The MLA Annual Conference is fun and exhausting as well, but so worth the time and energy it takes to bring over 500 library professionals together every year. There is excitement in the air and a general sense of being “back to normal” as we continue the planning to be in-person at the MLA 2022 Annual Conference in Port Huron this October.  Our last in-person annual conference was in 2019 and while we have had resounding success on a virtual platform, there is nothing better than being with our colleagues again. Read more

We are so proud of our ambassadors! Check out the new MLA workgroups and committees webpage for a who's who of MLA members that have stepped up to represent MLA and the Michigan library community.

Ambassadors: if you have not done so already, please remember to sign the Code of Conduct form online. You will need your individual login credentials to sign the form: Sign the Code of Conduct form. View the MLA Code of Conduct (pdf)

Advocating for the Michigan library community is one of MLA's highest priorities. It has never been more important for librarians, staff members, trustees, and others with a vested interest in libraries to convey and address the challenges that their libraries and the library profession are facing. We hope you will take time out of your busy day to help us pinpoint our field's highest priorities.

By completing the survey you will also be giving MLA valuable information to use when we speak to our legislators. The survey identifies priorities compiled from concerns that have been shared with us over the past few years. If there are other priorities that you believe MLA should address, please add them to the list. The survey results will be used by the MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee to prioritize the 2022-2023 agenda and will address what you want us to work on in the coming year.

Please complete the survey by Friday, August 12, 2022, at 11:59 PM. The survey is quick and simple – it will take no more than 10 minutes to fill out and submit.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your opinions with us! Your perspective will help shape MLA's priorities for the coming year and beyond.

The work of our library community to advocate for increased investment in libraries has again been rewarded! For the third straight year, MLA is proud to announce an additional $500,000 has been included in the State of Michigan budget for State Aid to Libraries. In addition, $800,000 was allocated for the library pilot program that addresses a partnership between public and school libraries. Resources were also included for the Poet Laureate ($100,000), and $1.2 million was awarded through an enhancement grant to the Inkster Library. (One hundred unique projects were identified to receive $205 million in the newly released budget.)

The state budget also includes $25 million for out of school time (OST) grants, split between intermediate school districts (ISD) and community-based organizations (CBO) with at least 60% going to CBO which includes nonprofits, libraries and local municipalities.

No deal was reached between the Governor and the legislature for any major tax cuts or rebates, despite a near $7 billion state surplus. Federal stimulus packages and unexpectedly high tax collections have created the surplus and there will be further talks taking place this fall. Continued advocacy will be needed with the state legislature to ensure federal COVID relief dollars that remain unspent can be deployed for the benefit of public libraries and Michigan youth and families.

Linked here is a copy of the General Omnibus Budget for your perusal, as well as the Education Omnibus Budget which is where the OST grants are listed.

Thank you to Governor Whitmer and to the Michigan Senators and Representatives who continue to recognize the value and importance that libraries bring to every community and campus throughout Michigan.

It's never been more important to show your support for the freedom to read. Check out promotional resources to help celebrate Banned Book week 2022, and the Celebrate Banned Books Week Handbook a free publication that can be used to guide your celebration of the right to read during Banned Books Week or any time of year! It includes programming ideas, best practices for events, resources, and tips for handling censorship.

MDHHS has partnered with several libraries across the state of Michigan to provide free at-home COVID-19 test kits to Michiganders. Participating libraries receive tests monthly, or as needed, to distribute to their local community. Libraries interested in participating in this program can still participate by filling out an interest survey here: https://forms.office.com/g/21UykDCu0y

On July 21, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) released the latest data from its 2020 Public Libraries Survey. The Public Libraries Survey examines key indicators of public library use, financial health, staffing, and resources. Explore the FY 2020 data and documentation.

Weekly non-partisan sessions will be held through November and feature department staff and experts discussing a range of election topics including helpful voter how-tos, a deep dive into how Michigan elections are run, and tips for how voters and partners can help prepare their communities for election season. Complete this form to attend a MI Vote Counts session, receive email updates, or ask a question: surveymonkey.com/r/W75T22C

Information on what checks and balances occur after polls close to ensure votes are counted correctly, who can observe after polls close, why shouldn't you expect official results on election night and an overview of the certification, canvassing and audit processes.

Information on voting at your polling place on Election Day, including how to locate your polling place and the process for casting a ballot in-person. Learn about who may be inside your polling place, and review Michigan election law & electioneering. This session also discusses voter accessibility and your voting rights at a polling place.

Information about how absentee ballots are processed, important dates and deadlines, how to request and return an absentee ballot, changing your vote, and accessibility.

7/8/22 Voter Registration Crash Course 

Information every registered voter in Michigan should know about voter registration, including dates and deadlines, how you can register or update your address, what happens with your voter registration info and more!

What is intellectual freedom? What's the difference between a material ban and a challenge? What does this have to do with the First Amendment? We sent this communication to our coalition for answers to FAQs so they can get informed and ready to protect every Michigander's right to read!

We encourage you to invite friends, family, and colleagues to join the MI Right to Read coalition and be fully prepared to defend First Amendment rights and don't forget to follow MI Right to Read on Twitter and Facebook to share our posts and spread the word.

Save the date for Spring Institute for Youth Services 2023 and join us March 30-31, 2023 at the Sheraton Hotel in Ann Arbor, MI.