Hello!

At the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce lunch May 9, Cromaine Library Board President Nancy Lewis announced the newest (or return of one of the oldest, depending on perspective) library collaborations with community partners. In the Library's Community Update, Nancy shared, "Increasingly, the Hartland Consolidated Schools must focus on their primary purpose--educating future generations and maintaining their facilities to support that purpose. As part of Hartland's Cromaine District Library strategic plan , the Library has committed to strengthening the community's expectation of its role as a cultural center. In this new partnership, on behalf of the Hartland Consolidated Schools Foundation (owner of the Hartland Music Hall), t he Schools have offered the Library the opportunity to manage the Hartland Music Hall , one of this community's most historic and valued cultural assets. The change in management of the Hartland Music Hall begins July 1, 2019."

For those who have lived in Hartland since before 1995, you may remember that the Library was a part of the Schools for many years. Early on, the Library provided a book wagon which traveled to the various one-room schools. Later, the Library was a second, temporary classroom and often the school library at various points during the history of Hartland Schools. And, while the Library did not manage the Hall, programs and events were often held there and at the Library interchangeably, especially once the 1980 addition opened. In 1995, legislation at the state level forced most Michigan public libraries to be separated from public school districts. (There are only a very few left in the state, primarily in rural communities, such as Munising in the Upper Peninsula.) A history of shared facilities is part of the legacy of J. Robert Crouse, along with the careful management of public facilities, such as the Library and the Schools, reusing and repurposing buildings whenever feasible. 

I n this cooperative relationship, there is no plan to repurpose the Hartland Music Hall. As an auditorium seating 220, the Hall offers the Library an expanded event space, one which has been used by the Library frequently. Events such as the summer concert series, high demand lecture and author visits, as well as film and lectures have been offered by the Library at the Hall for several years and will continue. I hope that we will even expand some of our offerings to include a children's cultural series of puppet theater, music, magic, and more as well as an adult film and lecture series on topics that matter to our community. (Watch for these in our newsletter and online events calendar .) When one walks backstage at the Howell Opera House--Opera House being another name for Music Hall when these were being built--visitors can see the autographs of many greats who performed or lectured at that site. Writing on the wall will not be a feature of the Hartland Music Hall, but we do expect to draw future great names to this exceptional venue. 

The Music Hall will also continue to host weddings --a unique aspect of any community's culture--performances of the Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy, various preschool graduations, and local dance and music studios recitals. With Don Thompson, Library Trustee and long-time Music Hall caretaker, as the key contact, we know that Hall rentals will continue to offer the kind of care that is part of its reputation. We also look forward to the continued rental by the Hartland Community Chapel, the latest congregation enjoying the Hall as have others in the past (and for which the 1858 construction was intended). Hartland Players and Encore Youth Theater will continue to have the Hall as their "home base" and have exciting plans in place for this summer--drama boot camp and a rare summer adult performance. 

If you have not had a chance to enjoy the beauty and amazing acoustics of the Hartland Music Hall, I hope you will soon. Coming up in the next few weeks, a whole new group of second grade students will enjoy the Village tours given by various members of this community to showcase the unique history of this area, with talks at the Florence Dearing Museum, the Hartland Music Hall, Hartland's Historic Burying Ground, and Cromaine Library. If you have an opportunity to "chaperone" be sure to take advantage of it. Come to a Hartland Player or Encore Theater experience. Make sure you attend the annual Messiah performance on the second Saturday of December or any of the public events at the Hartland Music Hall. 

And, if you've got a wedding to plan in the near future, a business continuing education lecture too big for your facilities, or a similar experience for which you need a venue, please consider the Hartland Music Hall. Until July 1, reservations of the Hall continue to be taken and managed by the Hartland Consolidated Schools Community Education staff. After July 1, you will be able to reserve online at the  www.cromaine.org   web site or by emailing  musichall@cromaine.org . 

In every way, I believe this collaboration moves us closer still to J. Robert Crouse's motto, "A friendly association for community service." Even more to the point, is how this collaboration supports Hartland Living and its "motto," "Inspiring a higher quality of life." 
Ceci Marlow, Library Director
Cromaine District Library
810-632-5200, ext. 105