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MLA is proud to serve a vibrant and growing membership. Our mission and commitment drive everything we do and as we close in on the final meetings to update our strategic plan, we are even more committed. Every day we are making sure that you are informed through online and in-person events—through our pillars of advocacy, education, and engagement.
With that said, we want to make sure that you know that MLA’s leadership (on the board, staff, and committees) is closely monitoring the fast-paced discussions that are taking place in our country, and we will continue to strongly and loudly advocate for the essential and critical role that libraries play in our communities throughout Michigan.
I can say without hesitation that the kinds of colossal changes that are being proposed on a federal level concern us, as I’m sure they concern you as well. The massive federal layoffs; federal funds from IMLS that play a key role in sustaining statewide services like MeL, educational scholarships, and grants; the E-rate challenges; rapid implementation of AI, challenges to those who support DEI and so much more, will most likely affect us in one way or another. We are in unprecedented times (again) and we want you to know that MLA is paying attention…we are at the table…we are amplifying our voices…adding to our resolve to protect the foundation that we have built and the infrastructure that each of our libraries brings to the betterment of our communities. We must all stay connected. Read more
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MLA's mission is to lead the advancement of Michigan libraries through advocacy, education, and engagement, but without our members, there is no MLA! It is our pleasure to share some highlights of our work last year in our 2024 year-in-review video. Thank you for continuing to be involved and engaged in the profession and thank you for supporting your library association! | | |
Chapter & Verse New Episode Drops March 13 | |
Subscribe to Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks and tune in on March 13! Our March episode will be hosted by Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of MLA, and Dillon Geshel, Director of the Superiorland Library Cooperative serving libraries in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and features Amanda Griggs Cataloger/Technical Services Specialist at the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain.
Hosted by the Michigan Library Association and the Library Cooperatives of Michigan, Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks features dedicated Michigan library workers and their inspiring stories. Each episode welcomes a library worker from one of Michigan's 11 cooperative regions to share their most interesting and inspiring experiences. New episodes will premiere on the second Thursday of each month. Chapter & Verse is sponsored by Midwest Tape | hoopla.
Listen to the podcast and subscribe on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, just search "Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks".
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Amanda Griggs has been a librarian at the Dickinson County Library for over 15 years. She is currently the Cataloger/Technical Services Specialist. She is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but has spent the majority of her life as a Yooper. She attended Albion College where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in English and History. While working at the Dickinson County Library, Amanda was lucky enough to appear on Jeopardy with Alex Trebek. When not at the library, Amanda is happiest spending time with her niece and nephew, playing with her cat Zelda, or rolling some dice at Dungeons and Dragons with her friends.
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Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse! In this episode, hosts Debbie Mikula and Steven K. Bowers sit down with Azita Frattarelli, director and youth librarian at the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library in Riverview, Michigan. Azita shares her journey from journalism to librarianship, her earliest library memory, and the meaningful relationships she’s built with patrons. The discussion explores how libraries have evolved into vital community hubs and emphasize the power of kindness and connection in serving the public. Listen, subscribe, and share the podcast with fellow library enthusiasts! | | |
Federal Changes Impacting Grant Programs for Michigan Libraries | |
Federal budget uncertainties, shifting priorities, and policy changes are causing significant changes and delays in grant programs and funding processes for Michigan libraries and cultural organizations. Updates from the Library of Michigan, Michigan Humanities, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council highlight adjustments to grant cycles, compliance requirements, and funding priorities. These changes may impact future opportunities for libraries and their partners. We will continue to monitor and share updates on these programs. Below, we provide an overview of the latest developments to keep you informed and prepared.
Library of Michigan (and the Institute for Museum and Library Services – IMLS)
The Library of Michigan is continuing the hiatus for the Public Library Services grant program through 2025 and delaying the application and grant period for the Improving Access to Information 2025/2026 program. When there is more information on the status of LSTA funding for fiscal year 2026, the Library of Michigan will update the status of the Improving Access to Information grant program.
