Portage Lake District Library is a public library in Houghton, Michigan, which serves the city of Houghton and Chassell and Portage Townships. The Portage Lake District Library participates in the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and is a member of the Superiorland Library Cooperative.The Portage Lake District also includes a room dedicated to Michigan History and Genealogy.The Portage Lake District Library hosts events over the course of the year, ranging from storytime for children to writing workshops and author visits. These events are free and open to the public.Adams and Elm River Townships had been part of the library district until 1997 when they voted to sever their relationship with it.The original location was built in 1909, at the site originally occupied by the Armory Building for Company G of the Houghton Light Infantry, using a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. In 2006 the Portage Lake District Library moved to a new building on the Houghton Waterfront. The former library building became the Carnegie Museum.Mission statementThe Portage Lake District Library's Board of Trustees adopted the following mission statement in 1993:The Portage Lake District Library provides materials and services to help district residents obtain information meeting their personal, educational, and professional needs. Special emphasis is placed on providing popular material in a variety of formats for all ages, and on stimulating children's interests and appreciation for reading and learning. The library serves as a reference and community information center.
