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MLA is a little organization. Not in terms of our mission, but in terms of our size. With only five staff members and a budget normally under $1M, we are considered small in the nonprofit and association world. And while we may be small, we are MIGHTY, and, we THINK BIG!
Where do we get inspiration to be mighty? Rather than viewing resource constraints (like our budget and staff size) as limitations, small organizations like MLA find our strength in articulating our entrepreneurial spirit. MLA thrives on innovation, on instituting creative ideas, on listening to the needs of our members, on knowing our own limited capacity and taking calculated risks. Big thinking often involves stepping out of our comfort zone.
MLA actually draws inspiration from all sorts of organizations, especially larger organizations to achieve our goals. For us, the key to “thinking big” lies not in mimicking larger organizations but in molding and shaping many of their successful programs into our unique, small organization. We look for cost-effective ways to implement those big ideas without compromising the end result. We are resourceful, finding ways to do more with less and we innovate out of necessity – you can too.
Those big organizations, or big libraries, that share big ideas at conferences are always worthwhile to listen to. And while it may not all resonate, if we listen closely, there are always, always, always bits and pieces that can be creatively implemented by smaller organizations. And many times, we will do it better. Read more
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Support MLA in 2023 and Beyond | |
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For 132 years MLA has served the library profession in Michigan and we are proud to continue that work. In the past year alone, we've engaged thousands of library professionals and library supporters and secured hundreds of thousands in state funding. We've achieved more together than any of us could do on our own. As the year ends, please consider a gift of any size to support our work and help safeguard the right to read, protect library services and funding, and educate and empower library professionals. All contributions are tax-deductible!
Your donation of any amount to MLA special funds will provide direct financial support to Michigan libraries, support our advocacy efforts, and empower members of the library community.
You can donate to the fund that supports the work you find most meaningful –protecting the right to read, empowering underrepresented library workers, or supporting professional development. Or donate to MLA’s General Fund and support our mission to lead all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education, and engagement.
Again, we thank you for your commitment to the Michigan Library community! Together, we will continue to advocate for Michigan libraries, empower Michigan library workers, protect the right to read, and strive to create the best possible library services for Michigan residents in 2024 and beyond! Donate now.
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Donate Today…There are four ways to give!
We’ve made it easy to contribute a small gift or a large gift, or if you would like to consider a legacy gift, please call Debbie Mikula, Executive Director at 517-881-1266.
Check payable to Michigan Library Association and mailed to 3410 Belle Chase Way, Suite 100, Lansing, MI 48911
Credit/Debit by calling our office at (517) 394-2774
Donate online at milibraries.org/donation
Text GIVEMLA to 44321
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MLA Future Pathways Grant Program
Formerly known as the Equity Fund Grant, the Future Pathways Grant was overhauled and updated guidelines were approved by the MLA Board in December 2023. Applications are now open and will be considered for the July 2024 deadline.
Through the Future Pathways Grant Program, MLA affirms our commitment to equity, diversity, accessibility, and belonging and demonstrates our commitment to empowering underrepresented individuals in the library community. By reducing financial barriers to career advancement, Future Pathways Grants aim to encourage the participation, engagement, and leadership of racially and ethnically diverse library workers in the library profession and MLA.
The MLA Future Pathways grants will be used as an individual grant geared toward the professional development of individuals currently underrepresented in the library profession. This fund will reduce financial barriers and uplift the professional development for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, North African, and Middle Eastern individuals by providing resources to be used for memberships, attendance at workshops, educational events or conferences of applicants’ choosing, or for other purposes that they believe increase their ability to impact and transform the library profession.
For complete eligibility requirements, restrictions, and selection criteria, see the Future Pathways Guidelines (pdf). Applications will be reviewed twice per year. Beginning in 2025, deadlines for submission will be January 15 and July 15. Applications are now open and will be considered for the July 15, 2024 deadline only.
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MLA will be closed from December 23, 2023 – January 2, 2024, allowing MLA staff the opportunity to embark on activities that bring them joy, nourish their souls and create lasting memories with family and friends. Wishing all a Happy Holiday season! | |
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MLA's New Mailing Address | |
MLA is preparing to be a fully virtual office! Please note our new mailing address:
Michigan Library Association
PO Box 27337
Lansing, MI 48909
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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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We are so much stronger together! We're calling on you to help spread the word about protecting the right to read.
Here's how you can help support your public library. If you haven't yet, join the coalition!
