.png)
The Fun Stuff
Some fun and interesting things about the library's history and what goes on!
Room for the View
In 2005, the Alma Public Library needed more space to accommodate all of our wonderful patrons! A group of passionate individuals from various parts of the community banded together to make this promotional video as a way to showcase the importance of the library and express the need for a long-term budget allocation for an addition to the building.
As of May 2025, the 20-year bond that was secured thanks to this video is officially paid off!
Let's Look at the Numbers
Wow, that's a lot of awesome folks utilizing our library's services!
Library History
In the afternoon of May 2, 1907, a group of 20 prominent Alma ladies gathered in the parlors of the Wright Hotel to found the “Women’s Civic Improvement League.” From this group, a committee was formed to study the possibility of establishing a circulating library for the people of Alma.
Library of Things
The Alma Public Library has been collaborating with us on getting a Library of Things started. This is a non-traditional collection of items available to loan out for hobbies, recreational activities, cooking and baking, DIY projects, home renovation, and all kinds of other things! Items in the collection are there to serve our community, so we need YOUR help in figuring out what would make sense to invest in!
​
Please take our community needs assessment survey and keep an eye out for new items!
Digitized Microfilm Database
In 2024, the Alma Public Library applied for a newspaper digitization grant offered annually by the Clarke Historical Library at CMU. Thanks to the hard work of library staff, they found success with their application and secured funds to begin digitizing their collection of microfilm in the genealogy room! The Alma Public Library has chosen to prioritize their collection of the Gratiot County Herald, starting with issues dating back to 1889!
Continued fundraising efforts and donations from generous community members have kept the momentum for this project going strong. Digitizing these newspaper reels benefits the community by maintaining accessibility to the rich history of Gratiot County and they hope to continue creating a digital archive of the Gratiot County Herald through the year 2000. If you are interested in becoming a donor, please get in touch with the Alma Public Library!
​
These digitized reels are available for viewing on the Central Michigan University Digital Michigan Newspapers portal. Click on the buttons below to visit the portal or view a slideshow tutorial detailing how to navigate the portal!