Note From Dillon

As this year draws to a close, many of us consider the meaningful ways we can give back. This year, we invite you to consider how you can make an impact in the lives of library staff, patrons, and communities with a year-end contribution to the Michigan Library Association. At MLA, we believe in advancing the library profession through advocacy, professional development, and engagement. Every tax-deductible donation empowers us to continue carrying out that important work for Michigan libraries.

This year, our goal is to raise $3,500 to support our Educational Scholarship fund. This fund helps underwrite professional development opportunities for library staff, reducing financial barriers for them to attend events like our annual conference, Think Space, Spring Institute, and more.

We are thrilled to share that we are already close to our target, thanks to the incredible generosity of our annual conference attendees this year. Through the silent auction, we raised $983, and an additional $930 from merchandise sales. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated so far!

In addition to our Educational Scholarship fund, MLA has other giving opportunities available. Our Advocacy Resource Fund directly supports libraries defending the right to read, providing them with support in response to First Amendment challenges and more. Advocacy Resource funds are granted to libraries pursuing training for their staff or boards and can help libraries navigate difficult policy or legal issues related to the freedom to read.

If you’re planning ahead, MLA’s Legacy Society allows donors to make a lasting impact through planned giving, including bequests, retirement assets, trusts, and more. When you establish a bequest or other planned gift, you join a select group of community-minded individuals who want to see their values live on through MLA’s important work with Michigan libraries.

Regardless of how your donation supports MLA, year-end is a perfect time to give back. It allows you to reflect on the year’s successes, plan ahead, and maximize potential tax advantages while supporting MLA. Your gift helps ensure that Michigan’s libraries remain resilient, innovative, and accessible to all.

Thank you for your support and for being a part of our vital work at MLA. Together we make a difference, fueling professional growth, safeguarding intellectual freedom, and sustaining libraries that enrich Michigan communities.