MLA’s “Primary Source” is an exclusive, first-hand account of the latest news and announcements from the staff of the Michigan Library Association.
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With vaccines steadily being injected into the arms of those around us, there is real reason to celebrate and look at the jar as half-full rather than half-empty. Whew…what a year! Not that life will return to “normal” any time soon, but there is certainly new-found hope that we are turning a corner and will see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are hearing from more and more of you that your physical doors are open, that you have a date for reopening, or are in your final preparations. Stay vigilant!
For the past few weeks, many of you (in fact about 35 to date) have stepped up to be a part of MLA’s meet and greets with our freshman legislators. It has been inspirational to hear your stories and we applaud you for getting through the worst days of the pandemic all the while continuing to innovate, expand and evolve your programming and services. We continue to hear that you are making progress on the challenges you prioritized in 2020 and plan for even more accomplishments in 2021 and beyond. The hardships and setbacks of the pandemic have shown how capable you are at achieving your goals. Stay vigilant! Read more
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NEW Benefit of Organizational Membership |
We are pleased to announce a brand new benefit for our organizational members! Now all of your organization's trustees can be added as Linked Trustee members, included complimentary with your organizational membership. Each organization will receive up to nine (9) Linked Trustees who will receive all the important communications and updates from MLA. Organizations will also receive a 50% discount on any event registration for a Linked Trustee member. Linked Trustees do not have voting privileges, however, they are welcome to join MLA as an Affiliated Trustee individual member for $50 annually to take advantage of individual benefits!
We look forward to engaging more trustees in the association and strengthening our statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of all libraries. Watch for more information on taking advantage of this new benefit included with your renewal information next month!
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Organizational Membership Renewal |
Organizational membership renewal information for the 2021-2022 member year will be sent in March. A form to submit the information for the new complimentary Linked Trustees organizational member benefit will be included with your renewal communications. If your organization takes advantage of group individual membership billing you will also receive information to select the individual memberships you would like to renew.
Thank you to all of our organizational members for your continued support!
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Easy Renewal Process for Your Entire Staff
Did you know? MLA makes it super easy for Organizational members to sign up all of their employees as Affiliated Individual members. Instead of having to issue multiple checks for individual dues throughout the year, wouldn’t you love the option of cutting one check that covers the cost of annual dues for all staff ($85 per employee) AND…they will all renew at the same time each year!
We can provide you with one invoice that will cover the cost of the employees you choose to pay for. We will even pro-rate their dues as necessary to eliminate the need for sending multiple checks. Note according to the bylaws, membership in the association is not transferable or assignable, but there is an exception for Affiliated Individual memberships that are paid for by an organizational member to address staffing changes.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact MLA Administrative Assistant, Lisa Buttigieg who will be happy to help answer any questions you may have. She can be reached by phone at (517) 394-2774 ext. 227 or by email at lbuttigieg@milibraries.org.
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Welcome Cat Kerns to the MLA Board |
It is our pleasure to welcome Cat Kerns, Immediate Past President of the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME), to the MLA Board as an ex-officio member. In January, Cat replaced Cynthia Zervos, as Immediate Past President of MAME, and assumed her seat on the MLA Board. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the Michigan library ecosystem with this representation from our school library colleagues.
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Update Your Member Profile! |
Keep your member information up to date in our member’s only portal. Please take a moment to add a work email, and an alternative home email address so you never miss important news and announcements. While you're there take a moment to update your library affiliation, job title, job function and interest areas so we can share relevant programs and services. Plus, make sure to add a home address! This helps us target our advocacy efforts in case we need to contact only members within a specific legislative district.
To access and update your individual member record, navigate to the Member Home page, log in, select "Go to Profile," then scroll down and select edit. Make sure to select “save” to update your changes.
Need your login credentials? To retrieve your username or reset your password simply click the links on the login page, or those provided below, and input your member record’s primary email address (this will be the email address where you receive MLA newsletters and communications). If you need assistance accessing or updating your member record, please contact us at MLA@milibraries.org .
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MLA 2021 Youth Literary Awards Top Titles |
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We are excited to announce the top titles of the 2021 Mitten, YouPer and Thumbs Up! Awards! Top Ten Title flyers, awards seals and award banners are available and free to use! Please use these resources at your library to help us promote MLA Youth Literary Awards and the amazing job our work groups do in selecting the very best books for youth! Read on for details. |
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MLA Youth Literary Award work groups worked throughout the past year, spending thousands of hours reading, reviewing and discussing hundreds of books to determine the top titles for youth published in 2020.
