Since 1828, nine years before Michigan achieved statehood, the Library of Michigan has served the state government and the people of Michigan as the single largest source of information about the state. The Library's earliest task was to support the information needs of early government officials and collect, compile and store Michigan territorial laws and other important documents that formed the basis of Michigan's government today. As the state's population grew, the Library assumed additional roles and responsibilities to support the establishment of libraries across the state, contributing to an informed citizenry.
The Library of Michigan History Collection contains images and documents that chronicles this history.