I’ve been a member of the Michigan Library Association since 2005 and have given back to the organization through volunteering, serving on the Board and now as President. For what I’ve given to MLA, it has given me back so much more. I’ve made connections with MLA staff and members that have allowed me to grow as a professional. That is why it’s difficult for me to say goodbye.
There’s never a right time to take on new roles, and I have decided to take on the new role as Library Director for Hennepin County Library in Minnesota starting in October. That means that I won’t have the chance to serve out my term as MLA President and become Past-President. But, I know that MLA has a fantastic Board, fantastic staff, and the best Executive Director of any state organization. My only regret is not being here, in Michigan, to see and experience the great work that MLA is going to accomplish in the coming years and celebrate that achievement with all of you. I’ll only be a couple of Midwestern states away and you’ll have a big fan in Minnesota who will be looking to see what great things you’re doing in Michigan.
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October is Michigan Library Appreciation Month |
Get ready to celebrate Michigan Library Appreciation Month! This October we are celebrating Michigan libraries and library staff and highlighting all the many ways libraries serve their communities.
Join us in participating in Michigan Library Appreciation Month and help us highlight just how much of an impact our libraries have made in the lives of Michiganders.
We will offer several ways libraries, library staff and patrons can get involved. This month we ask that you submit the Michigan Library Appreciation Month proclamation to your local elected officials to give them time to proclaim their support! Issuing a proclamation can sometimes take a month or more but it's simple to do. Identify a council member, mayor, superintendent, dean, or supervisor to sponsor the proclamation and have them present it at a commission meeting or important leadership function.
Watch for social media ideas, newsletter copy, graphics and more resources and easy ways to participate next month and plan to join the celebration to highlight Michigan libraries, librarians, and library workers all October long!
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Seeking Quotable Library Workers |
Every October, we celebrate and highlight our love of libraries during Michigan Library Appreciation Month on social media. We usually share quotes from authors, celebrities, and other public figures, but this October we want to feature your words! All October, Michigan librarians’ and library workers' quotes will be featured in shareable social media graphics that will include their name and library and quotable wisdom.
It’s easy to participate just send us your quote, name, and library name!
So, what makes a quotable post? You’ve probably read a few of these before:
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of a Library."
Jorge Luis Borges
"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life."
Sidney Sheldon
"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library."
Albert Einstein
"I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card."
Laura Bush
"Libraries always remind me that there are good things in this world."
Lauren Ward
Your quote should be short, meaningful, and memorable! It should address one of the prompts below:
- Why libraries matter and are still more relevant than ever.
- What is the #1 most important thing a library does for the individual, community, or society?
- What is your favorite thing about libraries?
Quotes should be 10-35 words or around 150 characters max.
To participate, please email your quote, name and library name to Rachel Ash, MLA Membership and Communications Director at rfash@milibraries.org by Friday, September 1. Depending on how many we receive, we may not be able to use them all, but know we will use at least 31 of them.
Thank you for helping us highlight Michigan libraries!
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On September 1, MLA will celebrate 132 years of serving the Michigan library community!
MLA is Michigan’s oldest and largest library association spanning more than a century. It has influenced the course of Michigan’s libraries since its inception in 1891, when Mary A. Eddy, the librarian at Coldwater Free Public Library, wrote to Henry M. Utley of the Detroit Public Library about organizing a state library association.
Show your pride in being a part of MLA by sharing a message on social media and tagging MLA next Friday, September 1! Send a happy birthday message, share how long your library has been around, or give us a shout-out and let us know how long you have been a member!
Facebook: @MichiganLibraryAssociation
Twitter: @MLAoffice
Instagram: @Michigan_Library_Association
Celebrate the longevity of the Michigan library community by contributing a gift to help grow MLA's educational and equity scholarship funds. If you would like to consider a legacy gift please call us at (517) 394-2774. Contribute online at milibraries.org/donation. |
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Annual Member Meeting Notice |
Notice is hereby given to MLA members that the Annual Meeting will take place during MLA 2023 Annual Conference at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center in Kalamazoo, MI on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM. MLA 2023 Annual Conference registration is not required to attend the annual meeting and all members are welcome and encouraged to attend. |
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Check out MLA's Bill Tracker to view a full list of legislation that the Advocacy and Legislative Committee is watching.