Michigan Humanities (and the National Endowment for the Humanities – NEH)
Due to the delay in the approval of the fiscal year 2025 federal budget, and the uncertainty of the amount of funding that will be appropriated to the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Office of State and Federal Partnerships, it has become necessary to make some procedural changes to the timing of grant rounds to ensure organizational consistency at Michigan Humanities. To this end, all grant rounds will be announced after the approval of each new fiscal year’s federal budget. This allows for transparent and accurate information to be released to partners regarding funding availability. Within 30 days of federal budget approval, funding windows and application guidelines will be released. This will be our process for the foreseeable future. Please note: the Arts and Humanities Touring Grant program is not currently affected by these changes. As a collaboration between Michigan Humanities and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, it utilizes funding from the state of Michigan.
Michigan Arts and Culture Council (and the National Endowment for the Arts – NEA)
Many libraries also receive grant dollars from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. While the majority of the funds that support arts and cultural organizations come from the state general fund, approximately 300 organizations that receive operational awards have federal dollars attached from the National Endowment for the Arts. There is currently no impact for FY25 grant recipients as the funds have already been expended, but changes in FY26 are likely. Of note from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Assurance of Compliance section that each applicant must sign off on if receiving federal funds has been updated and states that the applicants will comply with all applicable Executive Orders and calls out specifically that applicants will not operate any programs promoting “diversity, equity and inclusion” (Trump’s administration has referred to DEI initiatives as "illegal and immoral discrimination programs") that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws in accordance with Executive Order 14173, nor promote gender ideology, pursuant to Executive Order No. 14168. The NEA has altered its 2026 grant guidelines to prioritize projects that honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The NEA has also eliminated the Challenge America grant, which awarded projects that “extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities” by giving $10,000 to small organizations that could allocate matching funds (about $1M each year to Michigan-based organizations.)
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Stay Informed of News Concerning Intellectual Freedom in Michigan | |
MI Right to Read is an initiative led by the MLA and coordinated by the Intellectual Freedom Task Force, dedicated to safeguarding the right to read in Michigan.
MI Right to Read tracks and shares articles and stories from across Michigan to monitor challenges to intellectual freedom, highlight efforts to protect the right to read, and raise awareness about the importance of access to diverse ideas and perspectives. By staying informed about local and statewide developments, we can better advocate for the freedom to read and respond to threats against it. To stay updated and join the conversation, visit www.mirighttoread.com/in-the-news. Please note that some articles may be behind paywalls, and we have no control over access to them.
If you come across a relevant story in your local media, we encourage you to share the link with us! Your contributions help us stay informed and strengthen our efforts to protect intellectual freedom.
Visit MIRighttoRead.com today to join the coalition and take the pledge to protect every Michigander's right to read.
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Intellectual Freedom Resources for Library Boards | |
Library boards play a vital role in safeguarding intellectual freedom. MLA offers a comprehensive Intellectual Freedom Toolkit to help libraries and library boards uphold the First Amendment. The toolkit offers targeted resources to help boards understand their responsibilities and navigate challenges effectively. Resources include:
- Policy Development: Guidance on creating a robust Collection Development Policy and a Request for Reevaluation of Materials Form to ensure transparency and fairness.
- Proactive Governance: Tips for running effective meetings, understanding Michigan's Open Meetings Act, and using Robert's Rules of Order to maintain order during contentious discussions.
- Education and Advocacy: Tools to educate board members and stakeholders about the importance of intellectual freedom, the role of professional librarians, and the legal precedents protecting diverse collections.
- Local and Coalition Support: Strategies for building community support, identifying intellectual freedom advocates, and connecting with the MI Right to Read Coalition for additional resources and assistance.
The toolkit also includes sample documents, crisis communication plans, and links to nationwide statistics on censorship attempts. Whether you're a library board member, staff member, or community advocate, these resources empower you to defend the freedom to read and ensure your library remains a beacon of intellectual freedom.
**Disclaimer**: The resources provided in the toolkit are for informational and research purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Libraries are encouraged to consult their attorneys for specific legal guidance.
Explore the MLA Intellectual Freedom Toolkit today to strengthen your library's commitment to intellectual freedom and prepare for challenges with confidence.
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Resources for library staff, educators, and board members.
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Tips and templates for promoting intellectual freedom in your community.
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Request support as you take action to protect First Amendment rights.
