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I would like to say that now that the MLA Annual Conference is over, the MLA staff can slow down and get back to our daily routine, but truthfully, I don’t think there is a daily routine any longer. The fall and winter are just as busy with Think Space, the legislative lame-duck session, audit prep, annual report writing, preparing for Spring Institute and Advocacy Day in the spring, recording our first podcast, and already meeting to plan next year’s annual conference. We are back to work, a little tired, but planning, preparing, producing and always thinking ahead to what else we might work on that is of benefit to our members.
And, of course, this fall there is also an election to take into account in just under two weeks which will affect and provide the foundation for MLA’s advocacy work over the course of the next couple of years. READ MORE
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Let’s Go! October is Michigan Library Appreciation Month | |
It’s Michigan Library Appreciation Month, let’s celebrate! All October, we are excited to honor Michigan libraries and library staff, emphasizing the theme “Let’s Go!”!
Libraries inspire us to go explore, go learn, and go connect with our communities. Join us in celebrating Michigan Library Appreciation Month and help us showcase the profound impact libraries have on the lives of Michiganders.
Helping us celebrate couldn’t be easier: Just share a few of the great reasons to GO to your library! Have fun with this and remember to tag your posts #LetsGoLibrary #LoveMiLibraries and #MILibraryMonth so we can find and share your posts. You can also use our social media and website graphics, sample patron/member newsletter copy, a sample press release, and Canva templates to create your own Michigan Library Appreciation Month Posts.
Let’s go to the library, engage with our communities, and highlight the invaluable contributions of Michigan libraries, librarians, and library workers all month long! Let’s Go!
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Call for Nominations for MLA Board | |
The Call for Nominations for candidates for the 2025 Board of Directors is open! Do you know someone who would be a great addition to the MLA Board of Directors? Submit a nomination! We also encourage you to self-nominate if you are interested in serving on the MLA Board. The Call for Nominations will be open through Friday, November 1. | | |
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The MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) is seeking nominations/self-nominations for four member-at-large directors as well as the President-elect position, with terms beginning in July 2025 and ending in June 2028.
Do you know someone who would be a great addition to the MLA Board of Directors? Submit a nomination! We also encourage you to self-nominate if you are interested in serving on the MLA Board. The Call for Nominations is open through Friday, November 1.
Submit a nomination by clicking the link below. For any questions please contact Debbie Mikula, Executive Director at dmikula@milibraries.org.
More information about qualifications and criteria is linked below:
Learn more about MLA Officer Positions (pdf).
Learn more about Board Member Responsibilities (pdf).
Preview the questions asked on the nomination form before starting your application: Board of Directors Nomination Form 2024 Requirements
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MLA Strategic Planning Member Survey | |
This fall, MLA is working with Alliance for Library Impact to develop a new strategic direction and 3-year plan for our work to educate, advocate, and engage libraries and library workers throughout Michigan.
We need to hear from you! Please take a moment to let us know how we might better serve you in the future by sharing your input. The survey should only take 10-15 minutes and will be open until Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!
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Chapter and Verse: Storytime from the Stacks Podcast Debuts Nov 14 | |
Our first episode of Chapter and Verse: Storytime from the Stacks debuts November 14, 2024 and will be hosted by the Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative and feature Ryan Tackabury, Director of the Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library in Imlay City.
Ryan Tackabury first started working in his school library while in High School, and then never left the profession. After nearly twenty years of experience serving Genesee County library patrons in various roles including as a Digital Services Librarian (yes, he can help you recover your email password, and he is happy to do it!), he remains excited about public service. Ryan now serves as the Director of the Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library, working alongside a talented and passionate staff. Ryan resides in Flint's historic Carriage Town neighborhood with his wife, a fellow librarian, their two book-loving children, and a book-indifferent Pug. When he's not talking up the library's value or spending time with his kids, Ryan is often found trying to convince friends to play ever more complex board games.
Hosted by the Michigan Library Association and the Library Cooperatives of Michigan, Chapter and Verse: Storytime from the Stacks features dedicated Michigan library workers and their inspiring stories. Each episode welcomes a library worker from one of Michigan's 11 cooperative regions to share their most interesting and inspiring experiences. New episodes will premiere on the second Thursday of each month.
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Please update your records with our new mailing address and make sure the address is corrected in your financial software as well!
Michigan Library Association
PO Box 27337
Lansing, MI 48909
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MLA's office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. Watch for November's Primary Source one week early, on November 21! | | | |
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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Intellectual Freedom Resources | |
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.
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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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Click the image to view MLA's video emphasizing the critical role of libraries in providing access to diverse perspectives, safeguarding intellectual freedom and protecting the Freedom to Read. Help us advocate for Michigan libraries and protect everyone’s First Amendment rights. | |
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Don't miss out on upcoming events! Get your tickets! Click the images to learn more and register or visit the event calendar online at milibraries.org/upcoming-events to view our complete lineup of upcoming programs, conferences, MLA Connect webinars and advocacy hours, plus important deadlines for proposals and nominations, MLA Board elections and more! | | |
MLA 2024 Annual Conference PRESS PLAY | |
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It was our pleasure to host you at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City for the MLA 2024 Annual Conference and the Small and Strategic Pre-Conference. We hope you enjoyed the conference and were inspired to PRESS PLAY on the future!
