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Note from Dillon
Dillon Geshel, MLA Interim Executive Director
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As we near the end of the season, Michigan’s Congressional leaders will return to work in Washington after Labor Day. Over the summer, MLA and other organizations supporting libraries have sent communications to Congress, urging them to support federal funding for libraries. Before their August recess, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee included a small increase and level funding for library programs. Now we need to remind the U.S. House of Representatives to follow suit.
While the federal administration has attempted to gut the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), it’s Congress that has the ultimate deciding power over the federal budget. If a final version of the FY26 federal budget does not include funding for IMLS, Michigan’s widely popular statewide library programs, such as MeL and MeLCat, would not have the support they need to continue serving all Michiganders beginning in October of 2026.
Ahead of the long weekend, we hope you’ll join us in telling the House of Representatives to fund libraries. The American Library Association’s Fund Libraries campaign provides template language and a tool that sends your outreach email directly to your House Representative’s office. As Congress returns to work to hammer out a final budget, now is the time to remind them that federal library funding is crucial for maintaining our statewide interlibrary loan program and freely accessible online resources.
In Lansing, our advocacy and engagement with the Michigan legislature continues. Governor Whitmer’s February budget proposal included flat funding for state aid to libraries and retained a line item for spending Michigan’s IMLS funding as allocated. In May, the Michigan Senate approved its own FY26 budget plan, which included a $900,000 increase in state aid to libraries, and, like the Governor’s proposal, a line item for spending federal IMLS funds. READ MORE
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Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse: Community First - Strengthening Services in a Resource-Limited Library.
In this episode, hosts Dillon Geshel and Kate Pohjola Andrade welcome Mary Gallup, Director of the Clinton Township Public Library, who shares her inspiring path from stay-at-home mom to library leader. Mary reflects on the community connections that sparked her career, the creative programs and advocacy efforts that have shaped her tenure, and the realities of serving a small library with limited resources. The conversation dives into navigating political and township dynamics, championing intellectual freedom, and embracing the evolving role of libraries as vital community hubs.
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. 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.
Listen 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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October is Michigan Library Appreciation Month | |
Libraries are where curiosity meets opportunity, where questions turn into discoveries, and where every Michigander can explore, learn, and connect with their community. This October, during Michigan Library Appreciation Month and MI Right to Read Week (October 5–11), we are excited to honor Michigan libraries and library staff with the 2025 theme: “Find Out.”
“In the spring months of 1953, bills for censorship and ‘control’ of books were introduced into most of the 46 legislatures meeting at that time, and public libraries...found themselves on the defensive in seeking to maintain their trusteeship of the public's ‘right to find out’…” — Paul Bixler, Proceedings of the Second Conference on Intellectual Freedom, Whittier, California, June 20–21, 1953.
In the early 1950s, libraries were under attack for carrying so-called “dangerous” materials. During a period of U.S. history marked by intense fear of communism, libraries became flashpoints because they provide access to books, ideas, and perspectives—even those deemed controversial or politically dangerous. Censorship and self-censorship were widespread. People feared losing jobs or reputations for possessing or circulating materials considered “subversive.” At the same moment in time, the paperback revolution was transforming American reading, with cheap, portable books bringing bold voices and new ideas into everyday life. For some, this democratization of books was liberating; for others, it was threatening.
In 1953, librarians and publishers responded with the Freedom to Read Statement, a bold declaration that access to ideas is essential to democracy. In an era of fear, suspicion, and political division, the library profession took a stand and rejected censorship, labeling, and loyalty oaths. With the Freedom to Read Statement, librarians affirmed some of the profession’s highest ideals: intellectual freedom, the freedom of inquiry, the free exchange of ideas, and the right to read.
Nearly 75 years later, library professionals remain on the frontlines of the same struggle—defending intellectual freedom, resisting censorship, and ensuring that everyone has the chance to find out for themselves. This October, during Michigan Library Appreciation Month and MI Right to Read Week, we invite all Michiganders: if you’re curious, concerned, or seeking, come to your library and Find Out.
Together, let’s honor our legacy and celebrate the vital contributions of Michigan libraries, librarians, and library workers. This October—Find Out at your library!
Libraries, staff, and patrons are invited to get involved throughout the month. We encourage libraries to submit the Michigan Library Appreciation Month proclamation to your local elected officials to secure their support. Issuing a proclamation can take some time, so start early by identifying a council member, mayor, or supervisor to sponsor it. Contact information can be found on your local city, county, or township website. Download the proclamation.
