FEBRUARY 26, 2026

Note From Dillon

This month, Governor Whitmer published her executive budget recommendation for fiscal year 2027. The budget marks Governor Whitmer’s last annual budget recommendation as she begins her final year in office. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen in every executive budget recommendation over the last 15+ years, the FY27 State Aid to Libraries budget remains flat. Likewise, the recommendation does not include any increases for the Library of Michigan’s programs and staff.

It’s difficult to square the proposed flat funding for libraries with the Governor’s stated focus on literacy as her number one priority this year. State Aid to Libraries is the only direct state appropriation for public libraries, and the funding ensures they can provide educational materials, programs, and resources to Michigan communities. Long before children enter pre-K or kindergarten, their reading journey begins at local public libraries in every corner of the state, where they have free access to books, early literacy programs, and evidence-based learning resources that help build vocabulary, print awareness, and positive reading habits.

While the budget recommendations are disappointing, our advocacy work continues with Michigan’s House and Senate legislators, where we’ll seek a State Aid increase before a final budget is adopted later this year. MLA and our strong membership are no strangers to direct advocacy with the Michigan legislature. Engagement with our representatives and senators is where we’ve found success with State Aid increases in recent years, and it’s where our focus returns this spring. We’ll soon be calling on all of you as library ambassadors to educate your elected leaders on the importance of State Aid to Libraries and the need for an increase in the FY27 budget.

The Governor’s executive budget may provide additional opportunities for libraries to seek funding support for literacy programming and services. Most notably, the budget would provide a one-time, additional $85 million in Out-of-School Time Grants, on top of $50 million in ongoing support. Michigan’s Out-of-School Time Grants program specifically lists public libraries as eligible for funding and can help cover costs for in-person before- and after-school programs, or programming during the summer months, for children in grades K-12. Additional funding for early childhood education is included in the budget, but it’s unclear if libraries will be eligible for those funds.

Another positive highlight among the budget recommendations is $3 million to be used for school librarian specialist certification grants. Routed through Michigan’s Grow Your Own program, these funds will support educators seeking a school librarian specialist endorsement from the Michigan Department of Education.

The Governor’s executive budget publication is the first step in a lengthy negotiation process that has only just started. As we prepare for our annual Advocacy Day in Lansing this April, we’ll be in touch with all of you regarding advocacy priorities and what you can do to help secure an increase in State Aid to Libraries and more.

For those of you who work in or care deeply about our public libraries in Michigan, it’s no secret that we’ve navigated difficult times over the last half-decade. But through every challenge, Michigan library workers and supporters have shown that our passion and resiliency are a winning combination. I’m looking forward to working alongside all of you to secure funding wins for libraries in 2026. 

March Is Reading Month: Invite Your Legislators to Visit

March is Reading Month is a powerful time to celebrate literacy, lifelong learning, and the many ways libraries strengthen their communities. It’s also the perfect opportunity to invite your local legislators to see that impact firsthand.

Whether it’s a quick tour, a storytime visit, a coffee hour with constituents, or simply stopping by during regular hours, these moments help elected leaders understand how libraries support early literacy, workforce readiness, civic engagement, and so much more. Visits also demonstrate how libraries can serve as welcoming public spaces for community conversations and constituent connections.

Start with a simple email invitation, and be sure to follow up with a phone call to ensure it reaches the right person. A brief visit can spark a meaningful relationship and build positive visibility for your library when funding and policy decisions are made.

March is the perfect time to show legislators what your library means to the people they represent. Use the links below to find your elected officials and their contact information.

Last month, we shared cautious optimism in our Primary Source newsletter after the U.S. House advanced a bipartisan appropriations bill that preserved continued funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In early February, we were thrilled to learn that Congress passed a series of appropriations bills that included a modest increase in federal funding for libraries in fiscal year 2026. The bills were signed into law by President Trump on February 3.

This is a major win considering the multi-front fight waged against IMLS and its funding over the last year. Last March, a federal executive order threatened to dismantle the agency. Not long after, the federal administration’s executive budget recommendations sought to zero out IMLS funding. While legal battles continue to halt the dismantling of the agency, your advocacy has helped ensure funding is secured for the current fiscal year.

Securing IMLS funding in the federal budget means continued support for Michigan’s own popular statewide programs, MeL and MeLCat. As American Library Association (ALA) Executive Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Lisa Varga noted in American Libraries this month, “In the worst climate in recent memory, libraries managed to win because advocates made an effort to show up for our libraries.” Your outreach to Congress, your phone calls and emails, and your organizing efforts helped secure this important win.   



Still, the fight to protect IMLS is far from over. When the federal administration releases its budget proposal this spring, ALA expects to see deep cuts proposed to library funding. It won’t be long before our library advocacy partners kick off new campaigns to secure funding in the federal budget for next year, and we’ll be here to share the information you need to be an effective advocate.

MLA has been on the road recently sharing presentations on the work of MI Right to Read and intellectual freedom with library and community groups across Michigan, including the Lakeland Library Cooperative and at Michigan State University. These sessions explore the current landscape of book challenges and censorship, the legal and ethical foundations of the right to read, and practical ways communities can show up for access, inclusion, and free expression.

If your library, cooperative, or organization is looking for a speaker and you want to learn more about MI Right to Read and how to get involved, we’d love to connect. Reach out to MLA's Program Director, Amber Sheerin, at asheerin@milibraries.org to start a conversation or to schedule a presentation tailored to your audience.

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, May 9, 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. Registration is free and includes lunch, an event t-shirt, and mileage reimbursement up to $100.