As a member of the MI Right to Read 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 - MI Right to Read editorial if you're willing to author an opinion piece or help in other ways.
| 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. | | | |
Intellectual Freedom Resources | |
Looking to update your library policies for the new year? Get started by checking out our Intellectual Freedom Toolkit for example documents shared by libraries from across Michigan and the country! Many important policies are represented including collection development policies, request for reconsideration forms, and patron conduct guidance. Please discuss any potential policy changes with your library’s attorney before implementing them.
View more resources to assist libraries with First Amendment challenges at milibraries.org/intellectual-freedom-toolkit.
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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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Help keep Unite growing! During this season of giving, you can help Unite achieve its top non-financial goal: friendraising!
Help to expand their ability to fight for the freedom to read, join Unite, and ensure that the campaign can alert and activate communities across the country when their libraries and schools confront challenges.
The challenges to our First Amendment rights are unabating, so our efforts to combat them must be, too. Join the movement at uniteagainstbookbans.org.
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Books Save Lives Act Introduced To US Congress | The Books Save Lives Act would ensure trained librarians in every school and classify book bans as federal civil rights violations. Introduced late last week by Massachusetts Congressional Representative Ayanna Pressley, the four part bill is one of the first to directly address book bans on the national level. Where "Fight Book Bans" would open up money for school districts to fight book challenges, Books Save Lives goes even further to ensure that students have access not only to material but to trained librarians in their school libraries. It would also classify book bans as a violation of Federal Civil Rights–this ties right into the arguments being made in a wealth of lawsuits across the country that seek to end discriminatory policies and laws that infringe on First and Fourteenth Amendment Rights. | | | |
National Library Week 2024: Ready, Set, Library! | The theme for National Library Week 2024 (April 7-13) is Ready, Set, Library! National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and Newbery and Pura Belpré-award winning author Meg Medina will serve as 2024 Honorary Chair. | |
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Take Action! Help Advance Education Research - New Bill in Congress
The Advancing Research in Education Act (AREA) S. 3392, was passed by the HELP Committee on December 12. This bipartisan bill would improve the Education Department’s statistical and research activities, including its data collection about school and academic libraries. Now this bill needs our support to pass!
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ALA Councilor's Update
By Tashia Miller, ALA Councilor, MLA Board of Directors
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In our November Special Council meeting the Committee on Accreditation brought their report on updating the Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies to a vote for council adoption. Council passed this vote and the Standards written in 2015 will be revised.
These revisions include:
- Place the importance of program-level learning outcomes in the forefront to align with the expectations of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and regional accrediting organizations
- Place more emphasis on equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice making it clear what programs should demonstrate
- Identify standards that need to be revised or updated to reflect the current institutional context of LIS education and/or the needs of the profession
- Revise standards that are difficult to interpret and/or not clearly written
- Reduce redundancy and omit standards that are not relevant to achieving educational quality
- Make sections of each standard more explicit
- More clearly differentiate between what should be covered with respect to evaluation, decision making, and improvement of the program and planning for the future
- Transfer some sections to a different standard in order to create more coherent groupings
Additionally at this meeting, ALA Executive Board announced the appointment of the new Interim Executive Director, Leslie Burger. Burger will assume the role previously held by Tracie D. Hall who held the position from 2020 until this past October. Burger formerly served as ALA President from July 2006 to July 2007. She retired from her position as the Executive Director of the Princeton Public Library in 2016 after 16 years in the role. ALA welcomes Leslie Burger to this new role while the search continues to find the new Executive Director for ALA.
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Spring Institute for Youth Services 2024 | |
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You're invited to join the Michigan library community at Spring Institute for Youth Services 2024, March 7-8 at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in Muskegon, Michigan.
It's always a beautiful day in the library, and this year, that's our conference theme! Our goal is to "help the helpers" who support and strengthen our diverse communities. So, let's make the most of these two beautiful days of education and inspiration.
🎶Won't you please, won't you please?
Please, won't you... 🎶 join us for Spring Institute 2024!
Full conference early-bird registration is only $270 for MLA individual members! Early Bird Rates expire Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
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Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors
Do you offer products and services for libraries? MLA Spring Institute for Youth Services It's a Beautiful Day in the Library is your opportunity to support the Michigan library community and connect with youth services library staff from across the state.
