21st Century Libraries

Public libraries began popping up on American soil during the 18th century. Their purpose was simple, to give its citizens access to information through the free circulation of books. In the case of Ben Franklin's Library Company of Philadelphia, to serve the civic good of giving people a means through which to settle arguments.

The first public library arrived in Detroit in 1865. And on April 16, 1931, the doors of the eighteenth member of the Detroit Library system opened in honor of American historian Francis Parkman.

Today, libraries are evolving to serve a new modern-day purpose: to bridge the digital divide.

• For 66% of Americans, libraries are their only source for free access to the internet.



• 70% of Americans depend on library computers whether or not they have a computer at home.



• 55% of retail companies require online job applications.



• Between 2008 and 2009, libraries have seen a 110% increase in career service usage.

In attempt to bridge the digital divide, the Knight Foundation awarded a $866,000 grant to the Detroit Public Library to expand free Internet access at the Parkman Branch library by building a new technology and literacy center. The library will now be able to serve an additional 400 patrons a day with access to the Internet and an ever-growing range of activities including job searches and resume building.

Continuing to serve its original goals, this historic library is now being restored with a 21st century purpose.

Work began in the summer of 2010.