The Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries and the Library of Michigan will hold two public hearings in St. Ignace and Lansing in November on pending rule changes on how public libraries apply for state aid. The proposed rules downgrade the educational requirements for library paraprofessionals, compared to the current guidelines, according to Suzanne Dees of Superiorland Library Cooperative.

The first hearing is scheduled at the St. Ignace Public Library Friday, November 14, at 1:15 p.m. People attending will be able to present views, questions, and arguments on the proposed rule changes after a brief informational panel presentation. The panel will consist of four members from the department and the Library of Michigan.

The Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing will be the site of the second hearing Monday, November 24.

The proposed changes, available for public viewing at www.michigan.gov/org, are to take effect October 1, 2009.