MLA'S PRIMARY SOURCE
MLA’s “Primary Source” is an exclusive, first-hand account of the latest news and announcements from the staff of the Michigan Library Association.
November 18, 2021
Note From MLA Staff
We had some fun with a staff photo! We each picked a library (fictional or otherwise) that we love to use as our background. Do you recognize any of these lovely libraries?
At this time of thanksgiving as the holidays approach, the MLA staff took a few minutes to reflect on our work and why we are thankful for MLA, libraries and library staff. Our days are filled with supporting you and making sure all needs are met to the best of our ability. Each of you brings your own unique talents and wisdom to this profession and it is our honor to work with you every day. Read more
Holiday Hours
MLA's office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26.
ARPA Grant MI-83 Project
The MI-83 TLC Kits request period is now open! The Library Network, Lakeland Library Cooperative and MLA have received $2,252,462 to fund the MI-83 Project through two grants from the Library of Michigan through the Institute for Museum and Library Services LSTA American Rescue Plan (ARPA).

Through the MI-83 Project, public libraries in all 83 Michigan counties will soon be eligible for increased digital eContent from Overdrive, and technology tools/equipment (like laptops, Chromebooks, outdoor public address systems, etc.) to help facilitate recovery from the devastating economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will also include a multi-media awareness campaign directed at library patrons to promote the availability of the increased content, and the technology available for loan and use in Michigan libraries.
MI-83 Technology, Libraries, and Communities Project (MI-83 TLC Kits)
The Library Network is pleased to announce our MI-83 TLC Kits project funded by an ARPA grant. The project will connect the public in Michigan’s 83 counties to resources that reduce the digital divide in Michigan and will increase the capacity of Michigan public libraries to safely deliver services inside libraries, outdoors, and online.

Computing Technology Kits will be equitably distributed to libraries for public use, as well as Online Programming Kits, and Outdoor Programming Kits. Kits include items such as laptops, Chromebooks, digital cameras, microphones, portable speaker systems, and more. Any legally established Michigan public library may submit a request, even those that do not qualify for state aid.

Funding is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. The Library of Michigan, an agency of the Michigan Department of Education. Project partners include The Library Network, Michigan Library Cooperatives and the Michigan Library Association.

Requests are due by December 13, 2021, at Noon EST. Learn more and place a request for your library.
Support MLA With Year-end Giving
As the year comes to a close, we ask that you consider donating to MLA to support the work we do to protect and serve our libraries. All contributions are tax-deductible! Through planned giving, a Giving Tuesday donation and even online shopping, you can make an important contribution to support our work of uniting Michigan libraries, advocating for ALL libraries, and advancing the library profession through education and engagement. With your support, we can empower the library leaders of today and tomorrow, and continue to enrich the lives of the people that we serve.
Join MLA's Legacy Society
Planned giving integrates charitable giving with your overall financial and estate planning, potentially reducing your estate taxes while supporting Michigan libraries. There are a number of ways you can give.

When you establish a bequest or other planned gift, you become part of the select group of community-minded individuals that make up MLA’s Legacy Society. Visit our website to view more informationIf you have questions, please contact Executive Director, Deborah E. Mikula at dmikula@milibraries.org.
Join the Giving Tuesday Movement 
On November 30th, join us for the global day of giving! This #GivingTuesday consider donating to one of MLA's special funds dedicated to education, advocacy, and intellectual freedom. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Support MLA While you Shop
Attention holiday shoppers: You can support MLA by shopping online! All you need to do is log in through Amazon Smile and select the Michigan Library Association as the organization you want to support. Then just do your shopping as usual and Amazon will donate .5% of eligible purchases to MLA! Your holiday shopping can give back to the library community by supporting continuing education scholarships and statewide advocacy for libraries. Amazon Smile has the same products, prices and services as Amazon. To make sure your shopping supports MLA, log in at smile.amazon.com.
Join our Team!
We are seeking a Database Coordinator to join our team! This is a full-time, entry-level position. Click here to learn more and review the full job description.
ADVOCACY
Save the Date! Advocacy Day 2022
Save the date for Michigan Library Advocacy Day. We will be gathering together at the Capitol in Lansing to advocate for all Michigan Libraries on March 1, 2022. We hope you can join us! Attendee registration will open in December. Watch December's Primary Source for details!
Michigan Library Millages - November Election Results
View the round-up of Michigan public library millage results from the November General Election. We would like to commend the hard work and dedication of the staff and boards of all of these libraries regardless of the election outcomes. The Library of Michigan provides a listing of Public Library Millage Election Results from 2010 to the present. View the results (pdf)
Bath Township Public Library
Election Result: Millage Passed
Bath Township Public Library's millage was renewed for 10 years. The renewal passed by 1181 "yes" votes to 390 "no" votes.
Eastpointe Memorial Library
Election Result: Millage Passed
Eastpointe Michigan voters said yes to their public library, with 2844 "yes" votes to 978 "no" votes. The Eastpointe Memorial Library millage was renewed for 5 years.
Auburn Hills Public Library
Election Result: Millage Passed
The Auburn Hill Public Library's new 10-year operating millage passed by a slim margin of 79 votes, with 1319 "yes" votes to 1240 "no" votes.
Oxford Public Library
Election Result: Millage Failed
The Oxford Public Library's new building bond millage proposal was rejected by voters with 3302 "no" votes to 1533 "yes" votes.
Ionia Community Library
Election Result: Millage Failed
Ionia Community Library's millage proposal failed by a slim margin. The final tally was 1,551 “no” votes to 1,447 “yes” votes — a difference of only 104 votes.
Letter to Legislators
Check out November's edition 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.
EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE: Spring Institute For Youth Services 2022
Spring Institute for Youth Services 2022 is back in person! Save the date and join us March 10-11, 2022 at the Comfort Inn & Suites Conference Center Mt. Pleasant at Central Michigan University. Attendee registration opens on Monday, December 13, 2021.

