About the Norton Shores Branch

Norton Shores Branch—Our South Anchor

Did you know over 10,000 people come through the Norton Shores branch doors every month? This is the largest branch location in the Muskegon Area District Library system. The angular brick building, with door-to-ceiling window walls that let beautiful nature and light in, is located on heavily wooded grounds. It is nearby one of the city’s busiest intersections at Seminole Road and Henry Street in the city of Norton Shores.

It opened its doors for business on May 13, 1974, five years after the city of Norton Shores launched plans for a public library as a result of a growing demand by residents. After several locations were considered, a three-acre site on Seminole Road was chosen for its proximity to Mona Shores High School. Landman-Andrews AIA Architects designed the 16,080 square foot facility, and plans included separate adult and children’s collection areas, meeting rooms and office space complete with periodical storage. The children’s area boasted a then state-of-the-art amphitheater space for storytimes. Total cost of the building project was $600,000, an amount covered by a city bond, a federal grant, and private donations.

The new library was quickly embraced by the community, with 1,800 people attending the opening celebrations. The addition of a multi-purpose room to be used as both Norton Shores city council chambers and community space was completed by the city in 1979. In 2003 the city of Norton Shores added the name Jacob O. Funkhouser to the Library to honor the longtime Mona Shores high school teacher and Muskegon County commissioner, who taught geography, psychology and American government for 37 years.

This branch continues to be a popular community hub, providing a collection of over 70,000 items for patrons to borrow, including books, audio books, magazines, music CDs, DVDs, and assistance in accessing abundant digital services. The branch provides 15 public computers with Internet access, printing options and free Wi-Fi, so users have unlimited possibilities to access media and technology.

The Norton Shores Branch also offers a robust schedule of free programs for all ages. From storytimes for newborns through preschoolers, after-school events for kids and teens, along with seven weeks of summer reading, to adult craft programs, author visits, community exhibits, and consumer and health education classes. It is well-known for its ongoing monthly live music concert series, featuring a broad variety of popular music such as Irish, country, blue grass and outdoor summer performances. The support of the Friends of the Norton Shores Library, founded in 1976 and the largest Friends group in the MADL system, along with several endowment funds for the branch established over the years with the Community Foundation of Muskegon County by far-sighted and generous donors, help to make all this possible.

Staff looks forward to providing the best in library services and programs for our community, serving as a primary anchor for the Muskegon Area District Library’s commitment to library service throughout Muskegon County. There is something for everyone at the Norton Shores branch—stop by and see us soon!