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