Bill in Michigan would limit info to voters

[liriodendron]

lj.libraryjournal.com/2015/12/advocacy/bill-in-mi-would-limit-info-to-voters-librarians-protest/#_

I believe there are links to petitions in this article, in case any of you who live in Michigan would like to make your thoughts known.

[doctork]

I am really surprised at this "bill." How is it possible that the state legislature doesn't understand the concept of free speech. Or the mission of libraries to provide information?

[joew]

First of all, this isn't just about libraries. Second, it seems to me that there is always a possibility that various public agencies will propagandize, using public monies to support one side (forcing opponents to subsidize one-sided propaganda). The fact that some public agency is putting material forth does not guarantee that it is accurate or impartial.

jmo

[doctork]

When I lived in Bellingham, the library had free copies of the League of Women Voters assessment of the issues on the ballot, and it carried statements from each candidate. It seemed pretty impartial to me, it was helpful information, and both the Republicans and Democrats agreed to its dissemination.

I'd agree you don't want public money used for partisan stances (Unless it is encoded in a law for public funding of campaigns), but I'd like to see libraries able to disseminate non-partisan information.