The Detroit Public Library has been a PTRC since 1871; one of the founding members of the program. I would like to think that we had helped companies such as Detroit Stove Works patent their gas stove (843,644) in 1907. We continue to keep material for historic patent research, as well as current materials and access to online databases. In addition we promote our business resources, which can help inventors with marketing their product. We believe in the PTRC as an aid to local economic development.
This year we have assisted in promoting programs of interest to inventors, such as the Saturday Seminars at the USPTO Detroit Office. We have also promoted and referred our customers to programs and classes at SCORE, the Michigan Economic Development Center, TechTown, Bizdom University, and dHive. We continue to support the Inventors Association of Metro Detroit, and the Inventors Council of Mid Michigan. I attend the meetings and serve on the boards. As every inventors group has its own unique strengths, the Michigan Inventors Coalition was founded in 2012 as an umbrella organization for all of Michigan’s inventors groups. In September 2013, they coordinated the Michigan Inventors Expo, where I served as a volunteer. It consisted of inventor talks in the morning, vendor tables, and a ‘Shark Tank’ program in the afternoon.
Our HYPE teen center has a 3-D printer. Teens have a chance to learn how to use it during special classes at the library.
Our library is facing challenges like many other libraries. We have increased demand for services in the face of shrinking budgets. Despite this, we have a great team spirit. I am grateful to our staff for their hard work and dedication. Our librarians are Ann Braid, Joyce Middlebrooks, Roger Morton, and Genevieve Oldani-Caruso.