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As this year draws to a close, many of us consider the meaningful ways we can give back. This year, we invite you to consider how you can make an impact in the lives of library staff, patrons, and communities with a year-end contribution to the Michigan Library Association. At MLA, we believe in advancing the library profession through advocacy, professional development, and engagement. Every tax-deductible donation empowers us to continue carrying out that important work for Michigan libraries.
This year, our goal is to raise $3,500 to support our Educational Scholarship fund. This fund helps underwrite professional development opportunities for library staff, reducing financial barriers for them to attend events like our annual conference, Think Space, Spring Institute, and more.
We are thrilled to share that we are already close to our target, thanks to the incredible generosity of our annual conference attendees this year. Through the silent auction, we raised $983, and an additional $930 from merchandise sales. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated so far!
In addition to our Educational Scholarship fund, MLA has other giving opportunities available. Our Advocacy Resource Fund directly supports libraries defending the right to read, providing them with support in response to First Amendment challenges and more. Advocacy Resource funds are granted to libraries pursuing training for their staff or boards and can help libraries navigate difficult policy or legal issues related to the freedom to read.
If you’re planning ahead, MLA’s Legacy Society allows donors to make a lasting impact through planned giving, including bequests, retirement assets, trusts, and more. When you establish a bequest or other planned gift, you join a select group of community-minded individuals who want to see their values live on through MLA’s important work with Michigan libraries.
Regardless of how your donation supports MLA, year-end is a perfect time to give back. It allows you to reflect on the year’s successes, plan ahead, and maximize potential tax advantages while supporting MLA. Your gift helps ensure that Michigan’s libraries remain resilient, innovative, and accessible to all.
Thank you for your support and for being a part of our vital work at MLA. Together we make a difference, fueling professional growth, safeguarding intellectual freedom, and sustaining libraries that enrich Michigan communities.
| | Library Leadership in Action: What’s Shaping Michigan Libraries | | |
In this episode, host Dillon Geshel is joined by Jenny Marr, Executive Director of the Capital Area District Libraries and current MLA Board President, along with Steven Bowers, Executive Director of The Library Network and immediate past chair of the Library Cooperatives of Michigan. Together, they explore how Michigan’s libraries continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities. Jenny and Steven share their early paths into library work, discuss emerging trends in services and programming, and highlight the vital role libraries play in championing intellectual freedom and community engagement. The conversation also examines the sector’s biggest challenges—from staff recruitment and retention to rising censorship efforts—and how library leaders are adapting to support diverse access, inclusion, and a thriving public library ecosystem.
Chapter & Verse is sponsored by Midwest Tape | hoopla.
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MLA's office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28. | | | |
Check out MLA's Bill Tracker to view a full list of legislation that the Advocacy and Legislative Committee is watching. | | | | |
More Than 4,300 Michiganders Join MLA to Defend the Freedom to Read | |
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Michigan Library Association (MLA) hosted a press conference at the Lansing Center during MLA’s 2025 Annual Conference to announce the success of the Protect MI Right to Read petition campaign.
More than 4,300 Michiganders from every region of the state signed the petition, calling on Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to defend the freedom to read, and support library workers and critical statewide library programs like MeL and MeLCat. Following the event, the petition was hand-delivered to every legislative office at the Capitol.
The press conference generated strong attention statewide, reaching millions of individuals through news coverage. The event and petition results were covered by more than two dozen news agencies, including major outlets across Michigan, amplifying MLA’s message that libraries are cornerstones of democracy, education, and community. Speakers at the press conference emphasized that the freedom to read is fundamental to the library mission and must be protected from censorship and book bans.
Speakers included MLA Interim Executive Director Dillon Geshel, State Representative Veronica Paiz (D–Harper Woods), MLA President and Executive Director of Capital Area District Libraries, Jenny Marr, and Inaya Qureshi, a student at West Bloomfield High School. Each offered a message underscoring the essential role of libraries in protecting intellectual freedom and ensuring equitable access to information.
