|
Last Friday, MLA was feeling like the holidays came a bit early, and as the Grinch would say “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags.” MLA leadership felt a small spark of hope, a tiny flicker of optimism, despite the things we have no control over. And that optimism was rewarded on Friday, December 13 around 7:30 PM when the democratic House Members voted unanimously to move the Freedom to Read bills to the Senate.
But, Lame Duck is turning out to be, somewhat predictably, unpredictable. The Freedom to Read legislation could be impacted by factors beyond our control. Protest absences by members in both the House and Senate have stalled progress on several pieces of legislation and could potentially derail our efforts to see these bills pass before the end of the legislative session. Due to the absence of two Democrats (one in the House and one in the Senate) and all House Republicans, there was no voting in the Michigan House or Senate on Wednesday, December 18. Today, Thursday, December 19, there was again no voting in the House due to the absence of Rep. Whitsett and all House Republicans. The House has adjourned.
All hope is not lost. After the House adjourned this afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks issued a statement affirming the Senate’s commitment to completing the agenda, stating, "The Michigan Senate is still in session, and we have the opportunity to do good - a lot of good. In the coming hours, residents can count on us to act on key items that will protect the state's children, improve on-the-job rights for workers, and more."
We are crossing our fingers that the Senate will schedule additional session days but at this late date, we are unsure of the future. We must continue to advocate and encourage our Senators to pass the Freedom to Read Acts. If the bills are passed in the Senate, they will head to Governor Whitmer. We remain confident that if these bills reach the Governor’s desk before the end of this legislative session, they will be signed into law.
Thank you for your continued advocacy and support for Michigan's public libraries. We will keep you tuned in as more is known of the fate of the Freedom to Read bills.
| |
|
Deborah E. Mikula
Executive Director, Michigan Library Association
| |
Support MLA Future Pathways Grants | |
As we approach the end of the year, we are reaching out to ask for your continued support—this time, with a focus on the MLA Equity Fund. MLA is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within Michigan’s libraries and the library profession. Future Pathways Grants, funded through the MLA Equity Fund, are one way we demonstrate that commitment.
The MLA Equity Fund is supported entirely by donations from individuals who believe in empowering future leaders and fostering diversity in the library profession. Your donation to the MLA Equity Fund supports the Future Pathways Grants, providing up to $1,000 for projects and professional development opportunities for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, North African, or Middle Eastern individuals. These grants break down financial barriers, encouraging participation and leadership of underrepresented library workers in Michigan. They can be used for memberships, workshops, conferences, and other transformative opportunities.
| |
|
Our goal is to raise $3,000 by the end of the year, and we’re already halfway there! Your donation, no matter the size, will help us reach this goal and continue our important work.
Please consider a gift to the MLA Equity Fund to support a diverse and equitable library profession. Click the button below to donate online, send a check to Michigan Library Association, PO Box 27337, Lansing, MI 48909, with "MLA Equity Fund" in the memo, or call (517) 394-2774 to donate by phone. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Together, we can take meaningful action to live our values and advance our vision of an equitable library profession. Every donation counts and brings us closer to our goal. Thank you for your generosity and support!
| |
Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode Drops January 9 | |
Subscribe to Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks and tune in on January 9! Our January episode will be hosted by Carol Dawe Director of the Lakeland Library Cooperative and feature Virginia DeMumbrum, Director of the White Lake Community Library in Whitehall.
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".
| |
| |  | Virginia DeMumbrum has been hanging out in libraries since she was a little kid going to storytimes with her mom. When she moved to Whitehall with her own young children, one of the first things she did was find the local library and take them to storytime. The next thing she knew she was hired to lead storytimes, despite flunking scissors in kindergarten and dropping out of ukulele school. She became the director of the White Lake Community Library in 2019. Just as she was starting to feel settled in the job, the pandemic hit. She’s been a little unsettled ever since, constantly looking for new ways to adapt library services to meet community needs. In addition to her work at the library, she is deeply involved in her community, including serving a four-year term on city council. She and her husband still live in Whitehall and are fortunate to have their three young grandchildren living right next door. Their parents take them to storytime at the library, of course. Their grandparents prefer to take them kayaking and fishing.
| | | | |
|
|
Please update your records with our new mailing address and make sure the address is corrected in your financial software as well!
Michigan Library Association
PO Box 27337
Lansing, MI 48909
| |
|
We would like to wish the entire library community a peaceful and joyous holiday season and a happy new year!
MLA will be closed for the holidays from December 24, through January 2, 2025. We will be back and ready to serve the library community in the new year on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
| | | |
Check out MLA's Bill Tracker to view a full list of legislation that the Advocacy and Legislative Committee is watching.
| |
| |
Dark Store and OMA Legislation Die in Lame Duck | |
Legislation aimed at closing the dark store tax loophole has died in committee. House Bills 5865-5868 received a hearing in the House Tax Policy Committee on December 11. Andrea Ingmire, from the Peter White Public Library, provided testimony on how the tax loophole is impacting libraries and MLA submitted cards of support and testimony. The legislation did not move out of committee. Stating that they had run out of time for the day, Committee Chair, Representative Cynthia Neeley called the committee to ease and later adjourned. It is now too late in the legislative session for any further action.
