Books remain the primary source of information on architecture for all ages, and the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham is one of the most comprehensive architecture book sources in Michigan. Baldwin houses three outstanding book collections: 100 Essential Architecture Books, Women in Architecture, and Build Imagination. Michigan Architectural Foundation and the Baldwin Public Library began collaborating in 2014 with the establishment of the Rae Dumke Fund, a library endowment fund created to honor Rae Dumke’s legacy of 43 years of service to AIA and MAF. (Rae is the former long-time Executive Director of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan and current MAF board member).
In June 2014, Baldwin Library and the MAF debuted the 100 Essential Architecture Books collection, which was paid for by the Rae Dumke Fund. This collection is housed at Baldwin, with the understanding that the books are available not only to Baldwin cardholders, but also statewide through interlibrary loan.
In September 2015, Baldwin and MAF partnered to create the Build Imagination collection, featuring 100 fiction and non-fiction books on topics that help foster children’s imaginations and raise awareness about architecture at a young age. Sets of the Build Imagination books were donated to six medical facilities in the state: C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital (Ann Arbor), Bronson Children’s Hospital (Kalamazoo), Renucci Hospitality House (Grand Rapids), Ronald McDonald House (Grand Rapids), and Munson Hospital Cowell Family Cancer Center (Traverse City).
In 2021, the Essential Architecture collection further expanded to include a Women in Architecture subcollection, featuring trailblazing female architects. Books included in the Essential Architecture, Women in Architecture, and Build Imagination collections are highlighted on the Baldwin Library website. These materials can be requested by any resident in the state of Michigan using the Michigan eLibrary website or nationwide using WorldCat
Collections are reviewed annually and updated by both the MAF and Baldwin staff. MAF and Baldwin Public Library’s collective mission is to provide a direct source of high-quality information on architecture to the residents of the State of Michigan. We look forward to another 12 years together!
Written by Rebekah Craft, Baldwin Public Library Director