Obituary Search

1. Come to the Main Library and conduct the search yourself with some guidance from library staff. There's no charge except for printing.
2. Complete the Newspaper Search Request form and have the search conducted by library staff for a fee. Search results will be mailed to you.
3. Engage an independent researcher.

If choosing the second option from the list above, the Detroit Public Library charges the following fees for staff conducted obituary searches:

• $15.00 per hour charged per name submitted with an exact death date.
• $25.00 per hour charged per name submitted without an exact death date, with a minimum prepayment of $25.00 (1 hour) per search.
• Fees include postage, photocopying and handling.
• All newspaper search fees must be prepaid.
• Payment in U.S. funds only.
• Make your check or money order payable to Detroit Public Library.

The Detroit Public Library cannot guarantee that an obituary or death notice will be located. Please allow 30 days for search results.

Questions? Call the Popular Library Department (5201 Woodward Ave.) at 313-481-1369 or email gi@detroitpubliclibrary.org.