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UPDATE: Crisis Facing the Library of Michigan Column published: 30 July 2009 By: Shirley Gage Hodges Biography & Archived Articles 
Hands Around the Library Rally - 5 August 2009 at 9:45 a.m.First of all, I would like to thank all those who have written and expressed their concerns over the crises facing the Library of Michigan. Your responses have been heartwarming and very moving. This article is an update on what is happening, and provides information on how you can help save the Library of Michigan. If you live in Michigan or are within driving range please consider joining us in the Hands Around the Library Rally 5 August 2009. The Michigan Genealogical Council is coordinating a public assembly in Lansing to show our legislators and fellow citizens that we care about our state's past. On Wednesday, the 5th of August, let's assemble at the State Capitol on the lawn. We have reserved the North and South lawns, and the steps. Time, 9:45 a.m. The State Senate goes into session at 10 a.m., the only time in the next few weeks we can be certain our legislators will be assembled at Lansing. At 10:30 a.m., we will proceed/march over to the Michigan Historical Center and form our Hands Around the Library. Since the perimeter of the building is around 1800 feet, it is obvious we can use as many genealogists or friends of libraries/history of all types as possible. Flags and ribbons can be held between people as well as hands and arms.
Once we have formed our Hands Around The Library, we'll hold that position for about 20 minutes, beginning at 11:00 a.m. -- then off to lunch, researching in the Library of Michigan, or museum viewing for the afternoon! If you cannot make the walk to the Capitol and back, then just come to the Library for the Hands Around the Library rally. Please share the information about Hands Around The Library with all of your friends and any media contacts that you have. Many of us know people in the media, either professionally or socially. If you have media contacts, please make sure they are aware of this event. An easy way to spead the news is to forward this article by using the "Send this page to a friend" tool located near the bottom of this webpage. The Michigan Genealogical Council has been sending out press releases this week. The rally is being mentioned in many blogs and genealogy e-mail lists. However, there is much to be done to get the Library of Michigan crisis into the news, and very little time to accomplish it. Nothing is more effective than personal contact from someone you know. If you know of reporters or bloggers who are interested in heritiage issues, please make sure that they know about this issue and the upcoming rally on August 05. Click here for MGC's press release. Another method of rapid distribution of information is to communicate the details of the August 5th rally to your circle of friends through social networking websites such as Facebook. If you are a member of social networking site, ask your online friends to support saving the Library of Michigan. Letters, emails, telephone calls and supporting the August 5th Rally will all help to emphasize the importance of the issue to those who can reverse the Governor's plan. We also need to contact each and every legislator in the State Capitol. Several State Senators and Representatives have commented they were not aware the Library was in danger of being dismantled. Also, please copy the Governor on your correspondence. Some societies have expressed concern this demonstration may jeopardize their 501c(3) status. As long as we act as private citizens, concerned for the collection at the Library and Archives of Michigan, this will not pose a problem. If you wish to volunteer to help us behind the scenes, with distributing programs, directing people to circle the Library, assisting us in any way, please also contact Sue Irvine sjirv@yahoo.com and she will find a job for you. Contact information for the Governor of Michigan:
P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, Michigan 48909 PHONE: (517) 373-3400 FAX:(517) 335-6863 Stay tuned to the Global Gazette (free) for regular updates on the crisis at the Library of Michigan, and the Hands Around The Library Rally. Until next time :) Shirley Hodges shirley@globalgenealogy.com To read back issues of Shirley Hodges' articles, visit her biography & archived Articles Check out the resources at GlobalGenealogy.com:
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