As part of a planning proChelsea District Library is a single-branch public library serving
14,000 people in southeast Michigan, about 50 miles west of Detroit.
The library was established in 1932 by the local Women’s Club and, in
1999, became a district library system serving both the town of
Chelsea (population 5,000) and surrounding townships. The earliest
settlements in the Chelsea area date back to the 1830s and many local
families can trace their roots back to the town’s founders, resulting in
a rich history. From its earliest days, the library served as a repository
for local historical and genealogical material, housing a local history
room on the cramped third floor of the McKune House, its location
from 1959-2000. In 2006, after extensive renovations and additions
to the McKune House, the library moved from temporary quarters
back to its historic home on Main Street in Chelsea, leading to
renewed interest in the local history collection.