AADL Lobby Shops

Mon, 04/28/2025 - 5:28pm by eli

Do you own a small business or are planning on starting a small business?  Have you been having trouble finding a physical space to run or start your small business?  Do you love AADL?  If you answered "yes" to these questions, you have come to the right place!  The AADL Lobby Shops, located in the Downtown Library Lobby, are small, temporary, and low-cost spaces to help you take your business to the next level.

The application is currently closed. Stay tuned for another chance to apply for a suite in the AADL Lobby Shops!

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, etc., please email Jodene Poirier at poirierj@aadl.org or call 734-327-8311.

Lobby Shops Guidelines 

• Hours of operation should be during times that the Library is open.  The Library’s hours are 10am-8pm daily, except for during closures.
• Payment for space use will be due on the first of each month.
• Operators must open their shop for a total of at least eight hours per week and at least two days a week.
• If an operator plans to sell food in their shop, it must be prepared offsite following Michigan’s Cottage Food Law or in an inspected commercial kitchen. If foods are prepared following Michigan's Cottage Food Law, the food can only be sold by the preparer.  If foods are prepared in an inspected commercial kitchen, a retail food license will be required.  Preparing food or drinks in the shops will not be permitted.
• Any sound produced by an operator of a shop must not be above the general noise level of the Lobby.
• Operator access to shops will be through the Library’s front doors.  The loading dock at the back door off of William St. may be used to load or unload, upon request.  
• No fumes or odors should come from an operator’s shop.
• Operators are responsible for keeping their shop clean and organized.
• Drywall inside the shop may be painted if a drop cloth is used.  No painting or modification of the brick walls is allowed.
• Lobby Shop operators will be required to abide by the Library’s Rules of Behavior.
• AADL is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.

Lobby Shops FAQ

Q: What Lobby Shops are available?
A: There are three shop spaces.  One is larger and two are smaller.  The space sizes are as folllows: Suite 1- approximately 24’x21’, Suite 2- approximately 10’x21’, and Suite 3- approximately 10’x19’.  The size of the doors for Suite 1 & Suite 3 is 36"x84".  Suite 2 has double doors and the size is 72"x84".

Q: If selected, will I be required to sign a lease?
A: It is not a lease, but you will be required to sign a space use agreement if selected for a space.

Q: What is the cost to use the space?
A: For Suite 1, the fee is $250 per month.  For Suites 2 & 3, the fee is $100 per month.  Operators will receive a monthly invoice by email, to be paid online.  Please let us know if you need to arrange an alternate form of payment.

Q: If selected, will I have to pay a security deposit?
A: There will be no security deposit collected for the Lobby Shops.

Q: Will I be required to pass a background check?
A: A background check will be conducted on potential operators if they are selected for a space. 

Q: How long will I be able to use the space?
A: The space use agreement for the shop will be for six months, with an option to extend the space use agreement for another six months, if both the Library and the operator agree.

Q: Will equipment or furniture provided by the Library be available for me to use?
A: AADL will be unable to provide any equipment or furniture.  You must provide your own equipment and furniture.  The Library will provide power and wifi at no cost.

Q: Will Library staff be able to watch my shop for me or help me when I am busy?
A: AADL staff will not be able to watch or help with your shop, or process any sales for operators.

Q: Will I be required to carry my own insurance?
A: Insurance will not be required in order to be considered or selected for a shop space.

Q: Do I have to have a permit, certificate, or license?
A: Operators will be responsible for any permits, certificates, or licenses required by their field of business.

Q: Will AADL’s staff areas be accessible to me?
A: AADL’s staff areas will not be accessible to operators unless they are using the loading dock to load or unload.

Q: Will I be able to park in the AADL staff parking lot?
A: AADL will not be able to provide parking to operators other than when loading or unloading at the loading dock.

Q: May I hang posters, signs, flyers, pictures, or banners in my shop?
A: You can hang what you'd like inside your shop, but you can't hanging anything outside of your shop, or significantly obscure the view into your shop. 

Q: Will I be allowed to approach patrons in the Library to promote my business?
A: No, patrons should come into your shop before you interact with them.  

Q: Do I have to be an AADL cardholder in order to apply or be considered for a space?
A: You do not have to be an AADL cardholder in order to apply or be considered.  However, preference will be given to residents of the AADL district.

Q: Why don’t the walls go all the way to the ceiling in each shop?
A: This is due to the fact that the shops are one space for ventilation and fire suppression.

Q: Will I be given keys to the Library?
A: You will be given a key to your shop only.  Keys to the front doors, back door, or staff areas will not be issued to operators.

Q: Why can’t I open my shop if the Library is closed?
A: When the Library is closed, staff will not be in the building to provide shop access to you or customers.