The Congressional Office of International Leadership has partnered with Rotary International to host delegations from Eastern Europe and Asia, providing opportunities to learn about American life and institutions. As part of this initiative, the Rochester Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Mount Clemens Rotary Club, is hosting a six-member public library delegation from Kazakhstan.
The delegation, consisting of four women and two men, arrived last night following a 15-hour flight and a day and a half in Washington, D.C. Their visit focuses on public library development in the United States. Over the next eight days, they will stay with Rotarian host families, visit 15 public libraries, and participate in cultural activities throughout southeast Michigan.
Day 2 was packed with tours and great conversations. We started at the OPC Social and Activities Center (our local senior citizens center), enjoyed some delicious Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s, and explored the impressive 88,000-square-foot Meadowbrook Hall. This afternoon, we’re touring Oakland University’s Kresge Library to see academic library services in action.The delegation was especially interested in learning about Rotary and was genuinely impressed by the strong volunteer spirit in the U.S. It’s inspiring to see these cross-cultural exchanges spark new ideas!
The Congressional Office of International Leadership has partnered with Rotary International to host delegations from Eastern Europe and Asia, providing opportunities to learn about American life and institutions. As part of this initiative, the Rochester Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Mount Clemens Rotary Club, is hosting a six-member public library delegation from Kazakhstan.
The delegation, consisting of four women and two men, arrived last night following a 15-hour flight and a day and a half in Washington, D.C. Their visit focuses on public library development in the United States. Over the next eight days, they will stay with Rotarian host families, visit 15 public libraries, and participate in cultural activities throughout southeast Michigan.
Day 2 was packed with tours and great conversations. We started at the OPC Social and Activities Center (our local senior citizens center), enjoyed some delicious Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s, and explored the impressive 88,000-square-foot Meadowbrook Hall. This afternoon, we’re touring Oakland University’s Kresge Library to see academic library services in action.
Day 2 was a celebration of music in Detroit.
We began our journey at Hitsville USA, home of the Motown Museum, where we saw the iconic hat and glove Michael Jackson wore in the Billie Jean video—an incredible piece of music history he personally donated during his visit.
We savored sliders at Green Dot Stables in Corktown for lunch, enjoying a taste of the city's vibrant food scene.
The day culminated at Orchestra Hall, where the Detroit Symphony Orchestra delivered a stunning concert performance of Bizet’s Carmen. As we departed, we had the unexpected pleasure of meeting one of the performers, who graciously posed for a photo with members of our delegation.
The days were long but incredibly engaging. The delegation spent the day at the Rochester Hills Public Library, starting with a tour and discussions with four RHPL trustees. After delivering a presentation at the Rochester Rotary Club, they returned to the library to learn about services for individuals with disabilities and the role of the Friends of the Library.On Wednesday, the delegation spent the morning at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Rotarian Roger Roller, who also serves as a DIA docent, gave us a fantastic museum tour. District 6380 Governor Sharna Hatcher walked in! What a pleasant surprise.
After lunch, the delegation headed across the street to the Detroit Public Library, beginning with a tour of the Main Library. In a conference room, staff members gave insightful presentations on various aspects of their library services. Sergei, our translator, continues to impress with his remarkable skills—what a talent!
We have Nurzhan Zholdybalinov, Deputy Head of Electronic Resources at the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, from left to right. Next is Zhanar Kulzhayeva, the American Corners program coordinator at Kazakhstan's US Embassy and Consulate. Zhanar is fluent in English and is the delegation's facilitator. Ainur Shaimukhanbetova is the Chief Executive Officer of Karagada Regional Universal Research Library and is head of reference at the East Kazakhstan regional library. Altoty Saliyeva is the Department Head of the Aktobe Regional Universal Scientific Library. Meruyert Zhailibayeva is the head of reference at the East Kazakhstan Regional Library. Last but not least is Meiram Beltembayev, the director of the centralized Library system of Almaty.
The week continued with trips to many other libraries, including the Detroit Public Library, Ann Arbor District Library, Rochester Hills Public Library, Ray Township Library, Bloomfield Township Public Library, West Bloomfield Township Public Library, Clinton-Macomb Public Library, and the Shelby Township Library.
The trip closed with a farewell potluck dinner, which was a new experience for the delegates. It was a wonderful week, we made many new friends, bonded as a delegation, and the Rotary Club.