Downtown Charlevoix boasts arguably the most vibrant public library in Michigan. Located in a historic former school building, the Charlevoix Public Library serves as a case study in public/private partnerships to benefit a downtown. In early 2002, it was determined that the former library location at 109 Clinton Street was no longer able to accommodate the current library collection or flow of visitors. The search to locate a new, larger building in which to house the library focused upon the vacant former Charlevoix Middle School, situated two blocks from the heart of Downtown Charlevoix. The Charlevoix Downtown Development Authority (DDA), realizing the importance of keeping the library downtown, spearheaded and financed the acquisition of the building and surrounding property from Charlevoix Public Schools. A subsequent successful millage vote and tireless private fundraising efforts resulted in the opening of the new Charlevoix Public Library in 2006.

The Charlevoix Public Library now represents the gold standard in public libraries in Michigan, averaging over 10,000 visits per month. In addition to an impressive literary collective, the library features unprecedented levels of programming, youth play areas, quiet reading lounges and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.