Politics

Are you registered to vote in Troy? If so, check out the League of Women Voters nonpartisan voter information guides. The guides have biographical information on the Mayor, City Council, and School Board candidates, as well as the candidates' answers to key questions facing the City and School District.

Need more information? View the League's Mayoral and City Council Candidates' Night, a one hour program available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on your computer. If you prefer to watch the Night on your television, Comcast and WOW channel 18 will air the program at 9pm, November 3; 5 pm, November 4 and 5; and 10 am, November 8.

The Troy School District Candidates' Night, a 1½ hour program, can also be viewed 24/7 on your computer, or on Comcast channel 19 and WOW channel 15 at 7:30, November 3; and 12:20 pm and 7:30 pm, November 4 through November 8.

Remember to vote on Election Day, November 8.

(Photo: alancleaver_2000)

Did you know that the Troy Public Library has a non-fiction book group that meets monthly? The group, As a Matter of Fact..., has provided a forum for non-fiction readers to discuss books of interest. These books are often launching pads for rousing, robust and fascinating discussions regarding the subject matter. The group encourages drop-ins who are interested in hearing other points-of-view or chiming in with their own experience and knowledge. All views are appreciated and respected.

As a Matter of Fact... meets on the third Wednesday of each month, at 7 pm. The next meeting is October 19 and the title being discussed is Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand. Attend to discuss this book about an amazing man and an amazing time. On November 16, the group will be discussing The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America, by Timothy Egan.

Please contact Barry Hyland at b.hyland@troymi.gov if you have questions or suggestions.

Q. Is the Troy Public Library open for service? For how long?

A. YES! The Troy Public Library IS open! The Library will be open at least through Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Please visit and use the library!

Q. What happens on Tuesday, August 2?

A. On Tuesday, August 2, there will be an election for a dedicated millage to fund the Troy Library. The amount being requested of voters is .7 mills for 5 years. This election was scheduled by the Troy City Council on May 16.

Q. What are the Library's hours?

A. The Library will continue to be open 55 hours a week: Monday – Thursday, 10 am until 9 pm; Friday, 10 am until 5 pm; and Sunday, 1-5 pm.

Q. Can I check out Library materials?

A. YES! Please do. Normal loan periods are in effect.

Q. Will the Library be receiving new materials soon?

A. YES! New materials had not been ordered since March. We are working very hard to get new materials out to you as soon as possible.

Q. Can I place holds?

A. YES! You are welcome to place holds on Troy Library materials.

Q. Can I receive materials from other libraries using the MeLCat interloan system?

A. No. The staff at the Michigan Electronic Library have informed us that Troy Library will be reinstated into the system if the August 2 millage passes. MeLCat items are loaned for six weeks to account for their time in transit. Library staff must be available to process these items. If Troy ultimately closes, there will not be enough time prior to staff layoffs for the Library to recoup its loaned material, or return the material Troy patrons have borrowed.

Q. Can Troy residents use other libraries?

A. YES! Troy residents are able to use the libraries in the Suburban Library Cooperative, as well as the Baldwin Public Library, Clawson Public Library, Rochester Hills Public Library, Madison Heights Public Library, Bloomfield Township Public Library, and Royal Oak Public Library.

Q. Will there be a Summer Reading Program?

A. YES! The Library staff is organizing a Summer Reading Program, June 22 - July 27. Please check our website for updates.

Q. Will I be able to use computers at the Library?

A. YES! The Library's Technology Center has computers where you can access the Internet and Microsoft Office programs, and where you can receive assistance from the staff.

Q. Can I reserve one of the meeting rooms?

A. YES! The meeting room calendar has been opened through August 2. Please call the Technology Desk at 248.524.3542 to reserve a meeting room.

Beginning on July 1, the Troy Public Library will reduce its hours and close on Saturdays.

The Library's new hours will be

Monday-Thursday, 10 am - 9 pm
Friday, 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday, Closed
Sunday, 1 - 5 pm

For more information about the new hours, see this press release, issued by the City of Troy.

For more information about the Library's status, see our Frequently Asked Questions.

The League of Women Voters Troy Area has posted its Voter Guides for the November 3 election in Troy.

The Guides provide non-partisan information about candidates for the offices of Troy City Council and Troy School Board. Each candidate is given an opportunity to provide biographical information and to answer a number of questions on issues important to the office being sought. Responses are included as submitted and have not been edited, except for space.

If you live in a Michigan community other than Troy, check out the League's Voter Guide for your area.

(Photo: openDemcracy)