  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citizen's Rally to Block Governor's Closing of Michigan's State Library Column published: 07 August 2009 By: Shirley Gage Hodges Biography & Archived Articles 
The "Hands Around the Library Rally" draws a big crowd on short notice The rally was held on 5 August 2009. It was a wonderful example of how people will join together to help a cause that is important. It was refreshing to see genealogists, historians, military groups and concerned citizens gathering to protest a proposal by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to break up the genealogical collections at the Michigan Historical Center.
Protestors of the planned closing of the state library assembled in front of the state capitol building to make their case prior to proceeding to the Library of Michigan building to form "Hands Around the Library" It was also wonderful to see so many genealogical societies represented that day.  More than 525 supporters of the Library of Michigan gather to protest Governor Granholm's planned closing of Michigan's State library this Fall. Unfortunately Governor Granholm was not in her office that day. While we were there trying to convince her to continue to spend the $2 million on the library, she was in Detroit with Vice President Joe Biden. They were discussing a plan to spend $1 Billion on battery technology. We know that she is getting the message that we were there. You can help the cause even more by making sure that she is getting the message. Share your opinion directly with the Governor's office with this online form, results will be reviewed, tallied and reported to the Governor and her Executive staff, but there will be no response. At one point during the rally 525 people were counted at the Library and we know that did not include everyone that was there.  Supporters of the Library of Michigan formed "Hands Around The Library", surrounding the 1800' perimeter of the building. People from all walks of life and all age groups joined together to attemp to block the closing of this world class facility. I particularly loved the signs. Some of them were very creative and to the point. One of my favorites said "Genealogists do research - they also vote. It is important that our representatives and senators remember that fact.
Be sure to keep contacting everyone you can. If our representatives do not reject this, the Governor's order formally takes effect October 1. The following video clip was produced and published by the Lansing Journal newspaper.
Thank you for your continued support. Let's show those who want to close the Library of Michigan, that we do care and that we can make a difference. Until next time :) Shirley Hodges hodgessj@hotmail.com President, Genealogical Speakers Guild To read back issues of Shirley Hodges' articles, visit her biography & archived Articles Check out the resources at GlobalGenealogy.com:
Shopping Cart & Order Desk Global Genealogy & History Shoppe 1-800-361-5168 ( 9-5 Monday to Friday )
|
|
|
*The Global Gazette is a unit of GlobalGenealogy.com Inc. Copyright© 1995 - 2009 GlobalGenealogy.com Inc. All Rights Reserved |
All Books, Guides, Maps, & CDs...
GHP Books & Vital Records on CD ROM
Genealogy Software & Upgrades
Archival & Artifact Preservation 
Flags 
Charts, Forms & Kits 
