Ypsilanti District Library Director, Lisa Hoenig, presented a program on the new library branch now under construction in Superior Township. The new library is located at The new facility will be located on North Harris Road, between Geddes and MacArthur Boulevard. It will be built on two and a half acres of a 12-acre lot, purchased by Superior Township.
Ypsilanti Library:
At the beginning of Lisa's presentation she talked a little about the Ypsilanti Library on Michigan Ave. Built in 1915 as a Carnegie Post Office, the building was designed in the classical revival style typical of early 20th century government buildings.
The post office moved to its current location in 1962. The building was sold to the City of Ypsilanti for $1, and the City renovated the building and opened the library there the following year.
New Library:
With the November 2018 passage of a new operating millage, the new library will benefit all of the YDL district, it will most notably impact the socio-economic and health inequities in the struggling MacArthur Boulevard neighborhood in Ypsilanti, which is within easy walking distance to the new library. This neighborhood is the highest density, lowest income housing block in Washtenaw County. The new branch will also serve the Willow Run area.
Though closed now, the current tiny 1,000 sq.-ft. branch was a lifeline for the families and children in this particular community. Because so many residents near the library live in subsidized housing, where many of the households are led by a single female parent, there are many latchkey children. Parents rely on the library as a safe place for their children to gather when there are no adults at home. The kids build strong relationships with library staff. It is a haven for them.
There is great understanding within Washtenaw County of the need for a space that can serve as a community center and resource in Superior Township - an area with both great wealth and great poverty. The new library is poised to serve as this hub which is sure to transform the community well into the future.
The 7,500 square foot building will be a full-service library, with hours and staffing similar to the Michigan Avenue location. The facility will offer:
- A youth area with flexible space that can be adapted to a range of learning activities and programs for different ages
- A dedicated teen/tween area
- Two group study rooms
- Comfortable seating for reading and studying
- A community meeting room for Library programs and meetings of community groups
- 20 computer workstations (compared to seven at the current library)
- Triple the current number of books, magazines, and DVDs
- More parking spaces
- An outdoor reading area and programming space, if the budget allows
- A drive-up book return available 24 hours seven days a week, if the budget allows
The library has taken on a larger purpose since closing due to COVID. It is clear it will play a huge role in helping the MacArthur Boulevard area of Ypsilanti recover from the effects of the pandemic both economically and in terms of health equity. It will be a center for community activity not only for educational and growth opportunities, but for local organizations and social service agencies to reach residents with vital services.
With construction now underway, we look forward to our grand opening in late summer of 2022. The neighborhood is over the moon with excitement. Lisa invites you to learn more about the project and the April 7th groundbreaking ceremony at https://www.ypsilibrary.
Club Members and Lisa Hoenig in Earhart Manor Ballroom at Concordia University.
Ypsilanti District Library Director, Lisa Hoenig.