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Note From Erin
Erin Schmandt, Chair, MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee
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MLA is based on the strength of its members. The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee cultivates leadership potential within MLA membership to maintain strong and effective governance and solicits and evaluates nominations of candidates for service on the MLA Board of Directors. We are tasked with seeking candidates to serve on the board and as officers. We often struggle with getting multiple candidates for the same role since librarians do not like to run against one another (we are nice and collegial, as a whole) and no one likes to lose. The membership would really like to see choices on the ballot though.
Candidates may nominate themselves, or they can be nominated by someone else. When creating the proposed ballot, we aim to cover all portions of the large state and seek candidates with a variety of skill sets and qualities. Our committee this year consists of Kate Andrade, Val Meyerson, Christine Peele, Eric Stanton, Sophia Ward Brewer, and Jordan Wright. We have been meeting to coordinate the process and start recruitment work.
This year, we are seeking candidates for four Board members and a President-Elect. The Call for Nominations runs through Friday, November 7. The term of office runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The election opens on Tuesday, March 31 and closes on Monday, April 20. Election results will be announced to the membership on or around Wednesday, April 22.
In serving on this committee for a couple of years, I am constantly surprised when I approach someone and they are shocked to be asked. I spoke to someone recently and asked if they would be interested in running for the MLA Board and they looked flustered and a bit intimidated. I told them that I and another mutual friend are on the Board right now. Their response: “Yeah, but you guys are some of the cool people.” Ha! Librarianship is not generally known for its cool factor, but I get what they were saying. The truth is that we are all just out here trying to help our communities and patrons; that is what makes us cool. If you are not ready to jump into running for the Board, try serving on one of MLA’s other committees. Once you get comfortable meeting people across the state, you may see how your service on the MLA Board can help your community and patrons, too.
Please take some time to consider whether you would like to run for one of these positions. You do not need to be a director, and you ARE one of the cool guys, whether you realize it or not. If you have questions, the MLA Board will have a gathering at the MLA 2025 Annual Conference next Wednesday, October 29, at 1:00 PM in Room 101-102, to answer questions about the roles and the process. Come grab a coffee with us and chat, no obligation. If you are ready to submit your nomination or someone else’s, please visit https://milibraries.slideroom.com/#/login/program/86004
If you’d rather ask questions or talk over email, please drop me a note at erin@carolibrary.org
Erin Schmandt
Committee Chair
| | Celebrate Michigan Library Appreciation Month | | |
WHEREAS, in October 2025, we celebrate Michigan Library Appreciation Month and MI Right to Read Week, observed October 5-11, with the theme “Find out”—reminding us that libraries are places where curiosity is welcomed, discovery encouraged, and the right to read—and to find out—is protected;
It’s officially Michigan Library Appreciation Month! Help us celebrate Michigan’s excellent libraries and amazing library staff all October long! Follow us on social media, share our posts, and join the fun as we share interactive questions and photo prompts like:
📚 “When you think of your library, what comes to mind?”
📸 “What’s your library’s most-loved cozy corner? Snap a quick pic and share it with us!”
Post your answers or photos in the comments to help more people find out about Michigan’s incredible libraries! Then, keep spreading the library love on social media—give a shout-out to your library staff or neighboring libraries, and highlight everything that makes your library special, from the building and collection to the people and programs. Remember to tag your posts #LoveMILibraries and #MILibraryMonth so we can find and share your celebrations!
Let’s continue to celebrate our legacy as defenders of the freedom of inquiry and the right to read, while honoring the creativity, passion, and service of Michigan’s librarians and library workers. This October—Find Out at your library!
| | 📸 Be Part of the Story: Share Your Library Photos With MLA | | |
MLA is building a growing photo collection to feature in our social media and communications—and we want your library to be part of it!
Instead of relying on stock images, we want to showcase the real people, spaces, and stories that make Michigan libraries so unique. These photos will help MLA highlight the incredible diversity, creativity, and community impact of libraries across the state.
