APRIL 24, 2025

For the past year, MLA has been figuratively putting together one of those 1500-piece jigsaw puzzles - you know the ones - they take precious space on the table (or in this case, mind) for far too long. The pieces are dumped out of the box and spread across the table (always a bit intimidating, but I do like a challenge). Then one by one, the pieces are turned over, the straight pieces identified, the corners put into place, and the border connected. The simpler design elements get assembled first and placed in the interior of the puzzle, where we think they belong. And then the hard part begins, through trial and error, trying different pieces in different places, exploring different solutions, and adjusting the approach (perhaps by color, perhaps by area, perhaps by shape). With patience and persistence (just like in real life when we need to tackle challenging situations), the last puzzle piece is ceremoniously placed.

MLA believes that we have just completed a huge puzzle, and today is the day we get to share it with you!

The image of MLA’s puzzle has everything to do with internal changes to our organization that include new staffing, a large grant, a retirement (mine), board changes, and a new strategic direction for MLA. We are also faced with external challenges - federal funding, which, if not addressed, may affect every library in the state. Just like a puzzle, the MLA Board and staff have broken down the image into manageable areas. We have learned to review our progress as we form a coherent image and piece together bits of information that allow for a comprehensive understanding of our next movements. A colossal undertaking that takes careful thought and deliberation by a lot of people.

First and foremost, my retirement. 

As with all good things, they must come to an eventual end…and it is time for me to think about life after MLA and the world of retirement. 

I continue to be awed by the knowledge gained, challenges overcome, and the colleagues and friendships that have come so naturally in “libraryland”.  MLA was a natural fit for me and was exactly what I needed (and, I think, what MLA needed) in 2019 when I was selected to lead this incredible organization. Now it is time for me to close this chapter too. Forty-four years of leading nonprofit arts and cultural organizations have gone by in the blink of an eye, and now it is time to slow the remaining years down to a manageable clip. My last day as MLA’s Executive Director will be Friday, July 4, 2025 - “Independence Day” as my husband reminds me. Help me celebrate with sparklers and fireworks!

Another significant piece of the puzzle was setting MLA on a proactive course to respond to an astounding (and astonishing) $600,000 award from the Mellon Foundation to strengthen the MI Right to Read initiative and promote one of our own, Amber Sheerin, to lead the charge. (Click here to learn more.)  

The management and oversight of this grant will also require committed leadership, knowledge of the work we have done to date, and someone to keep the “ship on a steady course” until its completion. Rather than undertaking an immediate national search for my permanent replacement, the MLA board voted to approve the hiring of Dillon Geshel to serve as Interim Executive Director, who will take MLA through to the end of the Mellon grant next June (click here to read the press release announcing our interim selection).

For the past three years, Dillon has been an invaluable asset to our organization, serving as MLA’s President and the chair of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force, which oversaw the implementation of MI Right to Read.  He has taken an active, hands-on role and stood beside me every step of the way as we implemented a remarkable and award-winning national model. With his knowledge of the internal management of MLA, he was a natural fit for the interim position that will begin in mid-May. 

With Dillon’s resignation as President of the MLA board, we also needed another strong voice to lead the board. Jenny Marr, the President-elect and chair of MLA’s Advocacy and Legislative Committee, has stepped up just a little sooner than anticipated to take the lead and to keep our board strong. We are in good hands. This June, the board will take on an active role to put an open and transparent process in place to begin a national search for the permanent director. More to come soon.

Along with new leadership on the board and staff, MLA is also ready to finalize the adoption of a new strategic direction. While the hard work has been completed to collect responses, analyze the findings, and to revise the vision and tweak the mission, MLA will be ready to take on the challenges and the opportunities as the future unfolds. 

I have never been prouder to lead such a remarkable organization. It has been challenging to say the least, but every day, I am thankful for work that is impactful, people that are passionately committed, and communities that are strengthened because of the work that we do. For me, the puzzle has been completed. We really are good at connecting the dots, communicating the immediacy of situations as they cross our desks, addressing complicated issues, and finding where each piece, no matter how disconnected it feels from another, fits into the big picture. 