It is our pleasure to share the Top Ten Titles of the 2021 MItten, Youper and Thumbs Up! Awards! The winners and honor books will be announced at Spring Institute for Youth Services 2021 during Friday's Literary Awards Lunch Break. Can't make it to Spring Institute this year? Watch for the announcement from MLA on our social media and website after Spring Institute! |
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2021 Mitten Award Top Ten Titles |
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The Barnabus Project by Eric Fan, Terry Fan, Devin Fan
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
Crossings by Alex Landragin
Hike by Pete Oswald
If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall
Lift by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat
Salma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron
Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Susan Gal
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YouPer Award Top Ten Titles |
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Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor
The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead
The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert
Santiago's Road Home by Alexandra Diaz
Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
Twilight Hauntings (Enchanter's Child #1) by Angie Sage
What Lane? by Torrey Maldonado
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed
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Thumbs Up! Award Top Ten Titles |
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Burn by Patrick Ness
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
The Snow Fell Three Graves Deep by Allan Wolf
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi
What I Carry by Jennifer Longo
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Thumbs Up! Teen Vote is Live! |
Through March 10, teens aged 13 to 18 can vote online for their favorite book from the top titles. Distribute Thumbs Up! Top Ten Titles Teen Vote flyer(pdf) with the link to the online survey or share the link below on your library's website! Voting can be done online through March 10.
The winner, honor books, and Teen Choice will be announced at Spring Institute 2021 on Friday, March 12, at 12:15 pm during the Literary Awards Lunch Break.
Please share this link with your teen patrons and encourage them to vote!
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Every year, the month of March is celebrated as National Reading Month. There are so many fun ways to celebrate but we want to take the opportunity to encourage you to use this time to invite your legislators to your library for a storytime! Participating in a read-aloud or storytime could be virtual or in-person and is a great way for legislators to engage with the community, and also a wonderful way for your library to build relationships with our legislators and strengthen our collective advocacy efforts.
You can find your legislator's contact information online using MLA's Find my Legislator tool. Or contact MLA and we will help you connect with your legislator to facilitate a virtual or in-person visit.
The Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) is also encouraging school librarians to invite legislators to read to students and connect with schools in their districts. We hope to see libraries all across Michigan take this opportunity to engage with our legislators and continue to advocate for the importance of library workers and libraries!
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Proposed Changes to Record Retention Dates Due to Updates to the Michigan Library Privacy Act |
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In consultation and partnership with the Library of Michigan, MLA has submitted a proposal to the Records Management Services (Dept. of Technology, Management and Budget) for a change in the amount of time that surveillance footage must be retained in the General Schedule for Public Libraries. This change was prompted by the Michigan Library Privacy Act legislation (2020 PA 315) enacted in December 2020.
The current retention policy is two (2) months and then video can be destroyed. We are proposing that seven (7) days is enough time for a library to preserve footage necessary to address crime committed in or against the library. Reducing the amount of footage required would save libraries from the costly media and digital storage necessary to preserve surveillance footage for two months.
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Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan’s “Cultural Advocacy Day” March 11-12 |
Not only will the Michigan library community have our own Library Advocacy Day this April 20, but we hope that many of you will attend Cultural Advocacy Day with our friends and colleagues from museums, arts organizations, historical societies, festivals, preservation, humanities, theatre presenters and so many others that make each of our communities vibrant and thriving places to live, work and visit. Libraries need to be at the table and are considered one of the anchors in building and growing the social and economic infrastructure in each of our communities.
Join the Cultural Advocacy Network on Thursday, March 11 at 9:00 am for a kickoff to Michigan Cultural Advocacy Day and then a full day of Zoom meetings on Friday, March 12. The Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan represents statewide cultural organizations by advocating on their behalf to the Michigan Legislature. By participating in Advocacy Day, you will help establish a presence for cultural organizations in state government and be able to develop strong relationships with your local legislative leaders. Attendees will gain insight into the processes related to policy-making and appropriations from individuals involved with such work on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, Cultural Advocacy Day provides a venue for you to network with members of other statewide cultural organizations, creating opportunities for collaboration in the future!
