A Case of Credential Fraud?

When I was mulling over my 30Y.30L project in 2011, it was a no-brainer to include Brandon Township Library as I had grown up in the neighboring town of Oxford. Further, having worked in the new Oxford Public Library, I learned that BTL was deemed a sister library, of sorts, sharing the very same architect.

I have much to write about; however, each time I start working on the post, I begin having doubts and questioning my professional ethics -- see, there is a bit of a scandal coming to light in Michigan library-land...

The issue: Brandon Township Library hasn't received State Aid in the past 5 years and the library board wanted to know why. Upon calling a special meeting, the library director tendered her resignation effective immediately and subsequently retired.

Here are the relevant articles in the press:
11.20.2013: Brandon Twp. Library Director resigns; investigation underway
11.27.2013: Brandon Township Library on administrative lockdown
12.4.2013: Brandon Township Public Library director resigns after library receives no state funding for five years
12.20.2013: Brandon Township library hires forensic auditor, tightens finances after director’s resignation

A case of credential fraud?

Having just jumped through all of the hoops in order to complete my MLIS...and the fact that I currently hold a nonprofessional/non-salaried position in the LIS-field, this is a very bitter pill for me to swallow...

When I attended the library board meeting back in November, I was surprised that the board refused to directly respond to any of the comments or questions raised by taxpayers and former employees. I am not sure if that's their standard operating procedure...or if it's due to the open investigation. (Note: I serve as a trustee on a township board and that is not how we conduct our meetings.)

This Week in Review

This has been a pretty crummy week with the untimely deaths of Pamela Mantey and Andrea Costa whom were both battling downright aggressive cases of cancer. As a result, I've been feeling pretty down in the dumps.

Here's an attempt to capture my bookish thoughts and actions from this week:

• Since Andrea is the daughter of a close family friend, RB and I will be making a donation to Eastpointe Memorial Library in her name for the youth department. 
• Ray Bradbury passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. 
• Wednesday marked 68 years since the invasion of Normandy, France (aka D-Day).
• I have three possible sites for my practicum this fall -- now I'm left just to wait-and-see as to where I'll be assigned. Per SLIS policy, as a student I can only recommend -- the practicum coordinator has the final say.
• Frustration: Because I am interested in rural libraries, I'd like my practicum site to be in a rural community -- preferably in the Thumb area. Unfortunately, it's the policy of the SLIS that the supervising librarian hold an MLIS. Fact: the majority of rural librarians in this area do not have a MLIS (and in some cases not even a Bachelor's degree). 
• I am disappointed because to follow the policy means that I am deprived of the opportunity of interning under a number of very kind and rural experienced librarians who would love to share their knowledge and experience! 
• The 30Y.30L project really helped me network and talk to directors about the possibility of hosting my practicum.
• In this week's YA Lit lecture, instructor Sue Todd made the following statement when introducing a piece of literature to the class. She said, "This book is not for everyone, but it deserves a place on library shelves for those that may be dealing with these issues." I loved the statement and plan on incorporating it into my library-speak. Thanks, Sue!
• Historical fiction novels in verse helps to mix up and refresh a genre that is commonly labeled as "stuffy" with the tween and teen crowd. It also can engage the reluctant reader as well as inspire young people to learn more about historical events.
• Fact: my favorite genre is historical fiction. (Big surprise, right?!)
• Before Lit to Film Club this week, I met up with fellow MLIS candidate, Camille, and had dinner in downtown Rochester at the historic Red Knapp's Dairy Bar. It was great to finally meet her and the conversation was first rate: archives, books, and libraries. She attended Club with me!
• I didn't end up reading this month's selection for Lit to Film Club -- The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan. I read the first section on apples and felt incredibly guilty spending any amount of time reading for pleasure when I had a stack of books glaring at me for the YA Lit class I'm taking this term. 
• Yet I still attended the Club and found myself really getting into the documentary. When I have more time, I definitely plan on picking up the book again.
• For my YA Lit class, I had to select a different author to focus on for my project. Unfortunately, Veronica Roth is too new of an author and hasn't published five books as of yet. I am now focusing on Ursula K. Le Guin instead.
• I read the first two books in the Earthsea series last fall semester when I was taking LIS 7560: Vampires, Wizards, and Superheroes -- A Wizard of Earthsea and The Tombs of Atuan.
• Over the past two weeks, I've worked my way through the series and actually started the last book yesterday afternoon -- The Other Wind.
• I used MeL to interloan Conversations with Ursula K. Leguin edited by Carl Freedman.
• I am working on a new bibliography -- supernatural / paranormal YA fiction. 
• When I'm feeling down, besides reading a good novel or playing my drum set, I love going for a country drive in my truck with the roof open and windows down. On Thursday, I ended up cruising over to Frankenmuth and informally touring their library -- James E. Wickson Memorial Library. (I'll create a separate post at a later time to share my thoughts and observations.)

30 Years and 30 Libraries: Statistics

Image by Andy Thompson

In case you're just tuning in, before my 30th birthday, I began pondering something unique and special to celebrate the milestone. At first I thought about a staging a literary-themed costume party, hosting a read-in, or even a literature-to-film night; however, a better idea came to me: a campaign of library tours called 30 Years and 30 Libraries.

Throughout the months of November, December, January, I visited, photographed, and toured 30 different libraries and wrote about my various adventures via this blog. The 30 Years and 30 Libraries project not only provided me with fun and adventure, but also served as a learning experience for my professional development.

This post will serve as a final wrap-up that'll share some interesting 30Y.30L statistics and anecdotes! As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at jcbrown at wayne dot edu.

Fun with Numbers

• Negativity: In the early stages of putting together this project, I ran into issues with 6 libraries -- one of which, the director actually laughed at me and was incredibly rude on the phone when I was attempting to explain the project (this was even after she received a letter in the mail detailing the project and explaining my background). Needless to say, I didn't end up touring her library!
• The remaining 5 libraries didn't return phone calls during the planning process and were subsequently dropped from the 30Y.30L list after several unsuccessful attempts;
• I drove 3,035.80 miles (round trip -- plus picking up a travel companion prior to heading to the upper peninsula)
• Averaging the cost of gasoline at $3.50 a gallon, I spent about $530.00 on fuel.
•  I spent a total of 73 hours driving;

This photo was taken after the weeds and debris
were removed from the truck's undercarriage.
(Notice the mudsplatter is backwards on the
truck because I left the highway at a spin!)

