DECEMBER 18, 2025

Michigan’s Trial Court Funding Recommendations Threaten Vital Support Earmarked for Libraries

Dillon Geshel, Interim Executive Director

In 2017, the Michigan Legislature created the Trial Court Funding Commission, which spent several years developing recommendations to help stabilize the court’s funding system. In 2023, the Michigan Judicial Council formed the Alternative Funding for Trial Courts Workgroup (AFTCW) to review those recommendations and develop a plan for implementation. Why is this of interest to libraries? A familiar funding source for libraries, penal and civil fines, is at risk of capture under the workgroup’s recommendations. The workgroup’s final concept paper proposes that all revenue from penal fines and civil infractions is redirected to trial courts, which would have a disastrous impact on Michigan’s public libraries.

Why Penal and Civil Fines Matter to Michigan Libraries

Since 1835, the people of the State of Michigan constitutionally mandated that penal fines be allocated to libraries. Article VIII, section 9 of the Michigan Constitution states:

All fines assessed and collected in the several counties, townships and cities for any breach of the penal laws shall be exclusively applied to the support of such public libraries, and county law libraries as provided by law.

Further, MCL 600.8831 provides that non-criminal-code fines – levied for violations of certain state laws – are designated as civil infractions that also go to public libraries. These include most traffic fines. Penal and civil fines provide nearly as much support for public libraries as the Michigan legislature does annually.

What Libraries Stand to Lose

At the Michigan Library Association, we are deeply concerned about the negative impact that the implementation recommendations would have on public libraries. The Library of Michigan reported that total penal fines distributed to libraries in 2024 amounted to approximately $16.8 million. In many libraries — particularly smaller and rural systems — penal fines make up a higher share of operating budgets. Changes to the flow of penal fines and civil-infraction revenues would disproportionately affect these small, rural, and underfunded libraries.

MLA Responds

Over the summer, MLA and the Library of Michigan formally responded to the recommendations in separate letters to the workgroup. MLA requested that the workgroup seek other funding options that do not include capturing penal and civil fines already earmarked for libraries. While we sympathize with the need to address challenges with trial court funding, we shared with the workgroup that siphoning those revenues away from libraries creates yet another funding crisis.

Last month, Michigan’s House and Senate Judiciary Committees held a joint hearing to learn more about the recommendations in a presentation from the AFTC Workgroup Chair. MLA submitted a card of opposition at the hearing, indicating our disagreement with the workgroup’s recommendations. Several other organizations submitted letters expressing similar concerns, including the Michigan Association of Counties, the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Townships Association, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, among others. In a follow-up communication to all House and Senate Judiciary members, MLA expressed deep concern for a model that captures penal and civil fines without a plan for replacement funding that keeps libraries whole.

Connecting with your Legislators on the Issue

Behind the scenes, MLA is monitoring the proposals and engaging with legislators and stakeholders to protect this vital library funding from capture. In conversations with your local representatives and senators, it’s important to share information with them about the recommendations and the constitutional and statutory protections that ensure these dollars support meaningful work in public libraries.

Considering this funding threat, legislators and stakeholders need to know that libraries are essential to Michigan residents and communities. Remind them that your libraries provide access to early-literacy programs, digital resources, broadband and technology, workforce and small-business assistance, after-school learning, and trusted support in navigating government and health information. For many residents, public libraries are the only place they can freely access those services. Redirecting these funds without a plan for stable replacement revenue would severely undermine the ability of public libraries to deliver these critical services and would harm the individuals and communities who rely on them most.

As this issue develops, MLA will continue to share information and guidance on next steps. If you have questions about trial court funding reform and how the current proposals would impact libraries, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Give the Gift of Professional Development

Michigan libraries thrive because of the people who power them—and your year-end gift can help ensure those people have access to the training and support they need to succeed. A donation to the MLA Scholarship Fund opens doors for library workers across the state to participate in professional development, leadership programs, and MLA events that strengthen careers and elevate service to their communities.

An investment in scholarships is an investment in strong libraries and the people who serve Michigan every day. Make your year-end gift today and help ensure that cost is never a barrier to learning, connection, and growth in our profession.

In addition to the Scholarship Fund, you can extend your impact by giving to the Advocacy Fund or by making a general donation to MLA. Advocacy Fund gifts support ongoing efforts to protect intellectual freedom and champion libraries, while general donations provide the flexibility needed to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

However you choose to give, your support helps ensure a strong, vibrant future for Michigan libraries, and it truly makes a difference for library workers and the communities they serve.

This year brought both the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and Michigan’s own brief budget lapse in October. With the state budget now adopted and a federal Continuing Resolution in place through January, what does library funding look like heading into 2026?

Click below to watch the recording of our December Advocacy Hour to hear a timely discussion on the state and federal budget outlook for libraries. Special guest Randy Riley, State Librarian at the Library of Michigan, joins the conversation with insights into federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and other key developments affecting Michigan libraries.

What a year 2025 was for MLA and Michigan libraries! Thanks to a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation, this year brought major strides in protecting the right to read. Our statewide poll showed 83% of Michiganders support intellectual freedom; we delivered over 4,300 petition signatures to Governor Whitmer’s desk, and we launched a marketing campaign to amplify this critical message. We also partnered with the Youth Civil Rights Academy and the ACLU to center youth voices through outreach and a video series. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited for the Youth Summit for the Right to Read with BookRiot’s Kelly Jensen, an Intellectual Freedom Summit for 100 library leaders, and regional coalition-building trainings with EveryLibrary. Together, we’re strengthening Michigan libraries, uplifting communities, and championing the right to read in 2026 and beyond! 

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

Save the Date: Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026

Mark your calendars for one of MLA’s most anticipated professional development events of the year!

Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026 will take place March 19-20, 2026, at the L.V. Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids, bringing together library staff who work with children and teens for two days of learning, inspiration, and connection.

This year’s theme, Play It Forward, explores the essential role of play in learning, development, and community engagement, and how playful approaches can strengthen youth services and energize our professional practice. Attendees can expect thought-provoking sessions, practical takeaways, and meaningful opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the state.

Registration opens January 8. More details coming soon—save the date and plan to play it forward with us in 2026!

Make Your Library's Commitment to Sustainability Official

The Bridgman Public Library has welcomed its new Director, Dr. Terri Hebert, who began on December 15, 2025. Dr. Hebert brings extensive experience from libraries in Louisiana and Texas, as well as a background as an educator at IU South Bend. She looks forward to increasing the library’s visibility and strengthening community partnerships. Wishing you all the best, Terri!

The Petoskey District Library (PDL) was honored with the Marty VandeCar Inclusivity Award at the Celebration of Champions. It was a great honor for PDL to be recognized by business partners for the important work done every day. Congratulations, and keep up the exceptional work!

The Canton Public Library shares the sad news of the passing of Jean Tabor, an influential leader whose 25 years of service transformed the library and strengthened its connection to the Canton community. Her career reflected unwavering dedication, forward-thinking innovation, and a deep belief in the power of public service. Our warmest condolences to all who knew her.

Library Director

City Of Ecorse - Ecorse, MI

Executive Director 

Gloria Coles Flint Public Library - Flint, MI

Library Cooperative Director

Suburban Library Cooperative - Sterling Heights, 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.