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.

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!

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

Leading Through Uncertain Times

Thursday, March 26 | 10:00–11:00 AM

MLA welcomes Scott Duimstra, Director of Hennepin County (MN) Library, former Director of Capital Area District Libraries in Lansing, Michigan, as well as a past MLA President. Scott will share his experience in Minnesota, including how his library system has responded to immigration and DHS enforcement activity, how they are supporting staff and patrons, and lessons learned that may help guide Michigan libraries.

Williamston Theatre Presents Bad Books

Thursday, April 2 | 10:00-11:00 AM

Experience art meeting advocacy in this special MLA Advocacy Hour with the Williamston Theatre. Enjoy a short live excerpt from the play Bad Books by Sharyn Rothstein. Then Michigan library leaders and Williamston Theatre production team members will have a candid conversation on book challenges, difficult library confrontations, and the growing impact of censorship. Discover how art mirrors real-life situations and learn more about MLA’s MI Right to Read initiatives to protect intellectual freedom.

Advocacy 101

Thursday, April 16 | 10:00–11:00 AM

Join us in April for a special Advocacy 101 training designed to help you feel confident, informed, and ready to engage with legislators. While all Advocacy Day participants will be automatically registered, this session is valuable for anyone interested in understanding how state policy impacts libraries and how to effectively advocate at any time of year. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your voice and support your library.

View Past MLA Connect Advocacy Hours on Demand:

The Llano Decision & the Right to Read 
What does the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Little v. Llano County mean for libraries? Watch this session with Penguin Random House leaders Skip Dye and Dan Novack for a clear overview of the ruling and its potential impact in 2026.

Proposed Changes to Trial Court Funding
Michigan’s Alternative Funding for Trial Courts Workgroup has proposed redirecting revenue from penal fines and civil infractions to trial courts. Watch this session with MLA Lobbyist Samantha Zandee to learn more.

Last Call: Register for Spring Institute 2026 and Book Your Hotel Room

It’s the final countdown to Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026: Play it Forward. Registration is closing soon, and the hotel room block deadline is tomorrow!

Register now to secure your spot and your room, and join us March 19-20 at the L.V. Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids for two joy-filled days of learning, connection, and play.

From energizing keynotes to interactive workshops and playful networking opportunities, Spring Institute 2026 is designed to send you back to your library with fresh inspiration, practical strategies, and renewed joy for the work you do every day.

Don't miss your chance to connect, laugh, and learn with your youth services colleagues from all across Michigan. Register today and come play it forward with us!

We can’t wait to see you in Grand Rapids.

Hotel Room Deadline: Tomorrow, February 27

The Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids is full, but overflow blocks are available at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown and Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown through tomorrow only! Links to book at MLA’s discounted rates are available at milibraries.org/spring-institute-venue

MLA 2026 Annual Conference Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors

Go beyond buzzwords and be part of what endures. Sponsor and exhibitor registration is officially OPEN for the MLA 2026 Annual Conference! This year’s theme, Beyond Buzzwords: An Enduring Public Good, is all about real impact, real partnerships, and real support for libraries and the communities they serve. Why get involved?

• Put your mission in motion: connect with library leaders and decision-makers from across Michigan
• Build relationships that last: not just conversations, but collaborations
• Stand with libraries: champions of access, learning, and democracy
• Show up where it matters: libraries need strong partners more than ever

Click below to explore sponsorship and vendor opportunities and register today.

Join the Leadership Academy 2026 Cohort

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?

Registration is open for the 2026 Leadership Academy, MLA's biennial leadership development program for library leaders and aspiring leaders. Designed specifically for library professionals, this cohort-based program combines expert instruction, hands-on learning, and meaningful peer connections to help you grow as a leader.

From April through October, participants will engage in five in-person sessions and three virtual meetings covering essential topics like communication, emotional intelligence, conflict management, advocacy, finance, change leadership, public relations, legal issues, and working with boards. Along the way, you’ll develop a trusted cohort of colleagues from across Michigan who will support you long after the program ends.

Registration includes:

• All sessions and materials
• Meals during in-person days
• Hotel accommodations for overnight sessions
• A 50% discount on registration for the MLA 2026 Annual Conference

Early Bird pricing ends March 13, 2026.

MLA Members: $1,445 | Non-Members: $2,890

This program is limited to 30 participants, and space is filling fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2026 cohort!

Upcoming MLA Connect Webinars

Mentorship Program Accepting New Mentees through Feb 28 

MLA Member Benefit: FREE One-Year SLI Membership

Dawn DeHeer became Interim Director of Bellaire Public Library in September 2025 and was appointed Director in November 2025. Dawn brings years of library experience, creativity, kindness, and a deep connection to the community she serves. The Bellaire Library community proudly celebrates her leadership and this exciting new chapter for the library. Congratulations, Dawn!

Anne Richards has been appointed as the new Director of Richland Community Library, effective March 1. With more than 25 years of experience serving in a wide range of library roles, she brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to community-centered service as she steps into her first director position. Anne is excited to begin this new chapter and looks forward to connecting and collaborating with fellow Michigan librarians. Congratulations, Anne!

Technical Services Specialist

Richland Community Library - Richland, MI

Library Director

Nottawa Township Library - Centreville, MI

Director

Public Libraries of Saginaw - Saginaw, MI

Intellectual Freedom Resources

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.

Uniting the Michigan Library Community

MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.

Our Mission

To lead the advancement of Michigan libraries through advocacy, professional development, and engagement.

Our Vision

Strong libraries,

strong communities,

stronger Michigan.