• Out of the 73 hours, I spent 16.5 hours driving for the upper peninsula trip;
• Sans the 2 libraries located in the upper peninsula, the average drive time to a library visit (one-way) was about 1 hour;
• I got into one single-vehicle accident due to an encounter with black ice on westbound I-69 just slightly past the on-ramp near Imlay City. My truck ended up on the far north-end of the grassy slope near the MDOT fence -- OnStar as well as my four-wheel drive assisted in the recovery effort.
• A total of 59.25 hours were spent touring the thirty libraries which means the average visit lasted around 2 hours;
• For two library visits, I had to use a ferry -- tour #4: Reader's Cove Library and Tour #29: Drummond Island Library -- total fares $19.00 ($7.00 for the ferry to Harsen's Island and $12.00 for the ferry to Drummond Island);
• I stayed two nights in a hotel for this project; 
• Of the libraries toured, 7 were in Sanilac County, 6 were in Tuscola County, 5 were in Huron County, 5 were in Oakland County, 2 were in Lapeer County, 2 were in St. Clair County, 1 was in Chippewa County, 1 was Mackinac County, and 1 was in Wayne County;
• 60% of the libraries were located in Michigan's Thumb area;
• 18 libraries belong to White Pine Library Cooperative, 5 libraries belong to The Library Network (TLN), 3 libraries belong to the Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative, 2 libraries belong to the Superiorland Library Cooperative, 1 library belongs to the Suburban Library Cooperative, and 1 library didn't belong to any cooperatives due to being private;
• 2 agencies were a blend between public libraries and school media centers -- Tour #18: Opperman Memorial Library and Tour #29: Drummond Island Library;
• 2 libraries renovated former strip malls for their new homes -- Tour #9: Reese Unity District Library and Tour #27: Addison Township Public Library;
• Of the 29 library directors interviewed, only 4 were male -- Tour #6: Bullard Sanford Memorial Library (Eric Andreychuk), Tour #16: Oxford Public Library (Bryan Cloutier), Tour #21: Fairgrove District Library (Larry Haubenstricker), and Tours #29 and 30: Drummond Island Library and Les Cheneaux Community Library (Ken Miller).
• Out of the 30 libraries toured, 11 were under the supervision of a director holding an MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Those interviewed for the project: Tour #11: Eastpointe Memorial Library (Assistant Director: Sue Todd, Wayne State University); Tour #13: Brandon Township Library (Director: Paula Gauthier, University of Michigan); Tour #14: Aitkin Memorial District Library (Jennifer Walters, University of Michigan); Tour #16: Oxford Public Library (Bryan Cloutier, Wayne State University); Tour #17: Orion Township Library (now retired, Linda Sickles, Western Michigan University); Tour #23: Lapeer District Library: Clifford Library (Branch Manager: Rachael Smyczak, Wayne State University); Tour #24: Caro Area District Library (Marcia Dievendorf, Kent State University); Tour #27: Addison Township Public Library (Jaema Berman, Wayne State University), Tour #28: St. Clair County Library: Burtchville Township Library (Branch Manager: Jane Fortushniak, Wayne State University); Tours #29 and #30: Drummond Island Library and Les Cheneaux Community Library (Ken Miller, Wayne State University).
• 6 graduated from Wayne State University's SLIS program!
• The average size of a library toured was a Class 3.
• Class 0 (private library): 1; 
• Class 1 (population served: 0 – 3,999): 4; 
• Class 2 (population served: 4,000 – 6,999): 10; 
• Class 3 (population served: 7,000 – 11,999): 6; 
• Class 4 (population served: 12,000 – 25,999): 3; 
• Class 5 (population served: 26,000 – 49,999): 4; 
• Class 6 (population served: 50,000+): 2
• Press and Coverage: The 30Y.30L project was featured on the front page of the Vassar Pioneer Times; via Facebook, the School of Library and Information Science shared the Hermionish link to the Vassar Pioneer Times article; Bullard Sanford Memorial Library featured the project on their website; my 'featured student' profile on the School of Library and Information Science website mentions the 30Y.30L project and links to this blog
• At the 2012 Rural Libraries Conference at the Grand Traverse Bay Resort, I was approached by several librarians who inquired if I was 'the same Jill Brown who toured all of those libraries.'

Rank by Miles Away

A map showing the 30 libraries!

1. Sandusky District Library (6.3 miles)
2. Elk Township Library (7.5 miles)
3. Aitkin Memorial District Library (18.2 miles)
4. Deckerville Public Library (18.4 miles)
5. Lapeer District Library: Clifford Library (18.9 miles)
6. Marlette District Library (19.0 miles)
7. Brown City Public Library (20.1 miles)
8. Moore Public Library (21.8 miles)
9. Opperman Memorial Library (22.6 miles)
10. North Branch Township Library (25.9 miles)
11. Sleeper Public Library (31.8 miles)
12. Burtchville Township Library (33.3 miles)
13. Rawson Memorial District Library (34.1 miles)
14. Caro Area District Library (38.4 miles)
15. Bad Axe Area District Library (40.7 miles)
16. Bullard Sanford Memorial Library (46.8 miles)
17. Fairgrove District Library (47.5 miles)
18. Harbor Beach Area District Library (50.3 miles)
19. Reese Unity District Library (52.7 miles)
20. Addison Township Public Library (52.9 miles)
21. Pigeon District Library (56.6 miles)
22. Port Austin Township Library (58.0 miles)
23. Reader's Cove Library (64.3 miles)
24. Oxford Public Library (64.5 miles)
25. Orion Township Library (65.7 miles)
26. Eastpointe Memorial Library (71.2 miles)
27. Brandon Township Library (75.5 miles)
28. Holly Township Library (86.8 miles)
29. Les Cheneaux Community Library (287 miles)
30. Drummond Island Library (321 miles)

