Dear all, We have some sad news to share: * Remembering Fran Pletz Frances H. Pletz (Fran) was born in 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. She just recently passed away at the age of 93. Fran was truly the first lady of libraries and librarianship in the state of Michigan. Among her many other accomplishments, she served as the executive director of the Michigan Library Association from 1969 to 1982 and she served on the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees from the 1992 through 2005. She also served on the Library of Michigan Foundation Board of Trustees as well. [Fran Pletz seated with State Librarian Nancy Robertson] Fran visited the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees meeting on September 12, 2012, with her son Jim who is the director of The Library Network in Novi. She was a wonderful person professionally and personally, and she will be missed but always treasured. Nancy R. Robertson State Librarian Library of Michigan 702 West Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 30007 Lansing, MI 48909-7507 Ph: 517-373-9464 Email: robertsonn@michigan.gov<mailto:robertsonn@michigan.gov> URL: http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan Visit the Michigan eLibrary at http://mel.org<http://mel.org/> The Library of Michigan is pleased to share a new video series highlighting Michigan libraries and how they are making a difference in their communities. To experience Michigan libraries in a new light, visit http://brightside.cedam.info/ and watch the 21st Century Libraries episode.
Indeed it is sad news.... she was an amazing lady, board member and friend to all, and the queen of library friends and supporters. I am not sure how I would have managed as a board member if I had not had Fran to sit next to and learn from at those first years of meetings. She educated me on how to be the best board member I could be.... but I couldn't begin to be as good as she was. I know that I am not the only person she mentored and befriended either.... she will be dearly missed. Bettina Graber On 12/5/2013 1:23 PM, Robertson, Nancy (MDE) wrote:
Dear all,
We have some sad news to share:
. Remembering Fran Pletz
Frances H. Pletz (Fran) was born in 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. She just recently passed away at the age of 93. Fran was truly the first lady of libraries and librarianship in the state of Michigan. Among her many other accomplishments, she served as the executive director of the Michigan Library Association from 1969 to 1982 and she served on the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees from the 1992 through 2005. She also served on the Library of Michigan Foundation Board of Trustees as well.
Fran visited the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees meeting on September 12, 2012, with her son Jim who is the director of The Library Network in Novi. She was a wonderful person professionally and personally, and she will be missed but always treasured.
Nancy R. Robertson
State Librarian
Library of Michigan
702 West Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909-7507
Ph: 517-373-9464
_ _
I was introduced to Fran by my director, Frank Hemphill, when I was head of Children's Services at Portage Public (now District) Library. Her good humor, wise council and friendship is something I've cherished all my professional career of now 40+ years. She mentored me in the ways of getting a bill passed, understanding who and who not to work with in the legislature (that after some seven years on MLA's legislative committee), and library politics in general. I was fortunate enough to keep in touch with her all these years and now will regret not getting up to Charlevoix to see her last summer. Fran was indeed the First Lady of Libraries in Michigan and had a sterling reputation nationally as well. The trips to Dallas where we dubbed her Sarge and Momma Pletz, the one trip to San Francisco where she booked the wrong hotel, but was caught in time and saved the day, sharing Mr. Wilson's bedroom and fabulous shower at a MLA leadership conference one year, and learning how to get relief from sore feet after walking all over Capitol Hill at a national Legislative Day are just some of the happy and funny times I had with Fran Pletz. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. Sally Arrivee Head Reference Librarian Madison Heights Public Library ----- Original Message ----- Indeed it is sad news.... she was an amazing lady, board member and friend to all, and the queen of library friends and supporters. I am not sure how I would have managed as a board member if I had not had Fran to sit next to and learn from at those first years of meetings. She educated me on how to be the best board member I could be.... but I couldn't begin to be as good as she was. I know that I am not the only person she mentored and befriended either.... she will be dearly missed. Bettina Graber On 12/5/2013 1:23 PM, Robertson, Nancy (MDE) wrote: _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
