Genealogists from all over the state began to gather in front of the Capitol Building in Lansing around 9 a.m. yesterday to make known their objection to Governor Jennifer Granholm's plan to close the Library of Michigan. I attended with three women from Oakland County, including fellow geneablogger Pam Warren, who planned our carpool.
Lots of great signs emphasized our purpose... and our power as voters!
Geneabloggers, can you find Granny Pam in the photo below?
I don't know where she stands politically, but in the photo she's just left of center, behind the woman in dark clothing!
There was an excellent program of speakers. In fact, there was an excellent program (the paper kind) passed out which had a record of who all the speakers were. The woman in the lower right corner of the photo above? She's got her program. But--some reporter I am!--I lost mine.
Hundreds of genealogists gave rapt attention to the speakers. We were fortunate to have beautiful weather, although the sun grew hot rather quickly. The smartest people stood in the shade! Um... don't be askin' me how I know it was hot in the sun.
From the Capitol steps, we followed behind the color guard to the Library of Michigan a couple blocks away. (Pam's in this photo too, the one with the flowing hair!)
We were towards the front of the crowd on the march to the Library, where many more genealogists and library lovers awaited.
Upon our arrival, we unreeled a green ribbon and encircled the entire building in demonstration of the day's theme, Hands Around the Library. A count was taken and we were happy to learn we were 500 strong.Readers, the fight is not over yet, and there's still time for you to raise your voice in support of this great resource, one of the largest in the country. You don't have to live in Michigan either. You just have to care, and take a few minutes of your time to do something about it. The Michigan Genealogical Council has an excellent Library of Michigan page where you can find out how to help. They've posted several helpful links. You can find addresses for your state senators and representatives as well as Governor Granholm partway down the page.
5 comments:
Greetings T.K.,
Thanks sharing the day's events with us. I hope the show of support by so many genealogists will make Michigan politicians and Gov. Granholm realize what a mistake it would be to close the library.
Kathryn
Thanks for having at least one photo of me that doesn't feature the large body part I sat on all the way to to Lansing! That part was prominent in the picture of me that appeared on the Lansing State Journal website.
And thanks for going, sharing and encouraging others to join the cause.
Right On! I have sent my letters off already.
Power to the people! Awesome!
Thanks for stopping by Before My Time, all!
Kathryn, wish I'd known you were there, I would have looked for you!
Pam, thanks again for doing the driving. Did you see Liz Kelley Kerstens' photo that featured our good sides? ;-)
Sheri, thanks for writing letters!
Elizabeth, I hope you're right, since 88% of the people want the library to be saved!
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