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Congratulations to Beaver Island District Library! Voters in Peaine and St. James Townships approved a .9776 mill renewal and .0224 mill in new additional millage (to restore the millage rate previously authorized) for three years.
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Congratulations to Lenawee District Library! Their 10-year operating millage renewal proposal passed in August’s primary with a tally of 3,005 yes to 1,195 no votes.
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Protect the Right to Read |
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In response to the rise of book banning and censorship efforts in libraries around the country, MLA launched a six-month MI Right to Read campaign, encouraging residents to oppose censorship and book banning efforts and protect their First Amendment right to read whatever they choose to at public libraries.
MI Right to Read is an MLA initiative coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force to protect 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.
As a member of the coalition, you have access to a toolkit of resources to urge your network and community to protect the right to read
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Share on social media – tell your friends and family to join!
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Write a letter to the editor in your local paper.
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Contact us if you're willing to author an opinion piece or help in other ways.
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Intellectual Freedom Resources |
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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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Check out August's edition (PDF) 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 2023 Annual Conference: Connecting the Dots
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Registration is OPEN! Join us October 18-20, in person in Kalamazoo for MLA 2023 Annual Conference: Connecting the Dots. |
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You're invited to join the Michigan library community at MLA 2023 Annual Conference this October 18-20 in Kalamazoo. This year, we are focusing on how libraries are "Connecting the Dots".
Full Conference Early Bird registration is $295 for MLA members and includes the welcome reception, a ticket to the Michigan Library Awards dinner and ceremony, plus meals, snacks, and lots of coffee.
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100 W Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
MLA Room Rate: $148.00 per night, plus tax for a standard room with one or two beds, if reserved before September 26, 2023.
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We are excited to gather with the Michigan library community this October in person at the MLA 2023 Annual Conference and we don't want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to attend because of financial reasons! Scholarship applications are due Friday, September 8. The application forms are very short and simple.
Don't miss out on attending MLA 2023 Annual Conference. If you need financial support to attend, click the button below to learn more and apply online.
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Library Continuing Education Program |
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 MLA 2022 Annual Conference.
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MLA 2023 Keynote Speakers |
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Check out details of the Opening Keynote address with chef and author Abra Berens, Thursday's Morning Keynote with award-winning author Ellen Hopkins, and our Closing Keynote with Stephen A. Jackson, Oak Park (IL) Public Library’s Director of Equity and Anti-Racism. Learn more
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Call for MLA 2023 Annual Conference Idea Exchange Proposals |
Some of the key ingredients for a successful library program or service are creative ideas, measurable goals, dedicated staff, and community need, but what does the recipe for your best ideas look like?
The 2023 Annual Conference workgroup is requesting proposals for our Idea Exchange Food for Thought, hosted at the evening reception from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Thursday, October 19 at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Are you working on a new project, but don’t have results ready to present a formal program? Have you worked on something that you think others want to know about?
This show and share event will inspire attendees to think outside the box and give them the recipes needed to integrate your ideas in their own libraries. This is an excellent opportunity for you to develop as a library professional, and to have a definitive positive impact on the library community. Submit your ideas and help take your library skills to the next level. Your idea may extend the learning opportunities for library professionals across Michigan.
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Thank you to our Sponsors! |
Thank you to our MLA 2023 Annual Conference Sponsors!
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All programs, activities and services of MLA are provided equally and supported in part by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. |
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Public Librarianship in Contentious Times |
Join the University of Michigan School of Information and MLA on Tuesday, September 19, for Public Librarianship in Contentious Times. This free, daylong conference focuses on growing demands for libraries to bypass First Amendment rights. Join us online or in Ann Arbor to hear from experts on online communities, social media, online privacy and security, and wellbeing. MLA will share its latest resources, research, and supports. You’ll have time to talk with other public librarians and those who care about access to information. While this event is geared toward public librarians, all are welcome, including library trustees, library school or iSchool students, library workers from other library types, and First Amendment advocates.
This event is sold out to in-person attendance but everyone can join virtually.