I am sorry not to have known Fran. I look forward to more stories. More. More. Metta T Lansdale, Jr. Director, Traverse Area District Library 231-313-8698 On Dec 5, 2013, at 4:51 PM, "Sally D. Arrivee" < arrivee@madison-hgts.lib.mi.us> wrote: I was introduced to Fran by my director, Frank Hemphill, when I was head of Children's Services at Portage Public (now District) Library. Her good humor, wise council and friendship is something I've cherished all my professional career of now 40+ years. She mentored me in the ways of getting a bill passed, understanding who and who not to work with in the legislature (that after some seven years on MLA's legislative committee), and library politics in general. I was fortunate enough to keep in touch with her all these years and now will regret not getting up to Charlevoix to see her last summer. Fran was indeed the First Lady of Libraries in Michigan and had a sterling reputation nationally as well. The trips to Dallas where we dubbed her Sarge and Momma Pletz, the one trip to San Francisco where she booked the wrong hotel, but was caught in time and saved the day, sharing Mr. Wilson's bedroom and fabulous shower at a MLA leadership conference one year, and learning how to get relief from sore feet after walking all over Capitol Hill at a national Legislative Day are just some of the happy and funny times I had with Fran Pletz. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. Sally Arrivee Head Reference Librarian Madison Heights Public Library ------------------------------ Indeed it is sad news.... she was an amazing lady, board member and friend to all, and the queen of library friends and supporters. I am not sure how I would have managed as a board member if I had not had Fran to sit next to and learn from at those first years of meetings. She educated me on how to be the best board member I could be.... but I couldn't begin to be as good as she was. I know that I am not the only person she mentored and befriended either.... she will be dearly missed. Bettina Graber On 12/5/2013 1:23 PM, Robertson, Nancy (MDE) wrote: _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
Fran was such a dear sweet soul, she will be missed. When I worked in the Library of Michigan public information office she would always stop by for a visit. I believe she was a friend of the mother of public information officer John Rummel, for those of you who might remember him. She always made me feel like a long lost friend and would often give me a hug when she saw me. She could be tough when she needed to be but she was also a very kind and caring lady. Cindy Krueger DNR Marketing & Outreach Div. Mobile & Web Development Specialist 517-284-6053 <New number kruegerc@michigan.gov<mailto:kruegerc@michigan.gov> Make a tax deductible donation through Help Feed the Hungry<http://media.state.mi.us/MichiganEStore/public/ProductDetails.aspx?categoryId=7&productId=269> to provide healthy meals to families in need. www.michigan.gov/estore<http://www.michigan.gov/estore> From: michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Metta Lansdale Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2013 6:44 PM To: Sally D. Arrivee Cc: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Remembering Fran Pletz I am sorry not to have known Fran. I look forward to more stories. More. More. Metta T Lansdale, Jr. Director, Traverse Area District Library 231-313-8698 On Dec 5, 2013, at 4:51 PM, "Sally D. Arrivee" <arrivee@madison-hgts.lib.mi.us<mailto:arrivee@madison-hgts.lib.mi.us>> wrote: I was introduced to Fran by my director, Frank Hemphill, when I was head of Children's Services at Portage Public (now District) Library. Her good humor, wise council and friendship is something I've cherished all my professional career of now 40+ years. She mentored me in the ways of getting a bill passed, understanding who and who not to work with in the legislature (that after some seven years on MLA's legislative committee), and library politics in general. I was fortunate enough to keep in touch with her all these years and now will regret not getting up to Charlevoix to see her last summer. Fran was indeed the First Lady of Libraries in Michigan and had a sterling reputation nationally as well. The trips to Dallas where we dubbed her Sarge and Momma Pletz, the one trip to San Francisco where she booked the wrong hotel, but was caught in time and saved the day, sharing Mr. Wilson's bedroom and fabulous shower at a MLA leadership conference one year, and learning how to get relief from sore feet after walking all over Capitol Hill at a national Legislative Day are just some of the happy and funny times I had with Fran Pletz. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. Sally Arrivee Head Reference Librarian Madison Heights Public Library ________________________________ Indeed it is sad news.... she was an amazing lady, board member and friend to all, and the queen of library friends and supporters. I am not sure how I would have managed as a board member if I had not had Fran to sit next to and learn from at those first years of meetings. She educated me on how to be the best board member I could be.... but I couldn't begin to be as good as she was. I know that I am not the only person she mentored and befriended either.... she will be dearly missed. Bettina Graber On 12/5/2013 1:23 PM, Robertson, Nancy (MDE) wrote: _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org> http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org> http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
