Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library

Exterior shot of the Alice & Jack Wirt Library

Library Location, Contact, and Hours

Address:
500 Center Ave.
Bay City, MI 48708

Directions:
Google Maps

Kirsten Wellnitz headshot

Kirsten Wellnitz
Managing Librarian
kwellnitz@baycountylibrary.org

Phone:
989-893-9566 ext. 2111

Fax:
989-893-9799
989-893-7052

Additional Contacts

Children's
Madison Roberts
989-893-9566 ext. 2127

Teen/Fiction
Linda Smith
989-893-9566 ext. 2124

Reference/Local History
Mark Grotelueschen
989-893-9566 ext. 2212

Hours:
Monday – Thursday:
10AM-8PM
Friday – Saturday:
9AM-5PM
Sunday (Sep-May only):
1PM-5PM

Drive-Up Window:
Monday – Thursday:
10AM-8PM
Friday – Saturday:
9AM-5PM
Sunday (Sep-May only):
​​​​​​​1PM-5PM

The Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library functions as the main or central library for the Bay County Library System. It is located on the east side of Bay City, Michigan, in the downtown area. In addition to housing the largest collection of materials in the system, it includes a business resource center and core reference collection, a local history and genealogy room, a computer lab, an outdoor reading garden, several study rooms, and a large community meeting room. The administrative offices are located on the second floor.

Additional Parking

The Bay City Downtown Management Board has graciously opened up several parking spaces for public use in the lot on the corner of Center and Adams. When using this lot, please park only in the spaces along Center Avenue that are clearly marked Visitor Parking.  There is a 3 hour time limit.

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group

Legendary Lit: A Fantasy Book Club

10:30am–11:30am
Adults
Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Room: Kantzler Community Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

In Legendary Lit, we will meet every six weeks on a Saturday morning to discuss some of the best of the fantasy genre.

 

June Meeting

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

Saturday, June 14 at 10:30 AM

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Tweens" group

Wirt Summer ART Series - SUMMER BUCKET LIST

11:00am–12:00pm
Children, Tweens
Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Room: Kantzler Community Room
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for our Summer Art Series in the Kantzler Community Room.  

This program is for ages 7-12.  Registration is required.

 

Disclaimer(s)

Registration is required.  Please register in person, by phone, or online.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Knitting Solutions (2nd Floor)

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Library Branch: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Room: Second Floor Community Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Drop in to knit and crochet with others.  Expert knitters on site to help those who need assistance.  Supplies not provided, please bring your own project to work on.

This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Tweens" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Meet Up, Eat Up, and READ Up - Wirt

12:00pm–12:45pm
Babies & Toddlers, Children, Tweens, Teens
Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Library Branch: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Room: Wirt Lawn
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Children, Tweens, Teens
Program Type: Other
Event Details:

Meet Up, Eat Up, and READ Up!

Meet Up, Eat Up, and READ Up at your library! Kids and teens ages 0-18 can enjoy a free lunch on the lawn along with a free children's book! 

Lunches are provided in partnership with Bay City Public Schools.

We make every effort to order enough lunches for our expected attendance numbers, but lunches are first-come, first-serve.

We look forward to seeing everyone! 

This program will take place every Tuesday & Thursday from 12-12:45pm, through August 7.

Please note: lunch will not be served on the following dates: 

This event is in the "Family" group
This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Family Storytime - Wirt

12:15pm–12:45pm
Family, Babies & Toddlers, Children
Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Library Branch: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Room: Wirt Lawn
Age Group: Family, Babies & Toddlers, Children
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

This storytime will take place outdoors, weather permitting, following Meet Up, Eat Up, & Read Up. If lunch is canceled for any reason, storytime will also be canceled.

No registration required.

Disclaimer(s)

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

This event is in the "Babies & Toddlers" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Preschool Storytime - Wirt

10:30am–11:00am
Babies & Toddlers, Children
Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Registration Required
Library Branch: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library
Room: Children's Program Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Children
Program Type: Storytime
Registration Required
Event Details:

Preschool Storytime

Join us with your preschooler for stories, rhymes, music, movement, and early literacy fun!

Best for ages 2-5 with a participating caregiver.

Registration for all BCLS Spring storytimes begins on Friday, May 16, 2025. Summer storytimes will run for an eight-week session, through the week of June 16-August 8.

Disclaimer(s)

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Registration is required.  Please register in person, by phone, or online.