20 Years of MeLCat

Happy 20th Birthday, MeLCat!

This year marks two decades since the launch of MeLCat, Michigan’s statewide library catalog and interlibrary loan system. Since 2005, it’s grown from a small group of 12 libraries to a network of over 435, offering access to more than 34 million items across the state.

CADL was among the founding members of MeLCat! A 2005 newspaper clipping noted that we “took the initiative” to bring MeLCat access to local patrons. Since then, CADL patrons have made the most of it. In the past ten years:

• You’ve borrowed 392,583 items from across the state
• And we’ve lent 462,023 items to others

That’s more than 850,000 shared items in just one decade, and over 84,000 in the past year alone!

MeLCat is one of several services offered through the Michigan eLibrary (MeL), which also includes online tools for research, learning, genealogy, and more.

MeL and MeLCat are made possible in part by support from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. The State of Michigan provides additional funding.

So, whether you're hunting down a rare book, revisiting an old favorite, or just curious what else is out there, MeLCat might be your next stop.

Here’s to 20 years of MelCat -- almost old enough to share a beer, but already a pro at sharing books, movies and music!