The Bentley Historical Library is open to the general public.
Please register for and use a Bentley research account to request material for your visit. You can find guidelines for in-person research here.
Hours and Location
Hours
Open for Research:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closures
August 19, 2025: Closed for Break Day, Tuesday
August 20, 2025: Closed for Break Day, Wednesday
September 1, 2025: Labor Day, Monday
October 1, 2025: Early closure at 3:00 PM, Wednesday
November 27, 2025: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday
November 28, 2025: post-Thanksgiving, Friday
December 25, 2025: Christmas Day, Thursday
December 26, 2025: Season Day, Friday
December 29 2025: Season Day, Monday
December 30, 2025: Season Day, Tuesday
December 31, 2025: Season Day, Wednesday
January 1, 2026: New Year’s Day, Thursday
Location
Bentley Historical Library
1150 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113
734-764-3482
Directions
From US-23:
- Exit at Geddes Avenue; proceed west on Geddes Avenue.
- Go straight through the light at the intersection of Geddes and Huron Parkway.
- Geddes Avenue becomes Fuller Road at this intersection. Continue on Fuller Road.
- Immediately after the third light, which is at Glazier Way and the V.A. Medical Center parking structure, turn right onto Beal Avenue.
- The Bentley Historical Library is the second building on the right, after the Gerald Ford Presidential Library.
Parking and Bus Service
The library is located on the University of Michigan’s North Campus. Limited free parking is available on the south side of the building in Lot NC42, with a permit provided at the time of your visit. AS OF JULY 14: the university started a new parking system that relies on license plate numbers; you will need to provide us with 1) your license plate number, 2) make of your vehicle (ex. Ford, Toyota, etc.), and 3) your name.
Paid visitor parking is also available in Lot NC5. Payments are made using the Passport Parking mobile app or website.
U-M Bus Routes and Schedules
See all U-M bus route information
U-M Buses
Bursley-Baits
Commuter North
Commuter South
Diag-to-Diag Express
North-East Shuttle
Northwood
Northwood Express
Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AATA TheRide) Bus Routes and Schedules
See all TheRide route information
TheRide Routes nearby
Route #3: Huron River
Route #22: Pontiac-Dhu Varren
Route #66: Carpenter-Huron Parkway (Green Road Park & Ride is a stop on this route)
Access to Services
Please inform us about specific accommodations you may need by calling 734-764-3482 or emailing bentley.ref@umich.edu.
- The front entrance is wheelchair accessible and equipped with an automatic door opener, as is the entrance from the lobby into the public area.
- Our hallways, meeting rooms, and reading room are wheelchair accessible.
- An adjustable-height table is available in the reading room.
- A wheelchair accessible drinking fountain is located near the front entrance.
- A gender-inclusive and wheelchair accessible restroom is available. Please request information at the front desk.
- A lactation room is located in the Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building (LBME) across the street. Please contact Bentley staff to request its use as soon you can because we must arrange key access.
- For information about additional resources for the U-M community, please see U-M Library’s accessibility page.
Off-Site Help
The Bentley Historical Library Reference staff offers general assistance in person, by phone, and by email.
Ask An Archivist – this online form sends Reference staff your questions about our library, collections, duplication policies, or copyright information.