Virtual attendees receive free, live Zoom Webinar access to the welcome and panel discussion, keynote address, and MLA resources presentation. Register to attend online: https://bit.ly/sept-19-online
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Upcoming HealthiestYou Informational Session |
Library Directors: HealthiestYou is an affordable option for providing your library staff with access to free online healthcare. It's a healthcare service that offers convenient, confidential access to quality doctors and providers by phone, video, or app 24/7/365.
Join MLA on Wednesday, September 20 at 10:00 AM on Zoom for a 45-minute informational session to learn more, see a demo of the HealthiestYou app, get your questions answered, and get ready to enroll.
Questions or Ready to Enroll?
HealthiestYou is available exclusively to MLA Organizational Members. Please contact Rachel Ash, MLA Membership and Communications Director at rfash@milibraries.org to confirm your library’s eligibility or to join MLA. Rachel will connect you with Corey Cushing to begin the enrollment process.
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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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Michigan Library Awards 2023 |
The Michigan Library Awards is the can't-miss event for recognizing Michigan's amazing library professionals and libraries. It’s the Michigan library community's own version of the Academy Awards, the Emmys, the Grammys, and the Tonys, and you're invited!
Join the Michigan library community on Wednesday, October 18 in Kalamazoo for an evening of celebration, including dinner and an awards show featuring entertainment and special guests. Save the date and plan to don your best business dressy attire (ball gowns and tuxedos are NOT required), strut the red carpet for a photo op, and join us for dinner and a show as we celebrate the accomplishments, dedication and service of outstanding libraries, library staff, trustees and supporters.
The Michigan Library Awards dinner and awards ceremony is included with annual conference registration or tickets can be purchased for $50 each for those not attending the conference.
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Buckeye Bound! Interested in MLA Group Transit to PLA 2024? |
The Public Library Association (PLA) will be hosting the PLA 2024 Conference, April 3–5, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Are you planning to attend and interested in round-trip transportation with fellow Michigan librarians?
Dependent on interest, MLA is planning group transportation to and from Columbus for MLA members. Please take our survey to let us know if this is an opportunity you’d like MLA to provide. (This isn’t a commitment or reservation, just an opportunity to see if there is enough interest to proceed.)
Tickets are estimated to cost $150 per person for a seat on the bus departing from Brighton, Michigan on April 2 and returning the evening of April 5, with drop-off at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Parking in Brighton will be provided complimentary, and the bus will be equipped with snacks, beverages, WiFi, great company, and a restroom.
If you were to drive separately based on state rates, the estimated cost for mileage and parking between Columbus and Brighton is estimated at approximately $350.
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Save the Date! Think Space 2023-2024: Future Ready Libraries |
Think Space is an all-inclusive educational and networking experience including four full days of learning, two overnight hotel stays, meals, fun special events, and the opportunity to build deeper, lasting relationships with other directors and deans of libraries throughout Michigan. Join your colleagues for time to THINK deeply in a safe SPACE. Registration opens this fall!
Future ready librarians peer beyond basic service to pursue innovation and iterative design. They honor the legacy of classic librarianship while embracing a contemporary vision. Fiscally responsible and infinitely responsive, future proof libraries do not rest on their hands or their laurels. They stake a claim on the shifting landscape of relevance and solve the right problems for their patrons.
Topics covered will include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Deconstructing barriers to access
- Building future focused spaces
- Fostering resilient workplaces
- Questioning the why behind our policies
- Reimagining the library of the future
Schedule
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
December 7-8, 2023
Virtual Session
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island
May 23-24, 2024
(Optional early arrivals welcome on Mackinac Island. Add an extra night and parking for $250)
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Thursday, October 17, 2024
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Student Membership Rate Increase |
Joint student membership in the Michigan Library Association and American Library Association will soon increase in price. Act fast and lock in your spot for just $44 before September 1, 2023. Join today at www.ala.org/aboutala/joint-membership-program
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Are you a new library worker? Are you experiencing or thinking about a job change? Need a new perspective on your work? Just looking to connect with someone established in the Michigan library community? The MLA Mentorship Program is accepting new mentees now! This flexible, self-directed program is open to all MLA members with no extra fees or requirements. Applications close August 31, 2023, so apply today. The next opportunity to become a mentee will be February 2024.
