University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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BENTLEY LIBRARY Photographs by Jimmy Bosse The Bentley Historical Library was a non- circulating, closed stack research library open to all. The library was principally a gift from Mrs. Alvin Bentley of Owosso, Michigan founded in 1935 to provide a home to the many historical documents and pictures owned by the University. It was one of the primary historical research facili- ties at the University and in the state of Michigan. The Bentley Historical Library held most of the historical documents of the state of Michigan. This collection was called the Michigan Histori- cal Collections and was comprised of 4,500 archival documents, 40,000 printed works, and nearly 500,000 photographs. It covered periods since 1835 containing historical works from all of the 83 counties of Michigan. The library ' sholdings ranked among the finest collections in the U.S. because of the historical collections of papers from churches, businesses, political parties, immigrant groups, and prominent families such as the Vandenbergs of Grand Rapids and the Kelloggs of Battle Creek. Some of the materials were housed in an off- 126 Northern Exposure site location so the library suggested that its re- searchers ask for them at least two days in advance. Bentley Historical Library was linked to a computer network where people could inquire about which holdings they had, and other general information. The world-wide network also in- spired the library to develop a computer-based access system for the archives of the Vatican. LSA senior Larina Griffin went to the library often and said, I needed to do a report for my sociology class. I had to research what professions people used to have, or what occupied their time a hu ndred years ago and I found everything I was looking for in here. LSA sophomore Heather Bergman said, I like to go there to look up my family ' s history. I don ' t have to write a report on it, but it ' s exciting to go in a place that has a piece of your family, a place of history. Natural Resources senior Brian Levy said, It was interesting to come here and look at some of the original documents that helped build our state. It was very educational. A wealth of information was found in the stacks , such as the past issues of the Michiganensian yearbooks. Bentley Historical Library offered students the opportunity to According to a Library brochure, The librar not only searches all over the state of Michigan fo historical documents of importance, it also work with organizations and individuals to identif records which will become the important histori-j cal documents of the future. The library has ar ongoing program to preserve its aging document so as to ensure their use for generations to come. ' ] -Myrna Jacksor

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