Benzie Shores District Library
Reimagining Libraries
Nestled on the picturesque shores of the Betsie Bay in Frankfort, Michigan, the Benzie Shores District Library is both a beloved community resource and a local tourist destination.
For decades, it has been a welcoming haven for residents and visitors. In 2022, the Library was given s Star Library rating and recognized in the Library Journal’s Index of Public Library Service.
In 2011, the Library earned its first “Enhanced Library Services Certificate” from the Library of Michigan’s QSAC program, a testament to its commitment to excellence.
As part of a greater Strategic Plan, the Library adopted new Vision, Mission, and Values Statements in 2025.
Vision: We are a welcoming community resource that fosters learning, creativity, social connections, and opportunities.
Mission: Reimagining Libraries
Values: Community Minded. Future Focused. Balancing Tradition with Innovation.
where we started 1871-1995
Individuals in the Frankfort area have been devoted to creating and sustaining a library for public use since the earliest days of shipping and logging. Since 1871, when members of the Frankfort Literary Association began collecting books for a library in a rented building, Frankfort has maintained a library in one form or another to the present day.
A library was first organized in Frankfort as the Frankfort Literary Association in November 1871. It was located in a building rented by the Association at the southwest corner of Fourth Street and Forest Avenue. In 1877, Crystal Lake Township began their own Library Fund.
In September, 1898, the Crystal Lake Township Library and the Frankfort Literary Society (previously known as the Frankfort Literary Association) combined their collections to form the Frankfort Public School Library on Leelanau Avenue. An arrangement was agreed upon between the school district and the Literary Association to allow use of the library by the general public as well as the school’s students. This library was located on Leelanau Avenue where the current Frankfort Elementary School stands today.
In the late 1930’s, the library moved to the County Normal Building, located at the west end of the current elementary school on Leelanau Avenue.
In 1950, the School Board passed a resolution to work with the City to divide the library collection between the school library and a new public library. The resolution ended with the following statement. “That a continuous working agreement between the School and City libraries be maintained relative to loan of books and other areas of cooperation.” This spirit of collaboration with the school district remains strong to this day, as the school and library maintain a formal partnership agreement for shared services.
The new Frankfort City Library was established in May, 1950 and was located in City Hall. Construction on a new, library building began in 1960 at its current location at 630 Main Street. The project was funded by a donation from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ward (Louise Lovett) Seabury. Members of the Library Board held a grand opening on July 23, 1961.
The Frankfort City Library was funded through donations and a small budget from the City of Frankfort. There was no millage and essentially no monetary support from area townships. The 1960 building was 1500 square feet, which was inadequate for the high usage. The Library Board decided to form a district library, which would allow them to ask voters for a millage in perpetuity and to build a new building through grants and donations.
In 1994, through grants and generous donations, the Library was able to expand its footprint from 1500 square feet to 4000.
In 1995, the Frankfort City Library was disbanded and the Benzie Shores District Library was established by the voters of Blaine Township and the City of Frankfort. Over time, the district has grown to include Crystal Lake Township, Gilmore Township, and portions of Lake Township.
In September, 1898, the Crystal Lake Township Library and the Frankfort Literary Society combined their collections to form the Frankfort Public School Library, which was located within the school on Leelanau Avenue.
In the late 1930s this long building with three doors housed (from left to right) Benzie County Normal, the Frankfort Library, and a meeting room for community activities. (c.1909)
fUTURE FOCUSED
Since the 1990s, the Benzie Shores District Library has undergone extraordinary changes, shaped by innovation and the support of a dedicated community.
In 2008, it was clear the Library’s electrical design was not advanced enough to handle the technology needed for a modern library. Once again, fundraising efforts were made and the community stepped up to fund the renovation. Floors and walls were gutted to update the wiring and tech infrastructure. The result was a fresh new library with updated furnishings and modern spaces.
In 2018, demand for a separate space for youth and library programs resulted in the ambitious goal to expand once again. The entire expansion effort was funded entirely by grants and private donations and cost roughly $1,000,000. The new children’s area and program room were completed in the spring of 2022.
The Success of the Benzie Shores District Library is a reflection of the people who have supported it. Dedicated staff and board members, both long-serving and new, have consistently gone above and beyond to serve the community.
The Friends of the Library have played a vital role in enhancing library services by funding projects, and supporting special initiatives.
Benzie Shores District Library is more than a place to borrow books; it is a gathering place for the community and a must-visit destination for those exploring the beauty of Frankfort and the surrounding area.
