Houghton Lake Public Library in Houghton Lake, Roscommon County, United States | Library

Welcome to Houghton Lake Public Library, Houghton Lake, United States. Established originally as a school district public Library in 1964, the Library Board of Trustees chose to become a district Library in 1995 and passed a successful millage in 1996 to provide a stable funding source for the Library.

Seven members serve on the Board of Trustees: President A. Kathy Baumgartner, Vice-President Jan Manley, Treasurer Rev. Charles Darocy, Secretary Rosalie Myers, and Trustees Robert Gariepy, Brett Yardley, and Greg Bodker.  Library staff includes: Donna Alward, Kim Frazho, Darcy Bellinger, Katherine Lightfoot, Pam Bauchan, Karri Van Y, Jennifer Trzcienski, and Gary Sullins.

Named in March 2005 as one of the best small libraries in America by Library Journal and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Houghton Lake Public Library offers services, programs, a collection of almost 42,000 items in various formats (books, audio books, music CDs, DVDs, videos, magazines, newspapers, large print materials, and more), and free Internet access (including wireless). Most Library services are free except for minimal charges for printing or photocopying and overdue fines on videos or DVDs. Other free services include interLibrary loan, reserves on materials, and online access (both in-house and remote) to reference databases.  Awarded the first State Librarian’s Excellence Award in Michigan in 2001, the Library was cited for exemplary public service. Though small and rural, the Houghton Lake Public Library strives to provide the same kinds of services and programming that larger libraries provide. The Library remains patron-centered with the Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers working together to provide a quality Library with excellent services.

Volunteers are welcomed. Ongoing support from a core of volunteers begins with the Library Board of Trustees who are all readers and believe reading and information are crucial to a good quality of life. Volunteers also provide assistance in various other ways at book sales, author visits, and various programs. The Roscommon County Master Gardeners, all volunteers, helped to design the Library’s 625 sq. ft. public garden, donated special plants, trees, and shrubs, and have continued maintaining the garden spaces for the past five years, demonstrating a real stewardship of this public space.