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Check out February's edition (PDF) of our outreach to Michigan Legislators. Our letters include information on programs and services that libraries provide, education on library funding, the return on investment for our communities, stats and fun facts about library usage and more. | | |
Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2025 - Only a Few Spots Left! | |
Michigan’s libraries light the way. On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the library community will gather together at the Capitol in Lansing to meet with legislators to build relationships while we advocate for library funding and support and educate lawmakers about library issues.
Registration is only $25 and includes an Advocacy Day t-shirt, a boxed lunch, and a custom agenda. MLA will schedule a meeting between you and your legislator(s) or legislative staff.
Registration is first come first served. Click here to review answers to FAQs. Please contact us at mla@milibraries.org if you have additional questions. We can't wait to welcome you to the capital city!
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Don't miss out on upcoming events! Get your tickets! Click the images to learn more and register or visit the event calendar online at milibraries.org/upcoming-events to view our complete lineup of upcoming programs, conferences, MLA Connect webinars and advocacy hours, plus important deadlines for proposals and nominations, MLA Board elections and more! | | |
Spring Institute for Youth Services 2025 Call for Sponsors | Interested in supporting the premier education and networking event for youth services library professionals in Michigan? Sponsor Spring Insitute for Youth Services 2025, April 10-11 at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth Michigan. To learn more, contact Amber Sheerin, Program and Event Director at asheerin@milibraries.org. | | | |
MLA Connect Webinar Lineup | |
Check out the lineup of upcoming MLA Connect Webinars on diverse topics from marketing to service animals in the library.
MLA Connect Webinars are only $25 for MLA members. View details about the full lineup and register at milibraries.org/mla-connect
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Service Animals in the Library | |
March 13, 2025
1:00 - 2:00 PM
What is a service animal? Are patrons required to register their service animal or carry documentation? What about emotional support animals?
On Thursday, March 13 at 1:00 PM, join representatives from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights on Zoom to learn the answers to these questions and more!
This session covers public access requirements for service animals under the ADA and what policies or procedures you should have in place to make your library accessible and welcoming to both two and four-legged patrons.
Please note that this session will not be recorded. Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 13 at 1:00 PM, and plan to join us live on Zoom!
MLA Connect Webinars are only $25 for MLA members.
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Check out the MLA Connect On Demand virtual education platform! MLA members have access to dozens of virtual programs and sessions on a wide variety of topics, all available to view on demand. To view available programs, visit MLA Connect On Demand, browse the archives, and log in with your MLA individual login credentials.
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NOW on demand: Website Accessibility: Ensuring ADA Compliance for Your Library and February’s Advocacy Hour: Director Contracts and Contract Negotiations: MLA Connect On Demand | | |
Welcome to New MLA Members | Check out where new members came from in January! It’s our pleasure to welcome new members from all over Michigan, check out the member directory to reach out, connect, and welcome them to MLA at milibraries.org/new-members. | | | |
Upcoming Informational Session: Learn about Website Services from Streamline | |
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Is your library planning a website redesign or exploring solutions to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Building an inclusive online environment is not only the right thing to do—it’s now a legal requirement. In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule under Title II of the ADA, clarifying the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible to all members of the community. Libraries must take steps to ensure their digital spaces meet these standards.
Streamline is a website platform specializing in ADA compliance for special districts that offers tools to help you easily comply with the ADA and can help your library host a website that is both ADA-compliant and user-friendly.
Join MLA and the Streamline Team for a free informational session on Zoom to learn more and see if it's the right service for your library.
Note, if at least 15 MLA member libraries contract with Streamline we will be eligible for group pricing that includes significant discounts on Streamline's monthly subscription rates. Register now to learn how Streamline can help your library meet ADA requirements and create an inclusive online experience for all!
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Mentorship Program Accepting New Mentees through Feb 28 | |
Whether you’re stuck in a rut at work or embarking on a brand-new career path, we all need professional guidance sometimes. If you’re a new library worker, considering a job change, pursuing your MLIS, or just looking to connect with someone established in the Michigan library community, consider joining the MLA Mentorship Program. Mentee applications close tomorrow, Friday, February 28, and partnerships begin in April. The next opportunity to become a mentee will be August 2025.
