Muskegon Area District Library

What Muskegon Area District Library does

Muskegon Area District Library (MADL) is a public library district formed in 2006 through a voter-approved millage campaign, serving most of Muskegon County, Michigan across 20 local governmental units. It operates 11 physical branches plus a bookmobile and outreach van, with the 2018-opened Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled (LVPD) branch providing specialized adaptive technology, Tovertafel gaming, and the Talking Book/BARD service. MADL offers free library cards to in-area residents and provides a differentiated programmatic portfolio including Storyville early-learning spaces, Seed Libraries, MakerSpaces, a Library of Things (tools, instruments, microscopes, etc.), a Podcasting Kit, the MABL bike-lending program, and Senior Book Bins.

The core patron-facing platform is BiblioCommons, which powers catalog search, account management, holds, events, and lists. MADL integrates a broad third-party digital ecosystem: OverDrive/Libby (ebooks/audiobooks via the Lakeland Digital Library consortium), Hoopla (digital media on a pay-per-use model), Kanopy (streaming film), Freegal (music downloads), Brainfuse (live tutoring), Beanstack (reading tracking), Michigan eLibrary/MeL (databases), and BARD (Library of Congress accessibility). Public computing runs Windows 11 with Microsoft Office and links to Ancestry.com and Brainfuse; WiFi hotspots and a 72-hour laptop kiosk extend connectivity to patrons. Integration infrastructure includes ePrintItSaaS for wireless printing and MailerLite for eNewsletter communications.

MADL's business model is publicly funded: voter-approved property-tax millage is the primary revenue source, with negligible ancillary revenue from printing/faxing fees, replacement charges, and pay-per-use Hoopla charges billed back to the library. There are no overdue fines on materials. The customer base is exclusively in-area residents plus reciprocal card holders from Hackley Public Library, White Lake Community Library, and Lakeland Library Cooperative members. The entity is governed by a Board of Trustees with regional representation, led operationally by a Finance Director, IT Director, HR Manager, Programs Manager, Marketing Manager, and branch-level District Managers. MADL has no parent company, no subsidiaries, no funding rounds, and no M&A history.

Name

Muskegon Area District Library

Legal name

Muskegon Area District Library

Website

https://madl.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Muskegon Area District Library (MADL) is a public library district serving most of Muskegon County, Michigan through 11 branches plus a bookmobile. Funded by voter-approved millage, it offers free library cards, BiblioCommons-powered catalog services, extensive digital resources (Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freegal), and specialized accessibility programs through its LVPD branch.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF), Assistive Technology Lending Libraries, Trials & Device Loan Programs (EDAKAIAL)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community library resources
• Digital lending platform
• Early childhood literacy
• Accessible library services

Headquarters

HQ city

Muskegon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Millage Funding: Primary funding source through voter-approved millage campaigns. Formed in 2006 following millage campaign. Tax revenues support all library operations.
2. Library Fines and Fees: Replacement costs for lost/damaged materials, replacement library card fees ($2), printing fees (15 cents black/white, 75 cents color), and fax fees (50 cents per page). No overdue fines on materials.
3. Pay-Per-Use Digital Services: Hoopla operates on pay-per-use model where library pays for each individual download. Monthly download limits ensure fair access to high-cost service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Muskegon Area District Library (MADL) is a public library district that provides free physical and digital lending services, early childhood education programs, accessibility services for visually and physically disabled patrons, and community programming across 11 branches in Muskegon County, Michigan. Core offerings include book and media lending, digital content platforms (Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freegal), specialized services like the Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled (LVPD), Storyville early learning spaces, and bookmobile outreach.

