MLA’s “Primary Source” is an exclusive, first-hand account of the latest news and announcements from the staff of the Michigan Library Association.
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Like other places throughout the country, Michigan libraries are facing calls from some parents and conservative groups to ban certain books.
In Ottawa County's Jamestown Township, residents voted down a library millage in the last midterm election, forcing the eventual closure of the only local library after staff refused to remove LGBTQ books from the collection.
Earlier this year, Michigan libraries were thrown into the political spotlight once more with a party-line vote on a resolution in the state House to honor Librarian and Library Worker Day, with Republicans all opposing.
In Lapeer County, a prosecutor threatened to have the librarian arrested as she stood strong to protect First Amendment Rights and the right to read at her library.
In March 2023, the Michigan Library Association contracted with EPIC-MRA to conduct a statewide survey of 800 Michigan voters on their awareness of, and attitudes toward, the increasingly intense and coordinated efforts to dictate the collection content of local public libraries.
The overall findings indicate that groups and organizations that favor banning books in Michigan are clearly going against an overwhelming majority of public opinion that opposes book banning.
Now, to address these challenges, the Michigan Library Association has contracted with Martin Waymire*, a PR firm in Lansing, who will help us launch a six-month, strategic public education effort to head off censorship efforts or other restrictive or punitive measures for Michigan public libraries by local, state and federal lawmakers. Read more
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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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Intellectual Freedom Resources |
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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 take the pledge to protect every Michigander's right to read. Then take action to stand up for your First Amendment rights and intellectual freedom. Check out ten ways you can help support every Michigander's right to read and take action today!
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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 July'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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Michigan’s FY24 State Budget |
On June 28, Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2024 state budget was approved. Even with hard work and many communications with state legislators from our members, MLA staff, Board, and lobbyist, State Aid to Libraries has remained flat. At the request of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the library pilot program was cut even though we requested that the boilerplate language be changed to include all counties. We were happy to see that there was a special appropriation of $100,000 for new learning pods in the Hazel Park District Library. We must all keep working and communicating the needs of our public libraries, now even more than ever.
The state budget does offer some additional opportunities for alternative funding sources for libraries. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced the availability of up to $60 million in Community Center Grant program funds for Michigan municipalities and organizations to expand programming or work on capital projects.
Applicants may apply for both grants, but the total request from one organization cannot exceed $2.5 million. The deadline to apply is August 31.
Capital Project Grants
Projects could include but are not limited to: new construction, remodeling existing structures, purchasing land, purchasing equipment, purchasing and installing energy-efficient heating and/or cooling equipment, installing renewable energy systems, weatherizing facility, replacing roof and windows, installing/updating recreation fields.
Program Grants
Project examples could include but are not limited to: mentoring, STEM education, environmental justice activities, renewable energy information, disaster preparedness, outdoor education, before or after-school education, volunteer programs, youth volunteer efforts, career or workforce training, programming for women, recreational or athletic activities, senior activities, veteran support activities, food access, and wraparound services (health services, behavioral services, licensed childcare).
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New Distracted Driving Law Anticipated Impact on Penal Fine Revenue |
Michigan’s new distracted driving law could create an increase in Penal Fines for Michigan’s public libraries. Public Acts 39, 40, and 41 of 2023 amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prohibit, holding or using a cell phone or other mobile device while operating a motor vehicle, beginning June 30, 2023.
According to legislative analysis from the House Fiscal Agency, the legislation, "would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on the state and on local units of government that would depend on the number of individuals ordered to pay a civil fine. The majority of the revenue would increase funding for public and county law libraries, which are the constitutionally designated recipients of those revenues.” View the fiscal analysis.
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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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MLA 2023 Annual Conference registration is OPEN! You're invited to join the Michigan library community this October 18-20 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo. This year, we are focusing on how libraries are "Connecting the Dots".
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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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MLA 2023 Keynote Speakers |
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Call for Exhibitors and Sponsors |
Do you offer products and services for libraries? Don't miss the opportunity to connect with hundreds of library staff and support our upcoming MLA 2023 Annual Conference on October 18-20, 2023 in Kalamazoo, Michigan!
Contact Amber Sheerin, MLA Program and Event Director at (517) 881-3194 or asheerin@milibraries.org to learn more about sponsoring or exhibiting at MLA 2022 Annual Conference.
Join MLA as a Strategic Partner for 10% Discount on an MLA 2023 Annual Conference Exhibit Booth!
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, publishers, community organizations, and philanthropic institutions. Strategic Partner membership with MLA provides exclusive benefits, including:
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10% discounts on exhibiting at our annual conference and our Spring Institute for Youth Services conference
- 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% discount on advertising in our conference program book
The Strategic Partner membership year is July 1 – June 30 to coincide with MLA’s Fiscal Year. Non-profits designated as 501(c)(3) are eligible for Strategic Partner Membership at an annual dues rate of $170. For-profit businesses are eligible at an annual dues rate of $300.
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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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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.
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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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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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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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 will be accepting new mentees very soon! This flexible, self-directed program is open to all MLA members with no extra fees or requirements. Applications are open August 1 through 31. The next opportunity to apply as a mentee will be February 2024.
Experienced Mentors are also needed and are accepted all year! 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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Humans of Michigan Libraries |
We want to feature YOU on social media! Check out MLA's popular Humans of Michigan Libraries series on Facebook and help us put a human face on the library profession. It's easy to participate if you want to be featured! The project is inspired by Humans of New York. In our series, we are highlighting stories of librarianship all over Michigan on MLA social media accounts using the hashtag #HumansofMILibraries. With these short interviews and photos, we hope to showcase a more personal side of Michigan libraries.