This is what we do best…this is what I will miss.

Debbie

Michigan Library Association’s MI Right to Read Awarded $600,000 Grant by Mellon Foundatiom

MLA is pleased to announce that the Mellon Foundation has awarded MLA a $600,000 grant to support the MI Right to Read initiative. For the past year, MLA has worked to secure this pivotal funding to strengthen and expand MI Right to Read and its work promoting intellectual freedom and championing the free flow of information. This recognition from the Mellon Foundation underscores the initiative’s significant impact on libraries, library professionals, and communities across the state. Read the press release.

Dillon Geshel Named Interim Executive Director

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dillon Geshel as the association’s interim executive director, effective May 19, 2025. Geshel, who has served MLA in multiple leadership roles, was selected by the Board following a deliberate and unanimous decision to ensure a seamless transition as current Executive Director Debbie Mikula prepares for her well-earned retirement in July.

"Dillon’s deep institutional knowledge, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to Michigan’s libraries made him the clear choice to lead MLA during this pivotal time," said Jenny Marr, MLA President. "After careful consideration, the Board determined that his leadership, combined with his hands-on experience guiding MLA’s key initiatives, positions him perfectly to advance our mission. We’re thrilled to see him step into this role and continue driving MLA’s momentum forward."

Geshel’s appointment follows his resignation from the MLA Board to assume the Interim Executive Director position. This transition reflects the Board’s commitment to thoughtful succession planning and maintaining continuity as MLA nears the completion of its strategic planning process and the start of the Mellon Foundation grant.

A proven leader with a strong track record in library advocacy and organizational management, Geshel has been instrumental in shaping MLA’s recent successes. Over the past three years, he has led the Intellectual Freedom Task Force, overseeing the implementation of MI Right to Read, and has actively contributed to MLA’s Advocacy and Legislative Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Annual Conference Workgroup. His extensive experience—including his current role as Director of the Superiorland Library Cooperative and his past leadership at Portage Lake District Library—demonstrates his ability to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in library services.

"I’m honored to take on this role and grateful for the Board’s trust in my ability to guide MLA during this transition," said Geshel. "Libraries are at the heart of our communities, and I look forward to working alongside our members, partners, and dedicated staff to strengthen our advocacy, education, and engagement efforts across Michigan."

Geshel holds a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan Technological University. His career has been marked by a passion for intellectual freedom, equitable access, and the transformative power of libraries.

MLA 2025 Board Election Results

The votes are in! MLA held elections from March 31– April 21. This year MLA members voted for an MLA President-elect and four Member-at-Large Board positions. 

One of the benefits and responsibilities of membership is the opportunity to vote for the leadership of the association. Thank you to all MLA members who voted. 

And, many thanks to all the candidates for demonstrating leadership by agreeing to run. Our new Directors will serve for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028. 

Meet MLA's new Directors!

President-elect

Term Ending June 2028

Lisa Waskin

District Director 

Superior District Library

Members-at-Large

Terms Ending June 2028

DJ Bond

Member Engagement Coordinator

The Library Network

Claire Meeker

Library Director 

Romeo District Library

Christine Peele

Assistant Director of Public Services

Detroit Public Library

Vanessa Verdun-Morris

Library Director 

Madison Heights Public Library

Get Involved! Answer the Call for Ambassadors

The 2025-26 Call for Ambassadors is open! Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your network, and represent MLA. If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you.

All MLA members are eligible to volunteer for workgroups and committees. Nonmembers interested in volunteering are welcome to join MLA by filling out the online membership application or by contacting us at (517) 394-2774 or MLA@milibraries.org.

Check out available opportunities to get involved on the web and complete the online ambassador application by Wednesday, April 30.

Youth Literary Awards Top Ten Titles

It is our pleasure to share the Top Ten Titles of the 2025 Mitten, YouPer, and Thumbs Up! Awards!

