SAVE THE FLORIDA STATE LIBRARY and
STOP THE DISMANTLING OF THE FLORIDA STATE ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM
There is also a petition with almost 10,000 signatures on it so far.
The Florida State Genealogical Society, an umbrella organization of more than 80 societies in the state, strongly opposes Gov. Jeb Bush’s budget proposal to dismantle the State Library of Florida and the State Archives and move the contents to other state departments. We feel that other departments, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, are not qualified to oversee and preserve the historical and archival materials.For the genealogical community, the planned closing of the 150-year-old State Library of Florida and moving of its historical resources elsewhere would be essentially taking away our heritage. We are family researchers, and the library is part of our family! We have depended upon the renowned collections to help us document and preserve the legacies of our early settlers and other Floridians.
Here is the full text of the page in case the link goes bad:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~flsgs/statelib.html
SAVE THE FLORIDA STATE LIBRARY and
STOP THE DISMANTLING OF THE FLORIDA STATE ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM
STATEMENTS - CLICK HERE
Petition for electronic signatures: http://www.floridahistory.info/petition/
NOTE: Web Sites, Email Addresses, contacts and other important information can be found below.
Statement of the Florida State Genealogical Society, Inc. - 9 February 2003
Representing over 80 Florida genealogical and historical societies
Genealogical Community View
State Library Holds Our Heritage;
Closing It, Takes Part of Our Family Away
The Florida State Genealogical Society, an umbrella organization of more than 80 societies in the state, strongly opposes Gov. Jeb Bush’s budget proposal to dismantle the State Library of Florida and the State Archives and move the contents to other state departments. We feel that other departments, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, are not qualified to oversee and preserve the historical and archival materials.
For the genealogical community, the planned closing of the 150-year-old State Library of Florida and moving of its historical resources elsewhere would be essentially taking away our heritage. We are family researchers, and the library is part of our family! We have depended upon the renowned collections to help us document and preserve the legacies of our early settlers and other Floridians.
The Florida State Genealogical Society has honored more than 4,000 descendants who documented that their ancestors settled in the state before 3 March 1845 or settled in a Florida county (present boundaries) before the county was formed. The honorees depend on the State Library and Archives to do their research simply because no other facility has the scope of its materials.
Genealogical researchers in Florida and elsewhere increasingly fear that Gov. Bush's proposal would:
1. Dismantle a popular and priceless library collection and a staff that has faithfully, efficiently, and pleasantly served and enriched our lives. Genealogists rely particularly on the library’s Florida Collection, which dates to the territorial days. Its rare books, vintage photos, and maps dating to the 1590s can be found nowhere else in the world. Our State Library is one of the busiest in America. Its 1 million documents covering nearly 11 miles of shelves and storage space contains much of Florida’s history in books, pamphlets, manuscripts, newspapers, maps, clippings, pictures, videos, and films.
2. Breakup our one-stop genealogical research complex that contains the State Library, State Archives, and State Museum, all next to each other. Most family researchers need to use both the library and archives to trace their families. Other states also locate their state libraries, archives and museum in one area because it is cost efficient and convenient for users.
3. Increase the possibility that some of our priceless state treasures could be lost, discarded, mishandled, or shoved in a corner if they are moved by untrained or inexperienced staff.
4. Shut down the system we use to get valuable and out-of-print books for our research through Interlibrary Loan, the system that allows us to order and receive materials at our local libraries when we are unable to visit the State Library in Tallahassee.
5. Curtail the ability to receive e-mail answers to our questions through the State Library’s “Ask-a-Librarian” service. The staff diligently responds to more than 2,000 citizens a month.
6. Severely restrict the access we have enjoyed to the state materials if they are moved to another location or locations. Chances are they would be much harder for us to access them—if we can access them at all. The popular Saturday hours may be a thing of the past. In addition, the acquisition of new materials may be hampered. The fact is that other facilities are not funded, staffed, or equipped to provide the services we receive at the State Library.
7. Threaten the State Archives' Florida Memory Project that makes available online many of the state's historical and genealogical records, including more than 90,000 photographs, pension application files, Spanish land grants, and Call and Brevard Family Papers.
The present library staff has been innovative in making the materials widely available to everyone through indexing and digitization. It always keeps all materials completely open for the public to use. Many other libraries, such as those at universities, limit public access to important collections. What’s more, they often have limited parking.
Yet, the Florida genealogical community, like the state’s pioneers, is a hearty, determined group who has much hope in a bright future. We call upon the governor and the state legislature to abandon plans to close the state library. We cannot sit idly by and watch the state library’s devoted staff fired and our incredible resource of Florida history, culture, and heritage disappear from its home in the R.A. Gray Building.
