The story of Detroit is one of the most fascinating in all of America. It’s no wonder the city has rich tradition of producing wordsmiths who aspire to tell the story of the Motor City with art, passion and candor. Detroit is also home to breathtaking public libraries and an eclectic mix of bookstores. If you’re a lover of letters and Detroit history, explore the best of our literary and publishing icons.

 

Libraries & Bookstores

Detroit Public Library Main Branch - The main branch of the Detroit Public Library is an impressive Italian Renaissance building. Designed by architect Frank Gilbert, the library features artwork, design and detail that rivals the Detroit Institute of Art, which is located right across the street on Woodward Ave. The main branch is one of 23 branches that contain more than 4.1 million items.

Leopold’s Books - For visitors interested in unique finds including graphic novels, art monographs and literary fiction and nonfiction, Leopold’s is “built for browsing” with a focus on art and design. Located in Midtown’s historic Park Shelton Hotel, Leopold’s was founded in 2009 by Greg and Sarah Lenhoff, and carries a curated collection that suits its locations in Detroit’s cultural center.

John K. King Used & Rare Books - Detroit’s used books institution has more than a million books in stock at three different locations (West Lafayette, near Wayne State University, and Ferndale). According to their website, owner John King has “handled a myriad of books, autographs, archives, etc., including the books and papers of the auto barons... sports stars, celebrities and just plain folk,” including original Mark Twain photos and a signed presentation by John F. Kennedy.

 

Authors & Poets

Elmore Leonard through the years.

Elmore Leonard- Leonard has been called “the Dickens of Detroit.” He grew up in the city, graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and eventually the University of Detroit, and later worked as a copywriter for Campbell-Ewald Advertising agency. These experiences gave him a close-up view of the city, which he vividly depicts in his work.

 

 

Jeffrey Eugenides - “Middlesex,” Eugenides’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is arguably the definitive work of fiction on the city of Detroit. The novel chronicles the life of Greek immigrants and lifecycles of the city. Eugenides drew from his own experiences growing up in Detroit and attending Grosse Pointe’s University of Liggett School to write the 2003 classic novel.

Philip Levine - The Poet Laureate of the United States cut his teeth at Detroit Central High School and Wayne State University, and drew on his work in auto manufacturing to write his poetry about 20^th-century Detroit. What could we expect? Levine’s father owned a used auto-parts store, and his mother was a bookseller — a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet was born.

 

Detroit continues to produce some of the best writers in America. Who are your favorite local writers, and where do you go to do your reading in The D?