How do I search your catalog?

ANSWER , the Library of Michigan's online catalog, is a database of information about many of the materials owned by the Library. Some materials, such as maps, pre-1976 Federal documents, Talking Books and some Michigan government documents are not listed in the catalog. ANSWER also does not provide access to full-text of books, periodical articles, holdings of other libraries, or Internet databases. Please see Help Using ANSWER for more information. If you have any questions about materials not listed in the catalog, please call the Library at 517-373-1300 during regular Library hours. Back to top

Where can I find information on my birth parents?

The genealogical information at the Library of Michigan is most useful for pre-1930 family research. We have extremely limited information that may be used by persons searching for adoption information such as how-to books and online phone directories. To learn more about searching for birth parents, please see the Library of Michigan's Genealogy Web Links on Adoption. Back to top

Where can I find information about Braille and Talking Books for people who are disabled?

Michigan residents who are unable to see or read standard print as a result of a visual or physical disability are eligible to receive free reading materials from a statewide network of libraries. Please see Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped for more details. Back to top

What census information can be found at the Library of Michigan?

As part of the Abrams Foundation Historical Collection, the Library has complete microfilm holdings for the federal census records for the United States (1790 to 1930). The Library also has some census records produced by the State of Michigan and census records for Canada. Additionally, as part of our federal documents collection, we have a large number of statistical publications compiled from the federal census every ten years. Please search ANSWER for our holdings. Back to top

How can I check out books?

Michigan residents may obtain a library card by presenting one of the following: a valid Michigan driver's license, Michigan identification card, voter's registration card, or identification card from a Michigan institution of higher learning which indicates current enrollment. Anyone under the age of 18 must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian on the library card application. For more information, please see our Circulation Policy . Back to top

How do I contact a staff member?

Please see the Library of Michigan Staff Directory By Name or By Function. Back to top

Do you have copyright forms?

We have several copyright forms available at the Library for photocopying.

In addition, copyright forms are also available on the Library of Congress Copyright Office Web site.
Or call the Forms and Publications Hotline at 202-707-9100 to have forms delivered to you.

Patent and trademark forms are available on the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office web site.
Or call the Patent and Trademark Office at 800-786-9199 to have forms sent to you. Back to top

How can I donate books to the library?

Please see the library's Gift Policy Form. Back to top

What are the driving directions to the Library?

Please see our Driving Directions and our map to the library. Back to top

Where can I find election and voting information?

Please see the Michigan eLibrary's Government Information pages. Back to top

Can you provide family history (genealogy) research for me?

The genealogy collection at the Library is open to the public. Library staff will provide assistance in using our collection when you visit us. Please check the description of our Abrams Genealogy and Local History Collection for more information. The Library of Michigan is unable to provide genealogy research services; however, we offer a list of researchers who may be able to assist you for a fee. Back to top

Do you have a fiction collection?

Fiction set in Michigan locales or written by authors identified with Michigan is included in our Michigan collection. We do not have a general fiction section. Please search ANSWER for our holdings Back to top

What are your hours?

Please see the Library of Michigan Hours and Holidays. Back to top

How can I request an Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

The Library of Michigan borrows materials for any of our card holders in good standing. Persons with overdue or billed materials may not use Interlibrary Loan services. The Library of Michigan also borrows materials needed for work related research for Legislative and State employees. See our Interlibrary Loan FAQ for more information.

Circulating materials from the Library may be borrowed through the interlibrary loan network by placing a request at your local public library. However, many resources at the Library are non-circulating and are available for use in the Library only.

The Library of Michigan Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (SBPH) interlibrary loans special format materials to other regional or subregional libraries and registered patrons from the volunteer produced collection. Back to top

Do you have Internet access for the public?

The Library of Michigan provides Internet terminals for public use on a walk-in basis. Patrons may sign up for two sessions a day. Please read our Internet Use Policy for more information, including information on children's access. Back to top

Who can I contact for interviews and news releases about the Library?

Please contact the Public Information Office to request an interview or obtain press releases. The office may be reached at (517) 373-5578. Back to top

What jobs are available at the Library?

Please see the listing of the Department of History, Arts & Libraries Job Vacancies or call (517) 241-2236. Back to top

Where can I research Michigan laws?

The Library of Michigan maintains the State Law Library , which is open to the public. Back to top

Where can I find LSTA information?

Please see Library Services and Information Act (LSTA) information. Back to top

Where can I find MichiCard information?

