Troy Public Library

Overview

The Troy Public Library (TPL) is a public library in Troy, Michigan, serving the local community with a wide range of resources and programs. It operates under the framework of a nonprofit organization, focusing on providing educational, informational, and cultural services.

History

The concept of establishing the Troy Public Library began in the late 1950s when a group of residents initiated efforts to develop a city library. In 1959, the Troy City Commission created a Library Commission to explore the feasibility of a library. By 1962, an organizational meeting was held, leading to the election of the first Friends of the Troy Public Library Board of Directors, with Thomas Austin as its president. The Friends of the Troy Public Library were incorporated in August of the same year[1].

The library's early years involved significant community support, including a book drive that yielded 8,500 books, with 2,500 selected for the library's initial collection. A partnership with the Troy Board of Education led to the opening of the Troy Public Library Reading Room in September 1962[1].

Challenges and Advocacy

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the library faced significant challenges. Due to financial constraints and anti-tax sentiments, the city council voted to close the library in May 2010 if a millage did not pass. This led to a grassroots movement by Citizens to Save Troy Public Library, who worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for the library. After multiple failed millages, the library was eventually saved through community efforts and the eventual passage of a millage that established an independent library board and dedicated funding[2].

Programs and Resources

The Troy Public Library offers a variety of programs and resources, including genealogy materials, digital access to historical records, and community events. It serves as a FamilySearch affiliate library, providing access to extensive genealogical databases. The library also offers educational programs, language learning resources, and legal forms, among other services[3][4].

Awards and Recognition

TPL has received notable recognition for its services. In 2009, it won the ALA World Book award for funding the Information Literacy for the Job Seeker program. Additionally, Friends of the Troy Public Library received the Baker Taylor Award in 2010 and the FOML Award for Outstanding Library in 2011[1].

[1] https://wpc.friendstpl.org/history/ [2] https://www.infotoday.com/mls/jul14/Hendrickson--Troy-PLs-Battle-for-Survival.shtml [3] https://troypl.org/digital_library/online_resources/history___genealogy.php [4] https://troypl.org [5] https://troypl.org/information/learn/history/index.php