Stay tuned for social media ideas, newsletter copy, graphics, and more resources to help you participate in the celebration.
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Please note, the MLA virtual offices will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day.
| | | MLA Celebrates 134 Year Anniversary | |
As Michigan’s oldest and largest library association, MLA has been championing Michigan libraries for 134 years. Our story began in 1891, when Mary A. Eddy (a librarian at Coldwater Free Public Library) wrote to Detroit’s Henry M. Utley about forming a statewide library association. The first MLA meeting took place on September 1, 1891, in Detroit with just 37 members – enough librarians to elect five officers and even print their 40-line constitution on a tiny 3-inch by 6-inch card! From those humble beginnings, MLA has grown into a community of thousands of librarians, volunteers, and library supporters across the state.
Now it’s time to celebrate – and we want you to join us! Show your MLA pride on Monday, September 1, by posting on social media. Send us a happy birthday message, share how long your library has been serving its community, or give MLA a shout-out about your membership. Don’t forget to tag @MichiganLibraryAssociation on Facebook so we can celebrate together. Let’s make this milestone 134th birthday a memorable one for our entire library community!
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Check out MLA's Bill Tracker to view a full list of legislation that the Advocacy and Legislative Committee is watching. | | | | |
Michigan Library Millages August Election Results | Check out the roundup of the August 6, 2025, election results for millage issues on ballots around the state. We are pleased to share that every library millage on the ballots in Michigan this August passed! We are proud of the library boards, staff, and supporters for their work on these campaigns and their dedication to supporting their libraries. The Library of Michigan provides the listing of Public Library Millage Election Results from 2010 to the present, including the library millage type, if the millage is new, a renewal, or a renewal with an increase, the number of yes and no votes, the term, and the year it takes effect. View the results (pdf). | | | |
Joint Letter Urging Congress to Fund IMLS
MLA and a coalition of associations representing Michigan’s libraries, museums, and historical societies have sent a joint letter to Congressional leaders urging them to support funding the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in FY 2026.
Without IMLS support, schools, libraries, historical organizations, universities, and community colleges would face major challenges in sustaining these programs, especially those with limited local funding. The economies of scale that make these statewide services affordable would disappear. For example, the current cost of MeL database subscriptions statewide is $2,481,885 annually. If each institution were to purchase those resources independently, the total cost would skyrocket to $66,910,870. Michigan residents depend on these programs for education, career development, and access to reliable information. Continued federal funding through IMLS is essential to ensuring equal access for all. Read the letter here (pdf).
| | House Budget Advances Without IMLS Line Item | |
On Tuesday, August 26, the Michigan House of Representatives approved a budget spending bill for fiscal year 2026. Despite MLA’s advocacy to House Appropriation Chairs over the summer, the chamber’s spending plan does not include a line item for funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). If a final version of the state budget does not include an IMLS line item, it will preclude the Library of Michigan from spending federal funds already awarded and earmarked for funding popular statewide programs like the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat).
Before a final spending bill is approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the Governor, we must ensure a line item is included for spending IMLS funding as allocated. Without the ability to spend allocated IMLS dollars, vital statewide programs like MeL and MeLCat are at serious risk. In 2024, MeLCat loaned over 1 million items between nearly 400 participating libraries in every corner of the state. Also in 2024, MeL – which includes 75+ databases that provide homework help, workforce skills, training, eBooks, and more – saw 19.2 million articles accessed by Michiganders. These programs provide a hard return on investment of $26.96 for every $1 spent.
A statewide poll commissioned by MLA in June 2025 gives us a clear picture of public support for continued IMLS funding: 78% of respondents said that IMLS funding from the federal government should remain as part of the federal budget. While the Library of Michigan received notice of full federal funding through the state fiscal year 2026, Michigan’s legislature must first approve a budget that allows for the spending of those funds.
| | Help Advocate for Michigan's eLibrary | | |
Library advocates must continue to educate communities and legislators on the value of programs like MeL and MeLCat, and the potential need for a State of Michigan appropriation to ensure the programs continue!
*Use this bookmark(pdf) to share information about how federal funding cuts could impact the Michigan eLibrary.