As State Senator David Elmer Ward was quoted as saying in 1939 when he proposed a State Archive, “Civilizations are the highest, wealth the greatest, where the nations [or state] do not fear to expend a little money to promote those things that have intellect and cultural value.” Let us tell our state government that we need to keep the State Library of Florida open as is and remain as a cherished member of our family.
The Florida State Genealogical Society board unanimously approved joining a coalition on 25 January 2003 to oppose Governor Bush's proposed budget regarding the dismantling of the Florida State Library and Archives.
The coalition currently consists of the following organizations:
# Florida Historical Society
# Florida Archaeological Council
# Florida Anthropological Society
# Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
# Florida Association of Museums
# Society of Florida Archivists
We are asking for help of all genealogists, historians and researchers throughout the U.S. If this can happen in our state, it can happen in other states as well. Please write, email, or fax the Florida legislators and the Governor.
Act establishing State Library
STATEMENTS
Governor's Plan
Calendar
Contacts and web sites for Governor and Legislators
Division of Historical Resources
Senator Responses
House of Representatives Responses
Petition for Electronic Signatures
Candidates to replace Senator Futch
Letters of Support
Senators on the Senate Governmental Oversight and Productivity Committee
Barratt Wilkins Letter - Former State Librarian
Newspaper Articles
Abbreviations
I would rather be known as living and paying taxes in a state without a governor rather than one without a state library….Gary Foote, Olympia, WA in response to the closing of the Washington State Library, which is still in jeopardy.
The 1925 Laws of Florida Chap. 10278 (No. 256), page 511:
An ACT Establishing the State Library of the State of Florida: Creating the State Library Board, Defining Its Powers and Duties and Making An Appropriation Therefore, Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. There is hereby created and established the State Library of the State of Florida which shall be located at the State Capitol. Said State Library shall be administered and conducted by a board of three members to be known as the State
Library Board to be constituted and appointed as hereinafter provided.
STATEMENTS
UPDATE FROM BARRATT WILKINS, FORMER STATE LIBRARIAN - 2/10
STATEMENT ON THE DIVISION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES - 2/11
MESSAGE FROM CURRENT STATE LIBRARIAN, JUDITH RING - 2/12
LETTER FROM CECIL BEACH, FORMER HEAD OF THE STATE LIBRARY - 2/12
STATEMENT OF THE FLORIDA ARCHAEOLOGICAL COUNCIL - 2/13
PRESS RELEASE - PLEASE SEND TO YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPERS ASAP - 2/13
FLORIDA HISTORICAL COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION - 2/13
LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - 2/13
STATEMENT OF FGS/NGS RECORDS PRESERVATION & ACCESS COMMITTEE - 2/14
LETTER TO GOVERNOR BUSH BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF LAW LIBRARIES - 2/14
STATEMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGISTS - 2/14
RESOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY OF FLORIDA ARCHIVES - 2/17
Governor's Plan as summarized by the Florida Library Association:
1. Division of Library and Information Services, currently part of the Florida Department of State, would be eliminated.
2. Parts of the Division would be retained and moved from the Department of State to other state agencies.
3. The Library Development arm, which administers the federal LSTA program and State Aid to Libraries, is slated to be incorporated into a newly-formed "Department of State and Community Partnerships."
4. The State Archives will be moved to the Department of Environmental Protection
5. The records management function will move to the Department of Management Services.
6. The library itself, which provides library services to state agencies, libraries throughout the state, and the general public and manages the State Documents Program, would be eliminated all together with its collections dispersed.
7. The Governor's budget and its attendant reorganizations must be approved by the Florida Legislature.
CALENDAR of important upcoming meetings
Return to this web site often for updated information.
If you are able to attend any of the meetings, we would appreciate a brief report that we can post to this web site.
Please email it to: pamcooper@bellsouth.net
13-14 Feb Legislature hearing testimony. Anyone who is interested in testifying can call the Appropriations Committee at 850-487-5140 to arrange a time.
17 Feb Florida Historical Commission Special Meeting: 9 to 5 in the R.A. Gray Building, Room 307. In the morning, several people including the governor's staff will speak on their proposal, legislative staff on the proposed bill, perhaps a key legislator or two, and selected representatives of the historic preservation groups (10-15 minute presentation and 5-10 minutes for Q&A)
19 Feb House Bill 49 Public Libraries may appear on the House Tourism agenda February 19, 8:00-10:00 am FLA Supports the bill.
19 Feb Statewide Summit - 2-5 PM Alma Clyde Field Library of Florida History, 435 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, FL 32922.
Organizations or individuals who can come are urged to call Dr. Nick Wynne at (321) 690-1971 or e-mail him at wynne@flahistory.net as soon as possible. This will allow the Society and the Library to make the necessary space arrangements.
