JUNE 26, 2025

Note From Dillon

The past month has been a busy time of transition for MLA. As our outgoing Executive Director prepares for retirement, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside her and the MLA team in my new role as Interim Executive Director. Many of you have been in touch with well wishes, to check in, and to ask how the transition is moving along. And as I’ve often stated in response – Debbie and everyone on staff at MLA have helped to plan the most organized onboarding journey that I’ve ever experienced. It’s helped bring me up to speed on MLA’s day-to-day operations quickly, allowing me to dive right into our important work on advocacy, programming and member engagement.


As a former MLA Board member, I knew that the organization’s exceptional work in service to Michigan libraries was a testament to their strong leadership, dedicated staff, and engaged ambassadors. After my first month “behind the scenes”, that picture is even more vibrant for me now. The scope of the work and the commitment and passion the MLA team brings to the table are inspiring for me, as I find my place in an organization that’s becoming more meaningful to me each day. Read more

“A Man is Known by the Company He Keeps” – a fond farewell from Debbie

It is time to say farewell to my MLA family. For the past 6 years, I have surrounded myself with positive thinkers - people who make a difference in their communities, in their organizations, and people who make my day brighter simply by being around them. You have challenged me, supported me, motivated me, mentored me and encouraged me to grow. I have found people to admire and people that I am proud to know. You have been my cheerleaders, teachers, trusted advisors, coaches, role models and ultimately, friends. I am mindful that the people who represent MLA reflect my own values and have influenced me in ways I can only be thankful for. Your positivity, high standards, kindness and honesty are contagious, and I am a better person for having known you all. The fact is, each of us determines the people we spend our time with. As Aesop said so well “A man is known by the company he keeps.” I have chosen wisely.

Debbie’s final board meeting in Gaylord surrounded by MLA staff and board.

Strategic Plan

On Friday, June 13, the MLA Board voted to approve MLA’s new three-year Strategic Plan. Thank you to everyone who answered a survey, attended a focus group, joined the member review session, or shared feedback! Your contributions have helped create a plan that will guide our work to advocate, provide professional development, and engage with the library community for the next three years.

MLA is lucky to have so many dedicated professionals step up to serve on our Board, workgroups, and committees and be ambassadors of the association. They show commitment to their communities, their libraries, their patrons, the library profession, and the Michigan Library Association every day.


Thank you to all who served during 2024-2025 for a great year, and thank you to our new board members and ambassadors whose terms officially begin on July 1. Check out our ambassador directory to view MLA’s newest workgroup and committee members. (Note, you must log in to view the directory webpage.) MLA’s new Ambassadors received notification of their workgroup and committee placement on June 2.

Michigan Library Awards 2025 Call for Nominations

Do you know someone who deserves recognition and celebration for their work in Michigan libraries? The Call for Nominations for the 2025 Michigan Library Awards is open through Friday, July 11! We encourage and welcome your nomination for any of MLA's Awards for recognition at the 2025 Michigan Library Awards on Wednesday, October 29, at the Lansing Center in Lansing during the MLA 2025 Annual Conference.


We've made it simple, self-nominations are strongly encouraged, and you can choose to have your nomination considered for the 2026 awards as well. 


Learn more about the Michigan Library Awards, view guidelines, and submit a nomination at milibraries.org/michigan-library-awards.

MLA 2025 Youth Literary Awards

MLA's Youth Literary Awards recognize outstanding contributions to youth literature and celebrate the best titles for children and teens. For the past year, MLA Youth Literary Award workgroups have spent thousands of hours reading, reviewing, and discussing hundreds of books to choose the very best titles published in 2024 for Michigan kids. It's our pleasure to share the winners of the 2025 Mitten, YouPer, and Thumbs Up! Awards.


The winner of the 2025 Mitten Award is We Are Definitely Human, written and illustrated by X. Fang, published by Tundra Books. 


The winner of the 2025 YouPer Award is And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps, published by Nancy Paulsen Books. 


The winner of the 2025 Thumbs Up! Award is Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White, published by Peachtree Teen.


Click here to view the announcement video! Learn more

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, From Small Town Roots to Library Leadership: Defending Access and Inspiring Community.


In this episode, Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association, and Jennifer Balcom, Director of the Mid-Michigan Library League, talk with Tracy Logan-Walker, Director of Cadillac Wexford Public Library in Cadillac, Michigan.


Tracy reflects on her journey from small-town beginnings to a career in librarianship, sharing the early influences that shaped her path. She highlights the vital role libraries play in their communities, recalls meaningful moments from her career, and addresses current challenges—including the spread of misinformation and the fight for intellectual freedom. Tracy also shares her hopes and excitement for the evolving future of libraries.