Mentor applications are accepted all year! You can even opt out of matching at any point if you find yourself temporarily unable to commit the time to being a mentor. We are always looking to diversify our mentors and encourage library workers of all backgrounds to consider joining the program.
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Shop our store for MI Right to Read apparel and MLA swag. We have shirts designed by local 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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View the Organizational Member Directory |
Search the MLA Organizational Member Directory to view library organizational members of MLA. You can search by library name, address, or zip or view all organizational members in alphabetical order. Need to update your library's info? Library directors can log in to their individual member profiles to access and update their library's organizational membership. |
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MIRS Subscription Discounts
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Keep up on legislative and political news at the Capitol with breaking news alerts, weekly podcasts, highlights of the daily legislative results, and an in-depth analysis of current issues in the House, Senate, and administration with daily updates in an easy-to-read online format.
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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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Jennifer Donner is leaving the Iosco-Arenac District Library and will be the new Director at the Lydia M. Olson Library at Northern Michigan University. Wishing you great success at NMU! |
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Congratulations to Angelo Moreno who was selected as the East Lansing Public Library’s Interim Director. Wishing you great success in your new role! |
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Laura Puckett who is Van Buren District Library’s PR & Technology Librarian, received her MLIS from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in May 2023, and was subsequently promoted from Associate Librarian to full Librarian. Way to go Laura, congratulations! |
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Congratulations to Susan Youngblood who was recently promoted to Van Buren District Library’s Technical Services Coordinator. Susan has been with Van Buren District Library since 2009. Way to go Susan! |
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Sheryl VanderWagen has been the Integrated Library System Manager at Lakeland Library Cooperative in Grand Rapids since September 2002 and an active participant in Michigan public libraries for over 30 years. She is retiring on September 1, 2023 and will be greatly missed by her colleagues. Congratulations on your retirement Sheryl! |
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Melissa Huisman is retiring after more than 27 years, as Director of the Gary Byker Memorial Library of Hudsonville. Thank you for your many years of dedication to your library and the library community. We wish you all the best Melissa! |
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Congratulations to Sue Pickar who is retiring from Cass District Library on August 31 after 26 years of dedicated service. Thank you, Sue, for your many years of service! |
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Advertise on MLA’s Job Board |
Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Job Board. Learn more here.
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Howell Carnegie Library - Howell, MI
Harbor Springs Library - Harbor Springs, MI
Newaygo Area District Library - Newaygo, MI
Pontiac Public Library - Pontiac, MI
Dowagiac District Library - Dowagiac, MI
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2023-24 Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant Information
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is pleased to announce the availability of $50 million in grant funds to provide in-person before-school, after-school, or during the summer programming to children in any of...
Read more
www.michigan.gov
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2023-2024 Out-of-School Time (OST) Grants Intent to Apply
Michigan Department of Education Questionnaire
Read more
mdoe.state.mi.us
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Community Center Grants
Michigan Community Center Grant Terms and Conditions Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. August 31, 2023 via EGrAMS The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced the availability of up to $60 million in Community Center...
Read more
www.michigan.gov
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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. You can search regionally by library cooperative or search the entire contents of the database by subject. In order to ensure there is a robust and growing database, submit your positive recommendations today!
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I Love My Librarian Award
The I Love My Librarian Award invites library users to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school college, community college, or university librarians.
Read more
ilovelibraries.org
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Library Card Sign-up Month |
September is Library Card Sign-up Month. Check out Library Card Sign-up Month graphics along with media tools such as a press release template, proclamation, and sample social media posts. Follow I Love Libraries on Facebook and Twitter and the hashtag #LibraryCardSignUpMonth to join the celebration on social media.
www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card
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With the severe uptick in local and statewide book challenges, ALA offers this clearinghouse of resources to assist library workers and library advocates in responding to and supporting others facing those challenges. Report challenges to the Office for Intellectual Freedom, and let ALA know if you need assistance.
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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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Executive Director
(517) 881-1266
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Membership and Communications Director
(517) 881-6652
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Database Coordinator
(517) 881-0496
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Administrative Assistant
(517) 881-1683
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Program and Event Director
(517) 881-3194
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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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