Special Collections Update  -  June 29, 2024

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Special Collections Update  -  June 29, 2024

Land Research Virtual Program, July 4 Closing, UP History Conference, Library Visits, 2024 MNB Tour Recap, and New Mural

Virtual Programs Mindy

Program for the Public: Land Research and Sanborn Maps

Thursday, July 11, 2024 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom

Land ownership is an underutilized, yet invaluable, tool for uncovering information about your family’s history. Learn about the boundary system where property was divided and organized throughout Michigan’s history. See examples of Sanborn Maps and how they chronicled the urban areas of our state.

Go to Michigan.gov/LMPublicPrograms to register for this program and to see other future virtual programs offered by the Library of Michigan.

*Program Note: Please note this program is taking place on the second Thursday in July in order to avoid conflicting with the July 4 holiday. All other virtual programs take place on the first Thursday of each month.


Closing announcement

July 4 Independence Day Closing

The Library of Michigan will be closed on Thursday July 4th, 2024 for Independence Day. The Library of Michigan will reopen on Friday, July 5, 2024. All reference questions and library card applications will be processed during the week after reopening.

State Law Library Updated Hours

The Library of Michigan's Law Collection will now be open for in-person visits from 1PM-5PM, Monday - Friday. Phone and email requests will be processed 10AM - 5PM, Monday - Friday. Contact Law Library staff by calling 517-335-1480 or emailing LMLawLib@Michigan.gov.


Historical Society of Michigan Upper Peninsula History Conference and Library Visits

Special Collections Manager David Votta and Community Engagement Librarian Adam Oster were on the road last weekend as they traveled to Sault Ste. Marie for the 2024 Historical Society of Michigan Upper Peninsula History Conference at Lake Superior State University. The two made visits to Topinabee Public Library and Bayliss Public Library on their travel north.

Topinabee Public Library is located in Mullet Township in the historic former Topinabee Depot on Mullet Lake. The building contains both a regular collection of popular reading materials as well as several historical items that showcase the rich history of Mullet Lake, including an original "snog boat" that is unique to the area.

Bayliss Public Library is part of Superior District Library and situated next to the power canal in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Bayliss and SDL staff highlighted areas of the building as well as discussed future opportunities that should soon provide additional storage and office space for SDL.

The Upper Peninsula History Conference primarily took place at Lake Superior State University's Walker Cisler Student & Conference Center. Votta and Oster showcased the Library of Michigan's collections and services throughout the conference in the exhibit area. Kudos to the Historical Society of Michigan staff for running an excellent conference - can't wait for the Michigan History Conference this fall in St Joseph/Benton Harbor!

2024 Historical Society of Michigan Upper Peninsula History Conference

Topinabee Public Library, Bayliss Public Library (a Superior District Library), and Historical Society of Michigan Upper Peninsula History Conference.


2024 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour Recap

The 2024 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour has just wrapped up, bringing authors to communities across Michigan throughout April, May, and June. The Library of Michigan greatly appreciates the authors who participated in the tour as well as the host libraries who partnered in bringing these programs to areas all over the state.

Additional thanks go to the Library of Michigan Foundation, Michigan Humanities, and the many other organizations who have supported the Michigan Notable Books program and author tour. Learn more about the Michigan Notable Books program as well as find directions for submitting titles for the 2025 Michigan Notable Books list by visiting Michigan.gov/NotableBooks.

2024 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour collage

Michigan Notable Books authors visiting libraries across Michigan as part of the 2024 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour.


New WPA Mural at the Library of Michigan

This week the Library of Michigan received on loan from the Michigan State University Museum a beautiful 1936 Works Progress Administration (WPA) mural that is now located on the Library's 2nd floor near the microfilm reader room. The 15'x6' mural called Natural Resources of Northern Michigan was painted by Carl H. Frezell (1901-1970) as a federal art project connected with the WPA for artwork in the Gogebic County Courthouse in Bessemer, Michigan. It depicts many of the natural resources found in Gogebic County as well as other aspects of the Upper Peninsula. The mural also incorporates a large cityscape with skyscrapers and other well-known structures of the time period. Special thanks to the Michigan State University Museum loaning the mural to the Library of Michigan and to the Michigan State University Infrastructure Planning and Facilities staff for installing it at the Library of Michigan.

Michigan State University Museum Mural

1936 WPA mural called "Natural Resources of Northern Michigan" by Carl H. Frezell being installed at the Library of Michigan.

Library Card 2023

Library of Michigan Library Card

Harness the resources of your state library with a Library of Michigan Library Card. Apply online at www.Michigan.gov/LibraryCard

Donate to the Collections of the Library of Michigan

The Library of Michigan actively accepts additions to its collections and holdings. Find more information on the types of items accepted at www.Michigan.gov/LibraryGift.

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