“Public libraries are where opportunity begins and where anyone can learn, grow, and find their voice,” said State Representative Veronica Paiz. “Standing up for libraries means standing up for democracy, education, and Michigan’s future.”
“Public libraries across Michigan are under pressure, from book bans to censorship efforts that threaten the very purpose of what libraries stand for,” said Dillon Geshel, MLA Interim Executive Director. “We invited residents to speak up for their right to read, and more than 4,300 Michiganders responded. This is about more than books. It’s about preserving access, inclusion, and the freedom to explore ideas.”
“In our libraries, we serve people of all ages and backgrounds. Our shelves reflect those differences, because that’s what makes our community strong,” said Jenny Marr, MLA President and Executive Director of Capital Area District Libraries. “Our job is to connect people to ideas and stories that help them grow. The support behind this petition shows that Michigan residents value that mission.”
Statewide polling of Michigan voters continues to show overwhelming public support for libraries—79% of respondents approve of the work libraries are doing, up from 71% in 2023. Key findings show that Michiganders trust librarians to decide what belongs in library collections (75% of respondents) and support current library policies on age-appropriate shelving (84% of respondents).
Findings also show that Michiganders approve of protecting access to diverse literature —82% of respondents agreed that young people's ability to access books that help them learn about and understand different perspectives should be protected. The MI Right to Read campaign highlighted youth voices and the next generation of leaders in Michigan, including Inaya Qureshi, a student at West Bloomfield High School.
“When we can choose what we read in a public library, we learn who we are and who we can be,” said Inaya. “Books help us understand each other, and that’s something worth protecting.”
With the delivery of our petition and signatures to Michigan’s elected leaders, we mark the conclusion of our four-month campaign to raise awareness around the right to read and to demonstrate that Michiganders deeply value public libraries and their vital connection to First Amendment freedoms. This strong show of support opens the door for further conversations with legislators, and MLA will continue its advocacy and engagement to protect the freedom to read, promote access to information, and secure funding for libraries across the state.
Together, we’ve shown that Michiganders stand united for libraries, for intellectual freedom, and for the right to read. Learn more about how to get involved in the MI Right to Read coalition at www.mirighttoread.com.
| | | | MLA Hosts Roundtable With Attorney General Dana Nessel | |
On November 13, MLA brought together library leaders from across Michigan for an energizing roundtable with Attorney General Dana Nessel at the Kent District Library Service Center in Grand Rapids. More than just a policy discussion, the gathering underscored the shared commitment between Michigan’s library community and the Attorney General’s office to protect access to information and opportunity for Michiganders.
The conversation centered on federal funding threats to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and Attorney General Nessel’s lawsuit in partnership with 20 other state Attorneys General to halt the federal administration’s dismantling of the agency. IMLS funding is foundational to the work Michigan libraries do every day: $4.8 million routed to Michigan each year powers widely popular programs that serve every region of the state, like MeL and MeLCat. In 2024 alone, MeLCat circulated over 1 million items between participating libraries.
Roundtable participants Carol Dawe, Dillon Geshel, Jenny Marr, Randy Riley, and Lance Werner shared stories of the real impact these programs have in communities across the state, and discussed what’s at stake if federal support disappears. Attorney General Nessel offered updates on her office’s legal efforts to ensure that agencies like IMLS can continue to operate as Congress intended, reaffirming Michigan’s commitment to protecting the essential services libraries provide.
The visit also included a tour of the Kent District Library Service Center, where staff demonstrated the sorting and delivery systems that make local and statewide resource sharing possible. Seeing the scale and coordination required to connect Michiganders with materials from libraries across the state gave Attorney General Nessel a firsthand view of how IMLS funding fuels the necessary work done in Michigan libraries.
MLA is grateful for the privilege and honor of hosting Attorney General Nessel and for her leadership in taking bold legal action to defend IMLS.
