Updated Links for Library of Michigan Library Card

Not too long ago we were sharing information on the Library of Michigan Library Card that is available to any Michigan resident or student. We realized one of the link had changed so we thought we would update everyone.

To apply for your first Library of Michigan Library Card or to renew a card you had previously applied for in-person or online (like during the pandemic) use this link to Get a Library Card which has not changed.

To see a clickable list of all of the databases you can use from home with your Library of Michigan Library Card, see this new link to Online Resources for Library Cardholders.

As you will see there are lots of reasons (databases) for Michigan genealogists and family historians to have a Library of Michigan Library Card.

See you at our favorite library!
LE

Library of Michigan has its own Digital Website: Library of Michigan Digital

As the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan begin their openings with scheduled appointments, we remind everyone it is a good idea to do your prep-work ahead of your visit and make a research plan for your visit to make better use of your appointment time.

Both the facilities utilize the Answer Catalog and it is possible to narrow your search to just one facility or the other that way you do not find yourself wanting something from the facility you did not schedule your appointment with that day. So we strongly suggest starting with the Answer Catalog.

But remember both facilities do have some online digitized materials you can research from home. See our latest post on the Michiganology.org website about how to find more than death certificates there.

Yes, you read that right -- both facilities have online digitized materials.

Did you know that the Library of Michigan has its own website for digitized resources too? It is called Library of Michigan Digital. The link icon is right there on the Answer Catalog homepage along with the Michigan Electronic Library MeL.org link icon (where you go to access the MyHeritage Library Edition database link) and the icon for the combined MSU-Library of Michigan Catalog.

One way to start is to just browse around the Library of Michigan Digital website. The Library of Michigan has created several highlight collections. Some of these collections have more items, some have less like the Michigan Maps which has just one digital image -- an 1840 Wayne County map.

This digital collection website includes older records and newer records. If in trying to view a document/record image you get a message to login do not worry you that are in a wrong place. This site uses the same login account as the WorldCat.org (OCLC Online Computer Library Center) website. There are free WorldCat accounts. If you have a WorldCat account just login, if not just go to WorldCat and create one. You will find the login in the stacked menu (three bars) in the top right-corner of the Library of Michigan Digital website.

Another way to find records on the Library of Michigan Digital website is to use the Answer Catalog. Notice any entries that say "Electronic Resource" and just click the link "Connect to Archived Issues" to be taken to the online records. (The Connect to Resource takes you to the record originator's part of the michigan.gov website.) Now the Connect to Archived Issues link may take you to the OCLC website and if you select a record to view you may get a login and refresh the page (on the Library of Michigan Digital website.)

If so, try logging in and refreshing the page. If that does not work, then using the information that you used to find the subject/record in the Answer Catalog go to the Advanced Search of the Library of Michigan Digital website and search using the term(s) you used. (You should still be logged into the website.)

Here is an example. While researching Eschenburg Bars it was learned through the digitized WWII years of the Mount Clemens Daily Monitor and Daily Monitor-Leader that the owner of the second Eschenburg Bar lost his liquor license from a raid by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in December 1941. He did get the liquor license back but the article made the researcher think: "I wonder if the MLCC has minutes of its meetings or hearings and if those minutes have been preserved?"

Searching the Answer Catalog for Michigan Liquor Control Commission brought up many hits. Add minutes and it narrowed the result list down. (See the image example above.) Selecting the Connect to Archived Issues takes one to the OCLC results list. Selecting a year of minutes to view resulted in the above login issue mentioned. 

Going to the Library of Michigan Digital home page or finding the advanced search link, the researcher typed in Michigan Liquor Control Commission Minutes and when the results brought up more than the expected results, the filter "minutes of the state liquor control commission" was selected and the results list expanded to show 200 results on one page making just one easy to read page of results.

The years 1941 and 1942 (the year the newspaper article appeared) were searched without success. It appears the list of the hearings (names and reasons) were kept separate from the minutes for an reason unknown to the researcher.

An alternate search was to go back to Advanced Search and add another search parameter with the surname you are seeking. This narrows the results to the MLCC minutes where that surname appears. It did not find the hearing mentioned in the newspaper because the hearings appear to be redacted for that time period. But the search did find one prior and one later for two other Eschenburgs who also owned or ran a bar. Now those have been added to a To-Do list for searches in the Mount Clemens newspapers still not digitized. The researcher only wishes the MLCC minutes started before 1933 so more research could be done on the first Eschenburg Bar.

So that is how you find the Electronic Resources that are mentioned in the Answer Catalog.

Have fun finding your digital treasures!

See you soon someday at our favorite library!
LE

Library of Michigan Cardholders can Now Access thru NewsBank Toronto's The Globe and Mail Newspaper 1844 - 2017

We have been notifying and reminding everyone of the many databases accessible from home during the pandemic using a Library of Michigan library card. Today we learned that through its NewsBank database, Library of Michigan cardholders can now access Toronto's The Globe and Mail newspaper. This database spans from 1844 to 2017. Yet another good reason to have a Library of Michigan library card.