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Naloxboxes for Public Libraries |
In 2019, MLA was instrumental in updating the liability protections through the Michigan legislature for library staff members who administer Narcan in emergency situations involving opioid overdoses. And many of our library staff have stepped up to save lives. We continue to advocate for proper training, best practices in developing policy and processes, and to have Narcan available in your library to save lives.
It goes without saying that our libraries provide refuge for our most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. We know however that the opioid crisis affects us all and libraries want to do as much as possible to provide help when it is needed.
In January, MLA sponsored a coffee hour and also invited Dr. David McGreaham who leads the Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC) to one of the Library of Michigan director meetings to share how public libraries can position themselves to address this crisis. NMORC is comprised of 32 member organizations over 18 rural Northern Michigan Counties. One of their goals under preventing deaths from opioid overdoses is related to providing naloxboxes to community organizations, with the purpose of having naloxone available in areas where overdoses may occur (usually placed near and with an AED). Their membership identified public libraries as a priority for this placement. Through one of their grant programs, they will be able to provide the boxes at no cost to libraries in their region. Many of our library members are stepping up to install them.
MLA found out during our coffee hour that there are other consortiums throughout Michigan that might also be willing to step up and provide naloxboxes if we advocate for their placement in public libraries. Please let MLA know if this is something that you would like to investigate for your library if you are in any of the following counties: Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, Chippewa, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, or Lenawee. Once we hear from you, we will send you the contact name and email of your regional representative.
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Governor Whitmer Releases Proposed FY22 Budget |
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On February 11, Governor Whitmer released her third executive budget, centered on equitably growing the state’s economy by expanding skills training and childcare for families, providing a further down payment on rebuilding the state’s crumbling bridges and water infrastructure, and helping small businesses recover from the pandemic. All combined, the full budget is just over $67 billion.
The budget and staffing levels for the Library of Michigan within the Department of Education are located within the General Fund budget and remain flat from FY21 to FY22. State Aid to Libraries remains at $13,067,700. (Below is a screenshot from page 78 of the budget – linked at the end of this communication. The first column is FY21, the second column is FY22).
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In addition, there is $100,000 budgeted in the Department of Education to create and support a state poet laureate who will travel the state meeting with teachers and students to promote poetry, the spoken word, and literary arts to a new generation of young students. View the full budget (pdf). |
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Latest Updates on Coronavirus Orders, OMA and Workplace Protocols |
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During this rapidly changing situation, we are actively monitoring legislation and regulations related to COVID-19. Please watch MLA's website for important news and announcements as we keep you informed.
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Gatherings and Face Mask Order – In effect February 8, 2021, and Remains in Effect Through March 29, 2021 |
Limitations of activity:
- Outdoor gatherings at non-residential venues without fixed seating is limited to 25 or fewer persons and attendance is limited to 20 persons per 1,000 square feet.
- A gathering at a retail store, library, or museum must not exceed 30% of total occupancy limits established by the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal. Nevertheless, a retail store, library, or museum may permit one customer at a time to enter if strict adherence to the 30% total occupancy limit would otherwise result in closure.
As a condition of hosting a gathering under this order, organizers and facilities must design the gathering to encourage and maintain physical distancing and must ensure that persons not part of the same household maintain 6 feet of distance from one another to the extent possible. All persons participating in gatherings are required to wear a face mask.
As a reminder, under Public 254 of 2020, all local governments, can continue to meet virtually for any reason through March 30, 2021. Beginning March 31, 2021, through December 31, 2021, remote participation is allowed only for military duty, a medical condition, or a statewide or local state of emergency or state of disaster.
Since December 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to two vaccines to prevent COVID-19, providing a path to end the pandemic. Michigan is now partaking in the largest mass vaccination effort in modern history and is presently working toward vaccinating at least 70% of Michigan residents 16 and older as quickly as possible.
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REALM Project Tests 7 and 8 Results |
The REALM project published the results of Tests 7 and 8 of Battelle’s laboratory testing for infectious COVID-19 virus on materials commonly found in archives, libraries, and museums. Test 7 and 8 compare the effect of colder and warmer temperatures on the attenuation rate of the virus on materials previously tested at ambient room temperatures.
