I moved to Windsor Ontario three years ago, when Schulich School of Medicine opened their satellite campus in Windsor. The second weekend we arrived, we visited the amazing Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) on Woodward Avenue in Detroit Michigan- just across the river. Across the street stood the magnificent main branch of the Detroit Public Library. Ever since that day “Visit the Detroit Public Library” has been on our ‘to do’ list. Although we go to the DIA once a month, we never visited the DPL- until I took the Public Libraries MLIS course. PHOTO: DPL Sign
I was very excited to take my 'maiden voyage' to The Detroit Public Library Main Branch, one of nine Carnegie-funded libraries in Detroit. With the Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit Historical Center, and Wayne State University all adjacent to the DPL main branch, it truly is in a cultural hub.
PHOTOS: Woodward Avenue Entrance
... however, in the background, I heard the strangest and most awesome sound heard a library- the beats and rhymes of hip hop music. Yes, the sounds of Ludacris could be faintly heard in this grand entrance. 
The music permeated from the very unique HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) center. The Hype Center is an area not only designated for 13- 18 year olds, but rather restricted to this age group. The sign in front reads:
Use of the Teen Center is limited to ages 13-18.
A Hype Teen Center Card is required at all times.
- needless to say I was only able to observe it from afar, which was A-OK with me, as clearly, the HYPE center is designed to be safe and comfortable place for teenagers. The room was filled with beautiful light and CDs, video games, big screens, DVDs, and of course, books-- A teenage heaven.
PHOTOS: HYPE Teen Center
It was this initial experience that set the scene for our library experience which was a unique marriage between the very old, the very retro and the very new.
The library itself is made up of the original structure built in 1921, and two wings added in 1963, which contributes to the mixture of old and new.
In the library lobby, which connects to corridor between the old and new wings, one of my travel companions- my eight month old son- was amused by this fabulous specimen of the retro -- a funky directory.
PHOTO: Floor Plan Directory
After you push the button beside a subject, red lights will appear mapping out the trail to locate what you are looking for. Although it was incredibly 'funky', it was not all that user friendly considering the layout of the library is very convoluted. Thank goodness for the help desk near by.
Walking through the original wing was awe-inspiring. However, very little traditional library material is housed there with the exception of some special collections, art and art history, and music collections. The area was incredibly dark, which went well with Gothic architecture, however, the dimness was a little concerning when navigating the stairwell holding an eight month old.
PHOTO: Staircase, beautiful but dark
Although few collections are found in the original wing, the wing is filled with incredible art and displays that were a true reflection of Detroit- From the art signifying a time of wealth and true prosperity, to art representing the impact of transportation, to the displays promoting change for a struggling city.
PHOTOS: Art in Original Wing
The peaceful art-filled moments were, at times, interrupted by one of many fully-equipped security guards roaming the library. The guards provided both a sense of security, as well as a sense of anxiety. I was also jarred by a sign I had never before seen in real life, much less in a library.
PHOTO: Fallout shelter
Moving to the additions of the building, there was a harsh transition from Gothic architecture of the original wing to the sixties feel of the additions. The walnut wood paneling on every wall gave a Mad Men feel to the space.
It is in the additions of the building where the bulk of the collections and services are housed.
PHOTO: Children’s Library
PHOTO: Periodicals
PHOTO: Computers
Looking back at these areas, in comparison to the grand original wing, there is really nothing fancy or memorable about these spaces- with the exception of the rows and rows of beautiful card catalogues. But it is the services that are offered here that do stand out, because clearly the library is trying to fulfill a desperate need in the community of Detroit, as evidenced by the eclectic folks using the facility.
When looking at the services of the Detroit Public Library, one cannot help but reflect on the city's current social and economic conditions. Over the last forty years, the city of Detroit has faced a number of significant changes which have challenged the wellness of the city as a whole. These challenges include: racial strife, abandoned businesses and homes in the downtown core, the growth of the suburbs, the contraction of the auto industry, and expansive lost employment. Many of the services promoted in the library address these conditions including: Technology, Literacy, and Career Center, Detroit Community Health Library (a partnership with Wayne State University and area hospitals), Illiteracy awareness programs, the HYPE center. In a complex city with multiple areas of pure destitution, it is encouraging to see the Main Branch occupy a position central to many downtown resident's lives.
Additional note: It is difficult to understand the level of destitution in areas of Detroit, especially the downtown. I have attached an additional post with photos of abandoned libraries that demonstrate the current state.
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