IronwoodInfo News Magazine

Public Not Welcomed
At Public Library

For several weeks the Ironwood public library advertised "an appreciation night at the Carnegie Library." The ad posted on the Daily Globe Calendar clearly stated that the social event was open to the public and that refreshments would be served. However, when an IronwoodInfo reporter and photographer showed up at the affair they were told by Elaine Erickson, librarian and wife of city manager Scott Erickson, that the event was a private party sponsored by those not so friendly "Friends of The Library.

Gemma Lamb on left, Secretary-Treasurer of Friends of the Library and Ironwood City Councilman. Seated to her right is Annette Burchell President of the Friends of the Library and wife of City Councilman Robert Burchell.

Arvo Toolanen entered the Carnegie Library last Wednesday ready to take photos of the "public welcomed" shindig advertised in the Globe. Mr. Toolanen was told that he could not take pictures of the few children attending the affair which raises several questions.
1. Where were the parents of these children?
2. Is the library management operating an unauthorized childcare center?
3. Why would Mrs. Erickson a practicing lawyer be unfamiliar with the first amendment?

IronwoodInfo wanting to set an example of civility for the benefit of the NSFFOTL (the not so friendly "friends of the library") protected the images of the library kids. The images were covered up with images of book jackets . In fact the books used for this endeavor were two books on accounting principles. Books that are highly recommended for a library whose budget is awash in a sea of red ink.

Event Information
Event	Library Volunteer/Staff Appreciation Gathering
City	Ironwood
Place	Ironwood Carnegie Library
Address	235 E. Aurora
Details	Library staff and volunteers will be honored at an informal gathering. All are welcome to attend and say "Thanks." Hors d'oeuvres & beverages will be served.
Start Date	Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Start Time	5:00 PM
Additional Information	Ironwood Carnegie Library
Phone	906.932.0203
Email	bmdehut@aol.com

The above is the Event Calendar of the Daily Globe. Notice "All are welcome to attend"

When is a public toilet not a public toilet?

Historically, the "public rest room located on the first floor of the Ironwood Public Library was available for anyone needing to use it. Since Erickson privatized the rest room there now is a sign on the door which reads " FOR STAFF ONLY" . It was learned Wednesday evening that "the sign" only applies to Taxpayers other than..... Yes, those same old Unfriendly Friends of the Library. Indeed the gang that wants to separate more money from the low income taxpayers of ironwood also want the taxpayers to go downstairs to use the lower level bathroom while the self appointed social elitists use the "private" public rest room on the first floor. If Elaine Erickson and friends really want to restore the "Historic Charm" of the library they can start by making the first floor restroom open to the public, especially those who pay for their extravagances

The library gang now acting as a shadow government in our city are wishing to extend their control over the taxpayers of The Ironwood Charter Township. The existing contract with the Township is expiring and the unfriendly friends have put the library so far in the red that they are desperate to sucker the Township into renewing what may be an illegal contract. They must think that the Township Board of Supervisors just fell off a turnip truck. In fact, they feel the same way about the city taxpayers who are called upon to pick up the tab for the library deficits in addition to the 1 mil property assessments and the hand over of the city's penal fines.