MLA Youth Literary Award workgroups spent thousands of hours reading, reviewing and discussing hundreds of books to determine the top titles for youth published in 2024..

View the top ten titles for each award, plus download award seals and graphics to promote the titles at your library at milibraries.org/youth-literary-awards

The winners and honor books will be announced later this spring, stay tuned!

On Wednesday, April 30, library supporters from all over Michigan will gather at the Capitol in Lansing to meet with legislators to advocate for all Michigan libraries and shine a light on the incredible impact libraries make on our communities! Our ASK of Michigan Legislators: Fund MeL, the Library of Michigan’s interlibrary loan program, and other statewide initiatives at $6.74 million in FY 2026, increasing the state’s investment by $5 million.

Review our MeL Fact Sheet and talking points here (pdf)

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

MLA 2025 Annual Conference Call for Proposals

The Michigan Library Association invites proposals for breakout sessions at the 2025 MLA Annual Conference to be presented in person, October 29-31, 2025, at the Lansing Center located in downtown Lansing. The Michigan Library Association Annual Conference is the premier professional development and networking event for Michigan library staff, students, and trustees.

We invite any of the above groups as well as subject matter experts and first-time and returning presenters to propose breakout sessions aligned with our theme of Library Kaleidoscope: Shifting Perspectives. By offering a range of sessions, attendees will be able to find new ways of looking at situations, programs, services, and more. What is possible when you rotate your kaleidoscope? What new combinations will you see?

Submissions are welcome through Friday, May 16, 2025.

Click here to view these guidelines ( PDF). Learn more and submit a proposal.

Discounted Pricing on Streamline Website Services for MLA Members - Available Until June 1!

We’re happy to share a limited-time discount for MLA member libraries that sign up with Streamline by June 1. This is a limited-time opportunity for libraries preparing for a new website or seeking a solution to meet ADA requirements.

Streamline is a website platform that can help your library host a website that is both ADA-compliant and user-friendly. Streamline provides intuitive tools to manage communications, board meetings, agendas, minutes, and policy updates—all in one organized system. Plus, they assist with initial setup and offer ongoing customer support to make the transition seamless.

How to Learn more:

• Visit the Library Hub for more information and case studies.
• Request a custom quote using the form on the webpage. Be sure to mention you’re with the Michigan Library Association to receive the discounted pricing.
• Access the recording of MLA's Streamline Informational session here: View the Recorded Session on Zoom
• Passcode: 0D9c?js#

If you have any questions or would like further details, please reach out to Streamline using the contact form on the Library Hub website.

Note that discounted pricing is available to MLA member libraries that sign up by June 1. After June 1, we cannot guarantee the discount will be available for new signups – discounted pricing will only be available after June 1 for libraries interested in working with Streamline if more than 15 new MLA member libraries have signed up for the service.

Congratulations to Angelo Moreno, formerly with East Lansing Public Library, who has moved out of state to Chicago Illinois to pursue a new career. Wishing you all the best Angelo!

Bidding farewell to Katie Perkey from the Clinton Macomb Public Library, who has moved to Maine to start a new life chapter! You will be missed here in Michigan! 

Julie Moore is the new Outreach Manager for Children and Teen Services with the Clinton Macomb Public Library. Julie will be focusing on building relationships with all our local public schools, childcare centers, preschools, and community event partners that work with children and teens. Congratulations in your new role!

After twenty-two years at Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., Catherine Mulla will be retiring on April 30. Catherine is very thankful for having been part of this great group of innovative thinkers and doers. Wishing you all the best in life’s next journey.

Library Director

Dowagiac District Library - Dowagiac, MI 

EveryLibrary

Take Action To Save Federal Funding for Libraries! 

https://action.everylibrary.org/saveimls2025

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Our Mission

To lead the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education and engagement.

Our Vision

To be an indispensable resource and valued leader, partner and advocate for Michigan libraries.