Public Libraries of Saginaw

What Public Libraries of Saginaw does

Public Libraries of Saginaw is a municipal public library system operating in Saginaw, Michigan, under the City of Saginaw's governmental structure. Founded in 1855, the system operates four fixed branches — Hoyt Main (505 Janes Avenue), Butman-Fish (1716 Hancock Street), Wickes (1713 Hess Street), and Zauel Memorial (3100 North Center Road) — plus a bookmobile service, collectively serving Saginaw County residents across age and ability segments. The library offers free traditional services including book lending, meeting rooms, public computer access, and printing/faxing, alongside specialized programming for children, teens, adults, seniors, and special needs populations.

The library's technology stack combines an III Vega online catalog with third-party digital content platforms — Libby/OverDrive for e-books and audiobooks (integrated with 14 Michigan partner library systems), Hoopla for streaming media, Kanopy for video, and EBSCO/Ancestry for research databases. The library has built proprietary local history and genealogy products, including an Obituary Index of over 250,000 records from the Saginaw News, a Saginaw Images Archive, historical city directories spanning 1866-1936, and a Cemetery Search tool developed in partnership with the City of Saginaw. A VLC mobile application provides patron account access on iOS and Android, and a mobile printing service extends physical print capabilities to patron devices.

Public Libraries of Saginaw is funded primarily through public tax revenue and government allocations, with supplementary support from the Friends of the Library organization, donations, and minor transaction fees for print/copy services. All core library services are provided free of charge to residents. The system operates as a non-profit government public entity with 51-100 employees and is governed by a Board of Trustees; it is not a commercial enterprise and does not raise venture capital or private equity. Leadership transitioned in mid-2026 with the appointment of Johana Orellana Cabrera as Director following the January retirement of Maria McCarville.

Name

Public Libraries of Saginaw

Legal name

Public Libraries of Saginaw

Website

https://saginawlibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1855

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Public Libraries of Saginaw is a municipal library system operating four branches plus a bookmobile in Saginaw, Michigan, serving county residents with free physical and digital lending, research databases, local history archives, and community programming since 1855.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Document Services (Copy/Print/Scan, Records Handling) (BPABAEAG), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Digital lending platform
• Community programming
• Research databases
• Local history archives

Headquarters

HQ city

Saginaw

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Library Funding: Funded primarily through public tax revenue and government allocations at the local level, with support from Friends of the Library organization and donations.
2. Printing and Copying Services: Fees charged for print, fax, and copy services at library locations.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Accepts donations and support through the Friends of the Library organization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Public Libraries of Saginaw is a municipal public library system providing free physical and digital library services to Saginaw County residents. Core offerings include book and media lending, digital content (e-books, audiobooks, streaming), research databases, community programming, meeting rooms, computer access, printing services, and specialized local history and genealogy collections, delivered through four branch locations and a bookmobile.

Product overview

Public Libraries of Saginaw is a public library system offering a unified platform of physical and digital services. The core offering includes traditional library services (book lending, meeting rooms, computers, research assistance) through four branch locations (Hoyt Main, Butman-Fish, Wickes, and Zauel Memorial) plus a Bookmobile. Digital services are delivered through Libby by OverDrive for eBooks/audiobooks, Hoopla for streaming media, and Kanopy for video content. The library also provides specialized resources including a Local History and Genealogy collection, business development tools, disability services, and access to academic databases. The VLC Mobile App serves as the primary digital interface for patron account management and content access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Physical Branch Library Lending Physical book and media lending, computer access, and reference services provided at four branch locations (Hoyt Main, Butman-Fish, Wickes, Zauel Memorial) for Saginaw County residents.
• Bookmobile Mobile Library Service Mobile library service bringing books, media, and library services to community locations including senior centers and neighborhoods throughout Saginaw.
• Libby by OverDrive Digital Lending Digital lending platform for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks, accessible via the Libby app with ability to connect 14 partner libraries for expanded content access.
• Hoopla Streaming Digital streaming service for movies, television shows, music, and audiobooks available to library patrons.
• Kanopy Video Streaming Streaming video service offering movies, documentaries, and educational content for library patrons with a ticket-based viewing system.
• Library Catalog (III Vega) Online catalog system for searching and managing physical and digital library collections including books, media, and special materials.
• Local History and Genealogy Collection Archive of local history materials, genealogical records, and historical documents specific to Saginaw County including the Obituary Index (250,000+ entries), Saginaw Images Archive, City Directories Collection (1866-1936), and Cemetery Search tool.
• Business and Grants Services Resources, databases, and guidance for business planning, grant applications, and economic development support aimed at local entrepreneurs and nonprofits.
• Tax Assistance Services Free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and access to federal, state, and local tax forms.
• Ask a Librarian Reference Service Reference and research assistance service connecting patrons with librarians via online form for questions and research support.
• Computers and Technology Services Public computer access, Wi-Fi, technology assistance, and digital literacy support for library patrons.
• Print, Fax, and Copy Services Fee-based printing, faxing, and photocopying services available at library branches.
• Meeting Room Rentals Reservable meeting spaces at library branches for community groups, programs, and events.
• Disability Services Specialized services and accommodations for patrons with disabilities including accessible materials and assistive technology.
• Government Document Depository Federal and state government document collection available for public access and research.
• Michigan Activity Pass Partnership program providing library patrons with discounted or free access to Michigan cultural attractions, parks, and recreational facilities.
• Library Card Services Library card issuance and cardholder services including online account management, borrowing privileges, and digital resource access.
• VLC Mobile App Mobile application providing library patrons with account access, catalog search, and digital content access on iOS and Android devices.
• Mobile Printing Service allowing patrons to send print jobs from mobile devices to library printers for pickup.
• MeLCat Interlibrary Loan Michigan Electronic Library Catalog system enabling interlibrary loan of materials from libraries across Michigan.
• Library of Things Collection of non-traditional items available for loan including activity spinners and other items for community use.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 250,000 obituaries searchable through Obituary Index database
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bay County Library SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library in the Libby/OverDrive network allowing patrons to access expanded digital content including e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines.
• Genesee District LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library in the Libby/OverDrive network for expanded digital content access.
• Great Lakes Digital LibrariescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library consortium providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• Jackson District LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library in the Libby/OverDrive network for expanded digital content access.
• Lakeland Digital LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library consortium providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• Metro Net Library ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library consortium providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• Midwest Collaborative for Library ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library consortium providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• Southwest Michigan Digital LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library consortium providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• St. Clair County Library SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library in the Libby/OverDrive network for expanded digital content access.
• Suburban Library CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library consortium providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• Traverse Area District LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library in the Libby/OverDrive network for expanded digital content access.
• Up North Digital CollectioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner digital collection providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• White Pine Library CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner library consortium providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• Woodlands Downloadable LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner digital library providing expanded digital content through Libby.
• Hoopla DigitalcoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital content platform providing access to movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks through the library's online services.
• KanopycoreTechnology or IntegrationVideo streaming service providing movies, documentaries, and educational content accessible through the library.
• United Way of Saginaw CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program providing free tax preparation services to Saginaw County residents.
• Saginaw Art MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonthly story time program held at the Saginaw Art Museum bringing literacy and art programming to children and families.
• Friends of the LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer organization supporting library services and fundraising.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Bay County Library System:

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC07XFEuYQD5ZwASqXywIXaw
• Facebookfacebook.com/saginawlibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/publiclibrariesofsaginaw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/public-libraries-of-saginaw

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Public Libraries of Saginaw