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From the President’s Desk: A New Chapter for MLA
Jenny Marr, MLA Board President
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As I begin my term as President of the Michigan Library Association Board, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve this organization and its incredible members. The year ahead is a transformative one, and I’m honored to help guide the implementation of MLA’s newly adopted strategic plan. Our collective vision includes strengthening relationships with policymakers, expanding access to professional development, and deepening engagement with our members. Each of the four strategic directions speaks to MLA’s commitment to creating a stronger, more connected library community - one where our voices are heard, our services are visible, and our profession is supported at every level.
Another major focus this year is the implementation of the $600,000 grant MLA received from the Mellon Foundation to support the MI Right to Read campaign. This transformative investment will allow us to scale up our fight against censorship, expand our advocacy tools, support the incredible work of library professionals throughout Michigan, and reach even more communities with our message that every Michigander deserves free and open access to information. With these resources, we’ll continue to build partnerships, develop tools for libraries, and keep intellectual freedom at the forefront of our shared mission.
Finally, the MLA Board has begun the critical work of selecting a permanent Executive Director. With a search committee already in place, we’ll soon choose a recruitment firm to guide the process, with the position officially posted this October and a final decision anticipated in February 2026. This leadership transition will be a pivotal moment in MLA’s future, and I am committed to ensuring a transparent, thoughtful process. I look forward to working with all of you in the year ahead as we advance MLA’s mission together.
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Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, Small Town Innovation, Renovating and Reimagining the Library Experience.
In this episode, hosts Dillon Geshel and Kate Van Auken talk with Briynne McCrea, Director of the Bad Axe Area District Library in Bad Axe, Michigan. Briynne shares her unique journey from spending her childhood in the library to leading it through transformative changes, including a major renovation and launching a community-focused bookmobile. The conversation explores the vital role libraries play in small towns, the challenges of leading with limited resources, and how building trust and fostering engagement are key to a library’s long-term impact.
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.
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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. | | | | |
New Statewide Poll: Michigan Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Book Bans, Show Stronger Support for Libraries | A new statewide poll reveals Michigan voters increasingly oppose book bans and strongly support their local public libraries. The new poll follows a similar statewide survey on library issues conducted in March 2023, both commissioned by MLA and conducted by the public opinion survey and research firm EPIC-MRA. Results confirm a growing statewide resistance to censorship efforts targeting library collections and a significant increase in strong support for public libraries since 2023. View the Executive Summary and Demographic Analysis, frequency report, and regional summaries at milibraries.org/statewide-survey-on-library-issues. | | | | Federal Funding Uncertainty for Libraries and Polling Support from Michiganders | | | |
In June 2025, MLA commissioned a statewide poll to learn more about Michiganders’ attitudes towards public libraries and book bans. That poll also included questions around the uncertain future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and federal funding for libraries.
While a lot of uncertainty remains, Michiganders are clear in their support for IMLS and IMLS-funded programs. In the June poll, 78% of respondents said that IMLS funding from the federal government should remain as part of the federal budget.
If federal funding for libraries is no longer part of the federal budget, 82% of respondents said it is important for the State of Michigan to replace funding lost for libraries. These figures show strong support for the continuation of programs like the Michigan eLibrary and statewide catalog, MeL and MeLCat, and send a message to our federal and statewide legislators that these programs remain a priority for Michiganders.
Where do things stand for IMLS? While Congress continues to deliberate on FY2026 spending bills, the American Library Association (ALA) is reminding advocates to contact their representatives, especially those who serve on Congressional Appropriation Committees, to urge them to continue funding IMLS. This week, we learned Congress has decided to push back its discussions on library funding until the first week of September, which gives us more time to advocate. As ALA highlighted in their communications this week, Congress members and their staff have a higher chance of seeing your communications and engaging with the issue while they are in their home districts over the summer.
While lawsuits challenging the March Executive Order attempting to shutter IMLS make their way through the courts, the federal administration may consider other avenues for eliminating the agency. Just last week, Congress rolled back $9 billion in previously allocated funds for public media and foreign aid through a rescission package. You can find a detailed update on the possibility of recissions, reconciliation through spending bills, and the reauthorization of IMLS in this article.
While ALA and groups like EveryLibrary continue to encourage outreach to federal legislators, contacting your Michigan Senators and House Representatives to communicate the value of IMLS-funded programs is also important.
The Library of Michigan has indicated they’re able to stretch the federal FY2025 dollars through FY2026, which would allow for the continuation of MeL and MeLCat until October 1, 2026 (as long as the funding is not rescinded). If the federal administration succeeds with its intent to shutter IMLS, Michigan needs to be prepared to fund affected statewide programs beginning October 1, 2026.
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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 milibrares.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.
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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! | | | |
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.
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 $325 for MLA members. Early Bird Rates expire Friday, September 5, 2025.
| | 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 reserve your room by September 27, 2025. The room block may sell out early. View details.
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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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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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| | 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. | | |
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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. | | | |
The Pigeon District Library welcomes Seth Randall as their new Director. Seth stated he aims to reconnect the community through his role as Director, focusing on community programs and face-to-face connections. Congratulations to you, Seth!
| | The Sebewaing Township Library has announced Laura Nimtz as its new Library Director. Laura brings experience as a preschool teacher to her new role. Wishing you the best, Laura! | | Kudos and Congratulations | | |
Siblings, Darby, Rorry, and Quinn Gilkison grew up in the Shelby Township Library and now work there! They come from a family of voracious readers and were familiar faces at programs and library events. As each of them became a college student, they applied for positions in the library and worked their way through college and law school. The Shelby Township Library is delighted to have them on staff. (Of course, if there's a family reunion out of town, they lose half the Circulation team!) Way to go, Gilkison family!
| | Congratulations to Deanna Schroden, who is retiring after nearly 11 years at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. Deanna leaves a remarkable legacy of community engagement and programming! Wishing you well in your future endeavors, Deanna! | | |
Congratulations to Trish Burns, who will be retiring from the Bay County Library System after nearly 10 years.
Trish started at the Public Libraries of Saginaw in 1983 as a page and forty-two years later, is retiring from the Bay County Library System. Trish shares that it has been so fulfilling to see how library services truly help patrons live their best lives. Wishing you all the best, Trish!
| | Advertise on MLA’s Job Board |
Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Job Board. Learn more here.
| | | 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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