At MLA's first in-person conference since 2019, we invite you to LEVEL UP. Whether that means growing professionally within your current role, wanting to communicate your vision better to your team, or aspirations for moving up in the profession, we can't wait to share ideas and energy for leveling up to make positive changes within your organization and the library profession.
Opening Keynote Speaker
We are excited to announce our opening keynote speaker at Spring Institute 2022 is Angeline Bouley, author of the critically acclaimed novel Firekeeper's Daughter. Angeline Bouley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is a storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She is a former Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Angeline lives in southwest Michigan, but her home will always be on Sugar Island. Firekeeper's Daughter is her debut novel.
Do you offer products and services for libraries? Don't miss the opportunity to connect with hundreds of library staff and support the premier conference for youth library services in Michigan through a sponsorship, or exhibit booth in our Expo hall!

Download the Spring Institute for Youth Services prospectus and contact Amber Sheerin, MLA Program and Event Director at (517) 881-3194 or
asheerin@milibraries.org to learn more about sponsoring or exhibiting.
Leadership Academy 2022
Registration will open in December for the 2022 Leadership Academy! Are you looking for the skills that will take you to that next level of leadership? The Michigan Library Association’s Leadership Academy has a strong history of providing leadership training to librarians across the state and offers the kind of information you wish you could have learned in library school. Watch for more information in December's Primary Source!
MLA Connect Advocacy Hour
Join us the third Thursday of every month at the MLA Connect Advocacy Hour. Grab a mug of your favorite beverage and join us for coffee and conversation all about our advocacy efforts and legislative priorities.
MLA’s Advocacy Hour Conversations are an opportunity for the library community to learn more about MLA's advocacy and legislative priorities including funding, elections, property taxes, literacy, internet access, privacy, intellectual freedom and more. Each month, we will address a new topic and share any pending legislation introduced in the House or Senate that could impact the Michigan library community. Open discussion and Q & A will follow this interview-style agenda.

On Thursday, December 16, join Lance Werner, Director of the Kent District Library, and Amber McLain, Director of the Patmos Library, as they talk about intellectual freedom rights, share personal experiences, and open a conversation about book challenges, censorship, upholding rights to privacy, library audits, and MLA’s statement of principal. 

Mark your calendars now and click the button below to register for upcoming MLA Advocacy Hours!
Last Call! Join us for Think Space
Join us for Think Space, an all-inclusive educational and networking experience designed by library directors for library directors! Join your colleagues for time to THINK deeply in a safe SPACE. It's not too late to register!
Our inaugural Think Space focuses on equity, diversity, accessibility, and belonging. You'll learn from statewide and national experts at interactive sessions that will allow for focused, in-depth exploration, including:

  • Understanding your starting point in the journey towards equity
  • Hiring practices through the lens of EDI
  • Racial equity-based approaches to workforce development & training
  • Legal aspects that are important to consider when drafting EDI policies
  • Social Justice in America today

Think Space registration includes all educational sessions, breakfasts, lunches, receptions, special events, parking, and overnight accommodations in Grand Rapids on December 9, 2021, and Boyne City on May 18, 2022.