 

Remember from our last post new for Library of Michigan cardholders is the The Detroit News (1873-1999) and the Michigan Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867-1970. The Library of Michigan now owns access to the Proquest Michigan Digital Sanborn Map collection in perpetuity.

Learn about Family History research through the Library of Michigan at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory and apply or renew at www.michigan.gov/librarycard for a Library of Michigan library card. (Remember, this is for Michigan residents and out-of-state students enrolled in a Michigan college or university.) The Library of Michigan will send you your library card information using email and send the physical card at a later date. It does not take long to get your library card information by email. Since applications are done online, you do need to supply your Michigan driver license number.
This is a fantastic opportunity for genealogists. There is lots to explore, search and find.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Library of Michigan Cardholders Now Can Access The Detroit News (1873-1999) and Michigan Digital Sanborn Maps Databases

Last month we reminded you about the many database resources of having a Library of Michigan library card. We promised to follow up if we heard anything further regarding the mention of a Detroit News database.

We are happy to report that the Detroit News (1873-1999) database is now accessible. You will find it under, Detroit News Historical (1873-1999), MLive Publications, and more (NewsBank.)

 

Also, new for Library of Michigan cardholders is the Michigan Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867-1970. The Library of Michigan now owns access to the Proquest Michigan Digital Sanborn Map collection in perpetuity.

Learn about Family History research through the Library of Michigan at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory and apply or renew at www.michigan.gov/librarycard for a Library of Michigan library card. (Remember, this is for Michigan residents and out-of-state students enrolled in a Michigan college or university.) The Library of Michigan will send you your library card information using email and send the physical card at a later date. It does not take long to get your library card information by email. Since applications are done online, you do need to supply your Michigan driver license number.
This is a fantastic opportunity for genealogists. There is lots to explore, search and find.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

A Few More Reasons to Get a Library of Michigan Library Card ... Besides it's Free

Last year we let everyone know that there were a variety of genealogy and historical database collections accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic if you had a Library of Michigan library card. Recently, a few more database/collections have been added. So if you still do not have a Library of Michigan library card and you qualify, what are you waiting for?

Are you a Michigan resident or an out-of-state student enrolled in a Michigan college or university? Yes to either? Don't wait any longer. A Library of Michigan library card is free!

Did you get a Library of Michigan library card last year? Yes? Then it is likely time to renew your card for some more genealogy fun time.

Like the other libraries in Michigan, the Library of Michigan is still closed during these COVID-19 times. Which means besides the library itself being closed, the Library of Michigan card services: LM Collections circulating collections at Lansing; MeLCat borrowing of materials from other Michigan libraries for pickup at the Library of Michigan; and LM Databases access to specialized subscription databases while visiting the library are currently not operating.

BUT the LM Databases services, during these COVID-19 times, is giving access to some of these specialized subscription databases from home!

Learn about Family History research through the Library of Michigan at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory and apply or renew at www.michigan.gov/librarycard for a Library of Michigan library card. (Remember, this is for Michigan residents and out-of-state students enrolled in a Michigan college or university.) The Library of Michigan will send you your library card information using email and send the physical card at a later date. It does not take long to get your library card information by email. Since applications are done online, you do need to supply your Michigan driver license number.

The Library of Michigan's list of databases accessible from home during these times.

What database can you access from home?  They are Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3 by Ancestry, Michigan History Magazine, MyHeritage Library Edition (also available thru MeL.org the Michigan Electronic Library), NewspaperArchive, Newspapers.com by Ancestry World Edition, ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Detroit Free Press, 1831-1999.

The Michigan Genealogical Council mentioned the new database Heritage Hub by GenealogyBank which is a collection of obituaries from GenealogyBank. MGC also mentioned a Detroit News 1873-1997 database but it is currently not listed and there were some access issues noted with it. If we find out more we will post an update.

This is a fantastic opportunity for genealogists. There is lots to explore, search and find.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Michigan Residents: Do You have a Library of Michigan Library Card?

Note: Originally posted on May 5, 2020, at 2:49 p.m. EDT. Edited to clarify what type of student is also eligible.

Are you a Michigan resident or an out-of-state student enrolled in a Michigan college or university? Have you ever thought of getting a Library of Michigan library card? Even if you haven't you might want to if you are a genealogist. It is free!

Like the other libraries in Michigan, the Library of Michigan is closed during these COVID-19 times. Which means besides the library itself being closed, the Library of Michigan card services: LM Collections circulating collections at Lansing; MeLCat borrowing of materials from other Michigan libraries for pickup at the Library of Michigan; and LM Databases access to specialized subscription databases while visiting the library are currently not operating.

BUT the LM Databases services, during these COVID-19 times, is now giving access to some of these specialized subscription databases from home!

