October 28, 2003

The Library of Michigan today celebrated the completion and official opening of the new Martha W. Griffiths Michigan Rare Book Room.  Approximately 200 guests, including Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry and other dignitaries, helped commemorate the occasion - more than 10 years in the making - at the inaugural celebration hosted by the Library of Michigan Foundation.

Designed and constructed entirely with private funding, the room was named in tribute to Martha W. Griffiths in recognition of her distinguished career and lifelong commitment to libraries.

"On behalf of Governor Jennifer Granholm and the state of Michigan, I congratulate the Library of Michigan for its tremendous efforts to honor a true Michigan legend," said Lt. Gov. Cherry.  "I am very honored to help dedicate this Michigan Rare Book Room, which will house our state's history, folklore and legend, in her name."

"We couldn't have reached this milestone without the help of our employees, our donors and library supporters such as the room's namesake," said State Librarian Christie Pearson Brandau.  "What a fitting way for the Library of Michigan to celebrate 175 years of serving Michigan residents - to give people a closer look at our state's history by providing access to the unique treasures in our collection."

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. 

In addition to the reading room, the facility features an exhibition room, a secure storage area and a curatorial workspace and includes sophisticated security, fire prevention and climate control systems.

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.