LANSING – Librarians aren’t keeping quiet about a Supreme Court case that could change Michigan’s public library policies in a big way.

Refused access to and membership in the Bloomfield Township Library after a contract in his area no longer permitted him use, George Goldstone of Bloomfield Hills contends the library is denying his constitutional right of access to any public library in the state.

Many librarians in the area disagree with Goldstone, and some worry that the case could complicate future funding from their residents.

The case began in Oakland County Circuit Court, where a judge ruled in favor of the Bloomfield Township Library, upholding the library’s right to contract to serve other areas of its own choosing.  The Court of Appeals upheld the same decision in November 2005.

“Talk about unfair,” Wayne County Librarian Reginald Williams said.  “Bloomfield has done such a fantastic job, provided such wonderful resources to its community.  Someone who does not reside in the community to come in and not pay – that’s unfair.”

The Michigan Library Association agrees with the decision against Goldstone.  The state Constitution of 1963 states that Michigan public libraries shall be “available” to all Michigan residents. The MLA contends that they are available based on availability of local funds in each library area.

A number of libraries in neighboring counties belong to cooperatives, meaning they allow reciprocal sharing of books and services.  Williams said there are 65 member libraries in Wayne, Oakland, St. Clair, Macomb and other counties that cooperate with one another.

Bloomfield Township formerly cooperated with Bloomfield Hills, but ended the contract when they couldn’t reach an agreement.  When the library started a new contract with Troy, Goldstone lost his access to the library because he lives in Bloomfield Hills.

Roseville Public Library Assistant Director Jacky Harvey agrees with Williams and said she’s concerned about the outcome of the Supreme Court case.

“I’m confused as to why he (Goldstone) would have a leg to stand on,” Harvey said.           

Harvey said that contracts between libraries are the reason they still operate.  For example, all Macomb County residents have full access to Macomb County Library.

 All residents pay taxes that support services for the library, Harvey said.

Most libraries in the county are cooperative. Ray Township Library is the only non-cooperative library in the county.

Non-residents can purchase a $200 card that allows access to all cooperative member libraries.  They also can purchase a $75 card for individual access to the Roseville Public Library.

The MLA said it’s an entirely appropriate to exclude non-residents from borrowing books, because they don’t support them financially.

Lapeer District Library Automation Systems Manager Sandy Hinds said Lapeer County residents are eligible to use any branch in the county, but the libraries are hopeful a millage renewal will be passed in November. It failed in August.

“Nearly 80 percent of the district’s funding comes from the millage, so reinstating it is important,” Hinds said.

Funding is the major factor in determining how a library is operated and who can use its services, Hinds said.

If non-residents have access to another community’s library where residents pay taxes for services, it gives non-residents an unfair advantage, Williams said.

“The case could very well change Michigan libraries,” Hinds said.