September 6, 2009
Representative Roy Schmidt
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Representative Schmidt,
The current economic situation in Michigan is
certainly a huge concern. But as history proves, it will be
temporary. Yet such an action as the removal & dispersal of the
Library of Michigan collections is permanent. I urge you to consider
these points when in deliberations about Governor Granholm’s
Executive Order 2009-36. This is an issue of utmost importance to
our Members, many Michigan families and taxpayers.
It’s obvious that cuts – drastic cuts – have to be
made in the State budget. However, scattering the collections in the
Library of Michigan, as part of the breakup of the Department of
History, Arts and Libraries, will get the state less than 0.1%
closer to closing the budget gap. Yet for this $1.7 million dollars
a year savings we will diminish the state's history and cause
indisputable harm and inconvenience for years to come.
Will this Executive Order save ANY money at all?
Consider these points:
-
The Michigan Historical Center (MHC) was
designed and constructed specifically to be the 100-year home of
the Library of Michigan artifacts and collections when it was
dedicated in 1988
-
Costs of moving the collections are being
marginalized
-
Ideas to generate revenue within the existing
Library facility are not getting attention
Ideas to reduce operating costs in the existing
facility are not being considered
The Library of Michigan attracts thousands of
visitors & researchers from all over Michigan and the nation
throughout the year BECAUSE the collections are together
NO COST ESTIMATE for the Michigan Innovation and
Reinvention Center (MIRC) proposal has been made public
Costs to remodel the MHC to house, shops, high
school, & theater are not being made known
The MIRC can be built ANYWHERE. Why is the MHC
being targeted?
If the Liberty Science Center (which MSU paid to
provide the study), is used as the example of how revenue streams
can provide profit, it appears to be a flawed implementation. I say
this because as recently as November 2008, $2.5 million additional
dollars was required from Jersey City – just to keep the LSC doors
open. *
How is that model less costly than keeping
the Library of Michigan where it is? It is truly a waste of our
limited budget to disseminate our priceless collection for an idea
that isn’t fully developed. It’s a high-risk gamble of public
resources with permanent ramifications.
If the MIRC is not the vision that ends up in the
facility, it is even more disturbing that an Executive Order can
empty half the Historical Center for an undefined future purpose.
I pray that you will support SCR 18 to disapprove
Executive Order 2009-36. The Executive Directive 5 of 26 August does
not address our concerns of keeping the complete Library of Michigan
collection intact. Also, consider Senate Bills 503-527 which are a
bi-partisan effort to protect the collections and offer reasonable
alternatives to the dispersal of important parts of our history and
collected cultural memory.
As for abolishing the organization – the
Department of HAL, I do find it ironic that when HAL was created in
2001, Governor Engler was recognized in 2002 for encouraging “more
effective and coordinated programs, as well as growth and
innovation.” - Arts Leadership Award by the Americans for
the Arts.**
Now, in 2009 it seems streamlining and innovation is
being re-invented. I realize that many people have short memories
and would not think twice about achievements of 8 years ago. But
this doesn’t get past the attention of those of us who value family
history and know that our collected cultural memory is
IMPORTANT and VALUABLE.
The Western Michigan Genealogical Society donates
thousands of dollars each year to provide direct services to our
local libraries. Our mission guides our activities.
“The Western Michigan Genealogical Society was
founded in 1954 with the purpose of preserving and making
available for genealogical research the records of our
ancestors; encouraging and assisting members in genealogical
research; promoting the exchange of knowledge and encouraging
the deposit of genealogical records in established libraries and
archives.”
The integrity of the Library of Michigan is critical
to these endeavors.
Sincerely,
Donald S. Bryant
President, Western Michigan Genealogical Society
Cc: Andy Dillon, Jennifer Granholm
*
http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/jerseycity/index.ssf?/base/news-7/1227597942179490.xml&coll=3
**
http://www.americansforthearts.org/news/annual_awards/public_leadership/state/governor/006.asp
September 1, 2009
Grand Rapids Press-Public Pulse
The Michigan Historical Center in
Lansing containing the Library of Michigan was built by the citizens
of Michigan in 1988 to meet the unique requirements of Michigan’s
“Library of Congress” for the next 100 years. It could soon be
relegated to shops, a high school, theatre and idea incubation
facility.
What?
Governor Granholm’s Executive Order
(July 13) abolishes the Department of History, Arts and Libraries
and puts OUR collection of 180 years of OUR past at risk. Over 5
million books, tapes, microfilm, magazines, maps, photographs and
artifacts – the 3rd largest publicly owned historical and
genealogical collection in the U.S. – would be removed without any
guarantee it would even remain together! The cost of the move and
remodeling necessary for the vague “new use” isn’t even estimated.
There is no doubt in my mind that realizing this “dream” would cost
Michigan tax payers multiples of the $2 million estimated to be
“saved.”
Pennsylvania has similar budget
problems as Michigan. The difference is that Governor Rendell of
Pennsylvania recognizes the value of libraries and history and is
actively protecting those institutions. Michigan deserves better
ideas than we are getting from our Governor’s office.
