The Board of the Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society,  representing its more that 240 active Michigan members and on behalf of other Michigan citizens who utilize the resources of the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan,  wishes to express to the Governor and the Michigan Legislature its deep concern about the future of the Archives of Michigan  and especially the  Library of Michigan.

We understand the serious financial situation that the State of Michigan is facing.

We can understand the need to reduce expenditures for these two entities, but this must be done carefully, realizing that any actions taken may have serious consequences which could destroy or seriously damage the future of these two very valuable, important and unique State assets.

We wish to respectfully remind the Governor and the members of the State Legislature

1. That the Archives of Michigan and especially the Library of Michigan are located in a building uniquely designed and built  for their use;

2. That the Library of Michigan and its genealogy collection are considered one of the ten best public libraries in the United States;

3. That the Library and its genealogical collection, supported in large measure by the Library of Michigan Foundation and the Abrams Foundation as well as the Archives of Michigan, contain documents and resources that are available nowhere else;

4. That the Library provides important services available nowhere else, not only to the Executive branch of government but to the  Legislative and Judicial branches as well. It is also a  valuable resource in many areas of interest for many of the citizens of the state;

5. That the Library enriches the lives and families of all who use it adding to the quality of life we have in Michigan;

6. That to close the Library and/or Archives would deprive the citizens of the State access to resources available nowhere else in the state;

7. That to relocate the Library and/or Archives would be extremely expensive and add to the fiscal problems of the State;

8. That to further reduce the fiscal support of either the Archives or the Library has the potential of making it difficult for present experienced and knowledgeable staff to remain, thereby  depriving the State of their expertise while at the same time making it difficult to recruit capable and knowledgeable replacements;

9. In addition,  to further reduce the fiscal support of either entity makes it difficult for either entity to add to their present resources essential material and/or  maintain the current collections at their current strength and quality.

We therefore urge the Governor and the State Legislature to

1. Make no further cuts in the current and future budgets of the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan;

2. Take all necessary steps to keep the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan open to the public,  realizing that during the current fiscal crisis that  they may need to reduce their hours and services until the State’s fiscal condition improves and appropriate adequate funding can be restored.

3. Make a commitment to the people of the State of Michigan that the  Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan will not be moved from the current building that was designed and built for them.

The above resolution was delivered to the Governor and selected Michigan legislators.

Additional information about the Governor’s Executive Order issued July 15^th abolishing the Department of History Arts and Libraries and how it affects the  with the Library of Michigan and the State Archives can be found on the Michigan Genealogical Council website (MCG.org).

Since the Governor’s Executive Order was issued members of the KVGS Board and others have been working with the Michigan Genealogical Council to overturn or modify the Governor’s Order. At least fifteen members participated in the MGC state house rally on August 5th.