Libraries are under enormous pressure in difficult economic times as citizens use their libraries to search for jobs online, write resumes, file for unemployment, file for disability, often all via the internet for little to no cost.

As Michigan transitions to a knowledge-based economy dependent on technology and information, Michigan's libraries play a crucial role. Without the services of MeL online subscriptions, MeLCat interlibrary loan and MeL Tests and Tutorials, we will be crippling our residents.

Statewide library services through MeL save taxpayers $72 million through group purchasing and resource sharing. Under the leadership of the Library of Michigan - every library in the state - including academic, public, k-12, and special libraries - is provided and uses these resources.

These vital services are now at risk. Public library funding is being threatened by our state government. It is critical that funding remain at least $10 million, a level required by the federal government to sustain the federal funding that supports MeL. To maintain these essential services, every citizen needs to contact our governor and our legislators to express your concern.

We strongly urge the citizens of Livingston County to write to their Legislators today to express their concern over state library funding. Your public library provides many services for all age levels at no additional cost; this can continue only if state and federal funding continues. Please take a few minutes to write to your legislator from the web site www.milibrariesforthefuture.com or by a written letter. Your public libraries are at risk - your letters and emails will make a difference in your services.

Nancy B. Johnson, Brighton District Library Cheryl Poch, Fowlerville District Library Holly P. Hentz, Hamburg Township Library Ceci Marlow, Hartland area’s Cromaine District Library Kathleen Zaenger, Howell Carnegie District Library Hope Siasoco, Pinckney Community Public Library