Libraries in Glennie, Newaygo, Shelby,St. Ignace, St. Johns, Stevensville and Wayne to Receive Awards for Endowment Funds

Dec. 15, 2006

The Library of Michigan today announced that seven public libraries have been selected to receive $1,055 each in matching funds from the Ernie and Tram Library Endowments Fund.  This fund was created with proceeds from the Ernie and Tram Go to Bat for Michigan Public Libraries program, which - with the support of Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell and former Detroit Tigers manager Alan Trammell - helps create or expand endowment funds at public libraries in Michigan.

"I'm pleased and proud to be able to contribute towards advancing the cause of Michigan's public libraries," Harwell said.  "I have great affection for our libraries, and they have always meant a lot to me."

The libraries selected to receive funds are Briggs Public Library in St. Johns, Curtis Township Library in Glennie, Lincoln Township Public Library in Stevensville, Newaygo Area District Library, St. Ignace Public Library, Shelby Area District Library and Wayne Public Library.

Now in its second year, the Ernie and Tram Go to Bat for Michigan Public Libraries program raises money through the sale of tickets to a Detroit Tigers game.  This year the Tigers generously donated back to the Library of Michigan Foundation $9 of every $20 ticket sold by Michigan's public libraries for the May 21, 2006 game at Comerica Park. Ticket sales were organized and promoted by the directors of Michigan's 13 library cooperatives.  This year's proceeds totaled just over $7,000.  Planning is under way for the 2007 program.

Ernie Harwell and Alan Trammell are well aware that libraries have been facing critical funding shortages for a number of years, and this program is designed to help libraries build strong financial bases.

"I'm concerned about the long-term financial stability of Michigan's libraries and want to help ensure their strength for the generation of my children and grandchildren," said Trammell.

"This program is a catalyst that helps spark growth at Michigan's public libraries, giving them a leg up on expanding the services and resources they offer," said State Librarian Nancy Robertson.  "The effort of Michigan's library cooperatives is really what made this program work, and the partnership between all the participating libraries and the Detroit Tigers organization really illustrates the power of collaboration."

Eighteen libraries applied for awards this year.  A selection committee including State Librarian Nancy Robertson, Library of Michigan Foundation Director Judith Moore and representatives from two library cooperatives evaluated applicants.  Recipient libraries must raise $1,000 in matching funds, show that they have already established or are in the process of establishing an endowment fund, and demonstrate a commitment and plan to grow the fund in the future.

"Ernie and Tram's efforts to promote libraries will help us promote our ongoing efforts to make sure the Curtis Township Library remains a vibrant and permanent part of our community.  Our endowment fund is one of the ways we intend to make that happen," said Claude Noe, vice-president of the Curtis Township Library board of trustees.  "Thanks for showing us the money, Ernie and Tram!"

Harwell also is helping libraries raise funds through the sale of the recently released "Ernie Harwell's Audio Scrapbook," with participating libraries keeping a portion of the price of each book that they sell.  More information about the audio book - also available in bookstores and online - can be found at www.eharwell.com.

The Library of Michigan Foundation, established in 1985, raises funds to support special programs, services and collections of the Library of Michigan.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/lmfoundation.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy 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.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

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