My association with Fran goes back to 1970. She was a strong advocate for libraries and for improving state aid for public libraries. Her lobbying efforts produced an increase in state aid, the establishment of the cooperatives and improving the status and influence of the Library of Michigan with its move to the Legislative Services Bureau. She was a fun person to be around. I remember many a dance at MLA functions. With Fran you always knew where you stood. We need legions of "Frans". Thank you Fran, may you rest in peace after a job well done. Roger ----- Original Message ----- From: Cindy Krueger (DNR) <KruegerC@michigan.gov> To: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Sent: Fri, 06 Dec 2013 09:19:32 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Remembering Fran Pletz Fran was such a dear sweet soul, she will be missed. When I worked in the Library of Michigan public information office she would always stop by for a visit. I believe she was a friend of the mother of public information officer John Rummel, for those of you who might remember him. She always made me feel like a long lost friend and would often give me a hug when she saw me. She could be tough when she needed to be but she was also a very kind and caring lady. Cindy Krueger DNR Marketing & Outreach Div. Mobile & Web Development Specialist 517-284-6053 <New number kruegerc@michigan.gov<mailto:kruegerc@michigan.gov> Make a tax deductible donation through Help Feed the Hungry<http://media.state.mi.us/MichiganEStore/public/ProductDetails.aspx?categoryId=7&productId=269> to provide healthy meals to families in need. www.michigan.gov/estore<http://www.michigan.gov/estore> From: michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Metta Lansdale Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2013 6:44 PM To: Sally D. Arrivee Cc: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Remembering Fran Pletz I am sorry not to have known Fran. I look forward to more stories. More. More. Metta T Lansdale, Jr. Director, Traverse Area District Library 231-313-8698 On Dec 5, 2013, at 4:51 PM, "Sally D. Arrivee" <arrivee@madison-hgts.lib.mi.us<mailto:arrivee@madison-hgts.lib.mi.us>> wrote: I was introduced to Fran by my director, Frank Hemphill, when I was head of Children's Services at Portage Public (now District) Library. Her good humor, wise council and friendship is something I've cherished all my professional career of now 40+ years. She mentored me in the ways of getting a bill passed, understanding who and who not to work with in the legislature (that after some seven years on MLA's legislative committee), and library politics in general. I was fortunate enough to keep in touch with her all these years and now will regret not getting up to Charlevoix to see her last summer. Fran was indeed the First Lady of Libraries in Michigan and had a sterling reputation nationally as well. The trips to Dallas where we dubbed her Sarge and Momma Pletz, the one trip to San Francisco where she booked the wrong hotel, but was caught in time and saved the day, sharing Mr. Wilson's bedroom and fabulous shower at a MLA leadership conference one year, and learning how to get relief from sore feet after walking all over Capitol Hill at a national Legislative Day are just some of the happy and funny times I had with Fran Pletz. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. Sally Arrivee Head Reference Librarian Madison Heights Public Library ________________________________ Indeed it is sad news.... she was an amazing lady, board member and friend to all, and the queen of library friends and supporters. I am not sure how I would have managed as a board member if I had not had Fran to sit next to and learn from at those first years of meetings. She educated me on how to be the best board member I could be.... but I couldn't begin to be as good as she was. I know that I am not the only person she mentored and befriended either.... she will be dearly missed. Bettina Graber On 12/5/2013 1:23 PM, Robertson, Nancy (MDE) wrote: _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org> http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org> http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l -- Roger Mendel,Director Northland Library Cooperative 220 W. Clinton St. Charlevoix, MI 49720 send mail to Northland c/o 111 E. Parson Street Alpena, MI 49707 231-855-2206 rmendel@northland.lib.mi.us PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
