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Duffield Public Library |
Since opening in 1916, the Divie B. Duffield Branch Library has been a place for residents of the Brush Park and Northwest Goldberg neighborhoods to learn and gather. Duffield is proud to maintain its commitment to community involvement by providing numerous public resources and opportunities.
Located at 2507 W. Grand Blvd., between Rosa Parks and 14th streets, the library was named for Divie Bethune Duffield (1870-1935), a member of the Detroit Library Commission. Duffield served on the crew of the U.S.S. Yosemite in the Spanish-American War and was credited with planting the American flag at Guantanamo. An enthusiastic oarsman, he also represented the United States in the Olympics, winning the singles championship.
Duffield Branch Library was among the Detroit libraries constructed with funds donated in 1910 by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. Today, Duffield stands as one of only two “Carnegie” libraries still operating in their original capacity. Bowen Branch Library is the other.
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Duffield Public Library |
Carnegie, the Scottish-born steel industrialist, felt a duty to share some of his $300-million fortune with the public. During the early 1900s, he contributed almost $60 million to some 3,000 libraries worldwide, with roughly one-third of them located in the United States.
The 13th branch constructed for Detroit’s library system, Duffield was originally built for $41,000 in a classic architectural style. It boasts a barrel vault ceiling and fine oak woodwork.
Adding to this heritage, Duffield now provides modern technology to patrons.
“We’ve got a computer lab with more computers than most of the other branch libraries,” says branch manager Gerald Fine, who has worked in Detroit’s library system for over 30 years.
All of the computers connect to the Internet, allowing the public to access virtually unlimited information. Duffield also offers compact discs, cassettes and audiotapes for loan.
Working with the Friends of the Duffield Branch Library, Fine and his staff hope to increase recreational and lecture opportunities for the community.
“The computers may bring people in the door, but recreational and entertainment programs we’re working on will give them a reason to come back,” says Fine.
Recognizing that the future lies in children’s hands, Duffield offers a host of resources with young people in mind. There are story time sessions and reading and summer programs. In honor of black history month this year, the library helped sponsor the annual Youth Rhetorical and Essay Contest, granting local students a forum to submit and share essays devoted to their African-American heroes.
Getting involved at Duffield is easy, says Fine.
“What we need mainly is more people coming in to use the library.”
Another avenue to support the library is through the Friends of Duffield Branch Library. President Glen Stephens invites individuals who are interested to attend one of the regular meetings, held on the second Tuesday of the month, or to contact him through the library.