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MLA is embarking on a new and exciting chapter as we prepare to be a fully remote workforce!
As many of you know, MLA’s office lease at 3410 Belle Chase Way in Lansing will be expiring at the end of June 2024 and the MLA Board has made the strategic decision to not renew our lease. While the staff has been “mostly” remote since March 2020 when the pandemic hit, we will now be going “fully” remote. With five months left, MLA staff are working tirelessly in figuring out all the big and small details of this permanent move – leasing a PO Box, making address change requests, updating business cards, renting a larger storage unit, repacking and sorting conference supplies, preparing furniture to be sold or given away, shutting off utilities, updating our remote policy, and making sure the staff have everything they need at their home offices. What to do with our copy machine might be our biggest challenge…how will we survive without it?! Read more
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It is our pleasure to share our annual report with an overview of MLA’s work and all we’ve accomplished over the past few years thanks to members like you. Thank you for continuing to be involved and engaged in the profession and thank you for supporting your library association! View the MLA 2022-23 Annual Report (pdf). | | |
MLA's New Mailing Address | |
MLA is preparing to be a fully virtual office! Please update your records now with our new address for a smooth transition.
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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Freedom to Read Legislation Update | |
Just when Michigan House members were set to introduce the Freedom to Read legislation in November, we stepped back and are taking a pause. Why? In the course of about two months, residents in the state of Michigan experienced a pause in the legislative cycle due to sine die; we saw two House Democrats elected in November to mayoral positions leaving the House evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, which also is leading to a new election being scheduled for these two districts in late April; and adding fuel to the fire, seven of the newly adopted House districts in SE Michigan were challenged and must be redrawn before any further elections can take place.
So where does that leave us with the Freedom to Read Legislation? We ask for your patience as we await further word from Rep. Glanville and Rep. Paiz on the date in which these bills will be introduced. Stay tuned! Our hope is to see them introduced sometime between now and the beginning of March and then our main focus during Michigan Library Advocacy Day will be on this proactive legislation that incorporates both the principles of the First Amendment and the rights afforded and upheld in civil rights protections. By incorporating both principles into standard library policy, libraries are able to 1) protect citizen’s rights to receive and express diverse ideas without censorship, and 2) put to rest baseless challenges targeting authors or the subject matter, content, or viewpoint of material based on protected class.
We are also applauding several states that have recently introduced anti-book ban legislation. Among them are Massachusetts (HB 4229 and SB 2528), New Mexico (HB 123), Kansas (SB 358) and Colorado (SB 049) (as well as last year’s Illinois legislation). Michigan will be a part of this list very soon. Stay tuned.
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Record a Video to Support the Freedom to Read
We need your help to spread the message for Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Record a 30-second clip asking your legislator to support intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights by supporting the Freedom to Read Legislation.
It’s quick and easy to record and submit the video – just click the link and follow the prompts. You can even record it on your phone! Then share a short personal message about why the right to read is important, share your name (first name only is fine!) and where you are from, then ask your legislator to support the Freedom to Read legislation.
MLA will be sharing these videos with legislators on social media and using them in our communications to advocate for the right to read during Michigan Library Advocacy Day on Tuesday, April 16. Advocates from all over Michigan will be meeting in person with legislators, and we want to continue to amplify our message and ask for their support. We will tag your legislator so they see your message.
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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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2024 State Budget Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference | |
In good news, economists painted a positive picture of the state's economic outlook at the Consensus Revenue Estimating conference held on January 12, 2024.
The revenue predictions were made during this twice-a-year meeting in which economists and leaders of the state budget office and the House and Senate fiscal agencies come to a common understanding of how much tax revenue the state will have in the coming years. The estimates are used as guides to develop the annual state budget. Read more
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"Every parent knows that the person standing at the front of the classroom matters. In some states, educators are being undermined, micromanaged, and even criminalized just for doing their jobs. In Florida, teachers are disrespected and book bans are rampant—heck, just two weeks ago, a district banned the dictionary! In Texas, nearly 1 in 3 teachers aren’t even certified.
That’s not how you improve education. In Michigan, we’re forging a different path."
Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her sixth State of the State Address on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM in front of a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. Watch the 2024 State of the State Address or read the speech.
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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. | |
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 January's edition (PDF) of our outreach to Michigan Legislators. Our 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. This month we also sent a flyer with information introducing MLA and our legislative priorities. Download the legislative leave behind (PDF). | |
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Michiganders Encouraged to Participate in the Redistricting Process (Again!) | |
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Michigan’s court-ordered legislative map redrawing for seven state House districts must move forward. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson encourages Michiganders to take part in upcoming public sessions of the Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission (MICRC) to redraw the seven state house districts.
