About the Library
The mission of the Presque Isle District Library is to engage and empower our community by providing educational and entertaining collections and programming that include diverse artistic and cultural interests.
Presque Isle District Library started as a county library in 1945. In 1994, after a successful referendum, the county library became a district library serving all of Presque Isle County and Forest and Waverly townships of Cheboygan County.
The Library receives an annual tax millage collected from residents in its service area and is a governmental unit.
The District Library is composed of a main branch located in Rogers City and four other branches located in Onaway, Posen, Millersburg, and Grand Lake, as well as the Rogers Theater.
The Presque Isle District Library has over 6,000 patrons that actively use and support their library. Since 2003, the Presque Isle District Library has continued to increase their outreach efforts and partner with local historical and educational organizations while expanding all areas of services. The attendance at programs and classes sponsored by the library has increased over 140%.
1908
Onaway branch library is located in the historic courthouse, circa 1908. The building also serves as the location for the Onaway City Offices and the Onaway Chamber of Commerce
1945
Presque Isle County established a county library system with branches in Rogers City and Onaway and stations in Metz, Millersburg, and Posen. A Bookmobile covered rural schools and "country corners."
1954
The second Bookmobile, a 1953 Ford, was purchased and had 70 stops at various locations, including 30 rural schools.
1958
The Presque Isle County Library was located at the former residence of Carl D. Bradley, President of the Michigan Limestone and Chemical Company, on Michigan Avenue.
1980
Due to increasing annual book inventory, the Bradley House became unsuitable to house a community library and was sold for $1 to the Presque Isle County Historical Museum. The library relocated to 125 South Third Street, formerly O'Callaghan's Drug Store and North Shore Gifts, now Cook's Coffe Nook.
1992
Established as Presque Isle District Library
1994
Referendum to expand the district library service area to Forest and Waverly townships in Cheboygan County.
The District Library relocated again to 181 East Erie Street, the current location.
2002
The renovation and expansion of the Rogers City branch was celebrated with an opening and dedication ceremony
2007
A new building at Grand Lake was dedicated in 2007 providing a conference room and cozy fireplace in a spacious country setting
2008
The Presque Isle District Library partnered with Bon Ami Filmworks to create a documentary, November Requiem, detailing the tragic sinking of the S/S Carl D. Bradley and the aftermath for families who "endured immeasurable grief for nearly fifty years." The film won two Emmy awards for Best Documentary and Best Original Music - Michigan Chapter.
2009
The Onaway library relocated to the Historic Onaway Courthouse.
2010
With the cooperation of Case Township, a Millersburg branch was opened in 2010. The open house was attended by approximately 45 people. The first patron to check out a book was little Emma Luci
2016
The Rogers Theater was donated to the Presque Isle District Library in 2016, and has been providing entertainment and a space for community use year-round as a unique historic venue
2021
Posen branch library was relocated and renovated in the summer of 2021, with the new library location opening that fall just outside the village and offering additional space inside and out for community use
2024
Rogers Theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
2025
Governor's Award for Historic Preservation of the Rogers Theater
MHPN Preservation Gem Award of the Rogers Theater