Rank by Class Size

(Note: this ranking is slightly skewed due to several libraries being a branch of a larger system library)

Guide:
Class 1 (population served: 0 – 3,999)
Class 2 (population served: 4,000 – 6,999)
Class 3 (population served: 7,000 – 11,999)
Class 4 (population served: 12,000 – 25,999)
Class 5 (population served: 26,000 – 49,999)
Class 6 (population served: 50,000+)

1. Class 0 (private library): Reader's Cove Library
2. Class 1: Elk Township Library
3. Class 1: Fairgrove District Library
4. Class 1: North Branch Township Library
5. Class 1: Sleeper Public Library
6. Class 2: Addison Township Public Library
7. Class 2: Bad Axe Area District Library
8. Class 2: Brown City Public Library
9. Class 2: Deckerville Public Library
10. Class 2: Harbor Beach Area District Library
11. Class 2: Marlette District Library
12. Class 2: Moore Public Library
13. Class 2: Opperman Memorial Library
14. Class 2: Port Austin Township Library 
15. Class 2: Reese Unity District Library
16. Class 3: Aitkin Memorial District Library
17. Class 3: Bullard Sanford Memorial Library
18. Class 3: Caro Area District Library
19. Class 3: Pigeon District Library
20. Class 3: Rawson Memorial District Library
21. Class 3: Sandusky District Library
22. Class 4: Brandon Township Library
23. Class 4: Holly Township Library
24. Class 4: Oxford Public Library
25. Class 5: Drummond Island Library
26. Class 5: Eastpointe Memorial Library
27. Class 5: Les Cheneaux Community Library
28. Class 5: Orion Township Public Library
29. Class 6: Lapeer District Library - Clifford Branch
30. Class 6: St. Clair County Library - Burtchville Branch

Rank by Operating Budget
Note: three libraries will be excluded from this list -- (1) Reader's Cove Library on Harsen's Island due to being private and operating on donations; (2) Opperman Memorial Library -- only a collection development budget was provided; (3) Burtchville Township Library (a branch of the St. Clair County Library System) -- only a collection development budget was provided.

1. Bayliss Public Library (Class 5): Drummond Island Library: $25,440
2. Lapeer District Library (Class 6): Clifford Library: $42,688 
3. Brown City Public Library (Class 2): $45,000 
4. Elk Township Library (Class 1): $45,000 - $50,000
5. Bayliss Public Library (Class 5): Les Cheneaux Community Library: $48,180
6. Deckerville Public Library (Class 2): $64,000
7. Port Austin Township Library (Class 2): $72,000
8. Sleeper Public Library (Class 1): $72,000 - $75,000
9. Reese Unity District Library (Class 2): $100,000
10. North Branch Township Library (Class 1): $101,000
11. Marlette District Library (Class 2): $110,000
12. Fairgrove District Library (Class 1): $134,000
13. Moore Public Library (Class 2): $175,000
14. Addison Township Public Library (Class 2): $210,000
15. Aitkin Memorial District Library (Class 3): $230,000
16. Bad Axe Area District Library (Class 2): $248,000
17. Pigeon District Library (Class 3): $250,000
18. Sandusky District Library (Class 3): $250,000
19. Rawson Memorial District Library (Class 3): $300,000
20. Holly Township Library (Class 4): $344, 193
21. Bullard Sanford Memorial Library (Class 3): $400,000
22. Harbor Beach Area District Library (Class 2): $438,710
23. Caro Area District Library (Class 3): $500,000
24. Eastpointe Memorial Library (Class 5): $708,000
25. Brandon Township Library (Class 4): $908,149
26. Oxford Public Library (Class 4): $1,100,000
27. Orion Township Public Library (Class 5): $2,500,000

Total: $9,418,360*
(*Note: When a range was given, the smaller budget amount was utilized.)  

Once again, I'd like to thank the 30 libraries that participated in this project -- I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for this special and unique opportunity. I learned so much from them!

Please, please support your local library. As Marcia Dievendorf of Caro District Library said, "Access to information and knowledge -- that's the driving force. Libraries are an important part of our democracy. You can educate yourself for free."

Lady Bird Johnson said, "Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest."

And Lesley Conger once said, "The best of my education has come from the public library...my tuition fee is a bus fare and once in a while, five cents a day for an overdue book. You don't need to know very much to start with, if you know the way to the public library."

30 Years and 30 Libraries: Introduction and Index

Image by Andy Thompson

A short time ago, before my 30th birthday, I began pondering something unique and special to celebrate the milestone. At first I thought about a staging a literary-themed costume party, hosting a read-in, or even a literature-to-film night; however, a better idea came to me: a campaign of library tours called 30 Years and 30 Libraries.

Throughout the months of November, December, and January, I visited, photographed, and toured 30 different libraries and wrote about my various adventures via this blog. The 30 Years and 30 Libraries project not only provided me with fun and adventure, but also served as a learning experience in my professional development.

This post will serve as an index, of sorts, for the libraries in which I have visited:
(1) Moore Public Library: Lexington, Michigan - (11/15)
(2) Marlette District Library: Marlette, Michigan - (11/16)
(3) Brown City Public Library: Brown City, Michigan - (11/17)
(4) Reader's Cove Library: Harsens Island, Michigan - (11/19)
(5) Sleeper Public Library: Ubly, Michigan - (11/22)
(6) Bullard Sanford Memorial Library: Vassar, Michigan - (11/23)
(7) Pigeon District Library: Pigeon, Michigan - (11/26)
(8) Elk Township Library: Peck, Michigan - (11/29)
(9) Reese Unity District Library: Reese, Michigan - (12/1)
(10) North Branch Township Library: North Branch, Michigan - (12/2)
(11) Eastpointe Memorial Library: Eastpointe, Michigan - (12/5)
(12) Deckerville Public Library: Deckerville, Michigan - (12/6)
(13) Brandon Township Library: Ortonville, Michigan - (12/7)
(14) William H. Aitkin Memorial District Library: Croswell, Michigan - (12/8)
(15) Harbor Area District Library: Harbor Beach, Michigan - (12/9)