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.

 

With this podcast, we aim to spread good news, highlight inspirational stories of library workers, and spotlight some of the many wonderful things libraries do in Michigan communities. 


Listen and subscribe on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, just search "Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks”. Help us spread the word by sharing each episode with your fellow library enthusiasts and patrons on your social media channels! You can listen to past episodes on MLA’s website at milibraries.org/podcast or you can link to our podcast webpage in your library newsletter.

🇺🇸 Closed Independence Day

Please note, the MLA office will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4.

ADVOCACY

Check out MLA's Bill Tracker to view a full list of legislation that the Advocacy and Legislative Committee is watching.

IMLS Update: Timeline and Status

Since March of this year, libraries across the country have wrestled with federal funding uncertainty and the prospect of losing widely used programs and services funded by those dollars. An Executive Order seeking to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) - the only dedicated source of federal funding for public libraries - was followed by the firing and replacement of key staff, federal lawsuits, court injunctions, and calls to action. With so many updates to this story over the last few months, we thought it would be helpful to summarize the timeline so far and the latest updates on securing IMLS funding.


March 14 - On March 14, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The order seeks to eliminate the agency to the maximum extent allowable by law, including laying off staff and cutting programs. The Library of Michigan receives $4.8 million in IMLS funding each year, which is used in part to fund the Michigan eLibrary and our statewide interlibrary loan system. Read more

House Budget Proposes Flat State Aid to Libraries, Anticipates IMLS Funding Cuts

On June 12, Michigan’s House of Representatives moved its education budget through subcommittee, appropriations and approved the plan on the House floor. Because funding for the Library of Michigan falls under the Department of Education, the House Republicans’ budget gives us our first glimpse at their plan for public library funding in the next fiscal year.


Approved in a party-line vote, the House budget bill, HB 4576, preserves state aid to libraries, providing the same $16.5 million allocation as was approved for the current fiscal year. This is in line with the Governor’s original budget proposal for next year as well. Both budgets propose flat state aid to libraries in the amount of $16.5 million.


The House budget also zeroes out the $5.6 million allocated to the Library of Michigan through the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA), a program facilitated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). By removing that line from the budget, House Republicans are indicating they do not expect to receive any funding from IMLS for fiscal year 2026. Unfortunately, their budget does not include any appropriation from the State of Michigan to replace those dollars. 


It's important to note that the approved House bill is just the first step in a long negotiation process between House leadership and appropriation chairs. This version of the state budget will likely see many changes before a final version is adopted. As the legislature continues its work and negotiations on the fiscal year 2026 budget, MLA will be sure to keep you updated on any new developments related to library funding.

MI Right to Read

MI Right to Read is an initiative led by the MLA, dedicated to safeguarding the right to read in Michigan. Visit MIRighttoRead.com today to join the coalition and take the pledge to protect every Michigander's right to read.

MI Right to Read is funded in part by the Mellon Foundation.

Intellectual Freedom Resources

Resources for library staff, educators, and board members.

Tips and templates for promoting intellectual freedom in your community.

Request support as you take action to protect First Amendment rights.

EVENTS

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!

MLA 2025 Annual Conference, Library Kaleidoscope: Shifting Perspectives, Registration is OPEN!

Shift Your Perspective at MLA 2025! Join the Michigan library community October 29-31 in downtown Lansing for the MLA 2025 Annual Conference. 


Our theme this year is Library Kaleidoscope: Shifting Perspectives. Join us as we challenge assumptions, discover hidden patterns, and bring creative solutions into focus. 


Full Conference Early Bird registration is $325 for MLA members! Early Bird Rates expire Friday, September 5, 2025. Register today for the best rates!

Conference Venue and Hotel

Lansing Center

333 E Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933

lansingcenter.com


DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing

111 N Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933

Connected to the Lansing Center by skybridge.


Please ensure your reservations are made before September 27, 2025. Room block may sell out early! View details.

Call for Exhibitors and Sponsors


Do you offer products and services for libraries? Don't miss the opportunity to connect with hundreds of library staff and support our upcoming MLA 2025 Annual Conference on October 29-31 at the Lansing Center in Downtown Lansing. 

 

Contact Mackenzie Hanfland, MLA Event Coordinator at mhanfland@milibraries.org

or (517) 881-7242 to learn more about sponsoring or exhibiting.

 

Download the MLA 2025 Annual Conference prospectus.


MLA Connect On Demand

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.

MEMBERSHIP

Join MLA on Discord!

