John Schwartz, Jim Gillig, Kay Baldrica, Jean Tabor, Norma West, and Rebecca Havenstein-Coughlin at the CPL groundbreaking ceremony.  August 3, 1987. 

On August 5, 1986 the voters of Canton passed a 2nd mill to finance the construction and operation of a new library (Bonds were sold through the Canton Township Building Authority who actually owns the library until 2002 when the bonds will be retired).

Oaler/Milling Associates of Ann Arbor was the firm selected from among 37 architects who responded to the request for proposal. DeMaria Construction Co. was awarded the bid as the general contractor. Library Design was responsible for interiors.

In November, 1987 the land, seven and one half acres, was purchased from Mr. Rodney Campbell (of the Wilson family) as the site for the new library. The purchase price was $67,500.

Groundbreaking for the new library took place on November 3, 1987. The beautiful new library was completed and opened for the public on November 13, 1988.

The building statistics are as follows:

Public Rally
presenting

President George Bush

Tuesday, August 25, 1992
Gates Open at 12:30
Canton Township's Heritage Park
1150 S. Canton Center Rd.
Canton, Michigan

Must present card to gain admittance
Paid for by Bush/Quayle '92

To reach the Canton White House switchboard dial (313) 436-8529 trip code 35

Waiting to meet President Bush. 

Library staff prepare a conference room for the arrival of President Bush and Governor Engler. 

The library staff prepare for a visit from President George Bush and Governor John Engler. 

via Transcription:

As a native of the Big Apple, Rebecca Baumgold often visited the magnificent New York Public Library. But she can't say it was a place she wanted to hole up and study or read for hours.

"It wasn't a welcoming place," Baumgold said.

At the Canton Public Library, where the West Bloomfield resident is the new marketing and communications manager, Baumgold sees a wholly different atmosphere than she experienced in New York.

"I like the community aspect of living in a small town. Having a library in my backyard is wonderful," said Baumgold, who moved to Michigan for her husband Jon's work as an ophthalmologist.

For the former magazine editor and hospital communications director, Baumgold admits marketing for a library will be a new adventure. "The concept of the library profession is brand new to me, but libraries personally have always been a part of my life," she said.

As transcribed:

Despite all the high-technology filters available in the marketplace to block certain inappropriate sites from kids and teens surfing the Internet, parents may be the very best filters available.

"Parents should sit down and browse things with their kids. They should chat about what is inappropriate and why," said Carl Miller, Canton Public Library information technology specialist.

In the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows government to require libraries to filter all computers connected to the Internet - or lose certain federal money and grants - Miller says the answer may be as simple as a parent learning what their kids are surfing, teaching them what is inappropriate and knowing when to pull the plug.

"I think that's the answer," Miller said. "It's almost like putting kids in front of the TV and walking away."

As transcribed:

No Benefit

What possible benefit is there in setting aside a separate room - that has to be monitored - for adults to access pornography on the Internet? What possible good can come from this? What does this teach the children?

Is this all just an ego that says "I am more discerning than the rest of the country as to what the First Amendment says"? I will not use the Canton Library. I will strongly urge all my contacts within Canton to NOT support any millage for the library.

Jeanne Michelini
Canton

From transcription:

The Canton Public Library's method of providing filtered Internet access for children and teens, and unfiltered access for adult in a separate, restricted setting offers the best of both worlds.

That's particularly true in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last week that upholds the Children's Internet Protection Act, signed into law by former President Bill Clinton in 2000.

The law requires public libraries that receive certain types of federal money to install filtering software to prevent access by minors to "inappropriate matter" on the Internet. In other words, the federal government says: Do what we think best or you won't get the money.

Via Transcription:

By Joanne Maliszewski
Staff Writer

Carl Miller, Canton Public Library information technology specialist, offers some suggestions for parents who are interested in protecting their children from inappropriate material as they surf the Internet. His first suggestion, get a good filter software program. Listed below are some suggestions, with three Miller considers top notch: Cyber Patrol, Cybersitter, Net Nanny and Safe Surf. Bess, which is the filter used by the library, is a proxy server.

Miller also suggests installing a firewall. "Is it like a lead door. It is something that keeps the fire (junk) out. It can determine what is good and what isn't good." He suggests using Zone Alarm, which is a free version. Another brand is McAffee. But firewalls are not filters. "They protect against people on the Internet getting into your computer," Miller said.

via Transcription:

Canton Library kicks off annual used book sale

By Laurie Humphrey
Staff Writer

Book aficionados and bargain hunters alike should mark Tuesday on their calendars.

Friends of Canton Public Library will start hosting its 11th annual Big Used Book Sale on that day during regular library hours. The sale continues through the end of the month.

"This is the usually the great big sale in May," said Marcia Barker, Friends and Volunteer Coordinator for Canton Public Library, "but with the new construction going on, the Meeting Room (where the sale is held) will not be available in May."

Thorndyke in the library!

"Congratulation to our Newest Employee"

Approximately May 1986