Keep the Ideas Coming, Please!

I continue to receive more blog comments in response to my post on a new vision for regional services to Michigan's libraries, so be sure to check on the comments there periodically to see what your colleagues have to say on the subject. Additionally, I am continually receiving emails, letters, phone calls, and taking in conversational comments in person. I am trying to respond to each missive received, but at this point in the process, I'm essentially in listening mode -- not defending my ideas as posted and not expressing my agreement or disagreement with the input and ideas I'm receiving. If you have not heard back from me with regard to a response you've provided, please know that I am logging your comments and appreciate your input. There is no such thing as too many ideas on such an important topic.

In addition to individual comments from directors, staff, trustees, and patrons, various interest groups of people are providing their combined input. The library cooperative directors are completing their recommendations. I've received a letter from a significant number of directors of large southeast Michigan public libraries. Members of a specific library cooperative have provided a letter summarizing their recent discussion and consensus of opinion. And, I had the opportunity to visit the Oakland County Public Libraries Trustees Association last week, where I could share some more of my thoughts, but more importantly, was able to hear their ideas first hand. On July 26th, after my annual vacation in the first half of July, I will be heading up to Marquette to meet with Upper Peninsula library directors and staff. (They will also be hosting Michigan Library Association Executive Director Gretchen Couraud later this week on June 29th.)

So, the conversation is definitely in full swing. The ideas are flowing. And, now that the FY07 budget resolution is behind us, hopefully the FY08 budget situation will be known in the near future. If you have not had the chance to let me know your ideas, concerns, hopes and needs for future regional and statewide support for library services, please consider sending me (and Gretchen, your cooperative director, and any others) your comments, so that a maximum of ideas can be on the table for consideration by all interested parties by the end of the summer.

Enjoy your July 4th celebrations!

What Keeps Me Going Outside of Work!

Work as the state librarian is so rewarding and keeps me very busy, but, fortunately, I'm still able to carve out time to spend with my family! Family from Indiana, Georgia, and Ohio joined us in Michigan for the June 29th graduation of our younger son, Nick, from the graduate program of the University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Congratulations, Nick, on your accomplishment, and congratulations to all of the 2007 graduates of the state of Michigan's educational programs!




My various travels around Michigan to make connections with library staff and supporters are are an important part of the outreach component of my work and that of other Library of Michigan staff. Fortunately, my childhood hometown Dayton, Ohio, still the hometown of my parents, John and Penny Haddick, is close enough for me to get there on June 12th for a special event there. At Aullwoood Audubon Center and Farm, the Center and Five Rivers MetroParks awarded the first Marie S. Aull Environmental Leadership Award. Five awards comprised this first event recognizing individuals who worked closely with the late Mrs. Aull to make positive education and environmental changes, particularly in the greater Dayton and Miami Valley area. I was so proud to see my parents (shown above) honored with one of the five awards. They and their friends and colleagues who received the other four awards are truly deserving of such recognition and leadership. Congratulations to all of them!

Finally, in an on-going way -- Jim and I keep occupied by our Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (toller, for short). Sydney is eight months old at the end of June, and while he is looking rather mature and well-trained above, the three of us are still a work in progress as far as settling into a calm and normal home life. But, we are getting there, and I think that Syd loves and enjoys the two as us as much as we do him. We'll all be off to a two week vacation in the lower north woods soon, for a much-needed getaway.

Dedicating "The People's Library" at Alma!

On June 1st Alma Public Library dedicated their renovated and greatly expanded facility. I was honored to be part of the program which featured the board president and dedicated supporter, Ruth Lyon, and director, Bryan Dinwoody, who has aptly called for the library to be known as "The People's Library." The two of them are shown above with me just before the ceremony began.

Built right on the river at the east end of town, the building and the services the library provides are treasured by the community that made the expansion project a reality with their support. It's no surprise that hundreds of residents took a whole morning to attend the event. The centerpiece of the interior is the fabulous fireplace and chimney. Above, with Bryan looking on, Ruth and Mayor Melvin Nyman cut the ribbon as a finale to the program. Deputy director and children's services manager, Tina Leonard, also spoke at the celebration, highlighting how much traffic the new library and its expanded services are experiencing. Refreshments following the program were served by the friends group in the spacious new community center. It was a lovely event, and a reminder that, even in the face of budgetary unknowns, support for library service in Michigan marches on. Congratulations to Bryan and his staff and the Alma community!