[Michlib-l] Sad News: Frances H. (Fran) Pletz

[Jim Flury]

All,

It is with sadness that we share news of the death of long-time Michigan public library advocate Frances H. (Fran) Pletz, who passed away Monday, December 2 in Charlevoix. We will share details regarding arrangements as they become available.

In addition to her 13 years of service as Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association, service on the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees as well as the Library of Michigan Foundation's Board of Directors, Mrs. Pletz's legacy is carried on in Michigan public libraries in three very significant ways:

1. Her work with Senator Faust on legislation that ultimately became Public Act 89 of 1978, which serves as the basis for state aid to public libraries as well as the creation of the system of library cooperatives that remains in place today.

2. The Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth. The award, named for Mrs. Pletz because of her exemplary library service to teens in our state, was established in 1978 by the Young Adult Division of the Michigan Library Association. It is given annually to a Michigan library staff person who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of library service to youth, ages 0-18, throughout their career.

3. Mrs. Pletz's son James (Jim), current Executive Director of The Library Network (TLN).

Jim Flury

Jim Flury
Technical Services Manager
The Library Network
41365 Vincenti Court 
Novi, MI 48375
248-536-3100 x133 
Fax 248-536-3098 
jflury at tln.lib.mi.us