Mark Twain Library: Once A Community Hub, Now A Memory

ByHannah

On the corner of Gratiot Avenue and Seneca Street in Detroit once stood the Mark Twain Branch Library.

It opened on February 22, 1940, and quickly became a beloved part of the community.

This Art Deco gem was designed by famous architect Wirt C. Rowland, known for his Art Deco skyscrapers.

Mark Twain Branch Library (Demolished 2011)-Detroit MI
Mark Twain Branch Library (Demolished 2011)-Detroit MI

Mark Twain Branch Library: a lively hub for the northeast side of Detroit

The Mark Twain Branch was the third regional library of Detroit.

It was a significant upgrade from the small neighborhood libraries of the time.

The library housed over 20,000 books.

It was more than just a place to borrow books, it also served as a vibrant community center.

The Mark Twain Branch Library hosted a range of events from Boy Scout meetings to musical performances and lecture series, becoming a social hub for Detroit’s northeast side.

Twain closed in 1996 for renovations that were never completed
Twain closed in 1996 for renovations that were never completed

Twain closed in 1997 for renovations that were never completed

In the 1990s, Detroit faced severe financial problems.

The city’s economic downturn led to the closure of many library branches, including Twain.

The Twain branch reopened briefly for two days a week but shut down again due to its poor condition.

By 2010 there was severe weather damage.
By 2010 there was severe weather damage.

In 1997, it closed for roof repairs, but the work revealed a host of serious problems, including asbestos and structural damage.

These issues complicated and delayed the repair process significantly.

The library remained closed.

The annex was located in the basement of the church until it closed in December of 2011
The annex was located in the basement of the church until it closed in December 2011

The library was closed in December 2011

Residents grew frustrated as the library stayed closed, and promised repairs never seemed to happen.

Millage campaigns raised funds for repairs, but little progress was made.

The lobby
The lobby

By 2008, plans to move the library to a new location were discussed, and by 2009, the building was in visible decline with broken windows and a leaking roof.

Twain was designed as a regional branch library, and was larger than the neighborhood branches
Twain was designed as a regional branch library, and was larger than the neighborhood branches

In December 2011, the Detroit Public Library announced the permanent closure of the Twain Annex and a few other branches.

General circulation room
General circulation room

The library was demolished later that year.

Adult reading room
Adult reading room

Today, only an empty lot remains where the library once stood.

Large, open spaces could be cleared for special events like concerts, book readings, and dances.
Large, open spaces could be cleared for special events like concerts, book readings, and dances.

Here are some pictures of the library after the demolition

Demolition of the library started in September of 2011 and was finished by October.
Demolition of the library started in September of 2011 and was finished by October.
The general circulation room after asbestos abatement began in September of 2011
The general circulation room after asbestos abatement began in September of 2011
The children's room. Most of the books had been removed from this side of the building in 1998
The children’s room. Most of the books had been removed from this side of the building in 1998

The work room behind the front desk
The workroom behind the front desk

Main reading room
Main reading room

Entrance to the lobby
Entrance to the lobby

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