October 10, 2003

The Library of Michigan today announced that Tuesday, Oct. 28, will mark the completion and official "opening" of the new Martha W. Griffiths Michigan Rare Book Room.  The Library of Michigan Foundation - which was instrumental to ensuring this room was designed and constructed entirely with private funding - will host an inaugural celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Library of Michigan in downtown Lansing.

"This is a fitting tribute to Martha Griffiths who was, by all accounts, a state treasure.  She was an avid supporter of Michigan libraries and Michigan education," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.  "The addition of this room will share her legacy of education with the entire state."

State Librarian Christie Brandau added, "This project was a labor of love for our employees, our donors and library supporters throughout the state.  The room's grand opening will truly mark a milestone for both the Library of Michigan and our foundation.  Having it unveiled to the public during the library's 175^th-anniversary year is just icing on the cake!" 

Invited guests for the Oct. 28 event include Governor Jennifer Granholm; members of the Legislature; library and foundation donors and trustees; members of special and academic libraries throughout the state; and other dignitaries.  Guests will be invited to take a guided tour of the Rare Book Room, while exhibits from the collection and memorabilia from Martha W. Griffiths' life will be displayed for guests' enjoyment.

The Library of Michigan's Rare Book collection is comprised of over 17,000 volumes, including printed books, maps, letters, prints and other formats covering subject-matter such as natural history, law, angling, travel and exploration, Native Americans and Michigania.   The Library of Michigan Foundation has provided the funding for the design and construction of the room, which is located on the fourth floor of the Library of Michigan.  Also, through the creation of a special endowment fund, the foundation will support the conservation and preservation of rare materials, as well as the future acquisition of additional materials.

State Librarian Brandau said the new reading room and state-of-the art storage complex are very important additions because they provide the necessary environmental conditions and security for the rare materials.  This room will also create an inviting and suitable place for these important research materials to be used by the citizens of Michigan, said Brandau.  "We have long had this exceptional collection," she said.  "Now, at last, we have the proper home for its storage and use by all who wish to see these treasures!"

The Library of Michigan Foundation was established in 1985 to secure funds for the Library of Michigan in order to strengthen and support the relevancy, availability and accessibility of its resources and services to all Michigan residents.  Some of the unique collections supported by the foundation include: the Abrams Foundation Historical Collection (one of the 10 largest genealogy collections in the country), the Michigan Documents collection and the Rare Book Collection.  Collectively, these collections hold more than 83,000 titles.  The foundation also supports the Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, reaching 1,000 individuals every day throughout the state, among other special programs.

The Library of Michigan, this year celebrating 175 years as Michigan's official state library agency, 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.

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