Boyne District Library History

The first public library in Boyne City was donated by the Monday Study Club, which is still an active organization, and housed in the high school building. Myrtle White was the first librarian.

As the population grew, the school became overcrowded and in 1916 the school superintendent, H. W. McIntosh, contacted the Carnegie Corporation about funds for a public library building.

In the spring of 1918, the library was finally opened in its current location at the corner of Park and Main. The total cost for construction and furnishings was $17,953.08.

When the new high school opened in 1961, the public library shelves were stripped of books and the library closed, seemingly forever. However, a group of determined citizens worked diligently and the Boyne City Public Library re-opened in the spring of 1963.

In 1996 voters approved district library status and a millage to support operations. Many things began to change then, and in 2001 a complete renovation and expansion was completed using a $2.3 million gift from the Mary K. Peabody Foundation.