Spies Public Library
Encyclopedia
Spies Public Library is a public library
in Menominee, Michigan
. It was built in 1903 and was funded by Agustus Spies.
and E-books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, videos, DVDs, CD-ROM
s, and microfilm. It also offers free Internet and free Wi-Fi
, as well as free programs each for patrons of all ages. The library's website provides access to the library catalog
, over 50 commercial research databases through Michigan eLibrary
, and other information resources. Special needs services provided by Spies Library include a text-to-speech reader, and large print for the visually impaired. Its literacy services include GED and ACT practice testing.
. It was built in the style of a French country chateau and is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The actual bid for the building was awarded to the RM. Garthwait Co. of Chicago for $21,950. The remainder of the $30,000 Spies donated was spent on furnishings many of which are still being used today. The Spies Public Library was completed and dedicated on March 30, 1905. At the ceremony, Agustus Spies said, "That it will prove a source of much good to all is my greatest wish and desire." When the library first opened it contained 5,184 volumes and 48 periodicals. Mrs. Gertrude B. Munger was the first librarian. During the first year of operation, 24,746 items were borrowed. Each year the circulation continued to grow as more citizens used the library. In 1918, a separate book collection was purchased to provide library service to all residents of the county. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Spies Public Library was expanded to double its size. The dedication of the new and improved library was in April 1997.
Public library
A public library is a library that is accessible by the public and is generally funded from public sources and operated by civil servants. There are five fundamental characteristics shared by public libraries...
in Menominee, Michigan
Menominee, Michigan
Menominee is a city in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 9,131. It is the county seat of Menominee County. Menominee is the fourth-largest city in the Upper Peninsula, behind Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, and Escanaba...
. It was built in 1903 and was funded by Agustus Spies.
Services
Among Spies Library's collections are books, audiobooks, downloadable digital audioDigital audio
Digital audio is sound reproduction using pulse-code modulation and digital signals. Digital audio systems include analog-to-digital conversion , digital-to-analog conversion , digital storage, processing and transmission components...
and E-books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, videos, DVDs, CD-ROM
CD-ROM
A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed compact disc that contains data accessible to, but not writable by, a computer for data storage and music playback. The 1985 “Yellow Book” standard developed by Sony and Philips adapted the format to hold any form of binary data....
s, and microfilm. It also offers free Internet and free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
, as well as free programs each for patrons of all ages. The library's website provides access to the library catalog
Library catalog
A library catalog is a register of all bibliographic items found in a library or group of libraries, such as a network of libraries at several locations...
, over 50 commercial research databases through Michigan eLibrary
Michigan eLibrary
The Michigan eLibrary, or MeL, is a project of the Library of Michigan. It is partially funded by the Library of Michigan as well as by the Institute of Museum and Library Services....
, and other information resources. Special needs services provided by Spies Library include a text-to-speech reader, and large print for the visually impaired. Its literacy services include GED and ACT practice testing.
History
March 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Spies announced their plans to donate money to build and furnish a new Library that would bear their name. The Spies' selected the architectural firm of Patton & Miller from Chicago. This firm was the same firm that designed many Carnegie Libraries. Perhaps, this is why even today people think the Spies Public Library is a Carnegie LibraryCarnegie Library
Carnegie Library, Carnegie Public Library, Carnegie Free Library, Carnegie Free Public Library, Andrew Carnegie Library, Andrew Carnegie Free Library or Carnegie Library Building may refer to any of the following Carnegie libraries:- California :*Carnegie Library , listed on the National Register...
. It was built in the style of a French country chateau and is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The actual bid for the building was awarded to the RM. Garthwait Co. of Chicago for $21,950. The remainder of the $30,000 Spies donated was spent on furnishings many of which are still being used today. The Spies Public Library was completed and dedicated on March 30, 1905. At the ceremony, Agustus Spies said, "That it will prove a source of much good to all is my greatest wish and desire." When the library first opened it contained 5,184 volumes and 48 periodicals. Mrs. Gertrude B. Munger was the first librarian. During the first year of operation, 24,746 items were borrowed. Each year the circulation continued to grow as more citizens used the library. In 1918, a separate book collection was purchased to provide library service to all residents of the county. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Spies Public Library was expanded to double its size. The dedication of the new and improved library was in April 1997.