Help Protect Michigan Libraries

Recently, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm issued Executive Order 2009-36, that will abolish the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries, and the position of state librarian, and transfer responsibilities of this department to other State departments.

Additionally, according to the proposed 2010 State budget, library funding is expected to be cut from $10 million to $7.5 million. While this cut is only a tiny fraction of the overall budget deficit for Michigan currently projected at $1.8 billion, this reduction in funding will mean:

• databases provide by the Michigan eLibrary, such as Learning Express Library, Academic OneFile, and Chilton's, may no longer be available;
• MelCat, the statewide interlibrary loan system, could end; and
  
• libraries may be forced to cut hours and staff at a time when demand for libraries and the services they provide is increasing.

The Michigan Library Association has set up a website called Michigan Libraries for the Future for residents concerned about these cuts. Here you can find updated information about the situation and links to background information. There are, also, links that allow you to directly contact your state senator and representative.

Please help keep quality libraries in Michigan. Contact your legislators today and tell them not to abolish the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries, and cut funding to libraries.