Letter From Debbie

February 24, 2022

MLA has been a strong advocate for libraries throughout our 130-year history. Just in the past 2 years, we have increased library funding, taken a stand on library privacy, property taxes, intellectual freedom, open meetings, and so much more. 

This week, I had the great opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes work of the American Library Association (ALA) and have had great conversations with other advocates from around the country and here in our state. I have been reminded many times over how strong our argument is for the value and importance of our libraries throughout our nation and in our world. We can’t ignore the evidence that strong libraries make strong communities. 

While funding for LSTA, IAL and infrastructure is on our national agenda, we also want to make sure our state legislators understand the value and importance of libraries and how critical and essential it is for libraries to be well funded and staffed here in Michigan as well

As you know, advocacy is year-round work, it is time-consuming and must be reinforced at the state level year in and year out. Our state legislators need to know that their continued investment strengthens these centers of learning and self-discovery for all and makes their communities thriving and dynamic places. We all know that libraries are the heart of every community and campus.

So, what can you do today? Read more

Today, we encourage you to roll up your sleeves and join us on March 1st with our partners, MAME and MiALA to take our message further. On Tuesday, March 1st, from noon to 3:00 PM, we hope you will join colleagues and friends from the Michigan library community at the Virtual Michigan Library Advocacy Day where you can add your voice to the conversation, hear about issues of importance, and learn how you can become a better advocate. 

We can’t do this alone. It will take us all to step up and make our voices heard. After this session, we know you will be inspired to compose a personalized message to your state legislators. We want you to be our spokespeople and present the issues and challenges you hear about at the Advocacy Day to your legislators. And MLA is here to help make that happen. We have created talking points, social media posts and letter templates that showcase the value and importance of all libraries in our state. All are readily available by going to this link. 

We hope in the course of the next month as the proposed state budget for 2023 goes through the system that you will continue to step up and continue your advocacy efforts when called upon.

Deborah E. Mikula
Executive Director

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