138 Years of History

• 1866:    Ladies Library Association is founded
  
• 1907:    First Ann Arbor Public Library opens, built with a Carnegie Foundation Grant
  
• 1957:    New Main Library is constructed
  
• 1965:    Nellie Loving Branch is built
  
• 1974:    Downtown Library is expanded
  
• 1977:    West Branch opens
  
• 1981:    Northeast Branch opens
  
• 1991:    Main Library is renovated
  
• 1995:    Library separates from the Public School System and becomes the Ann Arbor District Library with its own governing board
  
• 1996:    Library passes its millage in perpetuity
  
• 2004:    Malletts Creek Branch opens
  
• 2006:    Pittsfield Branch opens
  
• 2008:    Traverwood Branch opens

Vision Statement
The Ann Arbor District Library provides collections, programs, and leadership to promote the development of literate and informed citizens through open and equal access to cultural, intellectual, recreational, and information resources.

Mission Statement
The existence of the Ann Arbor District Library assures public ownership of print collections, digital resources, and gathering spaces for the citizens of the library district. We are committed to sustaining the value of public library services for the greater Ann Arbor community through the use of traditional and innovative technologies.

Ann Arbor District Library Values

• Excellence in customer service
• Providing, supporting, and advocating access for all
• Acting with initiative, creativity and flexibility
• Working together, with enthusiasm and optimism, to reach goals
• Responsible stewardship of resources

Library Locations
Downtown Library
343 S. Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, 48104

Malletts Creek Branch
3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, 48108

Pittsfield Branch
2359 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, 48103

Traverwood Branch
3333 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, 48105

West Branch
2503 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor, 48103

From the 1866 founding of the Ladies' Library Association to the 2008 opening of the Traverwood Branch, the Ann Arbor District Library has provided a multitude of collections, services and programs to the community.

AADL intends to provide unique value to our community in the midst of sweeping changes to publishing and the world of information. To that end, we've developed a new Strategic Plan to guide the Library's actions over the next five years, developing products and services that meet the needs of a wide audience.

The AADL Board of Trustees identified 6 Initiatives to focus the planning process. AADL Staff then identified 15 goals in support of those Initiatives that the Library will then pursue.

2010 - 2015 Strategic Initiatives

I. Services
Develop services, programs and collections that balance community demand and Ann Arbor District Library resources

II. Products
Develop products that improve and enhance the delivery of all aspects of library services

III. Finances
Develop a multi-year financial process that assures adequate, sustainable funding for the next twenty years

IV. Communications
Develop high-level internal and external communications that get the message out, to all, about what we do and how we do it

V. Organizational Development
Develop sustainable, adaptive organizational practices that allow the Library to thrive internally and externally

VI. Facilities
Develop and maintain clean, safe, physical facilities that creatively meet the needs of the community and staff with an emphasis on sustainability, accessibility and flexibility