Carnegie Library

On January 27, 1908, Andrew Carnegie gave the city of Petoskey $12,500 for the construction of a building suitable for a public library. The Common Council (City Council) agreed to maintain it. An additional $5,000 was raised through taxation so a better building could be built. Mrs. Leila Johnson purchased the library site in memory of her husband and presented it to the city. The existing Carnegie Library building is one of the most significant historical buildings in Petoskey. Architecturally it is an outstanding example of the neoclassical revival style. It is the oldest municipal building in Emmet County in continuous original use. It was constructed in 1908 and dedicated in 1909.

Lela Ogersby, Librarian

Librarians:
Amy Lusk: 1909-1932
In 1932 she had the best book circulation in the state.
Martha Edgar: 1932-1946
A UM graduate, she left to be co-librarian with her sister in PA.
Arlene Van Ness: 1936
A CMU and UM graduate, high school teacher, she filled in for Martha in 1936.
Grace Jessop: 1947-1955
She was a cousin to Allan McCune, and a founding member McCune Arts Center.
Lela Osgerby: 1955-1963
She organized Student Library Assistant Association of Michigan.
Elizabeth Ogan: 1963-1964
She was a former high school English teacher from Waterloo Iowa.
Norine Russell: 1966-1978
She established the Michigan Room
Shawn Duffy: 1979-1987
He wrote the grant with City manager George Korthauer to build the connector between the library and the Art Center.
Rex Miller: 1987-2003
He oversaw the building of the connector and elevators to make the library accessible
Karen Sherrard: 2003-2015
She orchestrated the library move across the street, changed from City Library to District Library