We will be closed for all regular services on Saturday, October 17. We will open 1-3pm for the halloween party.
We will be closed for all regular services on Saturday, October 17. We will open 1-3pm for the halloween party.
At the Bridgman Public Library, we believe in responsible stewardship of public funds and are committed to complete transparency in all financial matters. Because 85% of our operating budget is funded by the local community through property taxes, we want to ensure our patrons have a clear understanding of how those resources are utilized.
Our Financial Transparency section offers insights into the library’s financial health by providing access to key financial statements. We welcome you to review these documents to see how your investment is at work in your local library.
Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Foundation – July 2026
BPL received a $13,500 award from the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Foundation for technology updates.
Purchases with this funding include:
Michigan PAR Plan – September 2026
BPL received $1,600 from the Michigan PAR Plan, offered through our insurance provider, Decker Insurance, to install better lighting in our handicapped parking area.
The Bridgman Public Library first opened its doors in 1966 in what today is Molly’s Beach Walk Cafe on Lake Street in downtown Bridgman. Mrs. Marilyn Roth was the first (and only) BPL librarian at the time.
After a move down the street three years later into the old bank building, the library continued to grow and the need for more space became apparent.
The first Friends of the Library group was formed in 1980 and they immediately began fundraising for a new library building to be built. During this time, Dr. and Mrs. Dale Smith decided to donate land for the new library between Baldwin Rd. and Lake Street. And in November 1983 a grant was received by the state of Michigan which covered 40% of construction costs which was matched by an anonymous donor and the remaining was raised by the Friends group.
Groundbreaking took place in February 1984 and by January 1985 the new building was officially opened.
In 2004, an addition was built that almost doubled the square footage of the building and in 2019 an interior refresh updated paint, carpeting and furniture.
Over the years, BPL has continued to evolve and grow and has become a fundamental part of the Bridgman community.
Currently, the Bridgman Public Library services the city of Bridgman, Lake Township, Chikaming Township and is a reciprocal library for the Stevensville/ Lincoln Township, St Joseph, New Buffalo and Berrien Springs libraries. As of 2024, BPL serves a population of 6,363 with 4,433 active borrowers.
