Situated in the center of downtown Charlevoix the library is an exquisite rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of an elementary school. Its yellow brick exterior walls and deep blue interior speak of the beach community for which the library serves as a gathering space.

When the former library proved inadequate, the Charlevoix City Council with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) found the library would fit in the former elementary school. Friends of the Library raised the funds to rehabilitate the school for use as the library. The L-shaped building is entered at the intersection of the two wings. The main reading room occupies the former gymnasium beneath a lofty beamed ceiling. The rooms of the children's area are dedicated to books, media, and activities. Periodical readers enjoy comfortable furniture before a gas fireplace in the former kindergarten room. Computer labs, a local history room, and conference rooms are on the first floor. The second floor contains offices and meeting rooms. Public spaces are decorated in the theme of the lake.