----- Original Message -----
From: "Jan Uffelmann" <marimba62(a)comcast.net>
To: <KYJEFFER(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 11:56 AM
Subject: [KYJEFFER] Library of MI in trouble
I encourage those who value genealogy records to consider supporting the
Library of Michigan to keep these records available and not scattered and
lost throughout the state. Information is available below.
Original Message -------
Probably many of you have heard about the problems in Michigan where there
is a danger that the wonderful Library of Michigan might be closed because
of monetary difficulties. Here is info from the Federation of Genealogical
Societies mailing this morning. Joann Nichols
Within the genealogical community, the Library of Michigan has long been
recognized as one of the premier state libraries in the country.
The cohesive Library of Michigan collection with over 180 years of Michigan
history, literature and culture records and reflects the
lives of not only those who remained to raise their families within
the state but of millions more whose migration to other parts of the
country left their footprints in the soil and records generated by
their passage. Visitors come from all across the country to research
at the Library of Michigan.
In addressing a $2 Billion deficit in the Michigan budget, Governor
Jennifer M. Granholm issued an executive order in July which would abolish
the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. As originally proposed, the
collections of the Library of Michigan would be scattered and the building
built and designed to house the state library would be renovated to house a
new function.
In meetings held during the Federation of Genealogical Societies/
Arkansas Genealogical Society Annual Conference in Little Rock this past
week, the Records Preservation and Access Committee
representatives have initiated a petition drive in support of the
Library of Michigan. . This is the first time we have exercised this
option since 2006, something of an indicator of the seriousness with which
the genealogical community views this situation.
The RPAC petition became available for signature on Sunday, the 6th of
September. We will close the petition drive on the 1st of October, the date
the governor's order is scheduled to take effect. The earlier one signs,
the greater the impact.
Although the prospects for reversing this action are remote, we would not
want it to be said that a state library can be closed without its users
caring (or for other governors to think it a politically expedient thing to
do.)
Genealogists from within and without Michigan are encouraged to sign the
online petition found at
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/RPAC2009/petition.html. We then ask that you
urge the members of every society of which you are a member to do likewise.
Additional background and the latest developments can be found at the web
site of the Michigan Genealogical Council at:
www.mimgc.org/LOM.html . They may also suggest legislators to whom
individual letters might be addressed at appropriate points in the
legislative process.