Donald S. Bryant
August 31, 2009
Dear Members
The Senate Concurrent Resolution 18,
introduced by Senator Cameron Brown (R-Sturgis), was passed on
Thursday, August 27 by a vote of 22-13. Senator Glenn Anderson
(D-Westland) and Senator Mickey Switalski (D-Roseville) joined a
united Republican caucus in rejecting the governor’s proposal to
disband the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. In
conjunction with this action, the Senate also approved a package of
Republican-sponsored bills that would transfer HAL's functions to
the Secretary of State's office, including the state library and
state museum in Lansing, rather than splitting the parts among
several state agencies.
The Senate bills now move to the
House. This is far from a slam-dunk as it takes a majority vote to
reject an executive order and the Democrats have a 67-43 majority in
the House. If the House does not vote to overturn the order before
September 11th, it will go into effect on October 1.
So I hope you can see how important
it is for those of you with Democratic Representatives to contact
them and ask them to support this bipartisan effort to save the
Library of Michigan and KEEP THE COLLECTION INTACT. It is suggested
that if you are a Democrat, make sure you mention that in your
letter to your representative. Democratic Representatives will
naturally be less likely to contradict Governor Granholm, so it is
important that we put as much firm but polite pressure on them that
we can as they are in the majority in the state House. If your state
Representative is a Republican, don't assume that he/she will
automatically support this bill, it is equally important to contact
Republican Representatives.
It is easy to find contact
information for your state representative. Just click on this
hyperlink
http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp, and enter your
District number or your zip code.
Please send this email on to your
circle of associates, friends and family members who live in
Michigan. We need to keep getting this word out!
The primary point we are fighting for
is to KEEP THE LIBRARY OF MICHIGAN COLLECTION TOGETHER.
Updates to this situation are
regularly posted on the Michigan Genealogical Council website at
http://www.mimgc.org/LOM.html
Don Bryant, President
August 29, 2009
Greetings,
First, I thank all of you for your
letters, emails and calls to your elected officials in Lansing who
can speak for us in regards to the threat to the Library of Michigan
collection. These past few weeks have been really important to the
future of genealogical & historical research, our cultural memory
and the millions of unique resources housed in Lansing. We’ve
managed to keep momentum and progress in cooperation with other
genealogists and library proponents around Michigan (and beyond) and
that’s due to individuals like you! There is more to do and I plan
to send a separate communication about that later this weekend.
I encourage those of you who are able
to attend the Rally at the Capitol on September 10th. This is
organized by the Michigan Library Association and you can find
details at this website.
http://milibrariesforthefuture.wordpress.com/rally-at-the-capitol/.
The MLA is asking people to wear RED as a sign of unity at the
rally.
The Grand Rapids Public Library has
arranged for a bus and has offered anyone who is interested to take
advantage of this FREE ride to Lansing. The last report was they
have about 20 seats available. The bus will begin loading at the
downtown library approximately 7:45AM and will depart at 8AM. The
rally at the State Capitol is scheduled to begin 10AM and the bus
will leave Lansing between 1 & 1:30PM in the afternoon, returning to
the GRPL by 2:30 or 3PM. Those interested can contact Kim Roden via
email at kroden@grpl.org.
I’m sure there will be others from
our WMGS contingency that will choose to drive individually (or car
pool) and take advantage of rest of the afternoon in Lansing to
research at the Library of Michigan.
Sincerely,
Don Bryant, President
August 22, 2009
Greetings Members and Friends,
On a day at the State Capitol steps in early
August, one of the unscheduled speakers was Rep. Joan Bauer
(D-Lansing). She volunteered this fact that stuck with me. Each day,
her staff reviews emails from constituents. They monitor the
messages for issues and if there are as few as TEN emails about an
issue, they will view that as IMPORTANT and begin researching to
find out what it is that generated the concern of the citizens. ONLY
TEN EMAILS! Imagine what just TEN letters would accomplish in
gaining attention. Each legislative office should be getting many
more than TEN!
When I bring up in conversation Governor Jennifer
Granholm’s Executive Order (7/13/09) that abolishes the Department
of History, Arts and Libraries and puts Michigan’s treasured
collection of the peoples’ past at risk, two of the most common
reactions I hear are “What? That can’t be true!” and “Why haven’t I
heard about it?” These comments are from co-workers, friends and
acquaintances who may not have more than a passing interest in
Michigan history. I live in a National Historic District
neighborhood locally famous to be the home of activist
personalities. This threat to the Library of Michigan is not broadly
known even amongst those who have demonstrated a very high interest
in historic preservation.
On Wednesday August 5th, over 500 citizens, mostly
library advocates and genealogists from around the state of
Michigan, converged on the Capitol steps to protest plans which
reportedly would save 2 million dollars, but putting much of much
greater value at risk. We then literally embraced, with all our arms
around the building, the Michigan Historical Center. We needed to
shine a light on the ill-advised idea that a building built in 1989
to meet the unique requirements of Michigan’s “Library of Congress”
for the next 100 years, should be relegated to shops, a high school,
theatre and idea incubation and “Reinvention Center.” And in order
to accomplish this vision, over 5 million books, tapes, microfilm,
magazines, maps, artifacts would be disseminated without any
guarantee the 3rd largest publically owned collection in the U.S.
would even remain intact! And then the cost of the move and building
remodeling necessary for the vague proposal isn’t even estimated.
