Services For The Public

Services For The Public

OVERVIEW OF SERVICES

Library of Michigan reference staff provide a variety of services to the Public. Staff will:
  • Answer general reference and research questions by phone, email, or in-person at the Library of Michigan.
  • Perform article/obituary searches for researchers (please limit requests to 2 item requests per month).
  • Provide in-building tours and in-person/virtual presentations to requesting organizations.

Building Hours

Library of Michigan Hours

10AM-5PM Monday - Friday
10AM-4PM Saturday
 
The Library of Michigan is closed on Sundays. Find a list of holiday closures and additional visitor information on the Contact and Visit Us page.

BUILDING SERVICES

Services available to Library of Michigan visitors include:
  • Microfilm scanners
  • Internet computers
  • Subscription-based online databases
  • Printing/Copying
  • Current newspapers from several Michigan communities
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Quiet study spaces

OVERVIEW OF COLLECTIONS

The Library of Michigan maintains several key collections that are accessible to the public, including:
Additional information about the Library of Michigan's collections may be found on the Library Use Guidelines section of the website.

LIBRARY CARD

Many resources through the Library of Michigan require a Library of Michigan Library Card for access. Cardholders may:
  • Check out circulating items from the Library of Michigan's collections.
  • Remotely access the subscription databases provided by the Library of Michigan.
All residents of Michigan and State of Michigan employees are eligible for cards. Register for a card in-person at the Library's Reference Desk or digitally through our online form.

ONLINE RESOURCES/DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

The Library of Michigan subscribes to several subscription databases, many of which are accessible remotely by Library of Michigan library card holders. Find links to these databases by going to the Online Resources for Library Cardholders page or at www.Michigan.gov/LMdatabases. 
 
Additional digital resources that do not require a Library of Michigan Library Card include:

EVENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND TOURS

Events

The Library of Michigan offers numerous in-person and virtual programs to the Public. Look for the 2022 program schedule by going to Programs for the Public or www.Michigan.gov/LMPublicPrograms.

Presentations

Library of Michigan Special Collections staff offer a wide range of program topics for libraries, historical societies, government departments and other organizations. Staff can provide both in-person and virtual presentations on the following subjects:
  • Collections of the Library of Michigan
  • MyHeritage Library Edition Database
  • Fold3 Library Edition Database
  • Ancestry.com Library Edition Database
  • Library of Michigan Digital
  • Michigan Notable Books
  • Michigan in the Novel: Early 20th Century Michigan Literature
  • Michigan County Poor Farms
We also welcome topic requests if a subject is not included in the above list. 

Tours

Tours are available by request of the Library of Michigan's building and collections. All tours must be arranged in advanced in order to assure staff availability.
 
Please direct inquires for events, presentations, and tours to Librarian@Michigan.gov or 517-335-1477.

Special Collections Update

The Special Collections Update is a biweekly email bulletin highlighting the services and material of the Library of Michigan's Special Collections. Readers will learn about new acquisitions, upcoming programs, item/resource spotlights, and more. Stay informed on the resources of your state library by signing up at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/signup/24046.

QUESTIONS

Contact us with your information needs. Request assistance by:
 
Reference
517-335-1477
 
Law
517-335-1480
 
Find additional contact information and location directions for the Library of Michigan at www.Michigan.gov/ReachtheLibrary.
 
Updated: 12/2/2021