MLA 2022 Annual Conference: Bridging the Divide
Early Bird Rates expire TODAY! This October 19-21, join the Michigan library community in person in Port Huron for the MLA 2022 Annual Conference: Bridging the Divide.
Michigan's libraries and the fantastic people that work in our libraries are Bridging the Divide – the digital divide, as well as educational and cultural divides in our communities.

Join us this October 19-21 and learn about innovative services and programs from libraries throughout Michigan, grow your professional network, stay up-to-date on library trends, get involved in the Michigan library community, and continue the great work your library is doing to bridge the divide and connect your patrons to your community as well as resources and information.

Early Bird Rates end TODAY! Visit our website to see the complete lineup of education sessions, including session tracks and learning objectives, review the schedule at a glancefeatured speaker lineup, and register today.

We look forward to seeing you in Port Huron this October!
MLA Scholarship Fund Applications Due TODAY, September 9
We are excited to gather with the Michigan library community this October in person at the MLA 2022 Annual Conference and we don't want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to attend because of financial reasons! Scholarship applications are due Friday, September 9. The application forms are very short and simple.

Don't miss out on attending MLA 2022 Annual Conference. If you need financial support to attend, click the button below to learn more and apply online.
Library Continuing Education Program
Continuing education stipends are also available through the Library of Michigan Library Continuing Education Program. Michigan public, academic and school library staff are eligible to apply for funds to attend MLA 2022 Annual Conference.

View complete program details, eligibility and criteria, and apply: www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/scholarships/library-continuing-education-stipend-program
Conference Venue
Blue Water Convention Center 
800 Harker Street
Port Huron, MI, 48060 
(810) 201-5513 

Hotel Options
DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron 
800 Harker Street
Port Huron, MI, 48060 
(810) 984-8000 

MLA Room Rate: $129.00 per night, plus tax for a standard room with one or two beds, if reserved before September 16, 2022.

2021 Water St, Port Huron, MI 48060
(810) 662-3400

MLA Room Rate: $124.00 per night, plus tax for a standard room with one or two beds, if reserved before September 16, 2022. Please call the hotel directly and identify yourself as a part of the MLA group
Breakout Education Sessions
This year we are offering more than 40 education sessions in four tracks to help you organize your educational experience. Attend sessions in one track or mix-and-match educational programs!
Our education session lineup presented by library staff and experts from libraries all over Michigan, features sessions on topics ranging from dealing with censorship attempts and supporting intellectual freedom, to library marketing, staff well-being, preventing burnout, leadership, personal development, programming, grants, outreach, budgeting and more!

Check out the complete lineup of education sessions, including session tracks, and learning objectives at milibraries.org/annual-conference-sessions.
Keynote Speakers
Special Events
Exhibit Hall Opening Reception
Wednesday, October 19, 5:30 - 6:45 PM
Hors d’oeuvres are included and a cash bar will be available. This event is free to attend for all Wednesday conference attendees and is the perfect preamble to the Michigan Library Awards Gala.

Morning Wellness
Thursday, October 20, and Friday, October 21, 7:30 - 8:30 AM
One benefit of our beautiful location is the opportunity to start the day with a relaxing and refreshing walk to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. This event has a maximum attendance of 50 and will be held weather permitting.

Silent Auction
Thursday, October 20, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Bid on a wide assortment of library-adjacent items donated by members and vendors! All proceeds will benefit the MLA Equity Fund and MLA Professional Development Scholarship Fund.

Spelling Bee Lunch
Thursday, October 20 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Test out your spelling prowess during Thursday lunch and raise money for the MLA Intellectual Freedom Fund!

Student Reception
Thursday, October 20 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Open to all attendees regardless of whether you are a student. Stop by if you're thinking about going back to school, or interested in meeting emerging professionals in the library field. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be available.

Trivia Party
Thursday, October 20, 8:00 - 10:00 PM
Librarians know all the right stuff, and this is your chance to prove it. As the day winds down join us in Freighter's Eatery and Taproom for an evening of trivia. Wow your friends and colleagues with the breadth of your knowledge and win prizes as well as bragging rights. Pre-formed teams of five, as well as individuals who want to join a team, are welcome!
The Michigan Library Awards is the can't-miss event for recognizing Michigan's amazing library professionals and libraries. It’s the Michigan library community's own version of the Academy Awards, the Emmys, the Grammys, and the Tonys, and you're invited!

Join the Michigan library community on Wednesday, October 19 in Port Huron for an evening of celebration, including dinner and an awards show featuring entertainment and special guests. Save the date and plan to don your best business dressy attire (ball gowns and tuxedos are NOT required), strut the red carpet for a photo op, and join us for dinner and a show as we celebrate the accomplishments, dedication and service of outstanding libraries, library staff, trustees and supporters.

The Michigan Library Awards dinner and awards ceremony is included with annual conference registration or tickets can be purchased for $50 each for those not attending the conference.
Exhibit Hall Schedule
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 
11:30 AM — 6:30 PM

Thursday, October 20, 2022 
9:00 AM — 3:00 PM

Thank you to our Sponsors!
Thank you to our MLA 2022 Annual Conference Sponsors! Not a sponsor yet but interested in supporting the premier education and networking event for the library profession in Michigan? Visit us online to fill out the sponsorship commitment form or contact Amber Sheerin, Program and Event Director at asheerin@milibraries.org.
Questions?
Contact MLA at (517) 394-2774 or MLA@milibraries.org.