The Detroit Library Commission Proposes Special Meeting to Address Critical Library Business

May 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact:  A.J. Funchess
                313-481-1337
                ajfunchess@detroitpubliclibrary.org


Immediate Release


The Detroit Library Commission Proposes Special Meeting Next Week To Complete Critical Business


Detroit – A special meeting of the Detroit Library Commission is being proposed for next week, says Jonathan Kinloch, President of the Detroit Library Commission.  “Every effort is being made to convene the Detroit Library Commissioners to a quorum, so we can dispose of the library’s business.  It is unfortunate that some Commissioners, who took an oath to uphold the library’s business, are choosing to derail it.”

Library Commissioner, Mrs. Carole Jasper Quarterman, had an excused absence as she is out-of-town.  Mr. Kinloch noted that the Ex-Officio of the Detroit Library Commission, Mr. Lamar Lemmons, who is president of the Detroit Public School Board, indicated to him that he may not be able to attend the May 15, 2012 library commission meeting.  Mr. Kinloch stated that Channel 7 WXYZ news reported that Library Commissioner, Mr. Gregory Hicks, who was absent from both the May 8, 2012 and May 15, 2012 meetings, was filing papers for a seat on Wayne County Commission at the time of the May 15, 2012 meeting.  Library Commissioner, Mr. Russell Bellant, was absent from the May 15th meeting.  Mr. Bellant was present at the May 8, 2012 meeting, however, left prior to the start of the meeting which prevented a quorum.

“I am calling on my colleagues, to execute the office for which they were appointed, or step down.  Ultimately, we all are accountable to the citizens of Detroit,” Kinloch said.  

The Detroit Public Library is the largest library system in the state of Michigan. The Main Library and its 21 neighborhood branches make it one of the most valuable and accessible public institutions in metropolitan Detroit.  The Detroit Public Library is governed by a seven-member Detroit Library Commission, appointed by the Detroit Board of Education.