Learn about Family History research through the Library of Michigan at www.michigan.gov/familyhistory and apply at www.michigan.gov/librarycard for a Library of Michigan library card. (Remember, this is for Michigan residents and out-of-state students enrolled in a Michigan college or university.) The Library of Michigan will send you your library card information using email and send the physical card at a later date. One of our members applied on this Sunday and one on Monday (yesterday) and both got their cards this afternoon (Tuesday) so it does not take long. Since applications are done online, you do need to supply your Michigan driver license number.

What database can you access from home?  They are Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3 by Ancestry, Michigan History Magazine, MyHeritage Library Edition (also available thru MeL.org the Michigan Electronic Library), NewspaperArchive, Newspapers.com by Ancestry World Edition, ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Detroit Free Press, 1831-1999.

The Library of Michigan's list of databases accessible from home during these times.

This is a fantastic opportunity for genealogists. So, hold off on planting (it is a little too early yet as we have frost warnings this weekend) and make sure to spend some time working on your family tree. There is lots to explore, search and find.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Library of Michigan Hosts Menacing Michigan Program on October 30th

If you are looking for something to do this Friday Night, October 30th, the Library of Michigan is hosting Menacing Michigan: If You Seek a Scary Peninsula, Look Over Your Shoulder.

Menacing Michigan runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Lake Michigan Room on the third floor of the Library of Michigan and consists of two talks.

From 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. is Before They Were Dead: Researching the Living at the Library of Michigan. They used to be alive, presumably.  Use Library collections to research how and where they lived in Michigan.  Library staff will detail resources and methods available for those who want to know the details, fortunate and ill-fated.

From 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Lake Michigan Room is Ghost Hunting in Michigan presented by Bradley Mikulka. Follow along with one of the oldest ghost-hunting groups in Michigan: the SouthEast Michigan Ghost Hunters Society (SEMGHS). Journey through 13 investigations of cemeteries, a comedy club, library, business, hotel, theater, private home, and an old prison. Find out what it’s like to have a ghost follow you home. Meet the spirits at the Purple Rose Theater and discover why they never left. Consider what is growling at Blood Cemetery and run with a black form seen at the Durand Union Station. If you have ever wanted to go on a ghost hunt, but found that you were too afraid, it’s time to put yourself right in the middle of some of the most haunted locations in Michigan. Read this book if you dare, but do so with the lights on!

Happy Halloween.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Heads Up! Only 2+ Weeks Until Our Archives of Michigan Bus Trip

The Bulletin Board in the MCPL's Genealogy Room.

This post is for anyone going on MCGG's Bus Trip to the Archives of Michigan on June 13. Have you started or finished your Research Log? 

Yes ... No? However you decide to make your plan of what to look at while at the Archives of Michigan and Library of Michigan, take note that you have just a little over two weeks to prepare yourself and your research.

The seats on the bus ... have room for just one more, just one more, so contact Ann if interested.* And soon the wheels on the bus will go round and round, all the way to Lansing. 

[* At the time this post was written, just one seat remained available for the bus trip. Contact Ann using the macombcogg email.]

At our June Let's Talk...Genealogy meeting attendees who are going on the bus trip will have an opportunity to talk about the research plan/log they have devised. We will also talk about our Summer research plans. Please note that for this June meeting we will be meeting in the auditorium rather than the genealogy room.

See you soon at Mt. Clemens Public Library!
LE

Another Update to Michigan Probates Collection on FamilySearch.org

Late yesterday, FamilySearch.org made another update its Michigan, Probate Records, 1797-1973 collection.

As of today, 67 of the 83 counties are represented in some manner in the collection. Unfortunately, I did not make a count of the counties at the last update back in December 2014 in order to tell you if any new counties have been added or if it is just more images. 


Remember each county varies in what is available. This collection is also not indexed so you need to manually search it like "digital microfilm." Where possible, start with the index books. Use the FamilySearch catalog to determine what records were microfilmed for the county you are dealing with and to figure out if more digital images are likely to be added later.
And remember these records are free.

See you soon at the Mt. Clemens Public Library!

LE

Second Saturday hours begin in April 2014 at the Library of Michigan

The Library of Michigan announced in a press release yesterday the introduction of "Second Saturdays" to its regularly scheduled hours.

"Second Saturdays" begin April 12, 2014 with the library open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates included extend through December 2014.

The press release says, "Library of Michigan staff is excited to offer this weekend access each month to the library’s services and specialized research collections, which include Michigan newspapers, periodicals, books, maps and government documents as well as electronic databases available only on site. The Library’s main Reference Desk will be open on 'Second Saturdays.' The Martha W. Griffith’s Rare Book Room will require 48-hour advanced notice for access."

See the press release for further details.

At this time we do not know if the Archives of Michigan will do the same with its hours. The Archives is the keeper of the genealogy collection that many of us fought to keep together in one place several years ago. Since then The Library of Michigan was moved under the Department of Education while the Archives of Michigan was moved under the Department of Natural Resources.

See you soon at the Mt. Clemens Public Library! 

LE