Discord is an instant messaging app that originally catered to gamers and has gained popularity in the library world in recent years. Whether you already use Discord for your library or the platform is brand new to you, join us and connect with other MLA members through text and voice chat! Topics discussed include youth and adult services, technology, marketing, libraries of things, makerspaces, and more!

 

Visit discord.gg/yM3A9qUsn4 and start chatting today!

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).

Update to MLA-ALA Councilor Role

At their regular June board meeting, the MLA Board of Directors appointed Interim Executive Director Dillon Geshel to serve as ALA Chapter Councilor. Per the MLA Board of Directors bylaws, the ALA Chapter Councilor is appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. In recent years, the Councilor position has been appointed from among the Board of Directors. By having the organization's Executive Director serve as ALA Chapter Councilor, MLA hopes to add stablity to the Councilor role and ensure MLA leadership are at the table when it comes to casting votes as an ALA Chapter Councilor.


The ALA Council is the governing body of ALA. ALA Councilors attend and represent MLA at all council meetings at the ALA annual conference and provide summary reports of issues discussed at meetings.


Organizational Membership Renewal

Thank you to all of our organizational members for your continued support! Organizational membership renewal information for the 2025-2026 member year was sent in April. If you have any questions about your membership or renewal please contact Rachel Ash, MLA Membership and Communications Director at rfash@milibraries.org.

Accessing Your Library's Member Record

Organizational representatives: To access your library’s member record, visit milibraries.org and log in to the online member portal using your individual login credentials. From the member portal home page navigation menu, select "Go to Profile," then navigate to "My Profile" and select "Your Organization" from the dropdown list. You are now interacting as your library!

View the Organizational Member Directory

Search the MLA Organizational Member Directory to view library organizational members of MLA. You can search by library name, address or zip or view all organizational members in alphabetical order. Need to update your library's info? Library directors can log in to their individual member profiles to access and update their library's organizational membership.

Shop the MLA Store

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!

Strategic Partners

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!

PEOPLE
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.

On the Move

The Benton Harbor Public Library has appointed Reynaldo Frias-Santana as its new Director. Reynaldo brings years of experience in public library leadership as a master-level librarian. He also brings a unique background as a Capuchin monk. Welcome to the Benton Harbor Public Library, Reynaldo!

Congratulations to Christina Markowski, who has been appointed as Director of the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library. Christina has been serving as Interim Director since September 2024 and has been on staff with the library since 2015. Wishing you great success, Christina!

Novi Public Library (NPL) has announced Emily Brush as the new Youth and Teen Services Supervisor. Emily has been with NPL for 10 years, most recently as Early Literacy Librarian. Congratulations to you, Emily! 

Congratulations to Rachel Manela, who has been appointed as the new Adult Services Supervisor at Novi Public Library (NPL). Rachel previously served as the Archival Librarian for four years at NPL. Wishing you all the best, Rachel!

Kudos and Congratulations

The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library’s MakerLab was recognized as the Economic Generator Network's Outstanding Contributor Award and received $15,000. Congratulations to Nancy Mousseau, who has done a wonderful job building a space where STEM creativity can flourish, Program Coordinator Sienna Thiem, also present in the picture, since joining the team, has hit the ground running and created a variety of adult programs that showcase resources in the MakerLab. Way to go, Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library!

FEATURED JOBS

Advertise on MLA’s Job Board

Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Job Board. Learn more here.

Social Media Coordinator (Contract)

Michigan Library Association - Remote


Bloomingdale Branch Manager 

Van Buren District Library - Decatur, MI


Library Director

Dowagiac District Library - Dowagiac, MI


Library Director

Pontiac Public Library - Pontiac, MI

GRANTS AND RESOURCES
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.


Read more

https://nrr.ninja/

 Don't keep this great resource to yourself!
Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and networks.
Contact Us


Dillon Geshel

Interim Executive Director

(517) 881-1266

Deborah E. Mikula

Executive Director

(517) 404-3533


Rachel Adams

Membership and Communications Director

(517) 881-6652

Keeley Briggs

Membership and Program Coordinator

(517) 881-0496

Lisa Buttigieg

Administrative Assistant

(517) 881-1683


Mackenzie Hanfland

Event Coordinator

(517) 881-7242


Amber Sheerin, CMP

Program Director

(517) 881-3194

Connect on Social Media

Connect with MLA on social media! Like and Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky 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.

Support MLA

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.
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.
Uniting the Michigan Library Community
MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.

Our Mission

To lead the advancement of Michigan libraries through advocacy, professional development, and engagement.

Our Vision

Strong libraries,

strong communities,

stronger Michigan