How delightful to read these treasured memories of Fran. Like Roger, I knew Fran since the early 70s (when MLA offices were on the second story of a building and above a dentist's office). She was an instructive mentor and I am so thankful that she and Elizabeth Lindsey decided to "bring me up right." They shared a rich sense of humor and boisterous laughs; smart as the crack of a whip (which both of these ladies could also do!); persistent as the progress in our field required in those days (some things don't seem to change); and above all, deeply committed to the promises of all that libraries could offer their communities if they were funded. Pillars of our profession! Thank you for the memories to both those we have lost and to those who shared their warm heartfelt remembrances. Yours, Cindy Lou Poquette ----- Original Message ----- From: Roger Mendel <rmendel@northland.lib.mi.us> To: Cindy Krueger (DNR) <KruegerC@michigan.gov> Cc: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Sent: Fri, 06 Dec 2013 11:42:46 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Remembering Fran Pletz My association with Fran goes back to 1970. She was a strong advocate for libraries and for improving state aid for public libraries. Her lobbying efforts produced an increase in state aid, the establishment of the cooperatives and improving the status and influence of the Library of Michigan with its move to the Legislative Services Bureau. She was a fun person to be around. I remember many a dance at MLA functions. With Fran you always knew where you stood. We need legions of "Frans". Thank you Fran, may you rest in peace after a job well done. Roger ----- Original Message ----- From: Cindy Krueger (DNR) <KruegerC@michigan.gov> To: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Sent: Fri, 06 Dec 2013 09:19:32 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Remembering Fran Pletz Fran was such a dear sweet soul, she will be missed. When I worked in the Library of Michigan public information office she would always stop by for a visit. I believe she was a friend of the mother of public information officer John Rummel, for those of you who might remember him. She always made me feel like a long lost friend and would often give me a hug when she saw me. She could be tough when she needed to be but she was also a very kind and caring lady. Cindy Krueger DNR Marketing & Outreach Div. Mobile & Web Development Specialist 517-284-6053 <New number kruegerc@michigan.gov<mailto:kruegerc@michigan.gov> Make a tax deductible donation through Help Feed the Hungry<http://media.state.mi.us/MichiganEStore/public/ProductDetails.aspx?categoryId=7&productId=269> to provide healthy meals to families in need. www.michigan.gov/estore<http://www.michigan.gov/estore> From: michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Metta Lansdale Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2013 6:44 PM To: Sally D. Arrivee Cc: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Remembering Fran Pletz I am sorry not to have known Fran. I look forward to more stories. More. More. Metta T Lansdale, Jr. Director, Traverse Area District Library 231-313-8698 On Dec 5, 2013, at 4:51 PM, "Sally D. Arrivee" <arrivee@madison-hgts.lib.mi.us<mailto:arrivee@madison-hgts.lib.mi.us>> wrote: I was introduced to Fran by my director, Frank Hemphill, when I was head of Children's Services at Portage Public (now District) Library. Her good humor, wise council and friendship is something I've cherished all my professional career of now 40+ years. She mentored me in the ways of getting a bill passed, understanding who and who not to work with in the legislature (that after some seven years on MLA's legislative committee), and library politics in general. I was fortunate enough to keep in touch with her all these years and now will regret not getting up to Charlevoix to see her last summer. Fran was indeed the First Lady of Libraries in Michigan and had a sterling reputation nationally as well. The trips to Dallas where we dubbed her Sarge and Momma Pletz, the one trip to San Francisco where she booked the wrong hotel, but was caught in time and saved the day, sharing Mr. Wilson's bedroom and fabulous shower at a MLA leadership conference one year, and learning how to get relief from sore feet after walking all over Capitol Hill at a national Legislative Day are just some of the happy and funny times I had with Fran Pletz. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. Sally Arrivee Head Reference Librarian Madison Heights Public Library ________________________________ Indeed it is sad news.... she was an amazing lady, board member and friend to all, and the queen of library friends and supporters. I am not sure how I would have managed as a board member if I had not had Fran to sit next to and learn from at those first years of meetings. She educated me on how to be the best board member I could be.... but I couldn't begin to be as good as she was. I know that I am not the only person she mentored and befriended either.... she will be dearly missed. Bettina Graber On 12/5/2013 1:23 PM, Robertson, Nancy (MDE) wrote: _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org> http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org> http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l -- Roger Mendel,Director Northland Library Cooperative 220 W. Clinton St. Charlevoix, MI 49720 send mail to Northland c/o 111 E. Parson Street Alpena, MI 49707 231-855-2206 rmendel@northland.lib.mi.us PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