Results show that for materials held at the colder temperature virus attenuation rates were significantly slower compared to the warmer and ambient temperatures. This data may suggest that additional considerations may need to be evaluated regarding outdoor collection boxes, or storage in colder conditions.
Data also suggests that, when possible, storage in warmer areas may help to shorten the length of quarantine. For institutions using quarantine periods, this research can impact when to start the quarantine “clock” once a material is brought into a controlled environment. Read the full results: https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/realm/documents/test-7-8-report.pdf
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MLA Statement in Opposition to SB22 |
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MLA monitors and responds to any legislation that would limit library millage proposals. Read on for details. |
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MLA Statement in Opposition to SB22
Introduced by Senator Runestad on January 13, 2021
On average, Michigan Libraries depend on locally dedicated millages for 77% of their funding and this number is increasing nearly 1% each year. At the same time, diminishing property values reduce tax revenues, and DDAs and TIFAs are constantly siphoning dedicated millages. While millages aren’t the sole source of revenue for libraries, none is more important. Everyone is familiar with how property taxes have declined in value and collection in recent years, which obviously has impacted the library's ability to sustain all its operations.
- In Michigan, all federal, state, county, township, city, village, and school elections are restricted to three dates each year: May, August, November.
- The law already limits a municipality from going to voters more than 2 times in any calendar year.
While limiting, election dates offered three times each year, continue to provide libraries and other municipal and school bodies flexibility with imposing new millages or increasing or renewing an existing millage.
SB22, as introduced, would limit a local taxing unit submission of a proposal on a question of imposing a new millage or increasing or renewing an existing millage at an election held ONLY on the November regular election date as provided in section 641 of the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL168.641.
MLA opposes SB22 for the following reasons:
- A millage loss could very well close the doors permanently for a library, so alternative dates to re-present their proposal to their community during the calendar year are essential. Restrictions to the number of times each year that a millage can be brought before voters are already limited. There is no wiggle room if a millage fails and libraries get only one shot per year.
- If voters can only vote in November, it could potentially take years before any new municipalities could be added within the boundaries of a district library to increase service.
- Prior to voter reforms like “No Reason Absentee Voting,” we know that November ballots were huge, packed often with convoluted and confusing ballot proposals and local ballots are often lost in the shuffle placed after lengthy state proposals, causing delays at polling locations and voter frustration.
- Since the Headlee Amendment causes millages to roll back beginning in the year they are authorized, this will cause further erosion of revenue from property taxes as libraries would certainly begin their process years prior to the actual vote.
- Ballot language is complex and requirements for elections could create a problem whereas a library would miss their opportunity to be on the ballot until the next election. If it is limited to only the November elections, the library would not have a millage or budget to operate under while waiting.
MLA will continue to watch this bill and will call on our MLA members if necessary if we see any movement.
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Check out February's edition of our monthly outreach to Michigan Legislators where we continue to educate them on the value of our libraries and the critical role of library staff. Our monthly letters include information on programs and services that libraries provide, education on library funding, the return on investment for our communities, stats and fun facts about library usage and more.
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MLA Members Meet With New Legislators |
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February has been a busy month of meet and greets with our freshman legislators. Approximately 30 new house members were elected last November, took office in January, and MLA has been busy ever since setting up 30-minute introductory Zoom meetings with each of them. The new legislators have been very open to our conversations and have expressed their sincere support for libraries throughout Michigan.
The calls have included MLA Executive Director, Debbie Mikula, MLA lobbyist, Bob DeVries and a library director or two from the new legislators' districts. In addition, stepping up for all 30 calls is Jenny Marr, MLA’s Advocacy and Legislative Committee Chair and director at the Ferndale Area District Library. She has made it her mission to help lead these conversations and focus attention on the general issues that tend to come in front of our legislators. A special thank you for her time and energy to participate fully.
Special shout out to our members who have joined us (or will be joining us) on these calls to share their programs/services, successes and challenges during the pandemic, and invite our legislators to join them for coffee hours and reading opportunities!
