State Rep. Dianda receives award from library

HOUGHTON — The Michigan Library Association hosted an event at the Portage Lake District Library Friday afternoon to thank State Representative Scott Dianda for his efforts to pass legislation that supports library funding.

Library Director Dillon Geshel and Superiorland Library Cooperative Director Pam Christensen presented Dianda with the “Library Champion” award. Dianda said all residents need to have access to libraries because they serve an important purpose in the community.

“These are the basic foundations of our communities. The younger people have to start coming in and having this opportunity, have these summer read programs and especially in our rural areas that people don’t have access to the Internet, to be able to come to a library is sometimes their first contact with technology. So, we’re glad to support the libraries to make sure that people have access,” said Dianda.

Dianda voted in favor of a senate bill, which gives libraries the opportunity to opt out of tax captures and ensures that they can access the money granted to them by the taxpayers.