Libraries

Between the city and the U-M, Ann Arbor has an astonishing wealth of libraries. The Ann Arbor District Library has a superb reference staff, along with recently expanded computing facilities. The U-M library system is one of the largest research collections in the country and probably one of the most accessible.

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U-M Libraries

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These select academic libraries and collections are open to the public, but a user’s pass ($250/year, $125 for alums) is required to check out materials. For more information, see lib.umich.edu

Ann Arbor District Library

343 S. Fifth (Downtown library). 3090 E. Eisenhower (Malletts Creek branch). 2359 Oak Valley (Pittsfield branch). 3333 Traverwood (Traverwood branch). 2503 Jackson Rd. (Westgate branch)

(734) 327–4200

Circulates materials for all ages—including books, music, movies, magazines, art prints, science, art, home & music tools, downloadable books, music, and video—to all library cardholders. Wi-Fi, print and electronic resources, and public meeting spaces available at no charge. Online and in-person events and exhibits for youth, teens, adults, and families. For hours, visit website. aadl.org

Art, Architecture & Engineering Library

2281 Bonisteel

(734) 647–5747

The library’s engineering holdings are among the largest and richest technology collections in the country. Its art resources include a large image collection, architectural drawings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. aael.circ@umich.edu, lib.umich.edu/aael

Bentley Historical Library

1150 Beal

(734) 764–3482

The Bentley collects materials from the state of Michigan while also being the official archive of the University of Michigan. More than two centuries of history is preserved at the Bentley, making it one of the largest collections of materials involving Michigan’s people and organizations. The Bentley is open to the public by appointment, and staff are always available to help users find what they need. Check website for up-to-date hours and to make an appointment. bentley.umich.edu

Clements Library

909 South University

(734) 764–2347

Original resources for American history and culture from the 15th through the 19th century, including books, graphics, manuscripts, and maps. Research hours: Mon.–Wed. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Exhibit hours: Mon.–Fri. noon–4:30 p.m. clements.library@umich.edu, clements.umich.edu

Fine Arts Library, University of Michigan

855 S. University, 2nd fl. (Tappan Hall)

(734) 764-5405

Serves the students and faculty of the History of Art Department and the Visual Resources Collection, and helps support the research and curatorial functions of the U-M Museum of Art and the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. By extension, the library serves the greater university community and members of the public with regard to art historical research and information on the visual arts. arts.umich.edu/museums-cultural-attractions/fine-arts-library

 

Ford Presidential Library

1000 Beal

(734) 205–0555

Archival collections of Gerald R. Ford’s presidential, vice-presidential, and congressional papers, including his Warren Commission files. Visitors can browse lobby exhibits, see a re-creation of President Ford’s office, and attend special events. Researchers welcome. Mon.–Fri. 8:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. ford.library@nara.gov, fordlibrarymuseum.gov

Hatcher Graduate Library

913 South University, on the Diag

(734) 764–0400

With 3.25 million titles in several hundred languages, Hatcher is the U-M’s primary research collection for the humanities and social sciences. Home to the Asia Library, Papyrology Collection, Special Collections Research Center, and the Clark Library for maps, government information, and data services. Hatcher also hosts exhibits and events, which are free and open to the public. Mon.–Thurs. 8 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 1–p.m. lib.umich.edu/hatcher-graduate-library

Music Library

1100 Baits, 3rd fl. (Earl V. Moore Bldg.)

(734) 7640400

One of the nation’s largest music collections, the Music Library houses books, scores, periodicals, sound and video recordings, and special collections. music.circ@umich.edu, lib.umich.edu/music-library

Richard W. Bailey Library

4800 E. Huron River, Gunder Myran Bldg. (Washtenaw Community College)

(734) 9733429

Print and electronic books, journals, and media items including streaming videos and DVDs. Easy reading books for adults with low reading levels and international students. Children’s literature collection. Books may be checked out by general public (with a free library card); other materials for public use in the library only. Call orcheck website for hours. wccnet.edu/resources/library

Shapiro Library

919 South University

(734) 764–7058

The Shapiro Undergraduate Library (known to students as the “UGLi”) offers research and technology equipment and consultation services for students, as well as books, periodicals, electronic resources, and leisure reading materials. On the second floor, the Askwith Media Library holds more than 40,000 film and television titles in a variety of formats: DVD, Blu-ray, VHS, and 16 millimeter. Mon.–Thurs. 24 hrs., Fri. closes at 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–midnight. lib.umich.edu/shapiro-undergraduate-library