Sunday, December 11, 2011: 30th Birthday

(16) Oxford Public Library: Oxford, Michigan - (12/12)
(17) Orion Township Library: Lake Orion, Michigan - (12/13)
(18) Opperman Memorial Library: Kingston, Michigan - (12/15)
(19) Port Austin Township Library: Port Austin, Michigan - (12/16)
(20) Holly Township Library: Holly, Michigan - (12/19)
(21) Fairgrove District Library: Fairgrove, Michigan - (1/4)
(22) Sandusky District Library: Sandusky, Michigan - (1/6)
(23) Clifford Library: Clifford, Michigan - (1/9)
(24) Caro Area District Library: Caro, Michigan - (1/10)
(25) Bad Axe Area District Library: Bad Axe, Michigan - (1/11)
(26) Rawson Memorial District Library: Cass City, Michigan - (1/17)
(27) Addison Township Public Library: Leonard, Michigan - (1/20)
(28) Burtchville Township Library: Lakeport, Michigan - (1/23)
(29) Drummond Island Library: Drummond Island, Michigan - (1/27)
(30) Les Cheneaux Community Library: Cedarville, Michigan - (1/28)

"Libraries have always seemed like the richest places in the world to me, and I've done some of my best learning and thinking thanks to them. Libraries and librarians have definitely changed my life - and the lives of countless other Americans."
-Barbara Bush, First Lady of the United States, 1989-1993

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the 30 libraries that participated in this project. 

30Y.30L Tour (#30): Les Cheneaux Community Library

Image by Andy Thompson

My 30th visit! It was quite bittersweet...

On Saturday, January 28, after a beautiful snow fall, I headed to Cedarville, Michigan in order to tour Les Cheneaux Community Library -- a branch of Bayliss Public Library.

Rationale for selection: I had originally planned on just touring Drummond Island Library and selecting a rural library on the westside of the State (Idlewild Public Library). Touring this library came by recommendation of Library Director Ken Miller, who works out of Bayliss Public Library in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Ken mentioned that I would be driving right through Cedarville on my way to Drummond Island Library. Being curious, I did a Google search for LCCL and was completely taken by both its uniqueness and beauty. 

Location

Click image to enlarge...

Cedarville, Michigan is located in Michigan's upper peninsula just east of Saint Ignace which is where I stayed during my visit. In fact, it was just a 30 minute drive from my hotel to the library. And it was a beautiful drive...

From my "home" library of Sandusky District Library, Les Cheneaux Community Library is 280 miles or about 5 hours away. As I've done for the twenty-nine other 30Y.30L posts, LCCL is 325 miles or about 5.25 hours from Purdy-Kresge Library, home of the School of Library and Information Science, on Wayne State University's downtown Detroit campus.

About the Branch
In an interview with Ken Miller, he stated that Bayliss Public Library has a contract with Mackinac County to provide services for the Cedarville area by way of Les Cheneaux Community Library. About the building, Miller said, "We have an agreement with the Friends of Les Cheneaux Community Library for use of the building, which they own. I believe that this is a unique situation in the State. I don't think that any other friends group owns the building that the library occupies."

More about the building and library from the Les Cheneaux Island Tourist Association's website:

"The Les Cheneaux Library was built in 2003 through the work of a committed group of volunteers and the generosity of many in our region. The beautiful new library is a true reflection of the unique character of the Les Cheneaux area.

The log cabin structure features a quiet reading room with a fireplace, computer lab, wireless internet, wrap-around porch, comfortable furnishings, murals and stained glass by local artisans, and a meeting room with large screen for media presentations.

The Library has recently won grants from Michigan Council for Arts, Libri Foundation, and Noyes Foundation enabling the building of our reference and children’s sections and a summer film festival.

Donations comprise a large portion of our budget and significantly contribute to our ability to provide timely materials and quality programming. LCCL maintains a list of items that are needed to continue to meet the needs of our community. The generosity of our patrons is greatly appreciated."

Les Cheneaux Community Library serves primarily Clark and Marquette Townships. According to 2010 Census data, Clark Township has a population of 2,056 with Marquette Township's population cited at 603. In comparing the data to that from the 2000 Census, Clark Township experienced a -6.5% change and a -8.49% change for Marquette Township.

Based on population, if Les Cheneaux Community Library were independent and not a branch library, it would certainly be designated as a Class 1 library. According to the Library of Michigan, a Class 1 serves a population of 3,999 or less and needs to:

• Be open a minimum of 15 hours per week;
• Employ (at least 15 hours per week) a director with at least a Level 4 certificate. 

The library has 1 part-time branch manager, 1 part-time assistant, 2 substitutes, has a collection size of 13,991 materials, and operates with a budget of $48,180. It is affiliated with the Superiorland Library Cooperative.

About the Director
Ken Miller has been in the LIS field for 40 years. While a student of the School of Library and Information Science (Wayne State University), Miller was working for the Detroit Public Library. When he graduated in 1976, with his MLIS, Miller segued into the role of librarian and began providing services to shut-ins and retirees via the Chaney Branch. He continued his work with DPL, holding various titles and positions, until 1999 when he took a position with Jackson District Library and later began interim director of the agency. 

Other positions Miller has held: Deputy Director of Matrix Theatre Company and Director of the Hiawathaland Library Cooperative.

He's been director of Bayliss Public Library since 2004.

Miller's professional interest: "...is and always was bringing library service to the disadvantaged—whatever the situation (i.e. urban or rural)." 

Favorite memory or career anecdote: "Two things: First, bringing the Bowen Branch library in Detroit back to life with community programming (the same was done here at Bayliss) and just recently we 'discovered' an original early 19th century chart of Lake Superior in our archive. It may be one of the 'working chart' that Lt. Bayfield's team used to create the printed ones for the British Admiralty. We raised funds for conservation, which has just been completed by the Bentley. We will have it digitized (photographed) and have a 'welcome home' reception soon."

 

Favorite part of the library's collection: "Our archive." (Bayliss Public Library)

Challenges: "Creating a district library from our city library and contract service areas."

Advice to those entering the profession: "Embrace change."

