Dec. 8, 2004

Dr. William Anderson, director of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), today announced the resignation of State Librarian Christie Pearson Brandau, effective Jan. 28, 2005.  Brandau, who has served as Michigan's state librarian since 2000, informed Anderson and Governor Jennifer M. Granholm that she has accepted the position as state librarian of Kansas, a job that will begin in February.

"Christie's dedication to providing excellent library and information services statewide has gone a long way in carrying out our mission of enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents," Anderson said.  "It is because of Christie's resolute commitment to bridging the digital divide that many more Michiganians have free, public access to computers and the Internet."

Anderson went on to praise the Library of Michigan's many accomplishments during Brandau's tenure, including the enhancement and expansion of the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) to include more informational databases, employment tools such as Learn-a-Test, and virtual books; the creation of a user-authentication tool for MeL, making it the nation's first online library accessible from home, school, business or local library; and the growth of broadband Internet access through public libraries via the innovative combination of Reed Act, Gates Foundation and federal funding.

"I congratulate Christie on this newest chapter in her professional career and I know she will do great things for the state of Kansas," said Granholm.  "Our state has been very fortunate to have someone with Christie's expertise and passion for service leading the way for our libraries.  This is a great import for Governor Sebelius.  I wish Christie well in this new endeavor."

"It seems inadequate to say that serving as this state's librarian has been a privilege," said Brandau.  "It really has been so much more than that.  Michigan has a powerhouse library community, bubbling over with creative ideas, technological innovations and good old-fashioned common sense.

"With the support of Governor Granholm and many others, the Library of Michigan is poised to continue its progress for many years to come.  I am confident this state's library community will always be a thriving educational and economic force, opening new doors to opportunity for our residents in so many remarkable ways."

Until a new state librarian is found, the governor named current Deputy State Librarian Nancy R. Robertson to serve as acting state librarian.

The Library of Michigan - Michigan's official state library agency for more than 175 years - is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.  To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.