Thank you to Lance Werner, Garrett Hungerford, Michelle Howard, Steve Bowers, Jennifer Dean, Kay Schwartz, Lorrie Taylor, Maria McCarville, Holly Ward Lamb, Mallorie DeVilbiss, Juliane Morian, Bobbi Schoon, Don Priest, Ryan Wieber, Riti Grover, Trish Burns, Mary Hill, Nancy Bellaire, David Conklin, Julie Farkas, Jacalynn Harvey, Amelie Dawson, Eva Davis, Josie Parker, Brandi Swinehart, Nicole Market, Jessica Rivett, Kate Van Auken, Jackie Skinner and Tamara Sochacka. We are grateful for their contributions to these calls.
Thank you to everyone who participated in a meet and greet!
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ALA Advocacy Update: Build America’s Library Act
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The Build America's Libraries Act, S. 127 would provide $5 billion to repair, modernize, and construct library facilities in underserved and marginalized communities. Introduced on January 28, 2021, by Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and cosponsors, this legislation would fund upgrades to the nation’s library infrastructure to address challenges such as natural disasters, COVID-19, broadband capacity, environmental hazards and accessibility barriers.
Funding would be distributed through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to state library agencies. State libraries would then award grants on a competitive basis to libraries in each state. Funding would be prioritized to libraries serving marginalized communities, such as high-poverty areas. Additionally, IMLS would provide funding directly to tribal libraries. Eligible facilities under the Build America’s Libraries Act include public libraries, tribal libraries, and state libraries that provide service directly to the general public.
Eligible uses of the funding include:
- conducting facilities condition assessments, needs assessments, and master planning;
- financing new library facilities; or
- making capital improvements to existing library facilities, including buildings, grounds, and bookmobiles.
Improvements to library facilities could include enhancements to:
- protect health and safety, such as preventing the spread of COVID-19;
- upgrade broadband equipment and technology hardware;
- improve accessibility for people with disabilities;
- abate hazards such as mold and lead; and
- increase environmental sustainability, such as energy efficiency.
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Spring Institute for Youth Services 2021: Sparking Connections and Possibilities |
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Spring Institute for Youth Services 2021 Virtual Conference is all about "sparking connections and possibilities" and we can't wait to connect with you and explore new and creative possibilities for library youth services in Michigan! Our lineup of keynote speakers, education sessions, and fun virtual networking opportunities are sure to spark your creativity and energy in providing the best possible library service for Michigan children, tweens and teens.
Individual registration is only $130 for members and includes two full days of education, plus inspiring keynotes and fun networking activities, AND exclusive access to recordings of every conference session to review on-demand after the conference. Attending with several staff members from your library? Organizational members can still take advantage of deep discounts on multiple registration passes. Group rates expire tomorrow, Friday, February 26.
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Sparking Connections and Possibilities
Opening Keynote with Alex Gino
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Watering Young Imaginations: Librarians Doing the Decolonization Work
Thursday Afternoon Keynote with Alia Jones
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A 2020 Debut: Connecting with Readers and Community during a Global Pandemic
Friday Morning Keynote with Darcie Little Badger
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How to Love Library Work When it Doesn't Love You Back: Moving Forward in Youth Services
Friday Afternoon Keynote with Julie Jurgens
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Burnout and Stress: Science-backed Strategies for Your Library!
Friday Closing Keynote with Ryan Dowd
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Spring Institute for Youth Services 2021 Partner Opportunities |
Do you offer products and services for libraries? Don't miss the opportunity to connect with hundreds of library staff at Spring Institute for Youth Services 2021. Exhibit in the virtual expo hall, or become an event sponsor with one of our virtual sponsorship opportunities
Support our libraries by sharing the invitation with your vendors!
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MLA 2021 Annual Conference Will Be Virtual |
MLA 2021 Annual Conference, originally scheduled to be held in person in Port Huron, will now be a fully virtual conference scheduled for October 13-15, 2021. Watch for more details and the Call for Proposals in next month's Primary Source. |
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Registration is Open for 2021 Spring Workshops |
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All 2021 spring workshops and events will be virtual. Registration is open! Visit us on the web to view event details and register today! |
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Community Collaborations: Healthy Community Initiatives
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
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Library Human Resources: Drafting Policies That Work
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
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The Business of Libraries: Small Business Development
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
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Cultural Intelligence: Unconscious Bias Affects Everyone
Wednesday, May 05, 2021
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Funds Are Available for Spring Events |
We don't want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to attend any one of our upcoming events because of financial reasons.
MLA provides individual members close to $10,000 annually for librarians and support staff at any Michigan library to attend MLA events. There are two specific funds that provide scholarships – the MLA Education Fund and the MLA/MALC Academic Library Fund.
