In-Person Research

Temporary Service Change

Starting March 16, CADL Local History will be available by appointment only as we prepare to move into a new, dedicated home at the CADL Local History Center, opening this spring.

To schedule an appointment, call Local History at 517-367-6313 or Book an Appointment

We know this Mid-Michigan collection means a lot to researchers, genealogists, and anyone with roots in the Greater Lansing Region. We're excited to move this valuable collection into a dedicated space designed to improve access and support preservation.

Stay tuned for the grand opening announcement later this spring.

Conducting Research

We are located on the Lower Level of the Downtown Branch, Capital Area District Libraries, at 401 South Capitol Avenue in Lansing, Michigan, 48933.

Forest Parke Library & Archives Open Hours

• Tuesdays 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Thursdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Book an Appointment

Local History Online

We are adding more digitized material and indexes to collections to Local History Online every day. There is no charge to request images or documents from this system using the built-in request tools. We can provide high-resolution, watermark-free images, but remember the following points:

• Copyright is the responsibility of the end user and is rarely controlled by the library;

• CADL Local History images are for personal use only unless otherwise arranged with the Local History Specialist or their designee;

• CADL Local History images you obtain may not be redistributed;

• CADL Local History images must be properly credited in any publication, web site, presentation, or other place in which you use the images.

Suggested citation for archival material from our collections

[Item name]. [Collection name]. [Collection ID number]. Forest Parke Library & Archives, Capital Area District Libraries.

If you need assistance creating citations, staff are happy to help.

Special Topics

Most materials in our local history collections were donated. Your contributions help us ensure we are preserving everyone's history for the future. Please contact us to discuss your materials, and complete a Deed of Gift form to submit along with your donation (required). Thank you!

Researching the history of your home or building

Request an obituary (PDF)

CADL Genealogy Resources