The Board of Directors of the Florida Historical Society is concerned about the planned elimination of the Florida State Library and the relocation/reorganization of the Florida State Museum, the Department of Archives, and the Bureau of Historic Preservation. Concerned citizens, historical and cultural organizations, scholars, authors, and others are invited to attend. Dr. Theodore VanItallie, president of the Florida Historical Society, will preside over the summit. The Former State Librarian Barratt Wilkins will be attending.
4 Mar Legislative Session Begins
5 May Legislative Session Ends
Governor's E-Budget - http://www.ebudget.state.fl.us/
Contact the Governor:
Governor Bush
PL 05 The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
(850) 488-4441, FAX (850) 487-0801 EMAIL: Fl_governor@eog.state.fl.us or jeb.bush@myflorida.com
Official Internet Site of the Florida Legislature - http://www.leg.state.fl.us
Contact your Senator - http://www.flsenate.gov/Welcome/index.cfm
Contract your Representative - http://www.leg.state.fl.us/house/index.html
County Government Web Sites: http://www.fl-counties.com/msp/FLMap_beta.htm
Another easy and simple way to write your legislators - http://congress.org/congressorg/home/
If you have heard from a Senator or Representative who responded favorably, may we please post it here?
Email: pamcooper@bellsouth.net
Senator Responses - Please write a thank you to all who respond favorably.
Crist, Victor, Republican - District 12 crist.victor@leg.state.fl.us
Does not support closing the State Library.
Mike Fasano, Republican - District 11 fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov
Thanks for your e-mail regarding the state's library. Please know I do not support the closing of this office.
God bless.
Alfred Lawson, Democrat - District 6 lawson.alfred.web@flsenate.gov
I share your concerns about the proposal and will fight hard to prevent its closing. I believe the State Library is a vital part of Florida’s History and should be an equally significant part of our state’s future.
Miller, Lesley, Democrat - District 18 MILLER.LESLEY.S18@flsenate.gov
Thank you for your e-mail. I am doing my best to maintain the State Library. Sen. Miller
Margolis, Gwen, Democrat - District 35 MARGOLIS.GWEN.WEB@flsenate.gov
I would like to thank you, on behalf of the Senator, for contacting our office with your concerns in regard to funding the State of Florida Library and Archives. I understand your distress over the potential cuts facing the Division of Historical Resources in relation to the Governor's proposed budget. Please be assured that Senator Margolis supports appropriate funding for the State of Florida Library and Archives, as they are very important to preserving our rich history and culture. She would not like to see the Library and Archives displaced. Sincerely, Marisa Bluestone for Senator Gwen Margolis
Posey, Bill, Republican - District 24 posey.bill.web@leg.state.fl.us
I have been the most outspoken proponent to keep the present set up.
Pruitt, Ken, Republican - District 28 PRUITT.KEN.S28@flsenate.gov
Pam: I totally agree and will everything in my power to maintain the state library. Thanks for your hard work and dedication. Your e-mail is important to me. Ken
Rod Smith, Democrat - District 14 smith.rod.web@flsenate.gov
Thanks for your email. I agree that it would be a grave mistake and will oppose closing the library.
House of Representatives:
Loranne Ausley, Democrat - District 9 Ausley.Loranne@myfloridahouse.com
Dr. Wynne: Thank you for your e-mail to Rep. Ausley…
Ausley wanted to let you know that she does not support the Governor's proposal. We are at this time collecting editorials from throughout the state, e-mails and any information we can to prepare to make an argument against his proposal and the resolution in your e-mail are most helpful…..Leisa S. Wiseman, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Loranne Ausley850/488-0965
Bean, Aaron, Republican - District 12 bean.aaron@leg.state.fl.us or BEAN.AARON@myfloridahouse.com
You and I are on the same team. I will do all I can to preserve the state library and archives. Thanks, Aaron
Baxley, Dennis, Republican - District 24 Baxley.Dennis@leg.state.fl.us
Thank you. It is on our radar. Sincerely, Dennis Baxley
Deter, Nancy, Republican - District 70 Detert.Nancy@leg.state.fl.us
I have taken a tour of the facilities, along with the tourism committee, and we all were impressed. We will do our part to protect Florida's history. Thank you, Rep. Nancy Detert
Don Brown, Republican, District 5 Brown.Donald@leg.state.fl.us
Thanks for your input on this very important issue. I must say that I am not as familiar with the scope of the Governor’s proposed cut for the library system as I hope to become.