Send us photos that capture your library’s personality—your spaces, programs, staff, displays, or community in action. Every image helps us tell a more authentic story of what Michigan libraries do and mean to the people they serve.
To help us keep photos organized and give credit where credit is due, please name your files with your library's full name and city. (For example: Michigan Library Association Lansing.jpg, Michigan Library Association Lansing 2.jpg, etc.) All image file types welcome. Click the button below to add your photos to MLA's Google Drive Folder!
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Notice is hereby given to MLA members that the Annual Meeting will take place during MLA 2025 Annual Conference at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. MLA 2025 Annual Conference registration is not required to attend the annual meeting and all members are welcome and encouraged to attend. | | | |
Check out MLA's Bill Tracker to view a full list of legislation that the Advocacy and Legislative Committee is watching. | | | | |
Michigan Libraries Secured Key Funding in FY2026 Budget—Please Take Five Minutes to Thank Your Legislators! | |
On Tuesday, October 7, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan's FY2026 budget into law. Thanks to your outreach, education, and advocacy, Michigan libraries secured several key funding wins:
- The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) line item remains in the budget, allowing the Library of Michigan to spend federal dollars as allocated on vital statewide programs like the Michigan eLibrary and catalog, MeL and MeLCat.
- While many state departments and agencies saw budget reductions, State Aid to Libraries remained flat with no funding cut. While we always advocate for an increase in Michigan’s only direct aid to public libraries and library cooperatives, flat funding is a stable outcome in an otherwise tenuous budget climate.
- The state budget includes a one-time $900,000 increase in state funding for the Michigan eLibrary (MeL), reflecting library advocates’ persistent efforts to highlight the importance of MeL and the critical role of LSTA funds in supporting the program.
These outcomes reflect your commitment and the power of our collective voice. Every letter, email, call, and conversation with an elected leader helped make this possible.
Now, please join us in expressing our gratitude. Take five minutes today to reach out to Governor Whitmer and your local House Representative and State Senator to share appreciation for their support of Michigan libraries. You can find contact information for legislators with the links below. A quick thank you goes a long way in strengthening these relationships, and that’s an important step in ensuring libraries are a priority in future budget cycles.
Your continued engagement ensures libraries remain a priority for Michigan’s legislature. Thank you for being a part of the effort to keep Michigan libraries strong!
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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.
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MI Right to Read is funded in part by the Mellon Foundation.
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We’re inviting libraries across Michigan to help us spread the word about an exciting opportunity for young people — the Youth Summit for the Right to Read happening Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Clinton-Macomb Public Library Main Branch.
This one-day event is designed for high school and college students who are passionate about intellectual freedom, access to information, and advocacy. Facilitated by Kelly Jensen, editor and writer at Book Riot and a nationally recognized voice in the fight against censorship, the summit will equip participants with the tools and confidence to advocate for their rights in their schools and communities.
Registration is free and includes lunch, an event t-shirt, and mileage reimbursement at $0.70 per mile (up to $100) for attendees who submit a completed reimbursement form at the event.
We’d love your help promoting the summit to the young people in your community. Below you’ll find a flyer and social media graphics that can be displayed in your library, posted online, or shared with local schools and youth groups. Your library’s support can help ensure every student who wants to attend knows about this opportunity.
Thank you for helping us empower the next generation of readers and advocates to stand up for the freedom to read!
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Help Spread the Word!
Youth Summit for the Right to Read
📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Clinton-Macomb Public Library – Main Branch
40900 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038
Learn more and register at www.milibraries.org/youth-summit
We want as many students as possible to join the movement for the right to read. You can support the Youth Summit by sharing our graphics on social media, posting the event details, or printing and distributing flyers in your community, library, or school. Every share helps us reach more young advocates who are ready to speak up!
Download Shareable Media:
| | | | 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! | | | |
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We can't wait to gather with the library community in Lansing next week at the MLA 2025 Annual Conference! It's not too late to register to join us!