Notes and Observations

• Since my visit was on a Saturday morning, the library was holding story and craft hour in the children's area. I must say that it was well-attended and I got a charge out of browsing the stacks while listening to a few stories. 
• In collaboration with a technical school, LCCL offers a 2-year boat building school. How unique is that?! 
• LCCL offers flash drives, CDs, and ear-buds for sale to its patrons. (Brilliant idea.) 
• While photographing the library, I got talking to a patron who just happened to be from Tuscola County (my neighboring county) and a regular patron of Caro Area District Library. He was in town visiting his grandchildren and just happened to take them to story hour at the library. Small world! 
• Friends of LCCL has their own office space in the building. 
• The library has a Louis L'amour collection of books in hardcover.
• Les Cheneaux Community Library is a geocache site. What's a geocache? According to website Geocache.com, "Geocaching is a treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek containers with other participants in the activity." I've included a photo of the "treasure" in the slideshow, but didn't give away its location. (You'll just have to visit the library and find it!)
• The library has a photo album that tells its story from the foundation up!
• Murals cover the walls in the children's area. I attempted to take photos, but they do not even begin to do justice. 
• The circulation-reference desk features a mural of the islands. 
• Over the years, I have visited and toured a great deal of libraries. I must admit that never before have I experienced a library like Les Cheneaux Community Library. If you are ever in the Cedarville area, I highly recommend stopping by. Please take a moment to view the slideshow.
• If I lived closer, I would certainly be applying for a job at this library after I finish library school!

Les Cheneaux Community Library


Road Trip!

30Y.30L Tour (#29): Drummond Island Library

Image by Andy Thompson

On Friday, January 27, I drove my truck onto a ferry and cruised across the St. Mary's River in order to tour Drummond Island Library.

Rationale for selection: One of the very first libraries in which I toured for this project was located on an island: Reader's Cove Library on Harsens Island. I thought it would be both interesting and fun to visit another island library. Considering that I've never been to Drummond Island and several of my friends and colleagues frequently vacation there, I figured it was time to take a road trip! (I'd like to note that in August 2011, I visited nearby St. Joseph Island, in Ontario, and was able to see Drummond Island from a distance.)

Location

Click for a larger image...

I've been surprised when people have asked, "Where is Drummond Island?" Answer: It's northeast of Mackinac Island, located just off the shoreline of DeTour Village, in Michigan's upper peninsula. 

Because I was visiting another library the following day in nearby Cedarville (Les Cheneaux Community Library), I stayed in Saint Ignace rather than on Drummond Island. The drive from Saint Ignace to DeTour Village was about an hour, but well worth it as it consisted of breathtaking views of Lake Huron. (Don't worry, I took photos.)

From my "home" library of Sandusky District Library, Drummond Island Library is 315 miles or about 6 hours away. As I've done for the twenty-eight other 30Y.30L posts, DIL is 359 miles or about 6.25 hours from Purdy-Kresge Library, home of the School of Library and Information Science, on Wayne State University's downtown Detroit campus.

History
While visiting the library, I was given a copy of The Early History of Drummond Island with Sketches and the Summer People by Sally Landreville to browse. I gleaned the following:

"The earliest Drummond Township records, which began in 1856, were destroyed in the 1950's by fire, and others were destroyed by flood waters in 1977. The oldest now remaining in township hands begin in 1883."

A ditty about the library...

(About Dr. Charles F. Thompson)..."He also was instrumental in forming the Drummond Island Friends of the Library. His encouragement, know how, and enthusiasm made things happen." 

 About the Library
Like Clifford and Burtchville, Drummond Island Library is a branch library -- in this case, belonging to Bayliss Public Library in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan which is a part of the Hiawatha Library Cooperative. 

Drummond Island Library serves Drummond Township which is part of Chippewa County. According to the 2010 Census, Drummond Township has a population of 1,058 -- a +6.65% change from the Census conducted in 2010. Taking a look at the housing data for the township, roughly 61% of the housing units cited were classified as "seasonal/recreational/occasional use."

If Drummond Island Library were independent and not a branch library, based on its population size, it would certainly be designated as a Class 1 library. According to the Library of a Michigan, a Class 1 library serves a population of 3,999 or less and needs to:

• Be open a minimum of 15 hours per week;
• Employ (at least 15 hours per week) a director with at least a Level 4 certificate.

In an interview with Director Kenneth Miller, Jr., he explained that the branch acts like a "separate entity" by way of being contracted "rather than wholly owned." In other words, Bayliss Public  Library contracts with Drummond Township to administer the branch -- the building is owned by the school in which the library is housed.

Yes, I just mentioned that this library is housed in a school. Like Opperman Memorial Library in Kingston, Michigan, Drummond Island Library is a blend between a public library and a school media center. Sister libraries!

Branch budget: $25,440.
Staff: 1 part-time manager and 1 substitute
Collection size:  8,257
Cooperative: Superiorland

About the Director
Ken Miller has been in the LIS field for 40 years. While a student of the School of Library and Information Science (Wayne State University), Miller was working for the Detroit Public Library. When he graduated in 1976, with his MLIS, Miller segued into the role of librarian and began providing services to shut-ins and retirees via the Chaney Branch. He continued his work with DPL, holding various titles and positions, until 1999 when he took a position with Jackson District Library and later began interim director of the agency. 

Other positions Miller has held: Deputy Director of Matrix Theatre Company and Director of the Hiawathaland Library Cooperative.

He's been director of Bayliss Public Library since 2004.

Miller's professional interest: "...is and always was bringing library service to the disadvantaged—whatever the situation (i.e. urban or rural).

Favorite memory or career anecdote: "Two things: First, bringing the Bowen Branch library in Detroit back to life with community programming (the same was done here at Bayliss) and just recently we 'discovered' an original early 19th century chart of Lake Superior in our archive. It may be one of the 'working chart' that Lt. Bayfield's team used to create the printed ones for the British Admiralty. We raised funds for conservation, which has just been completed by the Bentley. We will have it digitized (photographed) and have a 'welcome home' reception soon."

Favorite part of the library's collection: "Our archive." (Bayliss Public Library)

Challenges: "Creating a district library from our city library and contract service areas."

Advice to those entering the profession: "Embrace change."

Drummond Island Library


Road Trip!

