Challenging Times

I know everyone is scrambling to deal with the current budget situation and talking about what the future might hold. I've received many well-thought-out comments and emails, letters and phone calls in response to my last blog post on new models for cooperatives, and I am glad that people are engaged in these discussions. Of course, it will take some time and the involvement of the Legislature and the Budget Office for future plans to get sorted out. In the meantime we are all working toward getting the hoped-for release of the FY07 state aid funds that were appropriated for this year. We've been working through internal channels here to spread the word about how libraries and their patrons are being immediately affected by the situation, and like you, we await the resolution of the current fiscal year crisis, after which we are more likely to find out more about the potential release of those funds.

While visiting my parents at their northern lower Michigan cottage a couple of weeks ago, we got away from it all with a walk through the woods. This image of the trillium in full bloom reminds me of one of the reasons Just like all of you, I am committed to this state, in good times and bad. While we are embroiled in the difficult challenges that face Michigan's libraries and cooperatives right now, hopefully a look around us at our two beautiful peninsulas, will energize you with the strength to meet those challenges. Hope you all enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!