Library speaks out on state funding cuts

Orion Township Public Library is fighting back against an executive order from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm having to do with libraries.
The order abolishes the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), scattering its sub-departments to various other state departments and eliminating the State Librarian position.
‘The Orion Township Public Library Board of Trustees acting as advocates of the people of the State of Michigan and in support of resources that ensure a high quality of life for all, strongly urges the Michigan Legislature to: oppose Executive Order No. 2009-36,? said the board’s resolution on the HAL abolishment order.
Granholm made the order to cut costs in an unbalanced state budget, but has received criticism from the Michigan Library Association as well as individual public libraries.
‘I’m not sure how this break-up will save money unless services will be cut,? said Orion Township Public Library Director Linda Sickles.
The executive order transfers the Library of Michigan to the Department of Education and the State Archives and Historical Records to the Department of Natural Resources.
In a budget passed by the state senate earlier this year, funding for libraries was cut by $2.5 million from $10 to $7.5 million, according to the Michigan Library Association.
‘At a time when libraries are needed most, I’m sorry the state doesn’t think they’re essential,? Sickles said.
So far this year, Orion’s library usage has increased 10 percent each month.
‘We realize budget cuts are a fact of life but I worry about the repercussions,? said the director.