30Y.30L Tour (#28): Burtchville Township Library

Image by Andy Thompson

On Monday, January 23, I headed to nearby Lakeport, Michigan to meet Jane Fortushniak, branch manager of Burtchville Township Library.

Location
Burtchville Township Library, a branch of the St. Clair County Library System, is located in the northern part of the county alongside the Lake Huron shoreline.

Lakeport is exactly 37 miles (about 50 minutes) southeast of my "home" library, Sandusky District Library. For those not familiar with the area, Burtchville Township Library is about 70 miles (1.5 hours) northeast of Purdy-Kresge Library, home of the School of Library and Information Science, on Wayne State University's downtown Detroit campus.

About the Branch

Here's an interesting history of Burtchville Township Library taken from the library's website:

"The Burtchville Township Library has been in existence for around 40 years, recently renamed from Lakeport Book Depository. In the early years, it was located at St. Edwards on the Lake meeting place. Later it was relocated to its present site at the old Burtchville Township Hall in Lakeport. The new library, attached to the hall, was completed in 2007 with the help of the township and the Burtchville Friends of the Library. The hall, now used for meetings, parties, and programs, has had a long history. Prior to being a township hall, it was once a one room school and has since undergone several renovations. The present Burtchville Township Library provides a wide range of library materials and services to over 3,500 residents of northern St. Clair County."

• Branch circulation for 2011 was cited at 38,357 which was up 2% from 2010 (37,600). 
• The collection development budget for the branch is $19,500.  
• 5 staff: 1 branch manager, 3 assistant branch managers, 1 page 

About the Branch Manager
What interested Fortushniak in the field?
It started with her mother who was a student assistant in her school's library. Her mother being a library person, Jane started going to the library when she was a young child. In fact, Jane followed in her mother's footsteps and also became a Library Assistant -- she's been in the field since age 14. (I think its safe to say that it's in her blood.) About her career path, "I never felt that I made the wrong choice. I love library work."

Round 1: School Media Specialist. Upon graduating from Central Michigan University, Fortushniak practiced school librarianship for 31 years with Deckerville Community Schools. Upon retiring, she went for round 2: Public and Academic Libraries. "I basically got two library degrees," explained Fortushniak. She graduated from Wayne State University's School of Library and Information Science in 1990 with her MLIS and has been with the St. Clair County Library System since fall of 2006.

"I actually graduated from CMU in 1975 with my Bachelor's in Education with the school library endorsement (as well as English and Journalism) and started working at Deckerville. While working, I took the courses for a Master's Degree in Education and then went to Wayne for the Master's in librarianship. As you can tell, I actually like taking classes (obtaining information). It might be part of why I became a librarian."

Favorite part of the job: "Reference questions." Fortushniak enjoys the hunt for information which certainly ties in with her minor in undergrad: Journalism.

Review sources: Library Journal, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist. 

Advice to those entering the profession: "You better be a flexible person. For someone who's went to library school two times...it changes. If you're rigid and not flexible, then it's not the job for you."

Notes and Observations

•  When I visited the library for my tour, it was quite busy: patrons returning and renewing materials, browsing the stacks, using the computers, and, of course, reading.
• Burtchville Township owns the building and the St. Clair County Library System owns the materials. 
• As branch manager, Fortushniak is responsible for collection development.
• Popular with patrons: Thrillers and Mysteries. Paranormal Romance is becoming more popular.
• Cataloging is done primarily at the main branch in Port Huron.
• An outlet mall, the Book Warehouse, donated some of the shelving units in the library which a local carpenter later customized for the building.
• Space in the library prohibits special collections at BTL. (The main branch, in Port Huron, typically houses the library system's special collections.)
• Like many libraries, the branch experienced DVDs disappearing which prompted staff to begin storing the discs behind the desk. 
• A few stacks of books adorned with decorative ribbons added eye-candy to the library's upper shelves...little literary parcels.

30Y.30L Tour (#27): Addison Township Public Library

Image by Andy Thompson

I think I'm almost over the upper respiratory-ick that has been going around -- which has set me slightly behind in school and, of course, blogging!

On Friday, January 20, I returned to part of my old stomping grounds, Leonard (Michigan), in order to tour Addison Township Public Library's new location and meet library director, Jaema Berman.

Location
Addison Township Public Library is located in rural Leonard, Michigan which is nestled in northern Oakland County -- just east of Oxford, my hometown.

ATPL is about 60 miles (1.5 hours) southwest of my "home" library, Sandusky District Library. As I've done for the other 30Y.30L posts, ATPL is a mere 36 miles north of Purdy-Kresge Library, home of the School of Library and Information Science, on Wayne State University's downtown Detroit campus.

In 2010, the library began publicly pondering the notion of relocating to a larger building as they were housing the collection in an old kindergarten classroom which only afforded about 1,300-square-feet. A nearby strip mall, which could be renovated, would nearly triple the library's square footage and increase visibility as its located alongside Rochester Road.

About the move, board member Sue Hatfield said, "It’d mean everything — it’d mean we could put books back on the shelves, because right now we have stacks of books sitting on the floor. The visibility would be really important. Unfortunately, it’s going to cost more." (In actuality, the cost difference wouldn't be all that much as the library was already paying $850 a month -- $150 more for an additional 1,700-square-feet is a bargain plus increased visibility!)

ATPL's new location!

On July 5 - 8, 2011, the library's calendar featured the following:

New Library Demolition and Clean Up
The Addison Twp. Library Board is working to get the New Library demolition and clean up complete. So, next week, Tuesday, July 5th through Friday, July 8th, we will be working every evening from 5p.m. until dusk. "Many hands make light work", Come on out and give us a hand! Bring gloves for sure and safety glasses too.

About the demo-days, Jaema said, "the whole community came out to help tear out the walls of the old suites." 

On October 1, 2011, Addison Township Public Library temporarily closed their doors while moving to their new location. A grand opening was held just two weeks later on October 15, 2011.

Service Area, Size, and Operating Budget
In addition to its namesake, Addison Township Public Library serves the Village of Leonard, Lakeville, and portions of Oxford. The population of the library's service area is around 6,400 giving the agency a Class 2 designation.

