The Library of Michigan community is deeply saddened to announce the passing of State Librarian Randy Riley, a respected leader, mentor, and advocate for libraries whose career was defined by service, integrity, and an enduring love for Michigan’s history.
His loss is felt not only within the Library of Michigan, but across the many communities, institutions, and individuals who benefited from his lifelong commitment to public knowledge and access to information.
Randy Riley served as Michigan’s State Librarian from 2014 onward, a role in which he provided steady leadership during times of both opportunity and challenge. His vision emphasized the importance of libraries as cornerstones of democratic access, lifelong learning, and cultural preservation.
Under his guidance, the Library of Michigan continued to strengthen its role as a trusted steward of the state’s documentary heritage, while also adapting to the evolving needs of modern library users.
Riley’s association with the Library of Michigan spanned more than three decades, beginning in 1989. Over the course of his remarkable tenure, he held a variety of roles that allowed him to shape collections, policies, and programs with lasting impact.
Colleagues consistently described him as thoughtful, collaborative, and deeply knowledgeable, someone who led not for recognition but out of a genuine belief in the mission of public service. His institutional memory and historical insight made him an invaluable resource to staff and partners alike.
He was particularly well known for his leadership in programs that celebrated Michigan’s rich literary and cultural heritage.
Riley championed initiatives that highlighted the voices, stories, and histories of the state’s diverse communities, ensuring that Michigan’s past was preserved while remaining relevant to present and future generations.
His work helped elevate awareness of Michigan authors, historical records, and cultural achievements at both the state and national levels.
In recognition of his expertise and contributions to the field, Randy Riley received the prestigious Filby Award in 2010, one of the highest honors in genealogical librarianship.
This national recognition reflected not only his professional excellence but also his generosity in sharing knowledge and supporting researchers, librarians, and historians. His reputation extended far beyond Michigan, earning him respect among library professionals across the country.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Riley will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication to the people he served.
He believed deeply in the power of libraries to inform, connect, and empower communities, and he embodied those values throughout his career.
His legacy lives on in the collections he helped preserve, the programs he supported, and the many professionals he inspired.
As the Library of Michigan and the broader community mourn his passing, they also celebrate a life devoted to knowledge, history, and public service. Randy Riley’s contributions will not be forgotten, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
