Note From Dillon

This spring, I’ve spent a lot of time on the road. One of my favorite parts about working at MLA is that no two weeks look the same, and that’s certainly been true for me in recent months. I’ve found myself visiting libraries, participating in film screenings and panel discussions, hosting events alongside the excellent MLA team, and giving presentations about MLA programs and resources. As I sat down to write this month’s note, I found myself reflecting on my work over the last few months and the connections I’ve made with people across Michigan who care deeply about libraries and the role they play in civic life, education, access, and community.

In March, I had the privilege to visit the Edwardsburg branch of the Cass District Library, a new, purpose-built library that leans into flexible programming areas, inviting interior design, and a dedicated children’s space that prioritizes learning, play, and engagement. It’s a beautiful new library across the street for a local school, and the building was bustling with students when I visited. The Cass District Library’s Edwardsburg branch demonstrates how modern libraries are centering themselves as community and learning hubs.

On the same trip, and for the first time in my role as MLA’s Executive Director, I was able to spend time with my peers at other state associations during the Michigan Society of Association Executives’ Public Policy Roundtable. Making connections with other association leaders was helpful as I settled into my role at MLA over the last year, and a handful of education sessions stood out as very informative for my work with libraries. First, a table talk around best practices in legislative days gave me a fresh perspective for future MLA Advocacy Days. Second, group discussions on training curricula offered by other non-profit membership associations planted seeds for me that I’m eager to explore in MLA’s next fiscal year.

March was a busy month for the MLA staff, too. We joined nearly 300 youth librarians and library workers for our annual Spring Institute for Youth Services, hosted this year in Grand Rapids. Alongside a full schedule of fantastic breakout sessions and an early arrivals reception at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, a standout experience for me was Tony Weaver Jr.’s keynote on improving self-esteem for young readers. Tony’s 2025 graphic novel, Weirdo, became a quick favorite for my kids after returning home from Spring Institute. This marked my first time at MLA’s Spring Institute event, and as a library professional without experience in youth services, being a part of that learning environment was so rewarding. Youth librarians make reluctant readers feel seen and excited about books. They’re often the first library professional a child ever meets. That’s a big responsibility, but also an incredible gift that they share with their communities. I left Grand Rapids with a strong appreciation for their necessary work.

In April, MLA focused on advocacy efforts. With generous support from the Mellon Foundation, we hosted a first-of-its-kind education series across the state. Libraries at the Crossroads of the Constitution and Politics brought community members together in Novi, Grand Rapids, Gaylord, and Marquette for full-day sessions about how to support and protect libraries in their communities. MLA hosted John Chratska, co-founder and executive director of EveryLibrary, as our facilitator, helping attendees explore the laws that protect libraries, education and readers; learn strategies for building broad coalitions in their regions and school districts; and share ideas for working collaboratively while building a new network of mutual support. These events marked the first time MLA hosted training for folks outside of the library sphere, and it was so inspiring to see educators, retirees, historians, and other passionate Michiganders show up to learn what they can do to support their libraries during challenging times. 

My travels with John also brought us to Marquette’s local PBS station, where we joined local librarians for an episode of Media Meet– the station’s weekly public affairs TV program – where we discussed book bans and censorship attempts in libraries across the state. The following week, I had the opportunity to spend a full day in Marquette, where I toured Northern Michigan University’s (NMU) newly renovated Lydia M. Olson Library, visited with the staff of the Superiorland Library Cooperative, and participated in a panel discussion following a screening of The Librarians on NMU’s campus. I enjoyed reconnecting with former colleagues and coworkers at Superiorland and NMU’s library, learning more about the university’s beautiful new library spaces, and engaging with community members about an award-winning documentary that illustrates the deep challenges facing our libraries and library professionals.

And what would spring be in Michigan without our annual Michigan Library Advocacy Day? In late April, nearly 150 librarians joined us in Lansing for a day of advocacy with lawmakers. MLA staff scheduled over 100 legislative meetings for attendees, who spent the day in discussion with their local legislators about policy and funding priorities for libraries. Perhaps most exciting was our surprise guest as attendees gathered to start the day: Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined us for remarks to kick off a fantastic day of advocacy, highlighting the impact of libraries on children’s early literacy journey. After a day of great meetings, discussions, and high spirits, we were thrilled to see Michigan’s Senate approve a budget that included two of our key funding asks the very next day – an increase in State Aid to Libraries and additional funding support for the Michigan eLibrary. It was another fantastic event that illustrated the power of library advocates across the state.

After Michigan Library Advocacy Day, I left Lansing the next day for a visit to the Roseville Public Library. It was a joy to connect with some of their staff and the architectural and design team behind their recent renovations. I was impressed by the intentionality behind the renovations, where many modern design elements are balanced alongside a strong sense of local identity. From additional study and meeting spaces to a new children’s section with multiple wings, the library stood out as a wonderfully redesigned space for their community to learn and connect.

And that brings me to May – a month in which I found some respite from traveling, but not before a trip to Richland, Michigan, where I participated in an exciting library program for patrons of the Richland Community Library. I was thrilled to join community members to present on MLA’s MI Right to Read program over lunch, sharing insight into book bans and challenges here in Michigan and MLA’s efforts to support libraries and library advocates on the issue. After my presentation, attendees hopped on a bus to travel to the Williamston Theatre for a production of Bad Books, a new play that explores the complicated dynamics behind censorship attempts in libraries. Hosted in collaboration with a local community center, the event was such an exciting and inventive library program, and I was honored to play a small role. 

In recent weeks, I’ve settled back into routine with much less travel. Spring has been a blur, but in the most rewarding way possible. Connecting with youth librarians and library advocates helps me stay grounded in our mission, and visiting several newly renovated libraries was a reminder of the ability of libraries to adapt, invent, and serve in meaningful ways. Reflecting on my travels and MLA’s many projects over the last few months, I’m feeling grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many of you, and grateful to live in a state where the impact of libraries is ever present, no matter where I find myself in Michigan.