Mentor applications are accepted all year! You can even opt out of matching at any point if you find yourself temporarily unable to commit the time to being a mentor. If you’re an experienced library worker, please consider joining the Mentor Program today! We are always looking to diversify our mentors and encourage library workers of all backgrounds to consider joining the program.
Visit milibraries.org/mentor-program for more information and to fill out an application.
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Update Your Member Profile | |
Changed jobs? Got a new email address? Accidentally deleted a confirmation email? Log into the MLA website to manage your member profile! Visit the member portal to keep your contact and work information up to date, view your messages, manage your invoices and forms, and connect with others through the member directory. Do I have to be a member to register for an MLA event? Is my library an MLA Organizational Member? Do I have an Individual MLA Membership? Check out answers to MLA Member Account FAQs (pdf).
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Organizational Renewal and Group Invoicing for Staff Memberships | |
Thank you for your continued support! We're pleased to announce that dues will not increase this year. Look out for renewal information for the 2025-2026 member year in March and don’t forget to let us know if you would like to participate in group invoicing.
MLA offers a simple way for Organizational members to sign up all employees as Affiliated Individual members. Pay one invoice for all staff ($85 per employee) and renew everyone at the same time each year. We'll even pro-rate dues to avoid multiple checks.
For more details, contact MLA Administrative Assistant, Lisa Buttigieg, at (517) 394-2774 ext. 227 or lbuttigieg@milibraries.org
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Building a makerspace? Adding nontraditional items to your library’s collection? Looking to grow your audience and promote your programs and services more widely? Join the MLA Community Forums for a conversation about these topics and more! | | | |
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MLA Strategic Partner members help support our statewide partnerships and collaborations that unite all Michigan libraries, foster healthy communities, promote education and literacy, and advance arts and culture in Michigan. Strategic Partners include library vendors, service providers, community organizations, and philanthropic institutions. Learn more about our partners using our directory search.
Interested in joining MLA as a Strategic Partner? Learn more about the benefits of membership today!
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Shop our store for MI Right to Read apparel and MLA swag. We have shirts designed by Michigan artists that promote the right to read, plus MI Right to Read and MLA merch like hoodies, shirts, mugs, and totes! Check out our store, order your gear, and wear your support of libraries and the right to read!
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Do you have news you want to share? Contact Lisa Buttigieg at lbuttigieg@milibraries.org to share news of promotions, new hires, appointments, awards, or a tribute in memoriam. | | |
After nearly nine years as the Burr Oak Township Library’s clerk, Renee Tillmon stepped into the role of Director on January 1, 2025. (The furry feline is Sully, the rescued library cat who started daily visits to the library in May of 2024.) Wishing Renee and “Sully” all the best! | |
Carrie Wold has been promoted to Collection Services Manager at Jackson District Library (JDL). Over her nearly eight years with JDL, Carrie has served as Youth Librarian, Youth Selector in Collection Services, and most recently as Branch Manager. Congratulations on your new role! | |
Welcoming Suzy Shipman to the Ecorse Public Library as their new Director. Wishing you great success in your new role! | |
Kudos and Congratulations | |
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The Pentwater Township Library (PTL) is celebrating its 170th anniversary. Founded on February 12, 1855—the same day as Michigan State University—PTL has been a cornerstone of its community. Congratulations on this incredible milestone!
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The Brandon Township Public Library was honored with the 2025 Nonprofit Excellence Award at the North Oakland Regional Chamber’s annual awards dinner on January 25. Congratulations to the library for this well-earned recognition! | |
After 34 years of dedicated service as a Youth Coordinator and Lead Librarian II, Michele Wittkopp is retiring from the Muskegon Area District Library. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter of life! | |
Advertise on MLA’s Job Board |
Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Job Board. Learn more here.