Product overview

Muskegon Area District Library (MADL) operates as a public library district serving Muskegon County, Michigan, offering a unified platform of physical and digital lending services. The core patron experience is powered by BiblioCommons, which provides the catalog, account management, and event registration infrastructure. MADL's product portfolio encompasses three main categories: (1) Physical Collections including books, movies, music, toys, special collections (Library of Things, Seed Library, Book Club in a Bag, Podcast Kit, Bike Library), and early childhood programs (Storyville); (2) Digital Resources accessed through dedicated apps/platforms including Libby (ebooks/audiobooks), Hoopla (digital media), Kanopy (streaming video), Freegal (music), and Beanstack (reading program tracking); and (3) Accessibility Services including Talking Books, BARD, Tovertafel, Senior Book Bins, laptop/hotspot lending, and adaptive technology at the LVPD branch. The library also provides public computing, wireless printing, meeting room reservations, and outreach via its Bookmobile.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library Catalog & Account (BiblioCommons) The primary patron-facing catalog and account management system powered by BiblioCommons. Enables patrons to search the collection, place holds, manage checkouts, pay fines, request interlibrary loans, and access My Library Dashboard features including borrowing history, saved lists, and reading shelves.
• Libby (OverDrive) Digital ebook and audiobook lending platform provided through OverDrive. Patrons borrow and read free ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines using the Libby app on phone or tablet. Part of the Lakeland Digital Library consortium providing access to 15+ Michigan library groups.
• Hoopla Digital Digital content borrowing platform offering movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows. Content streams immediately or downloads to devices for offline viewing. Subject to a daily system-wide borrow limit that resets at midnight.
• Kanopy Streaming Streaming video service featuring over 30,000 documentaries, indie films, classic and world cinema titles. Patrons receive 30 free tickets per month; films and series cost 1-5 tickets each. Kanopy Kids offers unlimited access to children's content.
• Freegal Music Free music streaming and download service providing access to approximately 15 million songs and over 40,000 music videos. Patrons receive 5 free music downloads per week and 5 hours of streaming daily. Downloaded music is kept permanently with no due dates.
• Brainfuse Tutoring Free one-on-one tutoring resource for patrons from Kindergarten through adults. Live tutors are available daily from 2:00pm to 11:00pm EST. Includes HelpNow for writing assistance and other learning tools.
• WiFi Hotspot Lending Portable WiFi hotspot devices available for checkout at all MADL locations. Available to MADL cardholders age 18 and over. Hotspots check out for 3 weeks with no renewals, limited to 1 per household. Must be returned directly to staff.
• Laptop Kiosk Self-service laptop lending kiosks allowing patrons age 18+ with valid library card and less than $120 in fines to borrow laptops for 72 hours. Laptops run Windows 11 with Microsoft Office suite, internet browsing, and are wiped clean after each return.
• Talking Book Service Free mail service delivering braille and audio books to eligible patrons' homes. Qualifying patrons include those with low vision, blindness, inability to hold books or turn pages, or reading disabilities. Includes braille books (up to 5 at a time) and magazines in Large Print, Talking Book, and Braille formats.
• Tovertafel Interactive light gaming system (Dutch for 'Magic Table') projecting engaging light games onto surfaces. Designed for children and adults with disabilities but enables people of diverse abilities to play together. Features cognitive, physical, social, and sensory games.
• Storyville Early Learning Space Educational play space designed for children ages 5 and under and their parents. Features professionally designed activities encouraging reading, writing, vocabulary, letter and number recognition, narrative skills, and age-appropriate STEM activities. Located at Montague, Muskegon Heights, Norton Shores, and Ravenna branches.
• Library of Things Collection of non-traditional lending items including binoculars, chess sets, guitars, guitar amps, microscopes, metal detectors, rock tumblers, sewing machines, tool sets, TI-84 graphing calculators, video game controllers, and more.
• Book Club in a Bag Pre-packaged book club kit containing 10 books, author information, and discussion questions. Checks out for up to 6 weeks and can be reserved through the online catalog or by calling a local branch.
• Seed Library Self-perpetuating collection of free seeds for local gardeners. Available at Egelston, Montague, Muskegon Heights, North Muskegon, and Ravenna branches. Patrons may check out up to 5 seed packets.
• MABL (Muskegon Area Bike Library) Bike lending program at Muskegon Heights Branch offering bicycles to MADL and Hackley Public Library card holders. Bikes available beginning first Monday of June through October. Includes helmet and lock.
• Bookmobile & Outreach Van Mobile library service bringing books, media, and library services to communities throughout the service area. Extends library access to areas and populations that may not visit physical branches.
• Local Public Library Partnership (LP2) App Mobile application for easy browsing of library collections, placing holds, and accessing patron accounts. Available for iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play.
• Wireless Printing (ePrintItSaaS) Mobile and web-based printing service allowing patrons to upload print jobs from any browser or mobile app and pick up at any MADL branch. Black and white printing costs 15 cents per page; color printing costs 75 cents per page.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free access for all service area residents with no overdue fines
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Lakeland Library CooperativecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional library consortium enabling shared catalog access, interlibrary loan, and digital resource sharing across Michigan libraries. MADL card holders can access digital materials from multiple partner libraries through Libby.
• Hackley Public LibrarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReciprocal borrowing agreement allowing Hackley card holders to borrow from MADL branches and vice versa. Hackley serves City of Muskegon and Muskegon Public School District areas.
• White Lake Community LibrarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReciprocal borrowing agreement allowing White Lake card holders to borrow from MADL branches. White Lake serves Whitehall area.
• Michigan eLibrary (MeL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide database consortium providing access to academic research, career resources, government information, and educational databases. Many MADL resources are provided through MeL.
• Grand Valley State University Muskegon Innovation HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness innovation program providing coaching, funding, networking, and workspace to help businesses and entrepreneurs achieve growth potential. Listed as community resource partner.
• Feeding America West Michigan / Gather 2 GrowminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide free lunches for youth ages 0-18 and adults with disabilities through age 26 during summer months. Meals available grab-n-go style.
• Kids Food BasketminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood assistance partner providing meals to combat childhood hunger in Muskegon area. Library serves as distribution point for meal program.
• Big Read LakeshoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLiteracy initiative with Story Project encouraging classroom writing and reading. Selected books include works by Dave Eggers for community reading program.
• National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)coreTechnology or IntegrationProgram within Library of Congress providing BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) service for eligible patrons to download audiobooks and braille materials.
• Association for the Blind & Visually ImpairedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity resource referral for LVPD patrons to help clients live independently with remaining vision.
• Bureau of Services for Blind PersonsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichigan state agency providing opportunities for blind or visually impaired individuals to achieve employment and maximum independence.
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState resource providing equal communication access, education, and advocacy to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community members.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Hackley Public Library: Hackley Public Library serves the City of Muskegon — the primary population center carved out of MADL's service area. Operates as a direct reciprocal borrowing partner with MADL and serves overlapping demographic needs through its own branch system.
• Fruitport District Library: Fruitport District Library serves the Fruitport area carved out of MADL's service area. Operates as another Michigan district library with overlapping West Michigan context and reciprocal borrowing relationship.
• White Lake Community Library: White Lake Community Library serves the Whitehall area that is carved out of MADL's service area. Reciprocal borrowing partner with MADL, providing cross-library access for patrons in adjacent jurisdictions.

