Swartz Creek-Perkins

About the Library

• Nine computers available for public use, including 1 for children 
• Fax and copy service
• Free Wi-Fi 
• Nice DVD Collection, as well as foreign language films
• Home to the Local Cemetery Directories
• Directories to the Swartz Creek Area Historical Society
• Civil War Gravesites: a Compilation of Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee
• Counties, Civil War Sesquicentennial Edition, a publication of the Flint
• Genealogical Society, by Len and Sharon Thomas
• Home to the Girl Scouts of South Eastern Michigan Daisies
• Ambassador Collection
• Garden in front of building donated by the Friends of the Perkins
• Library and MSU Master Gardeners

Friends of the Library 

The group holds  book sales throughout the year and donations are accepted during normal library hours. They can be contacted by calling 810-635-3900 or by email.

History

The Swartz Creek-Perkins branch was built in 1982 as a project of the Genesee County Community Development Program under provisions of Title 1 of the Community Development Act of 1974. Prior to its construction, a Swartz Creek library was housed in a rented portion of a downtown store building in an alley off Miller Road. The building was often flooded out during rainstorms because it was located downhill, beneath the level of the main street.

A federal grant was available to build a library/senior center in the city of Swartz Creek. Stan and Naoma Perkins generously donated the matching funds needed to complete the construction of today’s Genesee District Library Swartz Creek-Perkins branch. Stan Perkins said that the library was “…the best investment we ever made.” At the 1982 dedication he remarked, “I’ll be disappointed if those brass door knobs are not completely worn out and have to be replaced within ten years. We want and expect this facility to be used by everybody. Thank you.”

The outdoor garden, a centerpiece of the city complex, was created in 2011 from a grant issued by the Ruth Mott Foundation and Keep Genesee County Beautiful. Pat Williams, member of the Friends of the Perkins Library and gardener of the library garden, passed the care of the garden to the City of Swartz Creek in 2024. Jenye Keeley and Glenda Grable, two accomplished gardeners from Springbrook Condominiums have stepped up to care for its future.

The Swartz Creek-Perkins branch is a busy and vibrant place. More than ever, individuals gather here to explore, interact, and imagine. The people of this community agree that the materials and resources available at our GDL branch play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.