Check out our roundup of the November 7, 2023 election results for millage issues on ballots around the state. We are proud of the library boards, staff, and supporters for their work on these campaigns and their dedication to supporting their libraries. The Library of Michigan provides a listing of Public Library Millage Election Results from 2010 to the present. View the results (pdf)

With the help of many members, leaders and legislators, MLA helped draft a simple, direct piece of legislation on the Freedom to Read. We know it may not stop every challenge, but we hope it will stop the majority of those who target the books and materials so often at the top of the “most banned books” list.

Utilizing the standard “Request for Reconsideration” process used by most public libraries, the proposed bill has incorporated a number of simple, yet distinct ideas:

1.)  The proposed bill states explicitly that the public library director shall have final responsibility on the selection of materials for inclusion or withdrawal in a public library’s collection. It also states that a library must have a policy in effect that complies with the act setting forth standards for selection of materials, standards for withdrawal of materials, a process for reconsideration, and other conditions, such as: 

A)    the reason or reasons for requesting reconsideration of the public library’s material.  (Any reasons that are not in compliance with this act cannot be considered.) 

B)    that the requester has read the entire material before filling

C)    that a request may only be made by a resident of the library’s legal service area or contracted service area

D)   that a new request for reconsideration of the same material may not be submitted to the same public library for 365 days after the public library’s determination

2) The reason or basis for a request for reconsideration cannot be made based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, familial status, or marital status of the author or that the subject matter, content or viewpoint of the material involves religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, familial status, or marital status. The public library director has the discretion to determine if the reasons stated comply with this subsection. 

3) A public library may not grant a request for reconsideration based on the subject matter, content, or viewpoint of material, unless the material has been adjudicated to be obscene or otherwise unprotected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution or by Article 1, Section 5 of Const 1963, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction over the community in which the library serves.

4)  The Michigan Attorney General may, on behalf of the Library of Michigan, compel the public library to adopt a policy and the attorney general, a resident of the public library’s legal service area or public library’s contracted service area may commence a civil action including a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent the public library from unlawful removal of material or to compel the public library to return material to the collection that are removed in violation of this act.

We must not remain silent; we must protect the right to read for all Michiganders; we must defend books and writers; we must support diverse literature; we must safeguard the freedom to express our opinions and to access the opinions, ideas, and stories of others; and finally, we must push back and use our voices against extremist rhetoric of intolerance, exclusion and censorship. This legislation will help make that happen. Stay tuned for more updates on the introduction of this important legislation when legislators return to Lansing in early 2024.

As the MI Right to Read paid advertising campaign rolls to an end, MLA commissioned a single question in the EPIC-MRA omnibus public opinion poll (600 sample – Error ±4.0%)  in early November. We wanted to see the change in voter perception about support for state legislation to protect the right to read from March 2023 to now.  

The question asked:



Would you support or oppose state legislation that would protect the right of the public to read what they wish to read in local public libraries and not have books banned? 

From 83% to 86% total support, but even more exciting is the jump in strongly support from 67% in March to 76% in November. That is a big jump in the world of statistics and solidifies that MLA is on the right track in pursuing Freedom to Read legislation. 

Revenue for the 2022-23 fiscal year decreased slightly more than forecasted, the House Fiscal Agency (HFA) said in its October report. In May, the HFA, Senate Fiscal Agency and Department of Treasury agreed revenue in 2022-23, compared to 2021-22, would decrease by 4.7 percent, or about $1.5 billion. In its October revenue report, which completes cash collections for the fiscal year, the HFA said revenue decreased 4.9 percent, about $1.7 billion. Overall for the fiscal year, cash collections in the General Fund were about $61.5 million below the projected amount. The School Aid Fund was about $25.4 million below the consensus.

After the November 7 election, the Michigan House of Representatives is expecting a big change: House Democrats have lost their narrow two-seat majority. Rep. Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) and Rep. Lori Stone (D-Warren) won their respective mayoral races. That means the House will be split 54-54 between Democrats and Republicans until early 2024 when special elections will determine the Warren and Westland replacements in the Michigan House.

Earlier today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson calling for a special election to fill the vacant seats. Governor Whitmer is callng for a special primary election to be held on January 30, 2024, and the general election to be held on April 16, 2024.

When a legislature adjourns sine die, it signifies the legislative body has concluded its meeting without setting a day or time to reconvene. It literally means to adjourn “without a day.”

For months it has been rumored that the Legislature might adjourn early to allow bills that passed earlier this session without Republicans granting immediate effect in the Senate including changes to the presidential primary election date (Feb. 27, 2024) and several Proposal 2/election reform bills, to take effect early next year. Laws not given immediate effect take effect 91 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die. 

On November 9, 2023, the Michigan House passed a resolution stating that it will stand adjourned until the sine die session on November 14. With the passage of HCR 10 the Senate has also officially ended its session on November 14. If any business needs to be conducted by our legislative bodies between November 14, 2023, and mid-February, 2024, Governor Whitmer is the only one that can call a special meeting for a specific purpose.

Thursday, December 14

10:00 – 11:00 AM

On Thursday, December 14, join MLA on Zoom at 10:00 AM for our December Advocacy Hour. We will welcome John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary and a representative from GLAAD to discuss the June release of “Book Bans: A Guide to Community Response and Action". There will also be time for Q&A. Plan to bring your questions and join the conversation!

John Chrastka is the founder of EveryLibrary, and a long-time library trustee, supporter, and advocate. EveryLibrary helps public, school, and college libraries win funding at the ballot box, ensuring stable funding and access to libraries for generations to come. They also support grassroots groups across the country defend and support their local library against book banning illicit political interference, and threats of closure.

Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, and actualized. GLAAD strives to protect all that has been accomplished and helps create a world where everyone can live the life they love.

Save the Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM – January Advocacy Hour – join Sojourner Jones in a full session on de-escalation training in our libraries. 

Save the Date: Thursday, February 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM – February Advocacy Hour – join MLA and the Library Cooperatives in a joint session on Trustee Training

Advocacy Hour conversations are always free to attend but registration is required.

Save the date for Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2024! We will be gathering together in person at the Capitol in Lansing to meet with legislators and advocate for all Michigan Libraries on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Registration will open in January 2024 and will be open to everyone interested in meeting their legislators and supporting libraries! Save the date and watch for more details at milibraries.org/advocacy-day. We can't wait to welcome you to the capital city next year!

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 [email protected] to purchase memberships today!

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.