The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library (GADML) is a public library in the City of Midland, Michigan. In addition to city residents, it is available to residents of Midland County townships that contract for services.[2]
History
The Midland Library Association originated in 1899 as a subscription library. A total of 25 charter members paid $1/year entitling them to check out one book each week. The first librarian was Mary Dow, sister of Herbert Henry Dow. In 1900, the Library Association opened their subscription library with 200 books in a room at the Unitarian Church. In May, 1900, a Free Reading Room was established with the support of local manufacturers and businesses. In 1915, the Library Association transferred control of the Midland Library and Free Reading Room to the Midland Board of Education. The city contributed $350 for expenses. In 1919, the Carnegie Library opened next to the Community Center on Townsend Street.[3] That year, the library moved to the Carnegie library. A children's section was established in the basement in 1935.
The Library Board was dissolved in 1951 and the City of Midland established a Library Advisory Board. All Library employees became employees of the City of Midland.