A Grand Haven (Mich.) Township respiratory therapist has launched a one-man protest to urge city officials to move the Loutit District Library to a former grocery store building. Carrying a handmade cardboard sign, Joe Debrowski pledged to picket 90 minutes every day outside various downtown locations until the matter is resolved.
“They’re making us stay in that crappy building. I’m just frustrated that the city council . . . has railroaded us in not giving us the best deal,” Debrowski told the Muskegon Chronicle January 25. He feels the current building is not adequate for the disabled and lacks the space to hold enough books.
In 1999, several communities signed an agreement forming the district library but restricting it from moving the library without council approval. Mayor Pro-tem John Naser said the council’s motive for remaining in its current location is misunderstood. “It’s not about improving the profitability of downtown,” he said. “We’re interested in keeping services in a central location.”
Library Director Char Zoet said she did not have anything to do with Debrowski’s demonstration but supports the idea. When she learned of the picket, she walked from the library and shook his hand.
Posted January 29, 2001.