Celebrate Sage Library's 130th Birthday

Thursday, January 16, 5:30-7:30 pm

January 13, 2014
By: Mary Ruthko

Join the Bay County Library System for a very special birthday celebration! Sage Branch Library turns 130 on Thursday, January 16. From 5:30 to 7:30 pm on this day, you and your family are invited to a free open house at this beautiful branch located at 100 E. Midland St. in Bay City.

Featured events and entertainment include harpist Karen Parelius, balloon animals and magic tricks with Joel Tacey, cake and beverages, photos with a life size Flat Henry, adult and teen "I Spy" with a chance to win a gift card, children's "I Spy" for a prize from the treasure chest, and a special Sage birthday prize for children in attendance!

Sage Library Facts:

Donated to West Bay City by prominent lumber baron Henry Williams Sage. The gift, which included land, building and 10,000 volumes, was worth between $40,000 and $60,000.

Dedicated and opened on January 16, 1884.

The building's architecture has been described as French Chateau, Victorian Gothic and Ruskin Gothic.

When it opened, the library occupied the second floor with a reading room and debate area. The first floor was used as a school, and the third floor was used as school administration offices.

The fountain of Leda and the Swan is an original feature. Vandalized in 1977, it was beautifully restored by Scott Pope and the Friends of the Fountain.

The statue on the front of the building is called the Lady of Learning. She lost her arm because it stuck out just far enough for children to swing on!

The fireplace tiles were made in England by the Minton China Works between 1875 and 1880. The top tiles represent scenes from Sir Walter Scott's Waverly novels. The tiles down the sides are from various fairy tales.

The original slate roof lasted for 106 years! It was replaced in 1990.

Sage Library is on both State and National Registers of Historic Buildings.