Visit MLA's website to learn more about Think Space Speakers and register today!
Think Space Speakers
Gloria Lara (she/her)
Executive Director, Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance 
Susan Doughty (she/her)
Program Director, Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance 
Jyarland Daniels, Esq., MBA (she/her)
Founder & President, Harriet Speaks
Marcellus “MT” Turner (he/him)
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Librarian, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Ozy Aloziem (she/her)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager, Denver Public Library
Visit us on the web to view recorded education sessions from MLA 2021 Virtual Annual Conference Connect to the Future. On-Demand Lightning Talks that were available during the conference are also available for attendees to view online.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at MLA 2021 Virtual Annual Conference: Connect to the Future. Relive the excitement and catch up on the education sessions you missed during the conference! Recordings of every education session are available to view on-demand on the MLA website. Conference attendees will retain access to all available education sessions and keynote recordings.

All you need to do is browse the archives, then log in to your MLA account to view the recorded session.
Thank you to our Conference Sponsors!
MLA Connect provides virtual education and engagement opportunities you can access from anywhere to keep you connected to the library community in Michigan! Read on to check out the lineup of upcoming MLA Connect programs. Missed an MLA Connect event? Check out archived webinars and coffee hours on the MLA website. Please note recordings are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
PEOPLE
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.
On the Move
Loutit District Library’s Board of Trustees voted to approve a succession plan for the director position appointing Sara Derdowski as Library Director. All the best to you Sara!
The Salem-South Lyon District Library Board has selected Paulina Poplawska to be their next Library Director! Welcome, Paulina!
Leanne Milliman is the new Director of Crooked Tree District Library. Congratulations and welcome, Leanne!
Welcoming Kalyn Huson, MiALA’s new Administrative Assistant. She has been with MCLS and has served as their administrative support staff for the past few years. All the best Kalyn!
Leslie Warren, Dean of Library and Instructional Support at Northern Michigan University has been selected to serve as the Interim Associate Provost! Leslie will also continue in her role as Dean. Congratulations, Leslie!
FEATURED JOBS
Advertise on MLA’s Job Board
Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Career Center job board. Learn more here.
Pontiac Public Library Pontiac, MI

Michigan Library Association Lansing, MI

Wayne State University Detroit, MI, United States

Alanson Area Public Library Alanson, MI, United States

View these jobs and more at the MLA Career Center.
GRANTS AND RESOURCES
Apply Now: Inclusive Financial Literacy Programming Kit

One hundred public and school libraries will receive free books and resources through an effort to distribute diverse and inclusive financial literacy resources for children and young people. The giveaway is offered by the American Library...

Read more
programminglibrarian.org
Deadline Approaching for Carnegie-Whitney Award...

The ALA Publishing Committee provides a grant of up to $5,000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library....

Read more
acrl.ala.org
Arts & Humanities Touring Grants

The Touring Grant Application is now Applications for Funding Cycle 1 will be accepted until all funds are committed. Please see the page below for the new changes to the program for the 2022 grant period. The Arts and Humanities Touring Program...

Read more
www.michiganhumanities.org
American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Native...

The American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Native Cultural Institutions is a grantmaking program to deliver relief to Native cultural institutions recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. With funding from the National Endowment for the...

Read more
atalm.org
PRH Grant Application

Penguin Random House and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries announced a rolling grant program to recognize rural, small and tribal libraries that support underserved communities in the U.S. and U.S. territories...

Read more
www.arsl.org
FINRA Foundation Library Grants Program

Application deadline: March 1, 2022 Purpose: This grant program supports public libraries and academic libraries in their efforts to meet financial and/or investor education needs at the community level by providing high-quality education,...

Read more
finrafoundation.org
Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program
The American Library Association announced the return of the Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program, which seeks to recruit diverse LIS faculty members. In partnership with the University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science, the program will recruit a cohort of 8-10 racially and ethnically diverse doctoral students focused on advancing racial equity and social justice in library and information science curricula. Learn more and apply..
Science Kit for Public libaries (SKPL)

Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL) is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) program that raises funds for public libraries to make science kits as easy to check out as a book! With access to a public library and a...

Read more
r4.ieee.org
National Endowment for the Arts Big Read

Bringing communities together around the shared activity of reading and discussing a book. How do we do this? The NEA Big Read aims to inspire conversation and discovery. Annually, the program supports approximately 75 dynamic community...

Read more
www.artsmidwest.org
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Uniting the Michigan Library Community
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