Special Collections

Tool Collection

Started in the fall of 1943 as a project of the Boys’ Work Committee of the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club, the sponsors of the tool collection hoped to encourage manual dexterity in the younger generation and to make available to all citizens of Grosse Pointe. Because of the scarcity of tools during the war the Rotary Club’s gift made tools available which might otherwise have been unobtainable.

Originally provided and maintained by The Grosse Pointe Rotary Club as a continuing memorial to Robert M. Orr, Director (1949-73), the Tool Collection has been part of the Library’s budget for the past decade.

Tools are located at the Central Library and are loaned free with your library card. We are constantly adding new tools. If you don’t find what you are looking for on this list, please contact us, 313.343.2074 ext. 1220.

View PDF list with photos

See collection in catalog

STEAM Kits

Robots, Coding and Fun

Check out a robot from the library. STEAM kits create portable learning experiences around science, technology, engineering, arts & design and math and offer families a way to experiment and learn together. Kits come in a backpack and check out for 2 weeks with a GPPL library card. Learn about coding, astronomy, liquids and more through hands-on experiments and manipulatives.

Start Tinkering

Learn to program with Bee-Bot!

Book Discussion Kits

Available for check out

Kits contain 10 paperback copies of the book, background information on the author, book reviews and suggested questions to enhance your group discussion.

See available kits

Story Kits

Picture Books Plus

Story Kits contain a beloved children’s picture book, a toy such as a plush teddy bear, activity sheets and other items. Each comes in its own special backpack. Everything you need to enrich the story experience with your child.

Check them all out

Grosse Pointe Grows

Check Out Seeds

Our Seed Library, Grosse Pointe Grows, has a variety of heirloom, open pollinator, easy-to-grow, and native plants. Learn more about the seed library and its importance to our community. When we grow food, our community grows!

Start planting

Magazines

Browse the Print Collections

Business, lifestyle, cooking, fashion -- GPPL subscribes to a wealth of periodicals. Read the current issue or check out older ones.

View the List

Tool Collection

Available at

Central Library

STEAM Kits

Robots, Coding and Fun

Book Discussion Kits

Available for check out

Wifi Hotspots

AVAILABLE AT ALL BRANCHES

Get Started