The U.S. Supreme Court denied the Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission’s request for a stay, pending appeal, in the Agee v. Benson case challenging the legislative maps drawn by the Commission and implemented in the 2022 statewide elections.
All meetings are open for public participation online via Zoom and on the Commission’s YouTube channel. Details are available at Michigan.gov/MICRC under the “Meeting Notices and Materials” section. Visit Michigan.gov/MICRC to learn more.
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Detroit Residents: On Thursday, January 25 at 7:00 PM, the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission wants to hear your comments about redistricting the Michigan House of Representatives districts impacting the city of Detroit residents.
Registration is required: http://bit.ly/3OeK38c
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All Michigan students deserve the freedom to learn - and it starts with a foundation of reading. Children need schools to prepare them for a diverse and rapidly changing world.
Join The Michigan Education Justice Coalition's Right To Read screening launch event to kick off Black History Month and discuss all aspects of literacy - the civil rights issue of our time. MLA is proud to co-sponsor this event. During this launch, clips of the film will uplift powerful stories and deliver a clear call to action.
Learn more and register to attend at actionnetwork.org/events/right-to-read-virtual-launch
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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, February 7, 2024.
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Call for Posters: Spring Institute Share Fair | |
Are you working on a new project, but don’t have results ready to present a formal program? Have you worked on something really cool that you think others want to know about?
Submit a poster proposal for the Share Fair, where you can share your work with peers in an informal format. It’s a great way to jump into presenting without building a full-blown program!
Submissions are welcome through Friday, February 9, 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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Navigating Material Challenges for Library Trustees | |
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Thursday, February 15, 2024
6:00 - 7:15 PM
The Michigan Cooperative Director's Association is working alongside MLA and Library of Michigan staff to host a virtual trustee training event on Thursday, February 15 from 6:00 - 7:15 PM. As libraries in Michigan and around the country grapple with an unprecedented number of book bans and challenges, this event will help orient library trustees to their role and responsibilities when it comes to material challenges. Attendees will learn about the importance of established library policy, the roles and responsibilities of trustees, and more when faced with challenges to intellectual freedom.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters at the end of the session. Advocacy Hour conversations are always free to attend but registration is required.
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Kate Pohjola Andrade
Director of the Woodlands Library Cooperative
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Clare Membiela
Library Law Consultant at the Library of Michigan
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Eric Palmer
Director of the Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative
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Kate Van Auken
Director of the White Pine Library Cooperative
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Carol Dawe
Director of the Lakeland Library Cooperative
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Mallorie DeVilbiss
Director of the Suburban Library Cooperative
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Dillon Geshel
Director of the Superiorland Library Cooperative
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Register Now for Michigan Library Advocacy Day - Only 60 Seats Available! | |
On Tuesday, April 16, the Michigan library community will unite to amplify our collective voice in support of Michigan libraries! Library supporters from all over Michigan will be meeting with their legislators to build relationships while they advocate for the Freedom to Read, library funding and support, and educate lawmakers about library issues.
Registration is only $25 and includes an Advocacy Day t-shirt, a boxed lunch, and a custom agenda. MLA will schedule a meeting between you and your legislator(s) or legislative staff.
You do not need to be a member of MLA to register to attend Advocacy Day! All that is required is to be prepared to meet one-on-one or in a small group with your legislator or their staff. This is the most important part of Advocacy Day. But you don't need prior experience to join us! Training for all advocates participating in Michigan Library Advocacy Day will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 3:00 to 4:30 PM.
We know that Strong Libraries = A Stronger Michigan. Mark your calendars now, register today, and join us at the Capitol in Lansing to meet with your legislators on a day dedicated to advocating for libraries and celebrating the right to read!
Registration is first come first served. This event will sell out! Register now to reserve your spot and view more details at milibraries.org/advocacy-day.
We can't wait to welcome you to the capital city!
Click here to review answers to FAQs. Please contact us at mla@milibraries.org if you have additional questions.
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Partner and Sponsor Opportunities
Is your organization interested in supporting Michigan Library Advocacy Day? Partnerships and sponsorships are available! View complete details at milibraries.org/advocacy-day-sponsors
Partnership Opportunities
Library Association Partner - $250
We invite other library associations, schools and consortia in Michigan to join us as Library Association Partners for only $250!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Available sponsorship opportunities include lanyards, attendee folder/packets, morning coffee and opening session, morning speakers, bookmobile lunch, and the afternoon reception.