House Bill 4693, introduced by Representative John Fitzgerald to amend the Open Meetings Act has also run out of time. Our work continues.
| |
Intellectual Freedom Resources | |
MI Right to Read is an MLA initiative coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force to protect 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.
| |
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.
| | |
Click the image to view MLA's video emphasizing the critical role of libraries in providing access to diverse perspectives, safeguarding intellectual freedom and protecting the Freedom to Read. Help us advocate for Michigan libraries and protect everyone’s First Amendment rights. | |
| | |
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! | | |
Surviving and Thriving as a Public Library Director 2025 | |
Are you a newly appointed library director in need of support and information? Are you interested in becoming a library director in the future? Are you a library director who would like to connect with other library leaders across the state?
Join us for Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director! Back by popular demand, this in-depth program led by consultant, coach, and retired library director Maxine Bleiweis, addresses the many challenges confronting public library directors.
Designed to help new and future library directors survive and thrive as leaders in the library and community, the course offers a unique combination of small-group support and expert guidance.
The program is limited to a cohort of 10 people. It begins in March and consists of a half-day workshop and three webinar sessions, as well as an individual consulting session with Maxine for the opportunity to get personalized guidance and advice for managing your most pressing challenges.
Rates:
MLA Individual Member: $975
Non-Member: $1,950
| | | |
Spring Institute for Youth Services 2025 Registration Opens in January! | Save the date! Spring Institute for Youth Services 2025 is scheduled for April 10-11 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in beautiful Frankenmuth. Our theme this year is "Celebrate Our Stories.” Registration opens in January! | | |
Spring Institute 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, next 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
| | |
Upcoming Webinar: Blueprints & Budgets: Crafting the Perfect RFP for Your Library’s Need | |
January 22, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Library services are evolving, and your space may need to change too. Whether you're thinking about renovating, expanding, or building from the ground up, there are big questions: What's the best option? How much will it cost? How long will it take? This session will guide you through the process of hiring professional design services and provide strategies for crafting a clear, comprehensive Request for Proposals (RFP). You'll learn how to compare proposals effectively and ensure the services you receive align with your needs and budget.
MLA Connect webinars are $25 for MLA members.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
NOW on demand: Library Graphics 101 Parts 1 and 2, and December's MLA Connect Advocacy Hour: Library Law: MLA Connect On Demand | | |
Welcome to the 2024-2025 Think Space Cohort | “Leadership” was the theme for this year's Think Space led by John McCann of Partners in Performance. Forty library directors from around the state joined the cohort and will gather again virtually in the new year and in person in May. As one attendee shared, “It was time well spent in the company of colleagues.” | | | |
Welcome to New MLA Members | Check out where new members came from in November 2024! 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. | | | |
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).
| |
Call for Discussion Prompts | |
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! Our forum moderators are looking for input on new discussion threads. To share your ideas:
-
Visit www.milibraries.org/forum and log into your MLA member account to start posting, or
-
Fill out the anonymous submission form to send your question or comment to the mods, no login is required!
| | | |
|
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!
| | |
|
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!
| | | |
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. | | |
|
Melissa McKenna is now the Assistant Director for Outreach and Adult Services at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL). Melissa first joined TADL in September 2019 as Head of Adult Services at the Main Library on Woodmere Avenue. Wishing you all the best in your new role Melissa!
| |
|
Jordan Wright has been hired as the new Director of the Tecumseh District Library. He will begin his role at the library in late December. Jordan comes to Tecumseh from Ferndale District Library. Welcome and Congratulations Jordan!
| |
Kudos and Congratulations | |
Congratulations to Kaitlin McLaughlin, Youth Services Librarian at the Allegan District Library who has just completed the MLIS program. Way to go, Kaitlin, wishing you all the best! | |
Advertise on MLA’s Job Board |
Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Job Board. Learn more here.
| | | |
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.
Created in partnership with dozens of publishers and featuring information provided by publishers, librarians, and Unite partner School Library Journal, 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
| |
Call for Submissions: Grants to Support Public Libraries Nationwide | Carnegie Corporation of New York | New Carnegie grant opportunity will invest $5 million in public libraries to support English language and youth programs. Read more to find out if your library is eligible and complete the survey by January 10, 2025. | | | |
Apply for a Grant - Science Kit for Public libaries (SKPL) | Grant applications are accepted starting November 1st and ending at 11:59pm on the 3rd Thursday of January. Grant Recipients will be notified by SKPL by the end of March Apply for a grant here | | | | |
|
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 on-line) are available during that time period. Instructions and general information remain available year round.
| | | |
|
NEA Big Read is a grant of up to $20,000 for nonprofits to host community reading programs that build bridges and encourage dialogue. Programming for the 2025-2026 grant cycle will center around the theme OUR NATURE: How Our Physical Environment Can Lead Us to Seek Hope, Courage, and Connection, 22 titles are available in the NEA Big Read Library to inspire community programming this cycle. Each title explores in some way our relationship with the physical environment. Applicants will facilitate book discussions, writing workshops, and creative programming activities that explore this theme and celebrate the unique aspects of their communities.
Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle are now open. Submit your Intent to Apply by January 23, 2025
| | | |
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. | | | |
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!
| | |
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.
| | |
Don't keep this great resource to yourself!
Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and networks.
| |
Executive Director
(517) 881-1266
| |
Membership and Communications Director
(517) 881-6652
| |
|
Keeley Briggs
Membership and Program Coordinator
(517) 881-0496
| |
Administrative Assistant
(517) 881-1683
| |
Program and Event Director
(517) 881-3194
| |
Connect with MLA on social media! Like and Follow us on Facebook 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. |
| |
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.
| | | | |