Direct peers

• Kent District Library: Kent District Library is a Michigan district library serving ~390,000 residents across 18 branches with similar millage-funded governance and BiblioCommons catalog platform. Operates at larger scale but shares the same district-library operating model, digital platform, and Michigan-specific context as MADL.
• Grand Rapids Public Library: Grand Rapids Public Library serves a comparable West Michigan urban population with millage-based funding, multiple branches, and similar digital platform integration (BiblioCommons, Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy). Provides a city-library analog to MADL's district-library model.
• Indianapolis Public Library: Indianapolis Public Library operates a multi-branch urban/county system with comparable focus on early childhood literacy, maker spaces, digital lending, and accessibility services. Similar service diversity to MADL with broader geographic scale.
• Ann Arbor District Library: Ann Arbor District Library is a Michigan district library with millage-based funding and BiblioCommons platform, serving ~125,000 residents. Comparable in governance structure, digital catalog infrastructure, and district-library operating model to MADL.
• Cuyahoga County Public Library: Cuyahoga County Public Library is one of the largest county-district library systems in the U.S., serving ~600,000 residents across 27 branches. Comparable in district-library governance, millage-based funding, and digital service breadth, though operating at substantially larger scale than MADL.

Others

• BiblioCommons: BiblioCommons is the catalog and patron experience platform provider used by MADL. Not a peer in the competitive sense but a core infrastructure vendor whose product decisions directly shape MADL's patron-facing digital experience.
• Lakeland Library Cooperative: Lakeland Library Cooperative is the regional library consortium that provides shared catalog access and interlibrary loan services to MADL and other Michigan libraries. Operates the Lakeland Digital Library accessed through Libby — directly enabling MADL's digital lending scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/LVPDofMADL
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/muskegon-area-district-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 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 Muskegon Area District Library