Local Future of Middleville offers Conference on Michigan's Future

The Conference on
Michigan's Future
Energy, Economy & Environment

Friday, Nov. 13 - Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa

The Conference on Michigan's Future: Energy, Economy & Environment 2009 explores visions of a sustainable future; current, critical challenges facing our economy; and strategies for developing a stable, enduring economic and environmental future.

Highlighted speakers include Robert Costanza, Thomas Greco, Richard Douthwaite, Patrick Moore, Richard Gilbert, Soji Adelaja, Joe Welsh, and Dan Scripps.

In depth speakers include Bryn Davidson, Chris Mi, Rainer Aringhoff, David Harwood, Dave Ball, Michael Klepinger, Rich Wells, Sally Talberg, Mark Wiitanen, Leslie Glustrom, Paul Gipe, Richard Barclay, Tom Stanton, David Ronk, Wayne Kuipers, Jeff Mayes, David Gard, Patty Cantrell, Lisa Dugdale, Chris Bedford, Peter Sinclair, Thaddeus Owen, Aaron Wissner, Megan Quinn Bachman, Michael Brownlee and Albert Bates.

House of Representativies to Decide Future of Library Services by September 11

Libraries in Michigan are in danger of losing Interlibrary Loan services and MeL databases.

As Hastings library patrons, you have already shown your support for us this summer by renewing our millages at the local level.

Without Cooperative services you will not be able to place holds across the region and get delivery for those items you want to read and watch.

Please contact Brian Calley and Patricia Birkholz to let them know that you value these library services. Information on how to do this easily is at the Information Desk or at milibrariesforthefuture.org

Speak out for Libraries at the Capitol September 10 at 10 a.m.

Join the Michigan Library Association and our supporters on the steps of the State Capitol, September 10 at 10 a.m. Help raise awareness of this important issue and let your legislators know library resources are important to you.
We will plan to meet on the capitol steps on the east side of the Capitol at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10 a.m. Please bring your friends, patrons, members and anyone else who is interested in protecting library funding.

Things to know:

This is an outdoor event, please plan to dress accordingly. If possible, please wear a red shirt to signify you are part of our group.

If you would like to make a sign showing your support, please do. The more attention we can attract, the better. Signs do not have to be elaborate, they can be simple and handmade. If you would like suggestions on what your sign should say, please contact us and we will be happy to assist with wording.

Please submit a letter to the editor of your local newspaper before the rally, telling your community about this issue and inviting others to join us. If you would like a sample letter to the editor, or need help determining where to send it, please click here and we will be happy to assist you.

Take Advantage of Your Library

Hastings Public Library Cardholders can check out a Grand Rapids Children's Museum pass and get FREE admission for up to 6 people.

Book Club Author Bich Minh Nguyen to Read in Grand Rapids Tuesday August 18

If you want to get a jump on the Library Book Club's October selection, Bich Minh Nguyen, author of Stealing Buddha's Dinner, the 2009-10 Great Michigan Read, will read tonight from her new novel "Short Girls" at 7:00 PM tonight, Tuesday August 18th, at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids. The Hastings Public Library will take up "Stealing Buddha's Dinner" for discussion Thursday, October 1st at 6:30 in the Community Room.

Help Protect Michigan Libraries!

Every day more and more people walk into their public library to search for a job online, write a resume or file for unemployment. This is not only a reflection of our hard economic times but also an indication of Michigan moving forward. We are no longer a state that can rely on the manufacturing industry to support our residents, we are moving toward a knowledge-based economy and with that comes the necessity for access to technology for everyone.

And now, these services are at risk.



Library funding is currently less than half of what is required by law, any further cuts will be detrimental to the entire library system.
http://www.milibrariesforthefuture.org/

Hastings Public Library - The Movie

Here's a little information about the new Hastings Public Library. We're planning on making further informational videos in the future. We love to hear what subjects you like us to cover, so leave us a comment.