MLA Urges Governor Snyder to Veto SB 571

Michigan Library Association (MLA) is urging Governor Rick Snyder to Veto SB 571. This legislation would bar library employees and library boards from sharing factual and unbiased information about local ballot issues for 60 days prior to an election.

Language in the bill blocks access to unbiased, objective communication and dissemination of information -- the very definition of a library’s purpose. It reduces transparency and impedes open communication between libraries and their communities.

“Libraries not only provide free and equal access to information, they are responsible for sharing that information with their communities,” said Gail Madziar, MLA Executive Director. “Informing voters about ballot issues impacting their libraries and schools is part of that responsibility.”

The language in SB 571 hampers efforts to educate the public about millages directly affecting their local community. It would prevent librarians from providing factual information about tax measures, what the plans are to put tax money to work, and what it means to the community.

SB 571 as it is written would make it illegal for librarians and library boards to share what patrons need to know -- what is on the ballot and what their vote means for taxes in their community. This hastily crafted legislation does not respect the need to inform and educate voters.

Visit the MLA Call to Action to email Governor Snyder and ask that he veto SB 571.

 The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is Michigan's oldest and largest library association spanning more than a century.  MLA's membership is comprised of more than 1,300 individual and institutional members from public, academic, private and special libraries.  Guided by the belief that free and open access to information is the cornerstone of a free society, the Michigan Library Association advocates for libraries and the free access of information on behalf of the state's residents.