Please take a moment to complete our event evaluations by clicking the buttons below. Your feedback helps us to improve our events and services, and we thank you for taking a few minutes to let us know how we did.
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Conference Headshot Photos | Due to the internet outage at the Grand Traverse Resort on Thursday, October 17, many headshots were not automatically sent. We are uploading and sending them manually. Attendees who took a headshot that day will receive them via email by the end of this week. Thank you to Fast Forward Libraries for sponsoring the headshot booth! | |
Session Slides and Handouts | Looking for slides, handouts, or other resources from MLA 2024 Annual Conference breakout sessions? All currently available materials can now be downloaded from the archived conference website! Session attachments are linked below each session description. Recordings of our keynotes will be available on MLA Connect On Demand next month. | | | |
Silent Auction Fundraiser Update | Thanks to our attendees' generous support we were able to raise a total of $760 from the Silent Auction and $154 from sticker sales to benefit the MLA Equity Fund. Thank you to everyone who bid or donated! | |
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Save the Date for MLA 2025 Annual Conference | Next year, spend Halloween with the library community in the Capital City! Save the dates, October 29-31, 2025, and plan to join us for the MLA 2025 Annual Conference at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. | |
Spring Institute for Youth Services 2025 Call for Session and Workshop Proposals | |
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At Spring Institute for Youth Services 2025, our goal is to spread our knowledge and share our significant stories and ideas along with helpful tips and tricks that can be brought back to your library. Submit a proposal for a breakout session or workshop and share your story! Submissions are welcome through Friday, December 13, 2024.
You spend all year spearheading new initiatives, discovering new ways to reach your community, and improving your professional skills. Now is the chance to showcase that work! This is an excellent opportunity for you to develop as a library professional. Submit your ideas for a breakout session and help take your library skills to the next level.
New this Year: Workshop Proposals! Have you facilitated a great program, but are unsure about doing a presentation? Submit a workshop proposal to show off your programming skills by modeling your program to other youth librarians. Walk them through what went great and what you would change, as they participate in a real-time demo of your activity. Crafting, escape rooms, STE(A)M, life-sized board games, etc. - let your imagination run wild! This will give us all a chance for some play! Click here to view guidelines (pdf)
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MLA Connect Webinar Lineup | |
Check out the lineup of upcoming MLA Connect Webinars on diverse topics from marketing to service animals in the library. Our first webinar focuses on podcasting for libraries.
MLA Connect Webinars are only $25 for MLA members. View details about the full lineup and register at milibraries.org/mla-connect
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Amplifying Voices: Using Podcasts for Library Outreach and Advocacy | Join us on November 8 at 11:00 AM to discover how podcasting can be a powerful tool for your library to engage communities, share stories, and advocate for resources and support. In this session, we will explore best practices for starting a library podcast, choosing engaging topics, and leveraging podcasts to amplify your library’s message. Learn from real-life examples and walk away with actionable strategies to create a successful podcast that strengthens your outreach and library advocacy efforts. | | |
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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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Congratulations to the 2024 Leadership Academy cohort for joining the ranks of hundreds of Leadership Academy alumni throughout Michigan! Registration will open next fall for the 2026 cohort. | | | |
Welcome to New MLA Members | Check out where new members came from in September 2024! It’s our pleasure to welcome new members from all over Michigan, check out the member directory to reach out, connect, and welcome them to MLA at milibraries.org/new-members. | | | |
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. Do I have to be a member to register for an MLA event? Is my library an MLA Organizational Member? Do I have an Individual MLA Membership? Check out answers to MLA Member Account FAQs (pdf).
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Connect with other Michigan librarians and library workers right from your computer with our new community forums! MLA Forums provide a platform for members to exchange ideas and resources. Each forum has a designated topic of discussion: Library of Things, Marketing and Promotions, and Makerspaces.
Share your thoughts and experiences with the following starter questions:
What makerspace program are you most satisfied with? What is your most impactful makerspace program so far?
What “Thing" your library circulates is your favorite? What is your most popular “Thing" so far?
What marketing project are you proudest of? What is your most successful attempt at promotion so far?
All MLA members are welcome to read and post! Visit milibraries.org/forum and log into your member account to check out the forums today.
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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. Learn more about our partners using our directory search.
Interested in joining MLA as a Strategic Partner? Learn more about the benefits of membership today!
