More Than 4,300 Michiganders Join MLA to Defend the Freedom to Read

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Michigan Library Association (MLA) hosted a press conference at the Lansing Center during MLA’s 2025 Annual Conference to announce the success of the Protect MI Right to Read petition campaign.

More than 4,300 Michiganders from every region of the state signed the petition, calling on Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to defend the freedom to read, and support library workers and critical statewide library programs like MeL and MeLCat. Following the event, the petition was hand-delivered to every legislative office at the Capitol.

The press conference generated strong attention statewide, reaching millions of individuals through news coverage. The event and petition results were covered by more than two dozen news agencies, including major outlets across Michigan, amplifying MLA’s message that libraries are cornerstones of democracy, education, and community. Speakers at the press conference emphasized that the freedom to read is fundamental to the library mission and must be protected from censorship and book bans.

Speakers included MLA Interim Executive Director Dillon Geshel, State Representative Veronica Paiz (D–Harper Woods), MLA President and Executive Director of Capital Area District Libraries, Jenny Marr, and Inaya Qureshi, a student at West Bloomfield High School. Each offered a message underscoring the essential role of libraries in protecting intellectual freedom and ensuring equitable access to information.

“Public libraries are where opportunity begins and where anyone can learn, grow, and find their voice,” said State Representative Veronica Paiz. “Standing up for libraries means standing up for democracy, education, and Michigan’s future.”

“Public libraries across Michigan are under pressure, from book bans to censorship efforts that threaten the very purpose of what libraries stand for,” said Dillon Geshel, MLA Interim Executive Director. “We invited residents to speak up for their right to read, and more than 4,300 Michiganders responded. This is about more than books. It’s about preserving access, inclusion, and the freedom to explore ideas.”

“In our libraries, we serve people of all ages and backgrounds. Our shelves reflect those differences, because that’s what makes our community strong,” said Jenny Marr, MLA President and Executive Director of Capital Area District Libraries. “Our job is to connect people to ideas and stories that help them grow. The support behind this petition shows that Michigan residents value that mission.”

Statewide polling of Michigan voters continues to show overwhelming public support for libraries—79% of respondents approve of the work libraries are doing, up from 71% in 2023. Key findings show that Michiganders trust librarians to decide what belongs in library collections (75% of respondents) and support current library policies on age-appropriate shelving (84% of respondents).

Findings also show that Michiganders approve of protecting access to diverse literature —82% of respondents agreed that young people's ability to access books that help them learn about and understand different perspectives should be protected. The MI Right to Read campaign highlighted youth voices and the next generation of leaders in Michigan, including Inaya Qureshi, a student at West Bloomfield High School.

“When we can choose what we read in a public library, we learn who we are and who we can be,” said Inaya. “Books help us understand each other, and that’s something worth protecting.”

With the delivery of our petition and signatures to Michigan’s elected leaders, we mark the conclusion of our four-month campaign to raise awareness around the right to read and to demonstrate that Michiganders deeply value public libraries and their vital connection to First Amendment freedoms. This strong show of support opens the door for further conversations with legislators, and MLA will continue its advocacy and engagement to protect the freedom to read, promote access to information, and secure funding for libraries across the state.

Together, we’ve shown that Michiganders stand united for libraries, for intellectual freedom, and for the right to read. Learn more about how to get involved in the MI Right to Read coalition at www.mirighttoread.com.