Adult Services - About the Library - Flint Public Library

Read about a few of the many services and collections we provide at the Flint Public Main Library and branches:

Because the Flint Public Library's Main Library is the oldest and largest building in the three county area (Genesee, Shiawassee and Lapeer), our reference collection has evolved into the region's research library. Our reference collection is kept fresh and current, with a depth and breadth intended to meet our patrons' informational needs to the extent worthy of a research institution.

Reference librarians are available at the Main Library and branches during all open hours. Reference staff can guide patrons to print materials and also to online resources for the information they require. For more information about how to obtain reference help, see the Ask a Librarian page.

The Black Life & Literature collection consists of writings on the black experience and about blacks worldwide. The Library maintains this collection to provide an in-depth resource on the black experience, available for checkout by patrons. The collection is located in a first-floor alcove of the Main Library.

The C.O.P.E. center was established to help patrons to reach their career and educational goals. Located on the first floor of the Main Library, the Center has many useful print resources for college and trade school planning, financial aid, job searching, resume preparation, and more. These print resources are supplemented by web resources and databases.

Government Documents

Federal Depository Library logo The Flint Public Library is a Federal Depository Library, so our collection includes U.S. government forms, publications, and documents to meet the requirements of that designation. In addition, we may select other U.S. government documents to supplement our collection.

The Library actively solicits published and unpublished documents produced by the City of Flint, as part of its efforts to collect and preserve local history and make local information available to our patrons. Since Flint is also a county seat, the Library also collects materials from area municipalities, as well as the City of Flint.

Photo of old car Local and Michigan History & Genealogy

One of the Library's primary undertakings during its over-150-year history has been to collect and preserve the heritage of Flint and Genesee County. The Michigan Collection, at the Main Library, is one of the largest in the state. Our collection of local publications chronicles the history of our area from pioneer days through the boom times of the auto industry to the present.

Photo of Whaley House

The Library is home to the second largest open stack genealogical collection in Michigan. The Flint Genealogical Society provides an active volunteer service to assist patrons in their genealogy searches. In addition to print materials, the Library provides CD and online resources to help patrons fill in the 'branches' of their family tree.

Inter Library Loan

If we do not have a print resource in our collection, we will make reasonable attempts to obtain it for our patrons from another library. This is a costly service, so we ask that patrons use it judiciously. Many times, our reference staff can provide a different source of information from our collection to meet a patron's information need rather than having to resort to an Inter Library Loan.

New Reader Collection

The Library maintains a collection of materials for the emerging adult reader with a reading level of 6th grade and below. The collection covers all subjects and includes current, popular materials. The Genesee County Literacy Coalition serves as a resource for recommendations and support of this collection.

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