Spring 2021 Workshops scholarship applications are due Friday, March 12, 2021.
Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director scholarship applications are due Friday, March 26, 2021.
Don't miss out due to financial constraints, fill out the application today!
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Library Continuing Education Program Stipends
Continuing education stipends are also available through the Library of Michigan Library Continuing Education Program. Michigan public, academic and school library staff are eligible to apply for funds to attend virtual events.
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New Spring Course! Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director 2021 |
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The first Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director course quickly sold out so we have added a new Spring course that begins in April 2021.
This course addresses the many issues confronting new library directors. The program will include both group classes and an individual consulting session. The combination of small group support and one-on-one expert guidance offers personalized situational learning and you’ll discover a close cohort of new directors who can support you throughout your career.
While management books and courses can be helpful, this approach bridges the vast gulf between theory and practice to help you thrive as a community leader and public library director. Suggested readings, podcasts, and discussions of practical scenarios will help you develop your leadership skills.
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The Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director course is completely virtual and will use the Zoom platform. Registration is $875 for members and $975 for non-members. The course is limited to ten individuals. Registration closes on March 26, 2021.
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MLA Connect provides virtual education and engagement opportunities you can access from anywhere to keep you connected to the library community in Michigan! Read on to check out the lineup of upcoming MLA Connect programs. Missed an MLA Connect event? Check out archived webinars and coffee hours on the MLA website. Please note recordings are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. |
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Upcoming MLA Connect Webinar: Library Privacy Act Amendments
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Tuesday, March 16, 2021
10:00 – 11:00am
Free to Attend
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Learn about recent amendments to the Library Privacy Act that have the potential to affect how libraries report crime, interact with law enforcement, interact with each other, and underscore the seriousness of maintaining patron privacy. This session will go through the new amendments and discuss how they may affect existing library practices. This is presented as an in-depth follow-up to the Library of Michigan’s January Library Law Spotlight.
Participants in this session will be able to:
- Identify the changes to the Library Privacy Act
- Understand how to apply these changes to existing policies.
- Explain the importance of the privacy act to relevant staff, boards and volunteers.
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Register for Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2021 |
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Mark your calendars now for Tuesday, April 20th, and register to join the Michigan Library Association (MLA), the Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA), the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) and hundreds of library advocates from throughout Michigan as we inundate our legislators with our presence on a multitude of scheduled Zoom meetings, phone calls, emails and tweets. We will meet virtually with legislators to thank them for the work they have done in support of libraries and ensure they are continuing to champion the importance of libraries in Michigan communities.
By participating in the Michigan Library Advocacy Day you will help establish a stronger voice for the library community, develop important relationships with your local legislative leaders, and garner a greater understanding of the processes related to policy-making from individuals involved in the work on a day-to-day basis. Advocacy Day will also give you the chance to network with other library supporters and create opportunities for future collaborations.
We will be taking care of all the details, providing advocacy training videos and talking points, template communications and scheduling the Zoom meet and greets with your local legislators - all you will need to do is register! So mark your calendars now and register today!
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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. |
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Royal Oak Director Emily Dumas is starting a new chapter in her career as the director of the Troy Public Library. Wishing you all the best Emily! |
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The Fruitport District Library is pleased to welcome Lisa Harmon as their new library director. Best wishes to you Lisa! |
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Congratulations to Elissa Zimmer who recently accepted the District-wide Program Coordinator position for Van Buren District Library. |
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Nicole Markel and Jessica Rivett will serve as co-directors for the Sandusky District Library. Congratulations to you both! Sandusky District Library would like to thank Gail Ann Narkler for her 26 years of service. Welcome to Nicole and Jessica and congratulations to Gail Ann Narkler on her retirement! |
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Congratulations to Donna Olsen who recently retired from Salem South Lyon District Library. Thank you for your many years of service, you will be missed!
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Have a job to post? Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Career Center job board. Learn more here.
Public Libraries of Saginaw – Saginaw, MI
Library of Michigan – Lansing, MI
Library of Michigan – Lansing, MI
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Don't keep this great resource to yourself!
Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and networks.
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Connect with MLA on social media! Like and Follow us on Facebook and Twitter 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. |
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Uniting the Michigan Library Community
MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.
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