Traverse City Ladies Library Association
The Traverse City Ladies’ Library Association (LLA) began in 1870 as a dedicated group of pioneer women who designed and managed a library and public space to benefit a small, developing community. It was self-sustaining and run by volunteers. By 1878 the Ladies owned their own building, which besides housing a small library also served for many years as the first public theater and largest meeting hall in the area. The LLA offered a desperately desired opportunity for women to expand their horizons and share intellectual interests.