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Michigan Librarian departs; cites uncomfortable environment

November 26, 2007 - 8:46am — Blake

The departure of a librarian from the White Lake Township (Michigan) Library has one family member steaming, one interim library director declining to comment, and at least one lawyer on retainer. Larry Martin Says:

"There's just no checks and balances on the library," Larry Martin said. "The board can do what they want without any oversight. The director can do what she wants now without any oversight. It's an ugly place to work and everyone is scared to death to talk."

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November 26, 2007 - 2:48pm — jxp (not verified)

Michigan Employment-At-Will State

Since Michigan is an Employment-At-Will state, I doubt that much will be accomplished other than lawyer fees.

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November 28, 2007 - 4:32pm — anonymous librarian (not verified)

what was the big secret?

I live in Michigan, not too far from this township and am sort of familiar with the situation, at least to the extent that things are very touchy there right now since Johnson was fired.

Why didn't the Friends' group person just ask for the minutes from the director or a board member? I think they are supposed to be made available publicly within 10 days of the meeting. What is the big deal? If the interim director refused, then there is a case. Why put a staff person in the middle? And why didn't the staff person know to go to administration with the request? If she knew that was the procedure, I don't blame the forced resignation--it's like she went behind the director's back. As reported, it's just sneaky and underhanded. There is more to this story, I'm sure.

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