Brutus, Phillip J., Democrat, District 108 BRUTUS.PHILLIP@myfloridahouse.com
Ms. Cooper, Thank you for your informative letter. I will keep a copy of it on file to refer to as this discussion heats up in Tallahassee. I will advocate in behalf of libraries! Sincerely, Phillip J. Brutus, State Representative 108th District
Carassas, John, Republican - District 54 Carassas.John@leg.state.fl.us
Does not support dismantling the State Library of Florida.
Farkas, Frank, Republican -District 5 Farkas.Frank@leg.state.fl.us
E-mailed back that he was not in favor of it.
Kilmer, Bev, Republican, District 7 Kilmer.bev@leg.state.fl.us
Ms. Cooper,I will do all I can to protect the State Library. Bev Kilmer
Seiler, Jack, Democrat, District 92 SEILER.JACK@myfloridahouse.com
I agree with you.
Robaina, Julio, Republican, District 117 ROBAINA.JULIO@myfloridahouse.com
I will fight hard to keep this from happening.
Sansom, Ray, Republican, District 4 sansom.ray@myfloridahouse.com
Thank you for your email. I support a strong Library system and will do my best to see this funded.
Doug Wiles, Democratic Leader - District 20 Wiles.Doug@leg.state.fl.us
I'm with you! - Thank you for letting me know of the web site, Dr. Wynne. As a life-long resident of St. Augustine, I clearly understand the implication of eliminating funding for historic resources, the state library and historical artifacts. You may rest assured of my opposition to any budget cut or outsourcing of these important services
Petition for electronic signatures: http://www.floridahistory.info/petition/
The Florida Historical Society has made available an online petition that will be sent to the governor and members of the State Legislature on February 28.
Possible candidates to replace Senator Futch who died on Jan 23, 2003
Mike Haridopolos of Melbourne Email: mike@mike2002.org
http://www.mike2002.org/
Ms. Mary Elizabeth Fitzgibbons
Litchford & Christopher
390 N. Orange Ave. Ste. 2200
Orlando, Florida 32801-1642
(407)422-6600
Donna Hart
Kissimmee, Florida
Letters of Support
ALA Resolution in Support of State Library of Florida
http://www.flalib.org/state_library/ala.html
Florida Library Association Response
http://www.flalib.org/state_library/response.html
FSGS, FGS and NGS “Florida’s Historical Treasure at Risk”
http://www.fgs.org/rpa/FLCurrent.htm
FHS Statewide Summit 29 Feb 2003
http://www.flalib.org/state_library/summit.html
The senators on the Senate Governmental Oversight and Productivity Committee are:
Sen. Wise, Chairman, Jacksonville, 850-487-5027;
Sen. Miller, Co-Chairman, Tampa, 850-487-5059;
Sen. Aronberg, Ft. Myers, 850-487-5356;
Sen. Atwater, Palm Beach Gardens, 850-487-5100;
Sen. Constantine, Altamonte Springs, 850-487-5050;
Sen. Cowin, Leesburg, 850-487-5014;
Sen. Fasano, New Port Richey, 850-487-5062;
Sen. Lawson, Tallahassee, 850-487-5004;
Sen.Posey, Rockledge, 850-487-5053.
This committee will hear the bill first in the Senate.
Here is a website dedicated to comments concerning the proposed elimination of the Florida State Library:
http://www.libraryplanet.com/edit/mt/mt-comments.cgi?entry_id=2041
Media Coverage - Please be aware that these links can be discontinued at any time. See more links at http://www.flalib.org/state_library/state_library.html
Miami Herald January 28, 2003 "Bush: Drop state library's funds from budget, a relocation to FSU proposed" by Joni James.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/5045533.htm
St. Petersburg Times January 25, 2003 "Library is a character in Florida budget plot" by Steve Bousquet.
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/01/25/Columns/Library_is_a_characte.shtml
Gainesville Sun January 25, 2003 "Gov. Bush proposes closing state library to save money"
http://sunone.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?SearchID=73124236911031&Avis=GS&Dato=20030125&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=201250318&Ref=AR
Gainesville Sun editorial January 29, 2003 "The interloper"
http://sunone.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?SearchID=73124236911031&Avis=GS&Dato=20030125&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=201250318&Ref=AR
"Florida State Library Collection in Limbo," American Libraries, News Briefs for February 3, 2003. http://www.ala.org/alonline/news/2003/030203.html#florida
“Jeb Bush Proposes Eliminating the State Library of Florida,” American Libraries, News Briefs for January 27, 2003, http://www.ala.org/alonline/news/2003/030127.html#flabush.
Abbreviations:
ALA American Library Association
FGS Federation of Genealogical Societies
FHS Florida Historical Society
FLA Florida Library Association
FSGS Florida State Genealogical Society
NGS National Genealogical Society
Last updated on Monday, 17-Feb-2003 18:30:57 MST.
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Pam Cooper, FSGS President
I really respect your work.
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