Hoyt Public Library

The Hoyt Library is a striking Romanesque style building made of local limestone and red sandstone trim. It was named after lumber baron Jesse Hoyt who had bequeathed the land and $100,000 to East Saginaw for the purpose of building a library. He intentionally did not fund the entire cost of the project so that the community would be required to support the effort as well. He did stipulate that the library should be for consultation and reference and that it always be named Hoyt Public Library.

Jesse Hoyt never permanently lived in Saginaw; his place of residence was truly New York. His father and uncles began investing in Saginaw, and by the time Jesse was entrusted with the family business the Hoyt’s were involved in all every part of Saginaw’s economic development, including lumber, salt, railroads, banking and real estate. They owned the Bancroft, the Buena Vista Block, the Exchange Block and many other properties. Jesse Hoyt continued to add to his wealth, but he also gave back to the community he said was his favorite. When he died in 1882, he made provisions for the library.

To find an architect, the city held a design competition. The city awarded the project to Van Brunt and Howe of Boston. The design has a Romanesque style. The large limestone blocks were quarried from Bay Port in the “Thumb” of Michigan. A special railroad line transported the blocks to East Saginaw for construction. The striking red sandstone came from quarries near Lake Superior. 

The library opened on November 1, 1890. Harriet Ames served as head librarian. She was recommended by Richard Poole, head librarian at Chicago Public Library. Ames had previously worked with Poole at the Boston Athenaeum and he considered her one of the most competent librarians in the nation. 

The porch at the corner of Janes and Jefferson Avenues was the original entrance. The interior has luxurious oak panels and beams, and even a fireplace in the main reading room. 

By 1917, the library was too small to serve the community. The Board of Education set aside funds for an expansion. In the 1930s, the original entrance was closed to the public and visitors were directed to the new entrance on Janes Ave. By the 1950s, the library again needed to expand to meet the needs of the patrons. No longer able to access the original limestone and sandstone, the decision was made to blend a modern structure with the old. 

The Hoyt Public Library continues to serve the public as Jesse Hoyt desired.

"Hoyt Library History," Hoyt Public Library. https://www.saginawlibrary.org/about/library-history (accessed March 4, 2022).