According to the Library of Michigan, a Class 2 library serves a population of 4,000 to 6,999 and needs to:

• Be open a minimum of 20 hours per week;
• Employ (at least 20 hours per week) a director with at least a Level 4 certificate.

Other relevant facts and figures:

• The library serves out-of-area patrons;
• $210,00 = operating budget;
• 30,000: number of items in the library's collection;
• 6 staff: 1 full-time (director), 5 part-time;
• The library is open 50 hours a week

About the Director
While a student at Wayne State University's School of Library and Information Science, Jaema worked in the ILL Office at Purdy-Kresge Library. She graduated in 1992 and has been immersed in the LIS-field ever since -- working for Gale Cengage Learning, Independence Township Library, Oxford Public Library, and Waterford Township Public Library.

In addition to her position of Library Director at Addison Township Public Library, Jaema actively teaches in Oakland Community College's library technician program where she also the program coordinator.

Jaema kicked off a book club which meets the first Thursday of every month. About the club's book selection, "I'm going rogue." Instead, the selection will be based on a genre of theme.

Professional Goal: to connect with young male readers.

Favorite part of Dewey: the 800s and 900s. 

Favorite part of her job:
Jaema said, "There are too many exciting parts!" She loves talking about books and sharing reading with others as well as meeting the members of the community.

Advice to those entering the profession:
"Network, network, network! Consider taking any job in the field and volunteer."

Intellectual Freedom
In spring/summer 2010 term, when I was required to visit several libraries for LIS 6010 with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, I began asking librarians how the Harry Potter series was received in the community. The series has experienced controversy over the years and has landed itself on the frequently challenged materials list compiled by the American Library Association. In Leonard, I am pleased to report that the series was received very well.

On the topic of censorship, Jaema said, "Librarians need to do their work, know the literature, and be aware of it."

Notes and Observations

• Fact: Jaema is member of the Science Fiction Research Association.
• Much of the library's furniture and shelving is actually from other libraries. For example, the chairs in which Jaema and I used for the interview were originally from Jackson District Library. Other items: the circulation desk was from Independence Township Library, the adult stacks were from Ferndale Public Library, and the brown leather chairs and side tables were purchased from a close-out sale at Borders. Jaema was also able to purchase two signs, "Reference" and "Information", from Borders. 
• I unofficially declare Addison Township Public Library and Reese Unity District Library as sister libraries. Why? Both agencies have successfully renovated spaces in strip malls to better serve their communities.
• Fact: Jaema was a music major and even took lessons in Carnegie Hall. She was also a member of the New York City Street Musicians Program. How cool is that?!
• The shelves in the children's collection were actually cut down to a more appropriate size which also allowed for more light to filter into the stacks.
• Inspired by Kansas City Public Library, local artist and library board member Kara King created the "big book" theme that adorns the exterior of Addison Township Public Library. King also gave the library's old periodical rack a face-lift by offering a few coats of spray-paint which gave it a refreshed look.
• Like Orion and Brandon Township Libraries, ATPL offers coffee and hot chocolate to its patrons. In fact, the Keurig coffee "station" pays for itself because patrons love it. (What a great idea!)
• The community's perception of the library is more than just books...a meeting place. 
• ATPL has a blog and encourages patrons to share their book reviews.
• During her tenure as a student in the LIS-program, Dr. Joseph Mika was Jaema's advisor. (Mika was my adviser, as well, until he retired in fall of 2011.)
• The library's website was created using Plinkit. Plinkit was made possible via a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and is "administered" by the Library of Michigan. Jaema on Plinkit, "I love it. It's user-friendly and adaptable."
• ATPL had such an outpouring of help for the demolition and subsequent move, the library held a reception for the volunteers the night before the official grand opening.

30Y.30L Update: You've Got Mail

To the 30 Libraries of the 30Y.30L project:
You've got mail heading your way!

The Sandusky postmaster poses
with 30Y.30L mail earlier this morning

30Y.30L Tour (#26): Rawson Memorial District Library

Image by Andy Thompson

On Tuesday, January 17, I interviewed Kate Van Auken, director at Rawson Memorial District Library, over a delicious lunch at Nick's Country Oven in Cass City.

I first met Kate last August when I toured the library and did a write-up titled Rural Gem: Rawson Memorial District Library. At our initial meeting, I learned that Kate was also enrolled in LIS 6510. Just a few weeks later, we found out that we'd be working together in a group for class projects with fellow student (now alum) Darlene Hellenberg. Both Kate and Darlene have been contributors for Hermionish.

Location
Rawson Memorial District Library is located in downtown Cass City, Michigan which is about 15 miles east of Caro, the county seat of Tuscola County. From my home library (Sandusky District Library), Rawson is 30 miles southeast or 40 minutes. To give an understanding of the library's location for those not familiar with the area, RMDL is about 100 miles north (roughly 2 hours) of Purdy-Kresge Library, home of the School of Library and Information Science, on Wayne State University's downtown Detroit campus.

Service Area, Size, and Operating Budget
RMDL serves the Village of Cass City, Elkland Township, Elmwood Township, and Novesta Township. The population in the area is about 9,000 giving the library a Class 3 designation. According to the Library of Michigan, a Class 3 library serves a population of 7,000 to 11,999 and needs to:

• Be open a minimum of 30 hours per week;
• Employ (at least 30 hours per week) a director with at least a Level 3 certificate.

Other relevant facts and figures:

• Operating budget: just over $300,000
• 32,000: number of items in the collection
• 60,000: the number annual circulation hovers around
• Staff: 7 part-time, 4 full-time
• 60: the number of hours open to the public each week

About the Director
Background: Kate studied business and marketing at Clemson University. Ten years ago, this month, she took the reins and became director of Rawson Memorial District Library.

As mentioned earlier in this post, she is currently working on her MLIS degree via Wayne State University's online program and expects to graduate in spring of 2013. "The MLIS definitely enhances my on-the-job training. I think it makes you more committed."

Favorite part of the job: "All the social aspects. I love the programming and my staff. You get to be a part of people's lives." Kate added, "If you want to sit behind your desk and do reports -- that's one thing -- but you should be out at the desk and circulating like the books."

