Charlevoix is a small, resort community in the northwest part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The library sits in the heart of the downtown area, within two blocks of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix and enjoys the increased population of the summer boaters, vacationers, and those who have summer homes in the area. Having outgrown the current facility, it was decided to renovate the circa 1927, two-story school building which most recently housed the old middle school.

Riemenschneider Design Associates, Inc. planned the ‘L-Shaped’ structure to incorporate the adult collection in one wing, with the new addition of a Community Room and Art Gallery. Within the other wing, the Michigan Room (Local History), the Computer Training Room, Young Adults, and the Youth area are located, with a new addition of a dynamic Activity Room and Youth Garden. Staff offices, meeting rooms, the staff lounge complete with shower, and the Friends Store are located on the second floor.

It was important to the Library Board that respect be paid to the building by incorporating elements of its rich history in the community in the detailing of its interiors. Preserved Bachelder tiles, the former kindergarten-room fireplace, balcony seating and the original gymnasium ceiling were all carefully re-integrated into the new floor plan. The original entrance was saved as the urban walk up entrance and a lesser used entrance utilized as the parking lot entry. The old gymnasium’s balcony was removed and new windows were added to create an amazing, light-filled space for the adult collection. In the former kindergarten room, built-in periodical shelves surround an original Bachelder-tile fireplace, which creates a warm, quiet area for perusing the daily paper or a magazine. The circulation desk, backed by a glass-mosaic tile mural, was created in the central corridor with easy site lines to both doorways. An Arts and Crafts style for furnishings and millwork was incorporated throughout the building.

©2009 riemenschneider design associates