Fran was an inspiration to all of us who were lucky to be under her tutelage while she was the executive director of MLA. She taught us how to advocate for libraries and promote the great things we do in our communities. She came to Orion shortly before I retired and was so complimentary about our building and services- it was a visit to be treasured. I owe so much to her and am glad I could call her my good friend. Her legacy will continue through the librarians she taught, the legislation she babied through passage and her service to the Library of Michigan. She will be sorely missed. Linda Sickles ----- Original Message ----- From: "Cindy Krueger (DNR)" <KruegerC@michigan.gov> To: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Sent: Friday, December 6, 2013 9:19:32 AM Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Remembering Fran Pletz Fran was such a dear sweet soul, she will be missed. When I worked in the Library of Michigan public information office she would always stop by for a visit. I believe she was a friend of the mother of public information officer John Rummel, for those of you who might remember him. She always made me feel like a long lost friend and would often give me a hug when she saw me. She could be tough when she needed to be but she was also a very kind and caring lady. Cindy Krueger DNR Marketing & Outreach Div. Mobile & Web Development Specialist 517-284-6053 <New number kruegerc@michigan.gov Make a tax deductible donation through Help Feed the Hungry to provide healthy meals to families in need. www.michigan.gov/estore From: michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Metta Lansdale Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2013 6:44 PM To: Sally D. Arrivee Cc: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Remembering Fran Pletz I am sorry not to have known Fran. I look forward to more stories. More. More. Metta T Lansdale, Jr. Director, Traverse Area District Library 231-313-8698 On Dec 5, 2013, at 4:51 PM, "Sally D. Arrivee" < arrivee@madison-hgts.lib.mi.us > wrote: I was introduced to Fran by my director, Frank Hemphill, when I was head of Children's Services at Portage Public (now District) Library. Her good humor, wise council and friendship is something I've cherished all my professional career of now 40+ years. She mentored me in the ways of getting a bill passed, understanding who and who not to work with in the legislature (that after some seven years on MLA's legislative committee), and library politics in general. I was fortunate enough to keep in touch with her all these years and now will regret not getting up to Charlevoix to see her last summer. Fran was indeed the First Lady of Libraries in Michigan and had a sterling reputation nationally as well. The trips to Dallas where we dubbed her Sarge and Momma Pletz, the one trip to San Francisco where she booked the wrong hotel, but was caught in time and saved the day, sharing Mr. Wilson's bedroom and fabulous shower at a MLA leadership conference one year, and learning how to get relief from sore feet after walking all over Capitol Hill at a national Legislative Day are just some of the happy and funny times I had with Fran Pletz. To say that she will be missed is an understatement. Sally Arrivee Head Reference Librarian Madison Heights Public Library ----- Original Message ----- Indeed it is sad news.... she was an amazing lady, board member and friend to all, and the queen of library friends and supporters. I am not sure how I would have managed as a board member if I had not had Fran to sit next to and learn from at those first years of meetings. She educated me on how to be the best board member I could be.... but I couldn't begin to be as good as she was. I know that I am not the only person she mentored and befriended either.... she will be dearly missed. Bettina Graber On 12/5/2013 1:23 PM, Robertson, Nancy (MDE) wrote: _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l <blockquote> _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l </blockquote> _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
participants (8)
-
Bettina Graber -
Indian River Library -
Krueger, Cindy (DNR) -
lsickles48＠comcast.net -
Metta Lansdale -
Robertson, Nancy (MDE) -
Roger Mendel -
Sally D. Arrivee