Detroit Public Library (old) - Old photos
Detroit Public Library (old)

The Gratiot Avenue facade (main entrance) of the library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The library about 1915, shortly before its successor would open
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

A close-up of the intricate detail of the old library's main entrance
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The main entrance of the library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The library about 1881, around five years after it opened
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The old library about 1877, shortly after it opened
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The Periodicals Room at the old library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The incredible Reading Room of the old Detroit Public Library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The incredible Reading Room of the old Detroit Public Library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

One of the librarian rooms, perhaps "behind the scenes"
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The Ladies' Reading Room
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

A look inside the old library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The incredible Reading Room of the old Detroit Public Library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

Kids (including that creepy one staring at you) in the children's reading room of the old library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The children's reading room in the old library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

A catalog room at the old library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

A look inside the old library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection

The north (rear) side of the old library
Photo from the Burton Historical Collection