set up,” Williams explains. Along with a totally new interior, infrastructure, and furnishings, an estimated 25,000 new volumes will arrive in phases to be added to the library’s collection.

When finished, the repurposed building, double the current space at 14,000 square feet, will be a thriving hub of activity with spaces for traditional library services, adult education, and dedicated spots for teens, tweens, and early childhood literacy, plus meeting rooms, and smaller study rooms. The Friends of the Library will headquarter there, and a multi-purpose community room, accommodating up to 90 people with varied configurations, plus a full-service kitchen expands the possibilities for any number of events and special programs.

“And,” Williams adds, “the relationship between the library and the school system will just get stronger. We’ll see a big increase in afterschool activities.”

Situated only half a mile from Elk Rapids schools, along a route of safe crossings and sidewalks, students can access the library after school for a snack, tutoring, STEM programs, and so much more.

“A Library for Everybody”

Williams gives credit to so many who worked along the way to make this a reality, citing capital campaign co-chairs Bill Donberg’s “love of libraries and passion for youth literacy” and Paula Morgan Jorge’s “literacy support and knack for public relations” as great assets. The Friends of the Library are “super supportive” and raised $200,000 through a series of events, and Tom Stevenson, Elk Rapids village president, “opened our eyes” to the possibility of moving to a new location. And current library board president, Dick Hultz, has “an incredible knowledge base.”

Community leaders from all aspects came together to help, and community members at large offered their continuing support along the way. Fundraising efforts continue to raise the approximately $1.3 million for outdoor spaces, reading porch, landscaping, and trail system.

Wilson is “super excited for the community to see the finished project. I feel like this is a gift to the community, and a relevant asset” long into the future.

To follow the progress, and to learn about all the ways to make a donation, visit elkrapidslibrary.org.

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