It’s easy to participate and we would love to feature you!
Please answer any question(s) or prompt(s) below in about ~100-150 words and grab a photo or two of yourself in your library. Then just email us your answer and photo. The photos and full answers will be posted to the MLA Instagram and Facebook accounts along with your first and last name and the name of your library. Your library will also be tagged on social media.
Question/prompt (pick one, or answer them all!):
- Describe a specific moment when a library patron has made an impact on you.
- Describe an event in your life that made you want to pursue librarianship.
- What has been your proudest moment with the library?
- Is there anything you hope to see change in libraries, why is it important to you?
Photo notes:
- This is a great chance to show off your library spaces as well!
- Make sure your photo is clear and well-lit.
- No photo editing or filters, please.
- Please do not send professional photos that need photo credit or permission to use.
To participate, send the question or questions you are answering along with your answer(s), your name as you would like it to appear in the post, the pronouns you would like us to use in the post, and your library's name to Rachel Ash, MLA Membership and Communications Director, at rfash@milibraries.org.
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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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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.
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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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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Congratulations to Neil Romanosky who has been recommended as Dean of Michigan State University Libraries by MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. His appointment is set to begin on Sept. 11. All the best Neil! |
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Gloria Coles Flint Public Library Board of Trustees announced Taliah Abdullah as the library’s new Executive Director on Friday, June 23. Congratulations and best wishes to you Taliah! |
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Katharyn Haas, currently Adult Services Librarian at Portage District Library has accepted a new job (outside of libraries) and will be leaving on July 29. Wishing you great success on your new venture Katharyn! |
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A note of Congratulations to Brice Bush, Assistant Director of the East Lansing Public Library. Brice is moving to northern Michigan to become the next Director of the Cheboygan Area Public Library. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the East Lansing Public Library community.
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Wishing great success to Carma Roesch, who has accepted a new position with Lincoln Consolidated Schools at Childs Elementary School as their Media Specialist/School Librarian. Congratulations to you Carma! |
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Congratulations to Lance Werner, Director at the Kent District Library. He has been named a Crain’s Grand Rapids GR200 Most Influential Leader. Way to go Lance! |
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"As I retire as Director from the Newaygo Area District Library, I count myself blessed to have worked under an incredible Library Board, with creative and engaged staff, beside outstanding peers, and for my vibrant community of Newaygo. Our commitment to purposeful library service for our patrons has made this feel more like a mission than just a job." All the best to you, Kelly Tinkham! |
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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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Portage District Library - Portage, MI
Redford Township District Library - Redford, MI
Harbor Springs Library - Harbor Springs, MI
Newaygo Area District Library - Newaygo, MI
State of Michigan - Library of Michigan - Lansing, MI
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Home - MI Library is Now!
MI Library is NOW A place to experience and access... LEARN MORE What's at MI Library? Programming and Events Attend a book club or game night, join afterschool programs, bring the family for storytime, and more. Technology Connect to the...
Read more
www.milibraryisnow.com
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Bridging Michigan Grants | Michigan Humanities
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 ...
Read more
www.michiganhumanities.org
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Michigan Arts and Culture Council Grants
The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) coordinates grants to arts and culture organizations, cities and municipalities, and other nonprofit organizations ensuring that every citizen and community in Michigan enjoys the civic, economic and...
Read more
www.michiganbusiness.org
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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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Public Library Services for Strong Communities Report |
View the results from the 2022 PLA Annual Survey. The report was released on Tuesday, July 11.
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MOST Advisory Committee Applications |
Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Great Start/Preschool and Out-of-School Time Learning (OST Grants Program) has teamed up with Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) to implement a statewide Michigan Out-of-School Time (MOST) Advisory Committee.
Background:
The Michigan FY 23-24 budget includes an allocation for $50 Million to support youth access to out-of-school time programs. This includes before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school or during the summer in-person programming to serve children in any of grades K to 12. MDE will develop a competitive grant process for organizations and programs providing these services. As indicated within the budget, MDE and MASP are convening a stakeholder advisory committee to inform the grant development, review, and award for the state OST grant funds (State School Aid Budget, Section 32N).
Membership:
The committee shall provide for the involvement of, but not limited to, community-based organizations, regional intermediaries, school district administrators, youth, parents, and representatives from the business community and philanthropy, as appropriate. Members will serve a term of one-year from August 2023 – September 2024.
Functions of the committee will include, but not limited to:
- Review the previous year’s request for proposals (RFP)
- Provide feedback on the grant application process
- Review the process of evaluating applications and awarding grants
- Provide feedback on funding priorities for the next grant cycle
- Ensure equity in the application and implementation process of OST grant funding
Meeting schedule:
The following meeting dates are preliminary. Additional meetings may be added, as needed. All meetings will be in-person to provide for active participation (as weather permits). A stipend and mileage reimbursement will be provided, as needed.
- August 11, 2023
- October 6, 2023
- December 8, 2023
- February 9, 2024
- April 12, 2024
- June 14, 2024
- August 9, 2024
Application & Selection Process:
Individuals interested in serving on the MOST Advisory Committee please complete the following online application by July 28, 2023. Twenty-30 members will be selected based on a framework developed by MDE and MASP that prioritizes equity and inclusion.
To apply to participate on the committee, please click the link below.
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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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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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