To learn more, visit milibraries.org/fund-libraries and watch this page for the latest updates on the status of IMLS and federal funding and its impact on MeL and other vital library services here in Michigan.
| | | | *Please note this bookmark has been updated since July with a new QR Code. If you have an older version of this file, please discard it | | Sign the Protect MI Right to Read Petition | | |
The Protect MI Right to Read Petition calls on Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to defend the freedom to read, support library workers, and protect critical statewide library programs like MeL and MeLCat. Add your name to show your support for Michigan’s public libraries and everyone’s right to access information freely.
Spread the word on your social media channels and encourage your network to sign the petition. Graphics and copy are available for anyone to use. Download the social media toolkit here.
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.
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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.
| | | 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! | | | |
Shift your perspective, see the possibilities at MLA 2025: Library Kaleidoscope - Shifting Perspectives | |
New insights, fresh solutions, and unexpected connections all begin with one thing: a shift in perspective.
Join the Michigan library community this October 29–31 in downtown Lansing for three days of networking, education, and inspiration at the MLA 2025 Annual Conference: Library Kaleidoscope: Shifting Perspectives.
Our theme is all about challenging assumptions, discovering hidden patterns, and bringing creative, actionable solutions into focus. This year, we are offering more than 45 education sessions presented by experts and library staff from libraries all over Michigan. Our breakout session lineup covers topics ranging from dealing with censorship attempts and supporting intellectual freedom to artificial intelligence, leadership, personal development, library marketing, advocacy, programming, grants, outreach, budgeting, and more!
Our keynote lineup will challenge the way you look at your work, your community, and the future of libraries. From personal storytelling that will inspire you to embrace your authentic voice, to deep dives on disinformation, sustainability, and the role of libraries in the age of AI—this is where big ideas meet practical impact. Get ready to shift your perspective and see all new patterns, solutions, and opportunities!
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Visit milibraries.org/annual-conference to view conference details, including our lineup of featured speakers and breakout sessions, and register today for the best rates!
Full Conference Early Bird registration is just $325 for MLA members—including all keynotes, special events, meals, snacks, your ticket to the Michigan Library Awards, and more!
Early Bird rates end Friday, September 5, 2025.
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Wade Rouse
Opening Keynote: Overcoming Fear to Channel Your True Voice and Change the World
#1 Internationally Bestselling Author Wade Rouse (aka Viola Shipman) shares how books, libraries, and his grandmother’s wisdom shaped his life—and how finding and using your authentic voice can create lasting change.
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Barbara McQuade
Thursday Keynote: Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America
Law professor, former U.S. Attorney, and MSNBC legal analyst Barbara McQuade examines the dangerous spread of disinformation—and what it means for communities, democracy, and libraries.
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Nick Tanzi
Closing Keynote: Ships and Shipwrecks: Navigating Our Libraries Through the Age of AI
Library technology consultant Nick Tanzi explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping information and why libraries are essential in this rapidly evolving landscape.
| | Apply for Funds to Attend MLA 2025 Annual Conference | |
Don't miss out on the opportunity to attend because of financial reasons! Scholarship applications are due Friday, September 5. The application forms are very short and simple. Learn more and apply.
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. Applications may be submitted at any time for a continuing education event that is AFTER the current month end, so make sure you apply by Tuesday, September 30.
View complete program details, eligibility, and criteria, and apply: michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/scholarships/library-continuing-education-stipend-program
| | 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.
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Join the MLA 2025 Book Club! | |
Hello library world!
The MLA 2025 Annual Conference is a little over two months away. There is a great lineup of keynote speakers for this year’s conference, and if you’re like me, you might find it interesting to learn a little more about the speakers
First, to learn more, take a look at the MLA Annual Conference website. Second, maybe you would like to consider joining our first MLA Annual Conference Book Club?
From now until the conference, we will be reading a book published by each of our keynote speakers. Feel free to come to as many or as few as you would like and discuss some books with your colleagues, and become more knowledgeable about our speakers you can meet in person this October!
The first virtual meeting will be on Thursday, September 18, at 1:00 PM, where we will be discussing “The Wishing Bridge” by Viola Shipman.
A few weeks later, on Thursday, October 16, at 1:00 PM, we will be meeting virtually to discuss “Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America” by Barbara McQuade.
If you are interested in participating in the discussion about one or more of these books, click here to register on Zoom!
Hope to see you there!