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On the evening of Wednesday, November 12, the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history came to an end. Largely along party lines, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, a temporary funding measure that reopens and funds government operations through January 30, 2026.
The stopgap measure ensures funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) restarts as employees return to work. Likewise, IMLS will resume administering state library grants that support widely popular programs here in Michigan, like MeL and MeLCat. However, the fight to secure IMLS funding in the FY2026 budget is far from over.
The recently passed Continuing Resolution funds only three of 12 appropriation bills for FY2026, which means Congress will need to pass nine spending bills for most government programs, including IMLS, or face yet another shutdown on February 1, 2026.
The American Library Association is urging library supporters to contact Congress members and remind them why federal support for libraries is so crucial. We know our members and library supporters here in Michigan have been vocal all year in support of IMLS funding in the face of funding threats, but now is not the time to pause. As Congress considers the remaining appropriation bills for FY2026, it’s vital that we show up to support federal funding for libraries.
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MI Right to Read is an initiative led by the MLA, dedicated to safeguarding 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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MI Right to Read is funded in part by the Mellon Foundation.
| | Don't miss out on upcoming events! 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! | | |
Call for Proposals: Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026 | |
Mark your calendars! Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026 is coming to Grand Rapids on March 19-20, 2026, and we want you to be part of the conversation.
This year’s theme, Play It Forward, highlights the power of play in learning and development, and in professional growth.
Whether you’ve created an innovative program, discovered new ways to engage your community, or found playful approaches to professional development, we want you to hear from you! Submit a proposal and turn your creativity into a shared experience that inspires others and brings the joy of play to the forefront of library professional development.
Proposals can be either a 45-minute breakout presentation to share a project, initiative, or discussion topic, or a hands-on workshop where attendees actively participate in one of your library programs, exploring what works, what could be improved, and best practices in a practical, interactive format.
Submissions are welcome through Friday, December 5, 2025.
Click here to view these guidelines as a PDF.
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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.
| | | 📸 Be Part of the Story: We Want to Feature You on Social Media! | Show & Tell, But Make It Michigan Libraries | |
We’re starting something fun (and a little chaotic) and we want YOU in on it.
Introducing: Michigan Library Show & Tell
Think: “Show us the behind-the-scenes magic” meets The Office meets TikTok trends you definitely shouldn’t film at the reference desk but… maybe will anyway. 😉
This is your chance to share your library's vibes, heart, creativity, day-in-the-life, and stories (with permission from your admin, of course):
- “Tell me you work in a Michigan library without telling me…”
- Printer meltdowns worthy of an Oscar
- Storytime energy that rivals Bluey
- Teens saying things that belong in a sitcom
- Moments that remind you why libraries matter or made your whole day
- A staff superpower
- IYKYK (if you know you know)
- Youth Librarians always have... (insert random weird object)
- Unboxing
- "shopping" at the Library > "shopping" at (insert store here)
Easy mode:
- Grab your phone
- Record a quick video or take a fun photo (10 seconds or less!)
- Post it on social media with #MILibShowAndTell + tag @MichiganLibraryAssociation so we can find you and share your brilliance
That’s it. No fancy editing. No stress. Just pure library chaos, charm, and community. Anyone can contribute, including Friends, Trustees, and Partner Organizations; let's make this a huge statewide celebration of everything Michigan libraries.
| | Share Your Library Photos With MLA | |
MLA is building a growing photo collection to feature in our social media and communications—and we want your library to be part of it!
Instead of relying on stock images, we want to showcase the real people, spaces, and stories that make Michigan libraries so unique. These photos will help MLA highlight the incredible diversity, creativity, and community impact of libraries across the state.
Send us photos that capture your library’s personality—your spaces, programs, staff, displays, or community in action. Every image helps us tell a more authentic story of what Michigan libraries do and mean to the people they serve.