We've planned an incredible lineup of education sessions, keynotes, and fun events that will help you shift your perspective and see new possibilities–and they're all included.
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Check out a Preview of the Conference App! | |
Search for the Results@Hand ConferenceBeat Event App in the Apple App Store/Google Play or access the app from your smartphone, tablet, or PC's web browser with the following URL: https://app.resultsathand.com/mla2025.
The ConferenceBeat Event App supports multiple events. To access the MLA 2025 Annual Conference, tap the Current Events tab and select the MLA 2025 Annual Conference from the list. Tap the Go to Event button to access the conference app. Once you've opened your event, sign in with the email address you used for registration.
You may need to reload the app to access the most up-to-date content. Click the menu button (☰) in the upper right corner and select the refresh button (↻) to fetch the newest conference info.
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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!
| | | | Member Discounts on Streamline Website Services | |
Is your library planning a website redesign or exploring solutions to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Building an inclusive online environment is not only the right thing to do—it’s now a legal requirement. In April 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule under Title II of the ADA, clarifying the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible to all members of the community. Libraries must take steps to ensure their digital spaces meet these standards.
MLA member libraries are eligible for group pricing that includes significant discounts on Streamline's monthly subscription rates. Streamline can help your library meet ADA requirements and create an inclusive online experience for all
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:
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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.
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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.
Looking for more information about website accessibility? View our MLA Connect webinar: Website Accessibility: Ensuring ADA Compliance for Your Library on MLA Connect On Demand. This webinar will guide you through the essentials you need to know to ensure your library’s website complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Guest speaker Maria Lara, Director of Product Research and Compliance at Streamline shares best practices for web design and content, and practical tools to assess and improve accessibility and ensure your site is accessible to individuals with disabilities. View the webinar recording on MLA Connect On Demand. Note, login is required.
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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 Royal Oak Public Library promoted three part-time staff members to full-time in July. Congratulations to Gabby Stangis (Adult Services), Andrew Field (Adult Services), and Erin Kelly (Youth Services) on their promotions! All three are outstanding librarians with a bright future ahead. Well done!
| | The Charlevoix Public Library announced that Sarah Benitez has been promoted to the new role of Assistant Director. Sarah has served at the library as the Adult Services Department Head since May of 2023, where her strengths in leadership, vision, management, as well as her empathy quickly became apparent. In her new role, Sarah will continue to lead the Adult Services Department and take on greater responsibility in overall leadership and management of the whole library team and services. Congratulations Sarah! | | Kudos and Congratulations | | | | |
Emily Tobin, one of West Bloomfield Township's fabulous Outreach and Engagement Librarians, is receiving the Rising Star Award from the Association of Bookmobile & Outreach Services at their conference, October 7-11. Emily's hard work, passion, and dedication to senior services impressed the awards committee, as they said, "Your contributions in the outreach services field have been truly exceptional, and your dedication has set a high standard for all of us." Congratulations, Emily!
| | Advertise on MLA’s Job Board |
Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Job Board. Learn more here.
| | | 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.
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ALA 2026 Scholarship Application Now Open | |
If you need financial help to get through your graduate program, scholarship funds are now available. The American Library Association (ALA) has more than $300,000 available to students who are studying in library science or school library media programs at the master's degree level. Scholarships range from $2,500 to $8,000 per student per year. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
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I Love My Librarian Award | Nominate a librarian you love for the 2026 I Love My Librarian Award - they could win $5,000 and the recognition of a lifetime! Nominations close December 15, 2025! | | | |
The Carnegie-Whitney Grant Guidelines | |
The American Library Association Publishing Committee provides a grant of up to $5,000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library. Applications must be received by November 7, 2025. Recipients will be notified by February 2026.
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Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities | |
Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities will offer more than $14 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities.
To be eligible, a library must have a legal area population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area, in keeping with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definitions of small and rural libraries. ALA will award four rounds of grants to be distributed over the next four years ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Applications for Round 4 are now open until December 11, 2025.
| | | | 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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