We have sponsorship opportunities for every budget to help promote your organization to the Michigan library community. Plus, our exhibit area is a one-stop shop for our members who are looking for new products and services to use in their libraries.
Check out available sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities online and sign up today using our online form.
Contact Amber Sheerin, MLA Program and Event Director at (517) 881-3194 or asheerin@milibraries.org to learn more about sponsoring or exhibiting at Spring Institute for Youth Services 2024. Download the Spring Institute Vendor Prospectus (pdf).
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Thursday, January 18, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Being able to de-escalate and defuse situations is an important skill for anyone who serves the public, including library workers. Communication is key. On Thursday, January 18, MLA is hosting a special extended advocacy hour with Sojourner Jones on de-escalation training in our libraries. By practicing skills and techniques for resolving situations using only words, library workers can be better prepared to prevent physical altercations and potential harm for all sides involved. Attendees will learn specific techniques to create calm and defuse tense situations.
Sojourner Jones is a Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker (LBSW) with a Master's in Public Administration MPA. She has worked in the field of mental health for more than 25 years to resolve structural issues, communication glitches, and consistent patterns between law enforcement, courts, and community mental health treatment providers. In addition, she trains the Detroit Police Department and surrounding first responders on de-escalation techniques for engaging those persons who may be experiencing a mental illness.
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Save the Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM – February Advocacy Hour – join MLA and the Library Cooperatives in a joint session on Trustee Training
Advocacy Hour conversations are always free to attend but registration is required.
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SAVE THE DATE - April 16, 2024:
Michigan Library Advocacy Day
| Save the date for Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2024! We will be gathering together in person at the Capitol in Lansing to meet with legislators and advocate for all Michigan Libraries on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Registration will open in January 2024 and will be open to everyone interested in meeting their legislators and supporting libraries! Save the date and view more details at milibraries.org/advocacy-day. We can't wait to welcome you to the capital city next year! | |
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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Recordings of the three keynote sessions from the MLA 2023 Annual Conference are now available for conference attendees!
MLA Connect On Demand also features other Annual Conference sessions, including:
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Dating back to its inception in the 1970s, Leadership Academy has been one of MLA’s longest-standing and most respected professional development programs with alumni in all corners of the state. Don’t miss your opportunity to join the 2024 cohort. Registration will open in January!
Experts and thought leaders will cover everything from leadership fundamentals to successfully managing the politics inherent in every library position. Whether you aspire to be a director or want to enhance your ability to lead volunteers, spearhead new programs, or form relationships within your community, MLA's Leadership Academy will equip you with the skills and resources you need to lead.
"Leadership Academy was an incredible experience both for the knowledge gained and the chance to meet and talk with peers. I left the program with a renewed focus and clear objectives for how I want to lead and how to support my library."
"It formalized a lot of knowledge gained through experience and intuition. It provided many practical tools that can be used immediately. It connected me with a network of colleagues"
"I LOVED IT and am so grateful my library invested this time and money in me. The cohort was great and I enjoyed and learned from all the speakers. Thank you! What an AMAZING group of people!!!"
"So well organized, and really enjoyable. I liked having long enough breaks to talk and discuss with other members of the cohort."
"I really enjoyed my time at Leadership Academy and I'm glad that I was able to attend. I met a lot of great people from other libraries that I wouldn't have been able to if I did not attend. Thank you, MLA!"
Registration for Leadership Academy 2024 will now open in January 2024.
Rates:
Member: $1,445 EB / $1,545 standard
Non-Member: $2,890 EB / $3,090 standard
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Welcome to the 2023-24 Think Space Cohort | For directors, by directors! Earlier this month, MLA's new Think Space cohort met in Grand Rapids to learn and share how to prepare Michigan libraries for the future. The cohort will meet in February for a virtual session and will be back in person in May for another two-day deep dive into the future of libraries, this time on Mackinac Island! | | |
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In 2024, make new connections in the Michigan library community through MLA’s Mentorship Program! These open-ended, participant-driven mentorships last six months and begin every spring and fall.
MENTORS: If you’re an experienced librarian, director, or other library worker, consider volunteering to be a mentor. This is a great opportunity to share your professional knowledge while also gaining a new perspective yourself.
MENTEES: Are you a student, new librarian, considering a career transition, or just looking to get some advice from someone outside your organization? Mark your calendar because mentee applications will be open February 1 to February 29, 2024, and matches will begin at the end of March!
