Northville District Library Serving Northville since 1888

Dr. Mary E. Lapham played a foundational role in establishing the Northville District Library in Northville, Michigan. In 1889, she was appointed chair of a newly formed library committee by several local church societies, a group that became the Ladies’ Library Association. She donated the first 250 books—forming the core of the library’s collection—and eventually deeded a building to the association with the stipulation that the Northville Woman’s Club would always have space there. Under her leadership, the library opened in January 1890 on Main Street and later moved into the New School Church building on Wing Street. Even after she left Northville to pursue her medical career, her legacy endured: in 1904, the Ladies’ Library Association officially named the library building the Mary E. Lapham Library.  Her early vision and generous contributions created the local and intellectual foundation for what would grow into the Northville District Library on Cady Street.