Michigan Libraries Secured Key Funding in FY2026 Budget—Please Take Five Minutes to Thank Your Legislators!

On Tuesday, October 7, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan's FY2026 budget into law. Thanks to your outreach, education, and advocacy, Michigan libraries secured several key funding wins:

• The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) line item remains in the budget, allowing the Library of Michigan to spend federal dollars as allocated on vital statewide programs like the Michigan eLibrary and catalog, MeL and MeLCat.
• While many state departments and agencies saw budget reductions, State Aid to Libraries remained flat with no funding cut. While we always advocate for an increase in Michigan’s only direct aid to public libraries and library cooperatives, flat funding is a stable outcome in an otherwise tenuous budget climate.
• The state budget includes a one-time $900,000 increase in state funding for the Michigan eLibrary (MeL), reflecting library advocates’ persistent efforts to highlight the importance of MeL and the critical role of LSTA funds in supporting the program.

These outcomes reflect your commitment and the power of our collective voice. Every letter, email, call, and conversation with an elected leader helped make this possible.

Now, please join us in expressing our gratitude. Take five minutes today to reach out to Governor Whitmer and your local House Representative and State Senator to share appreciation for their support of Michigan libraries. You can find contact information for legislators with the links below. A quick thank you goes a long way in strengthening these relationships, and that’s an important step in ensuring libraries are a priority in future budget cycles.

Your continued engagement ensures libraries remain a priority for Michigan’s legislature. Thank you for being a part of the effort to keep Michigan libraries strong!

CONTACT GOVERNOR WHITMER

FIND YOUR MICHIGAN STATE SENATOR

FIND YOUR MICHIGAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE