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For MLA, the beginning of a new year is an exciting time. As we settle into another year of work in service to member libraries, we reach out with our annual Call for Ambassadors. It’s an opportunity for the organization to remind our membership about the many volunteer opportunities available, re-engage with longtime volunteers, and welcome many new faces to our workgroups and committees. As a membership organization, the work and success of MLA is only made possible by a committed membership base that steps up to help us achieve our goals. From conference planning to defending the freedom to read, mentoring new leaders and so much more, MLA ambassadors transform our priorities into real value for the membership through their commitment and hard work. And guess what? MLA is ready to find an ambassador role for every interested member. Everyone is welcome, and the more folks that step up, the stronger we are as an organization.
My own volunteer path with MLA highlights a lot of the different opportunities available to members. As I’m writing and reflecting on that journey, it strikes me that simply saying yes has put me on a path of professional growth and organizational impact that I’m very proud of.
Are you ready to say yes? Read more
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Say Yes to Getting Involved With MLA! The 2023-2024 Call for Ambassadors is Open | |
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The Call for Ambassador online signup for 2024-2025 workgroups and committees is now open! Applications are accepted through April 26, 2024.
Learn more and apply at milibraries.org/get-involved.
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We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your network, and represent MLA. We hope you say YES! If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you!
All MLA members are eligible to volunteer for workgroups and committees. Nonmembers interested in volunteering are welcome to join MLA by filling out the online membership application or by contacting us at (517) 394-2774 or [email protected].
Check out available opportunities to get involved on the web and complete the online ambassador application by Friday, April 26, 2024.
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Why I Say YES!
Why did you first get involved with MLA? Think back, what went through your mind? Did you want to give back? Were you feeling restless in your career and ready to grow? Did someone encourage you? Returning ambassadors, why do you keep saying yes and continue to be involved? Let us know!
To participate, email a short 1-2 sentence answer, your photo, your name, and your library to Rachel Ash, MLA Membership and Communications Director at [email protected]. We will feature you in MLA communications to promote our Call for Ambassadors and on social media to highlight your contributions and the importance of participating in the profession.
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MLA is preparing to be a fully virtual office! Please update your records now with our new PO Box:
Michigan Library Association
PO Box 27337
Lansing, MI 48909
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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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Local Library Funding From Voter-Approved Millages Facing Opposition | |
What Would Happen if Libraries Were No Longer Funded by Property Taxes?
A small group in Michigan is questioning if property taxes should be eliminated by changing the Michigan Constitution and is actively working to get this question onto the November ballot. Over 446,000 valid voter signatures are needed by July 8, 2024, to make this a reality. And then it would be left to the voters.
Let’s first say - It would be cataclysmic to libraries if property taxes were eliminated. Without this vital source of revenue, public libraries in communities throughout Michigan would let go of their staff members, close their doors, and cease to exist.
As locally controlled cultural institutions, most libraries in Michigan are funded primarily (75-95%) through property taxes. For our communities to be welcoming and vibrant places to live, work, visit, and learn we must recognize that this investment is critical and essential for every resident.
With over 7,700 employees working at the 397 library systems in Michigan, libraries are one of the last free and open public institutions in the heart of every single community in Michigan. Over 50% of Michiganders hold library cards and consistently and enthusiastically value their libraries by voting to support them through local millages (some in perpetuity.) Libraries are more than just books and are constantly evolving to provide the community with free and open access to information – offering access to high-speed internet, employment assistance, workspace, early literacy support, and more.
Not only would libraries be affected, but the entire fabric of our communities would be decimated as well…local government, police, fire, schools, jail, downtown development authorities, community colleges, parks and recreation, and the list goes on and on. The snowball effect and tremendous loss of jobs of this chaos would devastate our communities. Based on information from the Detroit Free Press article on February 19, an $18 billion dollar hole would be created in state and local finances and there is no indication of how any of these critical and vital services would be funded.
MLA is actively engaged in conversations about the devastation this would harbor with others including the Michigan Municipal League. We will keep everyone informed as more information becomes available.
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Governor Whitmer Proposes No Increase to State Aid to Libraries in FY25 Budget | |
As we have experienced for 8 years of the Snyder Administration and the 6th year of Governor Whitmer’s administration, the FY25 State Aid to Libraries budget remains flat. We also saw no increases for Library of Michigan programs/staff. (Link to the full GF budget below – Library of Michigan budget is on page 76.)
While this is disappointing, we will continue to advocate and find House and Senate ambassadors to increase this line item before the final budget is adopted in early summer. Our current State Aid to Libraries stands at $15.5 million. We will be advocating for an additional $2 million during our Advocacy Day in Lansing.
Other areas that libraries might find important in the proposed $80.7 billion budget ($14.3 billion for General Fund, and $19 billion for school aid) include:
- $251.2 million to help students reach their full academic potential, including continuation of payments for literacy grants and literacy coaches.
- $200 million for tutoring through the MI Kids Back on Track program, and continuation of expanded learning opportunities ($50 million) through before and after school programs.
- $159 million for continued expansion of free pre-K to every 4-year-old in Michigan
- $5 million one-time and $11.1 million ongoing for the Arts and Cultural Program to expand grants to arts and cultural institutions that support the economy and contribute to vibrant communities.
- 2.5% increase in operations funding for public universities and community colleges
- 2.5% increase in funding for K-12 schools
- 5% increase in statutory revenue-sharing payments to cities, villages, and townships
Budget documents and materials are available here:
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Intellectual Freedom Resources | |
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 join the coalition and take the pledge to protect every Michigander's right to read.
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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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More Ways to Support Libraries and the Freedom to Read | We need your help to spread the message for Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Order shirts to wear on April 16th and/or record a 30-second clip asking your legislator to support intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights by supporting the Freedom to Read Legislation. | | |
Record a Video to Support the Freedom to Read | |
We need your help to spread the message for Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Record a 30-second clip asking your legislator to support intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights by supporting the Freedom to Read Legislation.
It’s quick and easy to record and submit the video – just click the link and follow the prompts. You can even record it on your phone! Then share a short personal message about why the right to read is important, share your name (first name only is fine!) and where you are from, then ask your legislator to support the Freedom to Read legislation.
MLA will be sharing these videos with legislators on social media and using them in our communications to advocate for the right to read during Michigan Library Advocacy Day on Tuesday, April 16. Advocates from all over Michigan will be meeting in person with legislators, and we want to continue to amplify our message and ask for their support. We will tag your legislator so they see your message.
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Order a Love MI Libraries Shirt | Can't make it to Advocacy Day? Show your support for Michigan libraries with a Love MI Libraries t-shirt! Order shirts by Friday, March 15, and be sure to wear them on April 16, grab a selfie and share it with us! Shirts are only $20 and include shipping. | |
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Don't miss out on upcoming events! Get your tickets! Click the images to learn more and register or 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! | | |
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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In 2024, make new connections in the Michigan library community through MLA’s Mentorship Program!
Are you a student, new librarian, considering a career transition, or just looking to get some advice from someone outside your organization? Mark your calendar because mentee applications will be open through February 29, 2024, and matches will begin at the end of March!
This program is open to all MLA members at no additional cost. Learn more on our website at milibraries.org/mentor-program.
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Organizational Membership Renewal | Thank you to all of our organizational members for your continued support! We are happy to share that dues will not increase this year. Watch the mail for organizational membership renewal information for the 2024-2025 member year in April. | |
Group Invoicing for an Easy Renewal Process for Your Entire Staff | |
Did you know? MLA makes it super easy for Organizational members to sign up all of their employees as Affiliated Individual members. Instead of having to issue multiple checks for individual dues throughout the year, wouldn’t you love the option of cutting one check that covers the cost of annual dues for all staff ($85 per employee) AND…they will all renew at the same time each year!
We can provide you with one invoice that will cover the cost of the employees you choose to pay for. We will even pro-rate their dues as necessary to eliminate the need for sending multiple checks. Note according to the bylaws, membership in the association is not transferable or assignable, but there is an exception for Affiliated Individual memberships that are paid for by an Organizational member to address staffing changes. This is a wonderful professional development perk for your staff members and increases the “package of benefits” you offer.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact MLA Administrative Assistant, Lisa Buttigieg who will be happy to help answer any questions you may have. She can be reached by phone at (517) 394-2774 ext. 227 or by email at [email protected].
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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. | | |
Update Your Member Profile! | |
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. Do I have to be a member to register for an MLA event? Is my library an MLA Organizational Member? Do I have an Individual MLA Membership? Check out answers to MLA Member Account FAQs (pdf) and make sure your membership profile is up to date!
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View the Strategic Partner Directory | 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! | | |
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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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Do you have news you want to share? Contact Lisa Buttigieg at [email protected] to share news of promotions, new hires, appointments, awards, or a tribute in memoriam. | | |
Welcoming Larissa Schneidewind, as the new Director at Elk Township Library in Peck, Michigan. Wishing you great success Larissa! | |
The Gary Byker Memorial Library welcomes Mary Cook as their new Library Director. All the best to you in your new role! | |
Kudos and Congratulations | |
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Virginia DeMumbrum, Library Director at White Lake Community Library was recently recognized by the local Chamber of Commerce with the Lady Laker award! Congratulations and thank you for what you do for your community.
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Congratulations to Val Meyerson, Director of the Petoskey District Library, for receiving the Petoskey Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. Congratulations to you Val! | |
Congratulations to Joan Rogers, who retired in December 2023 after 38 years of dedicated service at the Waterford Township Public Library, the last 19 of which she was Library Director. Wishing you all the best! | |
Betty Lang is retiring this month from the Novi Public Library after over 35 years of service. Betty was the Collection Specialist and Library Liaison to the Novi Historical Commission. Congratulations, Betty! You will be missed! | |
In remembrance of MLA Past President Bev Papai. Bev retired from the Farmington Community Library several years ago. Condolences to all who knew her. | | |
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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Michigan Notable Books Night for Notables | The Night for Notables Reception on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Library of Michigan is an annual celebration of the Michigan Notable Books selected as well as Michigan’s best writers. This year’s event celebrates 20 notable books and authors, features notable author Stephen Mack Jones as keynote speaker, and is not to be missed! Learn more and register: libraryofmichiganfoundation.com/mnbnightfornotables | | |
Join Unite Against Book Bans as an Organizational Partner | Unite Against Book Bans welcomes organizational partners who share our core principles and would like to work together to defeat censorship. If your organization is interested in joining the campaign, complete this form and the campaign will reach out to you with partnership details.Learn more at uniteagainstbookbans.org. Join as an Organizational Partner. | |
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Unite Against Book Bans, in collaboration with the publishing community, just launched Book Résumés, a free resource to support librarians, educators, parents, students, and other community advocates in their efforts to keep frequently challenged books on shelves.
Created in partnership with dozens of publishers and featuring information provided by publishers, librarians, and Unite partner School Library Journal, Unite Against Book Bans book résumés are easy-to-print documents designed to support readers’ access to books that are targeted by censors. Learn more
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Native American Library Services: Basic Grants | Application: The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY 2024 is now available. Program Overview: This program is designed to assist Native American tribes in improving core library services for their communities. | | | |
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 to address and deepen understanding of social, economic, cultural and racial inequities, and other pressing challenges affecting communities across our state. | | | |
Peggy Barber Tribute Grant | The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is an annual grant of the American Library Association (ALA) that recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming. | | | |
Libraries Transform Communities: Engagement Grant | The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant is an annual grant to recognize, promote, and support innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members - be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations - to address issues for the betterment of the community. | | | |
Arts and Culture Advocacy Day | |
Join others to advocate for arts and culture in Michigan in 2024. On March 5, be part of the effort to gain support for MACC funding and arts therapy bills by meeting virtually online with your legislators.
Event registration includes access to an advocacy toolkit and a training session held via Zoom. The schedule for the legislative meetings will be sent to participants a week in advance of Advocacy Day.
Registration closes on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
CAN is a statewide, membership-based organization dedicated to ensuring cultural leaders have the tools necessary to provide services of the highest quality.
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The American Library Association (ALA) is committed to promoting and advancing the librarian profession. To demonstrate this commitment, the ALA and its units provide more than $300,000 annually for study in a master's degree in library and information studies from an ALA accredited program, or for a master's degree with a specialty in school librarianship that meets the ALA curriculum guidelines for a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredited unit. | | | |
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. You can search regionally by library cooperative or search the entire contents of the database by subject. In order to ensure there is a robust and growing database, submit your positive recommendations today!
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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 X 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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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.
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