To help us keep photos organized and give credit where credit is due, please name your files with your library's full name and city. (For example: Michigan Library Association Lansing.jpg, Michigan Library Association Lansing 2.jpg, etc.) All image file types welcome. Click the button below to add your photos to MLA's Google Drive Folder!
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MLA’s 2025 Annual Membership Meeting brought together library leaders, staff and supporters to reflect on another year of meaningful progress as we look ahead. Hosted at our annual conference in Lansing at the end of October, Board President Jenny Marr opened the meeting with introductions and an overview of MLA’s new three-year strategic plan. MLA Board Treasurer, Mary Higginbottom-Johnson, presented our year-end financials, and MLA’s Nominating Committee Chair, Erin Schmandt, encouraged members to consider board service as the next election cycle begins.
On behalf of MLA’s Advocacy and Legislative Committee, the group’s Chair, Michele Howard, summarized our ongoing work centered on library funding, access to information, and strengthening member advocacy. Interim Executive Director Dillon Geshel shared a recap of major milestones from the past year, including our MI Right to Read petition work and the organization’s ability to remain strong and stable during a time of transition. Meeting attendees also heard about the success of key events such as Spring Institute, Think Space, and Leadership Academy. To close out the meeting, MLA board member and 2026 Annual Conference Workgroup Chair, James Pugh, announced the location of our 2026 Annual Conference - Novi, Michigan.
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| MLA Member Benefit: What Can SLI Membership Do for You? | |
Through our partnership with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, your library can access a free one-year SLI membership—a gateway to tools, templates, and a supportive national network of libraries doing sustainability work every day. Whether you're looking to make small operational changes or lead a system-wide transformation, the SLI community is here to help.
Membership also includes discounted enrollment in the Sustainable Library Certification Program, should you choose to take your work a step further.
Get started today: sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/SLI-Membership
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| Upcoming Information Session: Discounted Streamline Website Services | |
Is your library planning a website redesign or exploring solutions to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Streamline is a website platform that can help your library host a website that is both ADA-compliant and user-friendly. Streamline provides intuitive tools to manage communications, board meetings, agendas, minutes, and policy updates—all in one organized system. Plus, they assist with initial setup and offer ongoing customer support to make the transition seamless. MLA member libraries are eligible for group pricing that includes significant discounts on Streamline's monthly subscription rates.
Interested in learning more? Join us on Zoom for a virtual information session on Wednesday, December 17, at 10:00 AM. You can also visit the Library Hub website for more information and case studies, and reach out to Streamline using the contact form. Click here to register for our upcoming Streamline Informational Session.
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Give the Gift of Membership | |
Library Directors: Can’t think of anything to get your staff this holiday season? Want a gift that will last the whole year?
This holiday season consider purchasing individual memberships for your library's staff to support professional development in the new year! Staff at member libraries are eligible for discounted Affiliated Individual memberships at $85 annually. Visit us on the web to learn more about membership or contact us at MLA@milibraries.org to purchase memberships today!
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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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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!
| | | 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. | | | 2025 Michigan Library Award Honorees | | |
Heart of a Champion Award
Erin Carlson
Elk Township Library and Sandusky District Library
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Library Support Staff of the Year
Heather Harris Brady
Traverse Area District Library
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Rising Star Award
Rae Stoloff
Madison Heights Public Library
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Francis H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth
Traci Scarbrough
Comstock Township Library
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Academic Librarian of the Year
Liz Svoboda
Frances Willson Thompson Library, University of Michigan–Flint
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School Librarian of the Year
Christina Chatel
Troy School District (Boulan Park and Smith Middle Schools)
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Public Librarian of the Year
Rebekah Craft
Baldwin Public Library
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Trisha A. Burns
Bay County Library System (Retired)
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Legislator of the Year
Representative Carol Glanville
84th House District
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Legislator of the Year
Representative Veronica Paiz
10th House District
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Intellectual Freedom Award
Hart Area Public Library
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It’s with both joy and gratitude that we share some bittersweet news today. Our wonderful colleague and friend, and one of the friendliest faces behind the scenes at MLA, Lisa Buttigieg, will be retiring at the end of January after many years of dedicated service to MLA and our members.