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Join Unite Against Book Bans as an Organizational Partner | Unite Against Book Bans welcomes organizational partners who share our core principles and would like to work together to defeat censorship. If your organization is interested in joining the campaign, complete this form and the campaign will reach out to you with partnership details.Learn more at uniteagainstbookbans.org. Join as an Organizational Partner. | |
Unite Against Book Bans, in collaboration with the publishing community, launched Book Résumés, a free resource to support librarians, educators, parents, students, and other community advocates in their efforts to keep frequently challenged books on shelves. Unite Against Book Bans book résumés are easy-to-print documents designed to support readers’ access to books that are targeted by censors. Learn more | |
2025 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition | June 26 - 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. - ALA Annual Conference is the biggest library event of the year. Attend in person or online for top-quality education, inspiring speakers, author talks, access to exhibitors, and much more. | | | |
The Trustee Project: Understanding Public Library Trustee Selection, Training and Collaboration for Equity, Access, and Civic Engagement. | |
Public libraries depend on community-based governance decisions about funding, policy development, access to materials, and human resources. These decisions rest in the hands of volunteer boards of trustees., community members who are elected or selected to sit on boards. This IMLS-funded study is exploring public library trustee experiences. The project is seeking any trustee, former or current, or library administrator who works closely with trustees to participate in a 30-minute survey, located here:
https://tinyurl.com/mryabrrc
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The American Library Association (ALA) is committed to promoting and advancing the librarian profession. To demonstrate this commitment, the ALA and its units provide more than $300,000 annually for study in a master's degree in library and information studies from an ALA accredited program, or for a master's degree with a specialty in school librarianship that meets the ALA curriculum guidelines for a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredited unit.
You can apply for a variety of scholarships through the single online application hosted by the ALA Scholarship Program.
The scholarship process is open annually from September 1st - March 1st. Applications and reference forms (which must be submitted online) are available during that time period. Instructions and general information remain available year-round.
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Digital Equity Competitive Grant | The goal of the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program is to fund initiatives that ensure communities have the access and skills to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances. This program will complement digital equity activities funded by the Capacity Grant Program. This is the first funding opportunity from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, the third of the three Digital Equity Act programs. The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. | | | |
Building Library Capacity Grants | |
ALA Library Building Capacity Grants Guidelines- ALA Library Building Capacity Grants Deadline for Submission: April 12, 2024 by 11:59 pm Central Time (CT)Award Notification Date: May 28, 2024 The ALA Building Library Capacity Grants will assist libraries that are or will serve incarcerated persons or assist those re-entering society. It is open to 1) libraries already serving incarcerated persons or services to those re-entering society, or 2) those who would like to use the grant to begin serving incarcerated persons or starting services for those re-entering society. It is open for both libraries in carceral institutions and those outside carceral institutions.
For 2024, up to sixteen grants of $10,000 each to libraries to increase their capacity to provide essential services through March 31, 2025.
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No Reservation Recommendations |
If you are looking for a vendor or program recommendation, the “No Reservation Recommendations” website provides options that have been submitted by your Michigan-based colleagues. You can search regionally by library cooperative or search the entire contents of the database by subject. In order to ensure there is a robust and growing database, submit your positive recommendations today!
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With the severe uptick in local and statewide book challenges, ALA offers this clearinghouse of resources to assist library workers and library advocates in responding to and supporting others facing those challenges. Report challenges to the Office for Intellectual Freedom, and let ALA know if you need assistance.
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Don't keep this great resource to yourself!
Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and networks.
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Executive Director
(517) 881-1266
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Membership and Communications Director
(517) 881-6652
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Keeley Briggs
Membership and Program Coordinator
(517) 881-0496
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Administrative Assistant
(517) 881-1683
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Program and Event Director
(517) 881-3194
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Connect with MLA on social media! Like and Follow us on Facebook, Bluesky and X for the latest real-time updates from MLA staff, library news, inspirational and educational posts, and more! We also ask that you share this invitation with friends and help us extend our reach so important advocacy updates and calls to action are heard by library supporters throughout the state. |
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Please consider a donation to support our work! With your support, MLA can empower the library leaders of today and tomorrow and continue to enrich the lives of the people that we serve. It takes just a moment to donate here.
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Without our members, there is no MLA. Renew your membership or join our network of hundreds of individuals and organizations from all across the state working together to protect our libraries and advance the library profession in Michigan.
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Uniting the Michigan Library Community
MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.
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To lead the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education and engagement. | |
To be an indispensable resource and valued leader, partner and advocate for Michigan libraries. | | | | |
