Note From Dillon

Summer has arrived in Michigan, and with it comes a familiar busy season for libraries across the state. I’ve enjoyed hearing about the launch of so many wonderful summer reading programs at your libraries, and it’s a meaningful reminder that the hard work of public libraries never stops. There is a sense when summer arrives that time slows down, but library professionals know it marks the beginning of some of the year’s most exciting and impactful work.

For MLA, the summer season offers an opportunity to reflect on our work during the first half of the year while looking ahead to what’s next. Whether we are advocating for library funding, supporting intellectual freedom, or preparing for upcoming events, our focus remains the same: making sure your libraries have the resources and support they need to serve your communities.

Last month, MLA was thrilled to host our 2026 Think Space cohort for their final in-person event this year. Spending time among some of Michigan’s most forward-thinking library directors is always a treat, and it’s an honor to have MLA facilitate such a meaningful convening of library leaders. Participants explored topics including workplace well-being, restorative leadership practices, and building strong relationships with peers facing similar challenges. As with past iterations of Think Space, feedback from participants highlighted the value of the program’s collaborative discussions, networking opportunities, and a unique format that emphasizes group participation. For Library Directors, Think Space continues to be one of the most valuable professional development experiences available in Michigan.

A couple of short weeks ago, I joined several MLA team members in Lansing to host MLA’s Intellectual Freedom Summit, a first-of-its-kind event dedicated to mapping the future MI Right to Read programs and support for libraries. It was an exciting opportunity to bring together expert speakers and dozens of library leaders to develop a roadmap for the next chapter of intellectual freedom support and policy here in Michigan. What stood out to me most was the collaborative spirit that seemed to embed itself in all our group discussions and speaker presentations. Leaders representing public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries, and cooperative libraries were eager to find new ways to work together in service to their communities and information access for library users. I can’t wait to share more information about what comes next as MLA unpacks all of the ideas, questions, and challenges discussed at our first Intellectual Freedom Summit.

Each June, the MLA board of directors and staff convene for an in-person board meeting that includes a training component. This year, the energy was high for the group as we met immediately following the Intellectual Freedom Summit in Lansing. Training this year focused on best practices in fundraising for nonprofit membership associations like MLA, and an exploration of the various non-dues revenues membership associations frequently consider to support their overall mission. I’m looking forward to further discussions with the MLA staff and board as we continue to explore some of the ideas that came out of our training, many of which may lead to new programming and resources for Michigan libraries.

The back-to-back Intellectual Freedom Summit and board of directors training this month allowed MLA to spend a few days focused intently on aspirations. What new directions can we explore in support of the right to read in Michigan libraries? What new programs or services can provide meaningful support to libraries and strengthen MLA’s organizational stability? These are questions I’m eager to explore in the coming months, and the timing aligns well with the MLA team's focus on strategic planning activities for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1. As always, I continue to be inspired by the involvement and engagement with MLA that we see from so many of your libraries. As we look ahead to the start of a new fiscal year, I can’t wait to see where your ideas and passion for libraries can take us next.