Note From Debbie

October 24, 2024

I would like to say that now that the MLA Annual Conference is over, the MLA staff can slow down and get back to our daily routine, but truthfully, I don’t think there is a daily routine any longer. The fall and winter are just as busy with Think Space, the legislative lame-duck session, audit prep, annual report writing, preparing for Spring Institute and Advocacy Day in the spring, recording our first podcast, and already meeting to plan next year’s annual conference. We are back to work, a little tired, but planning, preparing, producing and always thinking ahead to what else we might work on that is of benefit to our members.  

And, of course, this fall there is also an election to take into account in just under two weeks which will affect and provide the foundation for MLA’s advocacy work over the course of the next couple of years.

Statewide elections this year will see only the Michigan House of Representatives on the ballot. While democrats have a narrow majority this year, 56-54, there are at least a handful of contested races that may see that majority flip or even up. MLA’s message of the value and importance of libraries in our state however doesn’t waiver, no matter who is elected. We have seen support from democrats, republicans, and independents throughout MLA’s long existence, and we will greet each of the newly elected legislators in January and continue to educate them on “All Things Library.” 

For many of you, local elections will decide your next slate of trustees. For others, these elections will approve your millages that provide the necessary resources to keep the doors open. Knowing that our libraries are locally controlled and primarily funded by the citizens of that community, it is even more important to research and vote for the candidates who best align with the values of the library; who will protect the right to read, not take it away; and who take into consideration the basic principles of the bill of rights governing the service of all libraries. We continue to state the importance of voting all the way down the ballot…because that is where you will find library trustees.

Advocating for Michigan libraries is our job. But it is up to you all to speak up, amplify your voices on the issues that affect your libraries, share your stories and stats with patrons and citizens of your community, and then VOTE!

Deborah E. Mikula
Executive Director