Since joining our team in 2019, Lisa has been a kind and tireless point of contact for MLA members, always eager to provide support on the other end of the phone or over email. In her role as Administrative Assistant, Lisa has helped countless members navigate the renewal process, event registrations, and so much more.
In addition to her contributions to important administrative work, Lisa brought joy and connection to the MLA office, organizing staff outings, celebrations and moments of recognition that kept team spirits high.
We are deeply grateful for Lisa's years of excellent work and dedication to the Michigan library community. We hope you'll join us in sending Lisa a congratulatory note at lbuttigieg@milibraries.org to wish her well in retirement!
| | Sasha Matthews will begin her role as Director of the Farmington Community Library on December 1, 2025. With more than fifteen years of public library leadership experience, including service as Regional Manager for Virginia Beach Public Library, Sasha brings strong vision and expertise. She succeeds Kelley Siegrist, who will retire in January. Wishing you great success, Sasha! | | Wayne State University (WSU) has named Katrina Rouan as Director of the Walter P. Reuther Library and Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs. With more than a decade of experience at WSU Libraries and service as interim director since 2024, Katrina brings deep expertise to North America’s largest labor archives. Wishing you all the best, Katrina! | | |
Kent District Library (KDL) has appointed Ashten VanderPloeg as Regional Manager II for the Cascade Township and Caledonia Township Branches. Ashten joined KDL in 2012 and has served in many roles, including Shelver, Patron Services Associate, Youth Librarian, Adult Librarian, and now Regional Manager, where she oversees branch operations and staff development. Wishing you all the best in your new role, Ashten!
| | The Bay County Library System (BCLS) has appointed Kirsten Wellnitz as its new Director following the retirement of longtime Director (and this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient) Trish Burns. Kirsten brings a strong commitment to community engagement, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information, and will continue supporting the growth and success of BCLS. Congratulations on your new role, Kirsten! | | | | After more than twenty-two years of service at the Franklin Public Library, longtime librarian Teresa Natzke is retiring. Her dedication was recently recognized with a proclamation of appreciation from the Franklin Village Council Congratulations, Teresa! Wishing you all the best in her retirement. | | Advertise on MLA’s Job Board |
Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Job Board. Learn more here.
| | | Intellectual Freedom Resources | |
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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ALA 2026 Scholarship Application Now Open | |
If you need financial help to get through your graduate program, scholarship funds are now available. The American Library Association (ALA) has more than $300,000 available to students who are studying in library science or school library media programs at the master's degree level. Scholarships range from $2,500 to $8,000 per student per year. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
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I Love My Librarian Award | Nominate a librarian you love for the 2026 I Love My Librarian Award - they could win $5,000 and the recognition of a lifetime! Nominations close December 15, 2025! | | | |
Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities | |
Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities will offer more than $14 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities.
To be eligible, a library must have a legal area population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area, in keeping with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definitions of small and rural libraries. ALA will award four rounds of grants to be distributed over the next four years ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Applications for Round 4 are now open until December 11, 2025.
| | | | Join ALA and Receive 15% off Membership for ALA’s 150 Anniversary | | |
New Members: Get 15% off ALA Membership – offer extended to November 30, 2025. Join using the discount code and be entered to win a free registration to ALA Annual 2026 in Chicago! – Winner to be announced in January. Be part of your professional community advancing access, learning, and the future of libraries. How to Join:
www.ala.org/membership
Discount Code: CHAPTER26
| | 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.
Read more
https://nrr.ninja/
| | | Don't keep this great resource to yourself!
Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and networks. | | Connect with MLA on social media! Like and Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky 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. | |
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.
| | To lead the advancement of Michigan libraries through advocacy, professional development, and engagement. | | |
Strong libraries,
strong communities,
stronger Michigan.
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