MARCH 26, 2026

Note From Dillon: Election Date Bills and Potential Impacts for Michigan Libraries

This month, both the House and Senate introduced separate bill packages that would reshape election dates in Michigan. While the packages differ in their intent and scope, the House bills would limit the ability of public libraries and municipalities to request property tax millage renewals or increases. Alternatively, the Senate bill focuses on shifting when elections occur rather than restricting which elections local units can access for funding requests.

House Bill 4583 (HB 4583) would require public libraries and other local taxing units to place millage questions on the November ballot. By limiting the ability of public libraries to determine when property tax millages are allowed on the ballot, the legislation usurps independent local control.

MLA Opposes HB 4583 and any legislation restricting election dates.

On average, nearly 80% of funding for Michigan public libraries comes from dedicated millages. Losing funding at the ballot box could result in some public libraries permanently closing. If HB 4583 is signed into law, there will be no opportunity for libraries to regroup and return to voters in the same calendar year if a millage fails. Only allowing for an November election date could also slow the process for new municipalities to be added within the boundaries of a district library, delaying residents' access to essential library services.

Historically, Michigan’s November ballot can be crowded, and library millage proposals could get lost in the shuffle. Under Michigan law, local units like public libraries fall last in line when they appear on election ballots, behind statewide proposals, county proposals, city or township proposals, and school district proposals. HB 4583 could lead to voter fatigue and multi-page election ballots where funding proposals from libraries appear dead last.

Unlike the House package, Senate Bill 691 (SB 691) focuses on changing rather than eliminating election dates. The bill would move the traditional August primary election to May. This approach maintains three election opportunities throughout the year, preserving access to the ballot for libraries and other local government units. This framework differs significantly from House proposals like HB 4583 by preserving local flexibility and avoiding a single-day system for ballot questions. SB 691’s less restrictive approach allows libraries and other local units to align election timing with community needs while adapting to a revised statewide election schedule.

MLA will continue to monitor these proposals closely, with particular attention to their impact on local control and library funding. We’ll be sure to keep Michigan libraries informed and prepared for any next steps or action items.

MLA 2026 Board Election: Meet the Candidates

The MLA 2026 Board of Directors Election will open on Tuesday, March 31, and close on Monday, April 20, at midnight. This year, MLA members will vote for an MLA President-elect and four Member-at-Large Board positions for terms beginning in July 2026 and ending in June 2029. Election results will be announced in MLA’s Primary Source newsletter on Thursday, April 23. Meet the candidates!

President-Elect

John Clexton

Director, Gladwin County District Library

Michele P. Howard

Director, Traverse Area District Library

Member-at-Large

Jaci Cooper

Director of Projects and Planning, Kent District Library

Eva Davis

Director, Canton Public Library

Mary Higginbottom-Johnson

Associate Director of Operations, Muskegon Area District Library

Juliane Morian

Library Director, Rochester Hills Public Library

Jamie Morris

Associate Director, Clinton-Macomb Public Library

James Pugh 

Director, Cedar Springs Public Library

The federal budget process is underway, and early advocacy is already shaping congressional priorities. One of the first opportunities to demonstrate support comes through “Dear Appropriator” letters—requests from members of Congress to the Appropriations Committees, signed by multiple lawmakers, urging strong federal funding for specific programs. According to the American Library Association (ALA), library champions in the House have exceeded last year’s number of signatures on the letter supporting the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)—an encouraging sign of momentum for libraries.

Now, attention turns to the Senate where letters supporting LSTA and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program are now circulating. LSTA funding, through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports statewide services like MeL and MeLCat, along with workforce development, broadband access, and early literacy initiatives. IAL provides critical support to high-need school libraries working to address ongoing literacy challenges.

We encourage you to contact your Senators and urge them to sign both letters by the April 17 deadline. Each signature helps demonstrate strong public support for library funding.

