The residents of Fife Lake Township have enjoyed the benefits of having a public library as early as 1887 when the township received $17 from Grand Traverse County for funding a library. During the early years, the library was housed in various locations. You may have borrowed a book from a cabinet at the local newspaper office or general store. In the 1920’s and 30’s, you would have picked up a book at Faler’s Restaurant, where the Fife Lake Pharmacy building is located. In 1945, our Library found its first permanent home in the township hall, known today as the Historic School Building. We gradually outgrew our quaint, much loved little library. In 2005, a new 4,800 sq. ft. library was built at 77 Lakecrest Lane in Fife Lake. This facility was built entirely with grants and donations. We are the “little village that could” and are very proud of what we have accomplished for our community.
The library has quadrupled its circulation in the last 10 years. We have grown our lending collection and added videos, audio books, 16 computers and wireless internet access.
We invite and encourage the residents of our community and the surrouding communities to celebrate our 125th Anniversary! We will be holding several programs during the year to mark the occasion including a kick-off celebration on Friday, April 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. with a cake and beverage reception. Special guests will include Senator Howard Walker and Historical Entertainer, Howard Taylor of Wellington Farms.
Bryan Gruley, the critically acclaimed author of Starvation Lake: A Mystery, and the sequel, The Hanging Tree, will kick-off the Fife Lake Public Library Community Reads on May 1. And be sure to particiapte in the 125 Circulation Challenge, borrow 125 items for a chance to enter your name into a drawing for an e-reader. The Circ Challenge is open to all TADL patrons, district-wide, but you need to sign-up at the Fife Lake Public Library. Please stop by our Library or visit us online for updates to program information.