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All this year, Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition host Christina Shockley has been speaking with people across the state about their ideas for ways we can all improve Michigan. Today, we hear from Josie Parker, Director of the Ann Arbor District Library.

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She wants us to be curious and to visit a public library.

“I think that being curious is very important to understanding people who disagree with us. And if we don’t try to understand people who disagree with us we’re going to miss opportunities

Josie urges others to be curious and open to things that are not safe or comfortable.
She explains that “If we’re curious enough, we might pay more attention to the ideas of people who can make the state a better place that are not necessarily traditional in Michigan.”

Her second idea is particularly relevant this summer. She wants Michigan residents to take advantage of the Park and Read Pass – a free one day admission to a Michigan state parks or recreation areas that can be checked out from any library. She says that some of the parks will even issue a hammock to you at the gate. Josie wants us to grab a book and “curl up and spend the day at a state park. By doing this we can become aware of more of the state than just where we live.” This will, “help us be proud of where we live.” she says, “I have lived in five states. I have moved a lot; Michigan is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.” And she believes that this pride will make us better stewards of our state.

Chastened by her children, Josie agrees that it’s not good enough to ‘just vote.’ Her third idea is to be aware of who you’re voting for.

“Anyone can run, if they meet the minimum requirements, but not anyone can govern.” She points out that there are many people with whom she agrees on most ideas, but she doesn’t want them to be her governor. “We all vote for statewide elections, regents of various universities, school boards, but how many of us really know who those people are? I think it’s important that we know more about who we’re voting for. …take a little extra time, and expect people who run for office to be able to Govern.”