ALA anticipates there will be significant cuts to library funding in the federal administration's budget proposal (expected later this spring). Library advocates must stay engaged. Stay tuned—MLA will continue to share updates and opportunities to take action as the budget process unfolds.

MLA has been on the road this year sharing presentations on the work of MI Right to Read and intellectual freedom with library and community groups across Michigan. 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.

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.

Leading Through Uncertain Times

Scott Duimstra, Director of Hennepin County (MN) Library (and a past MLA President), shares how his system is responding to immigration and DHS enforcement activity, and key lessons learned that may help guide MI libraries.

MLA 2026 Annual Conference Beyond Buzzwords: Call for Proposals

You're invited to submit a proposal for the MLA 2026 Annual Conference, taking place October 28-30, 2026, in Novi.

This year’s theme, Beyond Buzzwords: An Enduring Public Good, challenges us to move past trends and talk—to share real-world ideas, programs, and strategies that demonstrate the lasting impact of libraries in our communities.

We’re looking for engaging, practical, and thought-provoking breakout sessions from library professionals, trustees, students, and subject matter experts. Whether you’re exploring topics like AI, accessibility, community partnerships, communication, sustainability, or innovative public services, this is your opportunity to contribute to Michigan’s premier library event and help shape meaningful conversations across the field.

Proposals should be educational, inspirational, or skill-building in nature and designed to actively engage attendees. Sessions will be selected based on clarity, relevance, audience value, and alignment with the conference theme.

Submissions are welcome through Friday, May 15, 2026.

Click here to view the proposal submission guidelines (PDF).

Bring your big-picture thinking, actionable insights, and community-centered innovations to help us move the needle, spark collaboration, and deliver scalable impact across the library ecosystem.😉

We can’t wait to see what you’ll share!

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.

Upcoming MLA Connect Webinars

Make Your Library's Commitment to Sustainability Official

Organizational Membership Renewal

Group Invoicing for an Easy Renewal Process for Your Entire Staff

Did you know? MLA makes it easy for Organizational members to enroll all staff as Affiliated Individual members. Instead of managing multiple payments, you can cover everyone with one annual invoice ($85 per employee), all renewing at the same time. We’ll invoice only for the employees you choose and can prorate dues as needed. While memberships are generally non-transferable, affiliated memberships paid by an organization can be adjusted to accommodate staffing changes.

Interested? Contact MLA Administrative Assistant Katie Steward at (517) 394-2774 or ksteward@milibraries.org.

The Suburban Library Cooperative (SLC) Board is pleased to announce Kathy McKinney as the new Director of SLC. Kathy brings 27 years of library experience and a well-rounded career spanning a variety of roles. Most recently, she served as Assistant Director of the Mount Clemens Public Library, where she also stepped in as Interim Director for 10 months. Congratulations on your new role, Kathy!

Four generations of Directors...55 years! Pam Wright (new director), Barb Hutchinson (director from 1971-2002), Ruth Steele (director from 2019-2026), Kate Van Auken (director from 2002-2019). 

On Thursday, March 18, White Pine Library Cooperative celebrated the retirement of Ruth Steele, longtime Director of Rawson Memorial Library in Cass City. Ruth began her career there in 2002 as a Children’s Librarian, later serving as Assistant Director before becoming Director in 2019. After 24 years of dedicated service, she will retire on March 31. Following Ruth’s retirement, White Pine Library Cooperative welcomes Pam Wright as the new Director of Rawson Memorial Library. Pam joined Rawson in 2019 and has served as Assistant Director since 2022. Before her work at Rawson, she was a 5th/6th-grade teacher in Findlay, Ohio, and also gained experience in an academic library during her college years. Wishing Ruth a happy retirement, and congratulations to Pam on her new role!

Librarian I/II, Nursing and Health Sciences Librarian, University Library System

Wayne State University - Detroit, MI

Library Director

Pontiac Public Library - Pontiac, MI

Director

West Branch District Library - West Branch, 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.