Hackley Library
The Hackley Library is a historic library building in Muskegon, Michigan. The Library was a gift from lumber baron Charles Hackley to the City of Muskegon Public Schools and opened in 1890. It is listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Places.[1] The library is at 316 West Webster Avenue. The library also owns the historic Torrent House across the street where geneology records are housed.[2]
The Library is supported by the Friends of the Hackley Public Library.[3]
The Hackley Administration Building is nearby at 349 Webster Avenue and is also named for Hackley amd is owned by Muskegon Public Schools. It was built in 1889[4] and efforts are underway to preserve it.[5]
The Torrent House is a 31-room mansion built in 1891-1892 for $250,000 for lumberman, alderman, justice of the peace, and 3-term mayor of Muskegon John Torrent (1833-1915). Torrent owned mills in Muskegon, Manistee, Ludington, Whitehall, Traverse City and Sault Ste. Marie. The residence has also housed a mortuary, hospital and been a local Red Cross headquarters. It was purchased by the city of Muskegon in 1972 to preserve it and avoid demolition. It is located at 315 West Webster Avenue. A Michigan Historical Marker is on site.[6]
Renpvations
A $1.2 million interior renovation amd restoration project took place in 2014.[7] A major renovation of the library including ramps for access, air conditioning system work, and energy effiency improvements was undertaken in 2016.[2]
Most of the library's funding comes from a mill tax.[7]
The library features Louis Millet stained glass windows. The library used to get electricity from Hackley's sawmill. When it was not operating gas was used to light the library.[7]
References
- ^ https://www.hackleylibrary.org/about/about-the-library
- ^ a b https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2016/06/work_on_new_hackley_public_lib.html
- ^ http://www.friendsofhackleypubliclibrary.org
- ^ https://www.wzzm13.com/mobile/article/news/local/muskegon/muskegon-school-district-asked-to-sell-hackley-administration-building/69-595894024
- ^ http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/122117-On-The-Ground-Muskegon-Lakeshore12.aspx
- ^ https://www.michmarkers.com/default?page=L0129
- ^ a b c https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2014/05/hackley_public_library_set_to.html
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