FW: [BHC] Short Update on the DPL and BHC

[John P. DuLong]

I received this interesting email today and forward it to the group with the
permission of the writer.  I think her she makes an eloquent case for
supporting the library.

JP

Dear John,

Let me fill you in on some history about support of libraries by Detroit. I
worked at DPL for over 13 years and lived in the city for over 14 years. In
the 80's. it was the citizens of this great city that worked to get the
library board ask for the first millage. It was not the library's idea but
the users. When I came in 1988,  I found the citizens very supportive of
both education and libraries. I remember being asked how they could help
more. Did we need more money? Should there be another mill? I remember the
upraising that keep 5 branches from being shut by the administration. They
went to state hearings to get more money from the state.

Why do Detroiters do this? DPL branch library users know how much this is
needed. Did you know that most elementary schools do not have functioning
school libraries? If it wasn't for the branch libraries, school children
would not have any library service. This is why the same Detroiters fought
to get the bookmobiles back in action. (Believe me, it was not the
librarians' or the administration's idea) In some areas, the local branch
library is the rock of the neighborhood, the only city service that is
visible to the area. I have found that Detroiters love their libraries.

ARE they upset with the past administration? Hell,yes, but they have not
been happy with the way the library have been run for years. Money has been
a problem for years. With Lansing pulling out money after the last election,
the administration does have an answer for broken promises.

I lived in the city longer than any place I have lived in my life. I miss it
dearly. Why do you ask?  I found the my follow Detroiters believe in working
together to give their children a better chance. I know you don't see that
in most new stories, but it is there. Detroiters care about the city and
want it to come back. Do not judge the people by the way main library is
used. Just go sit in the branches after school to see how alive the
libraries are.

Finally, unlike the suburbs and rural areas of this state. Detroiters do
pass millages. My house in Detroit was taxed at about $18 a mill. It got
most of the growth in valuation after Prop A. I sold it for $90,000, so the
new owner will be taxed at $45 a mill. At that price, it is easier to pass
millages.

The library is not a charity. Friends of DPL is a non-profit so it is by law
can't be used to pass millages. The administration if trying to play by the
rules. Instead of complaining, email the administration and see how you can
help get the word out about the millage. I hope to help, even though I now
live in Monroe.


Anni LaPrise

p.s. If memory serves me correct, the last millages passed by 83% for and
17% against and most politicians will sell their first born for that.