The Library of Michigan wants your old yearbooks. Here’s why

State library seeks yearbooks from high schools, colleges across Michigan

In this March 6, 2020, photo, a classroom is seen vacant through a window at Saint Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, R.I., as the school remains closed following a confirmed case of the coronavirus. As a growing number of schools around the country close their doors because of the new coronavirus, they are confronted with the dilemma of whether to move classes online and run the risk of leaving behind the many students who don't have internet or computers at home, or parents with flexible work schedule. (AP Photo/David Goldman) (David Goldman, Copyright 2020 Associated Press)

LANSING, Mich. – The state library is seeking old Michigan yearbooks to add to its collection and needs your help!

The Library of Michigan is seeking yearbooks from across the state to preserve a complete set of yearbooks from every high school, college, university and vocational institutions in the state.

Officials are working to put together this collection because yearbooks offer a glimpse into Michigan’s history.

Not only do yearbooks show academic achievements, but they also show the popular hairstyles and clothing from a certain time, classrooms and sports fields, according to the state.

They also provide memories of the music, TV shows and movies that were popular in the past.

“Yearbooks are more than just names and photos,” said State Librarian Mr. Randy Riley. “They are time capsules to our youth, which chronicle our own individual stories and which bridge us to the eras of past Michiganders.”

The collection will help preserve Michigan’s history and assist with future research.

Residents are already able to check out several thousand yearbooks at the state library in Lansing, but many schools still need to be represented, especially ones in the rural areas of Lower Michigan and throughout the Upper Peninsula.

The library will take donations from residents, schools and libraries.

Its goal is to have two copies of every yearbook in its collection. To ensure there aren’t any duplicates, people are asked to call 517-335-1477 or email Librarian@Michigan.gov.


About the Author
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Sara Powers joined WDIV as a digital content producer in Oct. 2024 and has been covering Metro Detroit news since 2021.

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