Logically the costs of this dream would be counted in multiples of
the $2 million “saved.”
Per the Michigan constitution, without a veto
before September 13, Granholm’s Executive Order automatically goes
into effect on October 1st. Our purpose on August 5th was to get the
situation noticed; and to convince legislators to reject that
Executive Order and at least gain some time to look at other options
rationally and logically. I’m pleased to inform you that a
resolution to reject the Executive Order was introduced by State
Sen. Cameron Brown, (R-Fawn River Township, St. Joseph County) as
reported by the Kalamazoo Gazette last Friday, August 21.
This is the purpose of my writing to you today.
There is still a lot of work to be done and time is short. If you
haven’t heard about the pending peril of the collections in the
Library of Michigan, it’s not necessarily your fault. But now that
you are aware, investigate the facts for yourself. If you agree then
call, write and otherwise urge your representatives and senators to
support Rep. Cameron Brown’s resolution before Wednesday 8/26 which
is when a committee meeting is scheduled to make recommendations.
I urge you to be one of the TEN in your respective
district to speak your opinion.
For additional information on the situation, the
Michigan Genealogical Council website has many links that are being
updated.
http://www.mimgc.org/LOM.html
Don Bryant, President
Western Michigan Genealogical Society
Dedicated to Gaining Knowledge, Preserving Records and
Teaching Others about Genealogy and Family History
www.commoncorners.com
& www.wmgs.org
25 July 2009
To the members and friends of the Western Michigan
Genealogical Society:
This is a communication of great importance to our
Society, to Michigan residents, to Library of Michigan Foundation
donors, and to patrons of the Library of Michigan wherever they may
be. The Historical and Genealogical collections that make up the
majority of the services housed in the Library of Michigan are at
high risk.
Governor Granholm’s
executive order of July 13, 2009 abolishes the 8-year old
Department of History, Arts and Libraries which in 2001 streamlined
what had been five separate areas of state government into one.
(GR Press article, 13 July 2009). The plans being discussed now
(Lansing State Journal article, 19 July 2009) will move the
Library of Michigan from the very building that was designed to
provide what was recognized 40 years ago as a basic need for a
properly designed, permanent facility in which to reside. Any reuse
planned for this purpose-built structure will require expensive
remodeling.
What can you do?
First, please contact your state legislators.
Faxes, phone calls and letters are most effective. Our legislators
have only 60 days to veto the executive order... or it takes effect
automatically. Don't know who to contact? Go to these finding aids.
http://www.house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/findyoursenator/michiganfys.asp
If you do not live in Michigan, you can still
participate in this effort. Please contact Senator Jason Allen
http://www.jasonallen.org/about_us/
Next, will you commit on August 5th, to meet in
Lansing to join Hands Around the Library? This is an
important effort by the Michigan Genealogical Council to draw needed
attention to this situation. You can find details at
www.wmgs.org.
Background
The Library of Michigan began in 1828 (territorial
days) and first opened to the public in 1880. The current crisis the
library is facing is the worst since 1951, when a fire in the State
Office Building where the library collection was housed, destroyed
or damaged about 50,000 books. Senator majority leader William P.
Faust described the Library situation in the 1960s as, “It’s a good
operation. But the facilities they have to work with are a disgrace
to the state.” Its collection was already world-famous by then and
it took until 1988 to have that collection joined again into one
location at the newly built Michigan Library and Historical Center
in Lansing, Michigan.
Over the last 23 years, the Library of Michigan
Foundation had raised more than $4 million to directly support the
vital programs and services of the library, with about half of those
donated funds specifically to develop the Library’s genealogical
collection. See the
Library of Michigan Foundation 2007 Annual Report
The list of highlights of the collection at
http://www.michigan.gov/hal/ begins with the Michigan Newspaper
collection. The Genealogy collection is identified as one of the 10
largest in the United States. Proudly included is the “concentration
of Michigan historic materials from all aspects and time period of
the state and its people.” 5.7 million items are stored on more than
27 miles of shelving.
The Library of Michigan 2007 Annual Report
provides statistics that over 93% of library usage came from
individual patrons. This is us. Most of the remainder is from
other libraries around the state… again us. The governmental
(state and federal) usage was a mere 2%. Maybe that's the reason the
bureaucrats in Lansing do not prioritize this entity that is so
important to the patrons, communities, and donors in Michigan.
For more information and updates on all this,
please see the Michigan Genealogical Council website at
http://mimgc.org/
Very Sincerely,
Don Bryant, President
Western Michigan Genealogical Society
Dedicated to Gaining Knowledge, Preserving Records and
Teaching Others about Genealogy and Family History
www.commoncorners.com
& www.wmgs.org