Ryan Tackabury,
Library Director, Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library
MLA 2025 Annual Conference Workgroup
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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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Discord is a great place to ask questions in real time, share examples including images, gain inspiration, connect with peers, and discuss things going on at your library that perhaps are going on in other libraries!
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).
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| MLA Mentorship Program Applications Due August 31 | | |
Are you looking to give your library career a boost? Is your career moving in a new direction? Whether you're a library science student, new librarian, or a mid-career professional looking for a change, the MLA Mentorship Program can match you with someone established in the Michigan library community to support your career development with encouragement, support, and guidance. Partnerships are expected to last approximately six months, but this program is flexible and can be adapted to work for both partners.
The MLA Mentorship Program is open to all MLA members, and mentee applications close August 31!
| | Looking for short-term coaching? If you have a question or challenge that isn’t suited to a six-month mentorship, many of our mentors are available for more limited requests. Use our new mentor directory below to find contact information for a mentor with expertise that fits your needs. | | |
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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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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!
| | | 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 almost 10 years, long-time librarian, Shauna Quick, is moving on from the Brandon Township Public Library. Her last day was July 16, and she has taken a position as Technology Access Coordinator at the Library of Michigan. Wishing you all the best in your new position, Shauna! | | Dr. Shannon Oltmann has officially joined Wayne State University as the Associate Dean of the School of Information Sciences, starting July 1, 2025. Dr Oltmann brings a strong background in leadership, scholarship, and program development, aligning well with the university’s mission. Congratulations, Dr. Oltmann! | | Richland Community Library celebrates the promotion of Desiree Mills to Patron Services Lead. Wishing you all the best in your new role, Desiree! | | DJ Bond has been named Communications and Member Engagement Manager for The Library Network. DJ plays an integral role in ensuring that the work of the cooperative stays focused on TLN Values and in communicating those values and other messaging to TLN member libraries and to the public. Congratulations DJ! | | Laura Dorgelo has recently been appointed as the Branch Manager of Van Buren District Library’s Bloomingdale Branch Library. Laura began with VBDL as a page at their Antwerp Sunshine Library location, was subsequently promoted to the position of clerk, and while attending library school was appointed as the Library District’s PR & Technology Instruction Librarian. Laura received her MLIS from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Congratulations to you, Laura! | | Kaileigh Oldham has recently been appointed as the Branch Manager of Van Buren District Library’s Antwerp Sunshine Library. Kaileigh received her MLIS from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Kaileigh comes to VBDL from the Danville, IL Public Library, where she served in the roles of Young Adult Librarian and Collection Development Librarian. Wishing you the best in your new role, Kaileigh! | | The Petoskey District Library (PDL) has announced that Jodi Haven has been named Assistant Director. Jodi started at PDL in 2006 as a Library Assistant, and through her continued education and experience, was promoted to Circulation Supervisor in 2015 and has served as Public Services Librarian since May 2017. Congratulations and all the best to you, Jodi! | | The Armada Free Public Library welcomes Harmony Crocker as its new Director. Harmony said she had always dreamed of being a small-town Library Director, and Armada seems like the perfect place. Wishing you great success in your new role, Harmony! | | Kudos and Congratulations | | Nancy Folaron, Assistant Director of the Shiawassee District Library, recently celebrated 50 years of service at the Durand Memorial Library. She has also served as head librarian there since 1979. Over the decades, Nancy has dedicated her life to enriching her community not only through her work in the library but also through tireless volunteer efforts wherever help is needed. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service, Nancy! | | Remembering in kindness the former Bloomfield Township Director, Baldwin Director, and MLA Executive Director, Stephen Kershner, who passed away earlier this month. Stephen served as Executive Director of MLA (Oct 2000 - Mar 2004), conducting professional conferences, workshops, and lobbying activities. Touting MLA as one of the first associations to utilize electronic publishing via the MLA Forum in 2002. Heartfelt condolences to all who knew him. | | 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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Library Card Sign-up Month | September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. Check out the press kit here and tons of free resources to celebrate on ALA's website: ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card | | | |
Connect your patients with resources in their neighborhoods by using the Neighborhood Navigator tool. | | | | | 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. | | 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. | |
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.
| | To lead the advancement of Michigan libraries through advocacy, professional development, and engagement. | | |
Strong libraries,
strong communities,
stronger Michigan.
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