Please see our MichiCard information. Back to top

Where can I get a copy of the Michigan Constitution?

Please see the Michigan Constitution. Back to top

How do I find information about Michigan for kids?

There are many excellent web sites that provide information about Michigan for children. Some include: MI Kids!, the main Michigan government site for children; Michigan eLibrary's Resources for Children and Young Adults; and Kids' Stuff from the Michigan Historical Museum.

You can also search ANSWER to find books about Michigan at the Library. Back to top

Where can I find a list of Michigan libraries?

Please see the Directory of Michigan Libraries . Back to top

What new books are available from the library?

Browse the New Book List for printed books. Back to top

Can you find an obituary for me?

Michigan newspapers on microfilm are available for public use. You may come to the Library and copy the article from the microfilm or you may request an obituary through the interlibrary loan network at your local public library. You must provide the exact title, date and page number of the newspaper the obituary appeared in.

Michigan newspaper microfilm is also available for interlibrary loan to Michigan libraries.

The Library is unable to retrieve obituaries requested by telephone or email. Please see our list of genealogy researchers who will search for an obituary for a fee. Back to top

Where can I park and how much does it cost?

Parking is available in a gated lot south of the Library, off Kalamazoo Street. The cost is 75 cents per hour on weekdays. Parking is free on weekends. Handicapped parking is available in the front of the parking area. Metered parking is also available on streets surrounding the Library. For a map of the parking area please see please see our Visit Us page.
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Is it possible to do a patent search at the Library of Michigan?

The Library of Michigan is not a depository for patent information. You may wish to contact the following patent research libraries.

Detroit Public Library: 313-833-1000
Ferris State University: 231-591-3608
University of Michigan, Media Union Library: 734-647-5735

Patent and trademark forms are available on the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office web site.
Or call the Patent and Trademark Office at 800-786-9199 to have forms sent to you. Back to top

Where can I find penal fine information?

Please see the Michigan Penal Fine Distribution Report . Back to top

Do you have phone books?

The Library has current Michigan phone books and past Michigan city directories available for use in the Library. Also, we offer access to several computer databases of nationwide residential and business phone numbers. The Library does not provide a criss-cross or look-up service. Back to top

How can I get information about Library of Michigan publications?

Information about our publications is available from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries - Communications Office. The office may be reached at (517) 373-5578.
To obtain paper copies of publications call (517) 241-2236 or email jhouseman@michigan.gov. Most publications are also available online. Back to top

Where can I find information on State Aid for libraries?

Please see the State Aid Guidelines for Michigan Libraries . Back to top

Where do I obtain Michigan library statistics?

Please see the Michigan Library Statistical Report. 1999 to present is available. Back to top

Do you supply tax forms?

The Library has federal, Michigan, and Lansing tax forms available while the supply lasts. We also have master copies for federal and Michigan income tax forms that you may make copies of. Some links to tax forms are available from the MeL. Back to top

What travel guides are available in your collection?

The Library of Michigan only collects travel guides about Michigan. Some out of state travel advisories and national park information may be found in our government documents collections. More Michigan travel information can be found at Travel Michigan and at the Michigan eLibrary Travel page. Back to top

Do you have information for library trustees?

Please see the Michigan Public Library Trustee Manual . Back to top

Which Michigan vital records do you own?

The State of Michigan began to keep vital records in 1867.

Library of Michigan has microfilm copies of the Department of Community Health's actual records, or returns for some dates. Coverage is:

Deaths 1867-1897
Divorces 1897-1922
Marriages 1867-1925

The Library also owns the following microfilm indexes to records kept by the Michigan Department of Community Health:

Births 1867-1915
Deaths 1867-1914; 1971-1996
Divorces 1897-1969
Marriages 1867-1921; 1950-1969

For other Community Health records, you will need to contact:

Michigan Department of Community Health: 517-335-8666

For vital records previous to 1867, contact the courthouse in the county where the event took place to see if a record exists. Back to top

Do you have volunteering opportunities?

We are seeking volunteers to work a minimum of two hours a week. Volunteers may contribute to: staffing the Information Desk; assisting patrons with microfilm readers; shelving books, films, and maps; special projects that might be of interest. If you are interested, please contact the Library of Michigan at 517-373-1300. Back to top

Do you have computers for word processing?

We have word processing available for patrons on the second floor of the library. Back to top

Do you still have more questions?

Ask a Librarian via our online reference form.

Updated 05/02/2007