Dear Michigan Library Community,

We are greatly saddened to share that we received news over the weekend of the passing of State Librarian Randy Riley. Randy was well-known and respected around the state for his advocacy for libraries, books and reading. He became state librarian in 2014 and was a Library of Michigan staff member since 1989.

Before being named state librarian, he was a key member of the team responsible for oversight of the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and promoting its resources to school and public libraries and government agencies statewide. He helped coordinate outreach to educators, state employees, and librarians to ensure that they have easy access to information. Under his leadership the Library of Michigan redesigned the MeL website and installed discovery search capabilities for MeL. He oversaw statewide database contracts and vendor relations, coordinated the Michigan Notable Books program. He was integral in creation of the SeekingMichigan website and was the editor of the Michigan Genealogist e-newsletter. Randy worked as a reference librarian, Michigan Selector, Michigan,   and Genealogy Special Collections coordinator and as Special Collections supervisor at the Library of Michigan. He was an influential leader in statewide and national library organizations, including Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.

Randy earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University with a dual major in history and political science and a master’s degree of Information and Library Studies in the Archives and Records Management Program at the University of Michigan.

We will share the obituary and information about any funeral arrangements as they become available.

Randy is survived by his wife, Lori, a son, Sam, a daughter, Madeline, and his dog, Louie. Randy will truly be missed. Please keep his family, friends, and Library of Michigan staff in your thoughts. 

Michelle Bradley

Library Development Manager

Library of Michigan

517-335-1507

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