This program is open to all MLA members at no additional cost. Learn more on our website at milibraries.org/mentor-program.
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Give the Gift of Membership | Library Directors: It's not too late to give the gift of membership and support professional development in the new year! Staff at member libraries are eligible for discounted Affiliated Individual memberships at $85 annually. Visit us on the web to learn more about membership or contact us at MLA@milibraries.org to purchase memberships today! | |
Support Staff Wellbeing with HealthiestYou | |
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.
Rates and Eligibility
The rate for MLA Organizational Members that enroll or renew in HealthiestYou in 2024 is $15.50 per employee per month, paid by the employer. The plan can be offered to full and/or part-time employees and includes access for their dependents. Plan set-up is simple and done all online.
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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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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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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Update Your Member Profile! | |
Changed jobs? Got a new email address? Accidentally deleted a confirmation email? Log into the MLA website to manage your member profile! Visit the member portal to keep your contact and work information up to date, view your messages, manage your invoices and forms, and connect with others through the member directory.
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MLA Strategic Partner members help support our statewide partnerships and collaborations that unite all Michigan libraries, foster healthy communities, promote education and literacy, and advance arts and culture in Michigan. Strategic Partners include library vendors, service providers, community organizations, and philanthropic institutions.
If you are looking for an opportunity to show support for the library community, stay informed on the latest news and trends in the library profession, connect with library staff, and build collaborative relationships within the library profession, then we invite you to join our network of hundreds of libraries, library professional and supporters from all across Michigan. Strategic Partner membership with MLA provides exclusive benefits, including:
- Discount for one lead staff on event registration
- Access to our searchable member directory
- Listing with your organization’s information in our partner directory
- Scrolling banner ad on our Strategic Partner Directory webpage
- 10% discounts on exhibiting at our annual conference and our Spring Institute for Youth Services conference
- 10% discount on advertising in our conference program book
Interested in joining MLA as a Strategic Partner? Learn more about the benefits of membership today!
If you have any questions about membership with MLA, please contact Rachel Ash, Membership and Communications Director at rfash@milibraries.org.
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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. | | |
The staff of the Hillsdale Community Library welcomed Rebekah Dobski as their new Library Director. Wishing you great success in your new leadership role, Rebekah! | |
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Welcome and Congratulations to Julie Cirone who was selected as the new Director of the Manistee County Library. Wishing you great success Julie!
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Welcoming Jessica Byrns to the Howell Carnegie District Library as their new Reference and Adult Services Librarian. Good luck in your new role Jessica! | |
The Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Jenny Marr as CADL’s new Executive Director, effective at the end of January 2024. Congratulations Jenny! | |
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Valerie Meyerson, Director of the Petoskey District Library, was recognized with the 2023 Athena Award. This award is given each year to celebrate the potential of all women as leaders of the community. Congratulations Val!
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Wishing a happy retirement to Jerilee Cook! Jerilee served as head of Reference and Adult Services at the Howell Carnegie District Library for many years. All the best to you!
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Congratulations to Fern Edgar. She retired after 32 years with the Plymouth District Library. Her main job was handling MelCat along with working in the Circulation department as needed. Enjoy your retirement!
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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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Native American Library Services: Basic Grants | Application: The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY 2024 is now available. Program Overview: This program is designed to assist Native American tribes in improving core library services for their communities. | | | |
Apply for a Grant - Science Kit for Public libaries (SKPL) | The grant provides funding to _establish_ a circulating science kit collections program. Libraries should expect to use their own funds to maintain the circulating science kits for a number of years. Libraries that already have a circulating science kit collection are not eligible. | | | |
NEA Big Read is a grant of up to $20,000 for nonprofits to host community reading programs that build bridges and encourage dialogue. | | | |
The American Library Association (ALA) is committed to promoting and advancing the librarian profession. To demonstrate this commitment, the ALA and its units provide more than $300,000 annually for study in a master's degree in library and information studies from an ALA accredited program, or for a master's degree with a specialty in school librarianship that meets the ALA curriculum guidelines for a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredited unit. | | | |
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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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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Please consider a donation to support our work! With your support, MLA can empower the library leaders of today and tomorrow and continue to enrich the lives of the people that we serve. It takes just a moment to donate here.
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Without our members, there is no MLA. Renew your membership or join our network of hundreds of individuals and organizations from all across the state working together to protect our libraries and advance the library profession in Michigan.
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Uniting the Michigan Library Community
MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.
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