by Clements Library | Oct 15, 2026 | Acquisitions, Books, Clements Library Associates, Collections, Giving, Library Work, Students
When life-long book collector Ed Surovell lost his eyesight, he wanted to ensure that his books would be preserved and made accessible for research well into the future. In December 2021, Surovell generously gifted the Clements Library his carefully curated collection of Native American language materials. With over 300 items, this collection represents books printed in more than 20 different Native American languages from North America, with a particular interest in material from the Great Lakes region.
by Sam Huck | Aug 12, 2026 | Collections, Giving, Graphics, Manuscripts
Clements Board Member Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Harrington’s introductory experience with the Clements was during her undergraduate years at the University of Michigan. She’d walked by the building and admired its beauty, but didn’t enter until she took a geography class that brought her inside the library. Years later, as a U-M Alum and someone who knew of the Clements’ vast Americana collection, she felt compelled to donate rare materials to the Clements collections.
by Clements Library | Jun 17, 2026 | Acquisitions, Books, Clements Library Associates, Collections, Events, Giving, Graphics, Manuscripts, Maps
Last month, we hosted a “What’s In Your Attic?” open house-style events where members of our community brought their own paper treasures (letters, journals, photographs, prints, books, and maps) for discussion with Clements Curators and guest Americana collectors. A handful of our guests generously chose to donate materials to the Clements Library at this event, here are a few of those newly donated acquisitions!
by Sam Huck | Mar 6, 2026 | Fellowships, Giving
The work of the Clements Library is predicated on generous donations, both big and small. These contributions sustain the Clements’ mission, strengthen our collections, and connect students and researchers alike to the past. They also support and create scholarly...
by Clements Library | Aug 17, 2025 | Acquisitions, Books, Collections, Exhibits, Giving, Graphics, Holidays, Manuscripts
Happy National Nonprofit Day! Here at Clements, we are proud of the work that we do on a daily basis and are honored by the support that we get from our community. Let’s look back in time through some examples of early philanthropic endeavors.
by Clements Library | Aug 14, 2025 | Acquisitions, Giving, Maps
The Maps Division has added three family atlases to the Clements Library holdings. In 19th century America, these atlases were popular with the general public and combined hand-colored maps with descriptive text about geography, history, and culture of the world.
by Sam Huck | Jul 8, 2025 | Acquisitions, Giving, Graphics, Library Work, News
The Graphics Division here at the William L. Clements Library has recently made available the collection of Robert M. Vogel, which contains more than 24,000 items related to industrial and mechanical engineering.
by Clements Library | Nov 11, 2024 | Acquisitions, Collections, Giving, Manuscripts
Lee Rucker Keiser writes about her mother, Marion E. Grusky Rucker, a World War II veteran, teacher, and beloved family member. Read about Marion’s service in the U.S. Navy, teaching abroad, and Lee’s decision to donate her mother’s papers to the William L. Clements Library.
by Clements Library | Feb 9, 2024 | Acquisitions, Books, Exhibits, Featured, Giving, News
The University of Michigan William L. Clements Library has acquired one of the most important American books of the late eighteenth century–the first American edition of the earliest book of poetry published by an African American author. Phillis Wheatley Peters’...