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Shop our store for MI Right to Read apparel and MLA swag. We have shirts designed by Michigan 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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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. | | |
MLA added more talent to our team! We are proud to share that Kyra Horton has joined us as our Fall Semester 2024 Social Media Intern to promote both MLA and Michigan’s awesome libraries and library workers, and Kristina Uribe joined us as Fall 2024 Event Coordination Intern to assist with MLA events like our annual conference and upcoming webinars. | |
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Kyra Horton
Social Media Intern
Fall Semester 2024
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Kudos and Congratulations | |
We are pleased to share the recipients of the 2024 Michigan Library Awards! The 2024 honorees were unveiled on Wednesday, October 16 during the Michigan Library Awards event in Traverse City at an evening of celebration. Each recipient was chosen through peer review for their outstanding achievements. | |
Julie Bernstein from the Bridgman Public Library in Bridgman Michigan was recognized with the 2024 Heart of a Champion Award. This award recognizes a library supporter who has shown an exceptional commitment to libraries or the library profession through continued advocacy and supporting or providing funding for their local library. Congrats Julie! | |
The 2024 Library Support Staff of the Year Award was awarded to Katie LeBlanc from Clinton-Macomb Public Library in Clinton Township Michigan. This award recognizes a support staff professional who goes above and beyond to provide support at their library and who has advanced and strengthened the image of support staff. Congratulations Katie! | |
The 2024 Rising Star Award was awarded to Wren Davis from the Macdonald Public Library in New Baltimore, Michigan. The Rising Star Award recognizes a librarian who shows leadership early in their career. While new to the profession, winners of this award are forward-thinking, expand the role of librarian, and move libraries into the future. Congrats Wren! | |
Jill Ann Lansky from the Kalamazoo Public Library in Kalamazoo Michigan was awarded the 2024 Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth. This award is given annually to a Michigan library staff person who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of library service to youth throughout their career. Congrats Jill! | |
The Academic Librarian of the Year was awarded to Jen Fiero from the William Atkinson Library at Jackson College in Jackson Michigan. This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a librarian or library administrator and their contributions to their institution and academic libraries within the academic year. Congratulations Jen! | |
The School Librarian of the Year was awarded to Katherine Montei, Library Media Specialist at Lake Orion Community Schools Oakview Middle School in Oakland Charter Township. This award celebrates and honors those who have championed school libraries through volunteerism, administrative support and advocacy. Congratulations Katherine! | |
Rob Carpenter from the Herrick District Library in Holland, Michigan was named the 2024 Public Librarian of the Year Award. This award recognizes outstanding library professionals who inspire people, provide innovative library service to their community, promote collaboration among libraries, and show evidence of personal and professional achievement as well as initiative and creativity. Congrats Rob! | |
Holly Hibner from the Plymouth District Library in Plymouth Michigan received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes a deserving librarian for their distinguished service to the library profession over the course of their career. Throughout their career, winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award have sustained a strong and consistent body of work and demonstrated leadership in their community and the profession – mentoring and empowering library staff, providing innovative service to their community, and enhancing the image and visibility of the library. They promote collaboration among libraries and librarians and have been a catalyst in special areas such as intellectual freedom, library innovation, outreach, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Congratulations Holly! | |
Kent District Library in Kent County Michigan was honored with the 2024 Intellectual Freedom Award. Established in 2023, the MLA Intellectual Freedom Award recognizes a library for the Board’s and Staff’s outstanding work to protect and/or promote the principles of intellectual freedom and the right to read. Congratulations to Kent District Library and thank you for your work to protect the right to read! | |
The State Librarian’s Citations of Excellence were awarded to the Richland Community Library in Richland Michigan, and the West Bloomfield Township Public Library in West Bloomfield Township Michigan. Citations of Excellence are awarded by the Library of Michigan Foundation and the Library of Michigan each year to highlight the importance of Michigan libraries’ services. The Citations of Excellence Awards are supported by the Library of Michigan Foundation. Congratulations to the libraries’ staff and board! | |
The State Librarian’s Excellence Award was awarded to the Kinross Correctional Facility Library in Chippewa County. This award highlights the importance of Michigan libraries’ services and recognizes an exemplary library for its commitment to excellence. The State Librarian’s Excellence Award is sponsored by the Roger and June B. Mendel Fund through the Library of Michigan Foundation. Congratulations to Kinross Correctional Facility Library! | |
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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Join Unite Against Book Bans as an Organizational Partner | Unite Against Book Bans welcomes organizational partners who share our core principles and would like to work together to defeat censorship. If your organization is interested in joining the campaign, complete this form and the campaign will reach out to you with partnership details.Learn more at uniteagainstbookbans.org. Join as an Organizational Partner. | |
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Unite Against Book Bans, in collaboration with the publishing community, launched Book Résumés, a free resource to support librarians, educators, parents, students, and other community advocates in their efforts to keep frequently challenged books on shelves.
Created in partnership with dozens of publishers and featuring information provided by publishers, librarians, and Unite partner School Library Journal, Unite Against Book Bans book résumés are easy-to-print documents designed to support readers’ access to books that are targeted by censors. Learn more
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Trouble in Censorville is available at the University of Michigan website (use code MPSDC05 for 30% off). All profits from the book go to the educators.
From Florida, whose "Don't Say Gay" law prohibits K-12 instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation, to Texas, which is shuttering libraries in schools, America is in the middle of a far-right war on public education ...
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Digital Equity Competitive Grant | The goal of the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program is to fund initiatives that ensure communities have the access and skills to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances. This program will complement digital equity activities funded by the Capacity Grant Program. This is the first funding opportunity from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, the third of the three Digital Equity Act programs. The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. | | | |
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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Keeley Briggs
Membership and Program 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 X 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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