Review sources: "New York Times Book Review, People magazine, BookPage, Kirkus, Library Journal...I look at a lot of different things."

Advice to those entering the profession: "No matter what position you have in the library, you'll learn lots from other staff. Listen, listen, listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth."

Notes and Observations

• Like Bad Axe Area District Library, RMDL also shelves juvenile and young adult non-fiction materials with the adult non-fiction collection.
• Beverly Dear, director of Sanilac District Library, and Kate split the subscription cost for BookPage. 
• Favorite collections to buy for: young adult and non-fiction.
• In the past, RMDL has had a program: patrons can donate to a charity and their library fines will be forgiven.
• The library has a middle school book club!
• In April of 2004, Rawson Memorial District Library's young adult area was featured in the Voice Youth Advocates (27, no1, p 28 - 29) -- YA Spaces of Your Dreams. 
• The library serves Amish populations. 
• Prior to joining Rawson, Kate was the evening coordinator for Baker College in Cass City.

More photos to come...

30Y.30L Tour (#25): Bad Axe Area District Library

Image by Andy Thompson

On Wednesday, January 11, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mimi Herrington, director of Bad Axe Area District Library.

Like Nartker (director of SDL), Herrington has consistently been a go-to person for asking questions pertaining to the LIS-field. For example, just last summer Herrington provided me with the BAADL's collection development policy which put LIS 7340 (taught by Dr. Holley) into rural library terms for me.

My connection to BAADL: When I was working in Huron County as Shelter Operations Manager / Legal Advocate (and interim Executive Director, for a spell), I was putting in incredibly long hours. The distance between my home and work was 40 miles. By the time I was back in Sandusky, the local library would often be closed; therefore, I opted to procure borrowing privileges from BAADL which was based on an annual fee. The fee of $40.00 was well worth it to me as I would no longer feel guilty about using the library's services for free. Thus BAADL became my library away from home, allowing me a quiet place to work on homework and projects before heading home to unwind. Since leaving my post in order to focus on graduate school, I still frequent BAADL as a place to study and use the library's collection for projects (e.g. LIS 6510 with Suzanne Todd).

Location
As the library's name hints, BAADL is located in the City of Bad Axe, Michigan which is the county seat of Huron County. For those not familiar with the area, Huron County is located at the tip of the Thumb -- a peninsula of a peninsula. From my home library (Sandusky District Library), BAADL is 35 miles northwest or about 45 minutes. From Purdy-Kresge Library, home of the School of Library and Information Science, BAADL is 112 miles north or about 2.5 hours.

The library is located just off of Huron Avenue -- next to the court house, City Hall, and Bad Axe Police Department.

Service Area, Size, and Operating Budget
Bad Axe Area District Library serves the Bad Axe school district which is compromised of the following townships: Bingham (portions), Colfax, Grant, Lincoln, Meade, Verona, and Sheridan. The population for the area is between 6,400 - 6,600 giving the library a Class 2 designation.

According to the Library of Michigan, a Class 2 library serves a population of 4,000 to 6,999 and needs to:

• Be open a minimum of 20 hours per week;
• Employ (at least 20 hours per week) a director with at least a Level 4 certificate.

Facts and Relevant Figures:

• Operating budget: $248,000
• BAADL has a staff of 7 -- one of which is full-time (the director)
•  36,000: number of items in the collection
• 73,000: annual circulation which is up from last year
• 56: number of hours open to the public each week

About the Director
When Mimi was home visiting the area from Chicago, she saw an ad in the paper for an opening with Bad Axe Area District Library. Longtime director, Marilyn Berry, was retiring. "It planted a seed in my head," said Herrington. "It's such a great job: being up late grading papers versus being the director of a beautiful library." Mimi has been director since September 2003.

Like many librarians, Herrington was in the education field for several years before entering the LIS field. (Even before her years as a teacher, Mimi practiced law!)

Favorite parts of the job: "Successful children's programming...seeing the excitement...a really good book club -- everyone has read the book...watching them get into the book and characters. Watching children read and learn."

Favorite review sources: Publishers Weekly and Booklist.  (Note: Mimi got me addicted to PW. I get so excited reading about trends and upcoming books!)

Advice to those entering the profession: "I'm very glad I had my legal and education background. It's been so helpful to me. I feel really comfortable. Take an array of classes...stay well-rounded. You see all aspects of society."

Notes and Observations

• Elimination of the personal property tax will cut about $100,000 in revenue to 6 Huron County libraries. Putting it into local terms, its the equivalent to a 10% cut or eliminating 1 service day.
• During Mimi's first month on the job, an issue with the library's insurance popped up. Thanks to her background in law, she was able to quickly and comfortably draft a memo to an attorney to have the issue resolved.
• The library participates in the New Parent project (Huron Medical Center) by supplying the kit with information about the library and its services to babies and families. 
• A rarity worth noting, Bad Axe Area District Library has had excellent collaboration with the schools in the area! Every fall students visit and are provided with a library orientation. Mimi has given presentations to teachers about Michigan e-Library and the many resources available to them as well as administered surveys to students about their various library needs and interests.
• BAADL has a janitor that works 6 days a week for about 2 hours a day at keeping the library looking pristine and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
• Youth and young adult non-fiction items are shelved with the adult non-fiction collection. Orange dots on the spine labels help patrons identify youth materials.
• Interesting reference questions:
  (1) When MeLcat was likely new on the scene, the library received a phone call from an out-of-area woman looking for a specific dessert recipe. BAADL had the cookbook, copied, and faxed the recipe to the woman's home library.
  (2) An author writing a book was researching bank robberies committed in the 1960s -- specifically looking for information about a blown safe.
  (3) Research was conducted by several local authors including Jacki Howard, author of The Thumb Pointed Fingers, and Richard W. Carson, author of Murder in the Thumb.
  (4) Locating a wedding announcement from 1963 for a 50th wedding anniversary party. 
• Special collections: Tumblebooks, cemetery records, local history, Bad Axe Historical Society books and records, BAHS yearbooks, microfilm collection, Golden Jubilee, and the Wall of Flame. 
• My favorite quote from interviewing Mimi: [About her library job] "I never get that pit in my stomach on Sunday nights."