Tale of Two Libraries

At 3:30 pm, I met with individuals working to keep the Pontiac Public Library from shutting its doors due to budget cuts.

At 5:30 pm, I walked into the Southfield Public Library for a United Way event on early childhood literacy. The Southfield Public Library is trying to figure out how to manage the high growth and demand as detailed in a recent Detroit News Article.

These two locations are 15.2 miles apart. Not 152 miles, but 15 miles. Same county. Same mission. Yet, they are on two different paths as they strive to provide a critical role for local residents.

In a region of 130 municipal units of government, school systems, fire and police....Etc., we have immense economic disparity and viability right next to each other. One starving. One thriving.

We can operate as if our social issues, economic issues and futures aren't dependent on each other. But the fact of the matter is, progress depends on understanding and leveraging our interdependence.

Our public system of support within the state was designed on an agricultural model determining town squares by how far we could travel on horse or foot. While that design served us well 100 years ago, the evidence is becoming clearer and clearer. The model is no longer sustainable.

This isn't just a city vs suburb issue. Within one of the wealthiest counties (Oakland) in the country, we find the model of history is not the model of the future. I recognize the answer is not simple: it is loaded with real and perceived issues.

However, if we want to experience a future of growth and success, we must look at a regional design on to how we govern, operate and fund vital services.

If you are interested in learning more about research done by University of Michigan on regional governance in Michigan, click here.

If you are interested in getting involved to ensure the Pontiac Public Library stays open, contact Hubert Price at synergistics@ameritech.net.