Please contact Debbie Mikula at dmikula@milibraries.org for further details if you are interested in a sponsorship or partnership opportunity or click here to begin the process to join us as a sponsor or partner.
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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 is open! | | |
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Join the 2024 Leadership Academy cohort to expand your knowledge base on leadership skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, managing change, teamwork, and coaching. Understand your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, as well as more library-specific information about finance, legislation and advocacy, media, and working effectively with a board of directors.
The 2024 cohort will begin in April and conclude at the 2024 MLA Annual Conference. Registration includes meals during in-person meetings, as well as hotel accommodations on April 29 and October 15.
Rates:
Member: $1,445 EB / $1,545 standard
Non-Member: $2,890 EB / $3,090 standard
Early Bird Rates expire Friday, March 8. View details and register at milibraries.org/leadership-academy
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Surviving and Thriving as a Public Library Director 2024 | |
Are you a newly appointed library director in need of support and information? Are you interested in becoming a library director in the future? Are you a library director who would like to connect with other library leaders across the state?
Join us for Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director! Consultant, coach and retired library director Maxine Bleiweis presents this in-depth program addressing the many challenges confronting public library directors.
Designed to help new and future library directors survive and thrive as leaders in the library and community, the course offers a unique combination of small group support and expert guidance.
The program is limited to a cohort of 10 people and consists of a half-day workshop and three webinar sessions, as well as an individual consulting session with Maxine for the opportunity to get personalized guidance and advice for managing your most pressing challenges.
Rates
MLA Individual Member: $975
Non-Member: $1,950
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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. | | |
Headed to PLA?
Let's meet up! We are planning a meetup for our library colleagues at GasWerks, 487 Park St. in Columbus (only a 5 min. walk from the convention center). Save the date: Wednesday, April 3, 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Let us know you’ll be joining us by sending a quick email to Amber Sheerin at asheerin@milibraries.org. Watch for more info about the event this Spring.
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In 2024, make new connections in the Michigan library community through MLA’s Mentorship Program!
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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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. | | |
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) and read on to make sure your membership profile is up to date!
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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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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. | | |
Congratulations to Kathleen Kwiatkowski on her role as the new Director of the Auburn Hills Public Library. All the best Kathleen! | |
Welcome to Erin Zabonick, the new Director of Three Rivers Public Library. Wishing you great success in your new role Erin! | |
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The East Lansing Library Board of Trustees and East Lansing Public Library have announced Kevin King as the new Library Director. Wishing you great success Kevin!
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The Fowlerville Public Library welcomes Isabella Rowan as their new Director. Congratulations and all the best to you Isabella!
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Michelle Bradley, formerly the Director of Consulting at OhioNet, joins the Library Michigan as the Library Development Manager. All the best in your new role Michelle!
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Commerce Township Community Library has welcomed new Marketing and Programs Manager, Ashley Moran. Congratulations Ashley!
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The Ferndale Area District Library’s Board announced Jordan Wright as the new Director. Wishing you great success Jordan! | |
The Library of Michigan has welcomed David Votta as the Manager of Special Collections. Congratulations David! | |
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. | |
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. | | | |
Bridging Michigan grants provide Michigan nonprofits with up to $2,500 in support of public humanities programming that sparks in-depth thinking and conversation around persistent challenges affecting our communities. We welcome projects that aim to address and deepen understanding of social, economic, cultural and racial inequities, and other pressing challenges affecting communities across our state. | | | |
Peggy Barber Tribute Grant | The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is an annual grant of the American Library Association (ALA) that recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming. | | | |
Libraries Transform Communities: Engagement Grant | The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant is an annual grant to recognize, promote, and support innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members - be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations - to address issues for the betterment of the community. | | | |
Arts and Culture Advocacy Day | |
Join others to advocate for arts and culture in Michigan in 2024. On March 5, be part of the effort to gain support for MACC funding and arts therapy bills by meeting virtually online with your legislators.
Event registration includes access to an advocacy toolkit and a training session held via Zoom. The schedule for the legislative meetings will be sent to participants a week in advance of Advocacy Day.
Registration closes on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
CAN is a statewide, membership-based organization dedicated to ensuring cultural leaders have the tools necessary to provide services of the highest quality.
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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 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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