Note From Lisa

Last April, I was honored to be elected by the membership of the Michigan Library Association to serve as President-Elect. Now, as I step into the role of President and, perhaps more importantly, into the very large shoes left by those who have served before me, I have been thinking a great deal about what I hope to accomplish during this year. 

When our new Executive Director, Dillon Geshel, asked me what I would like to focus on during my presidential year, I found myself coming back to two words: connection and growth. 

I have both internal and external goals for MLA this year, but at the heart of each one is the belief that we are stronger when we work together. Michigan's library community is wonderfully diverse. We represent public, academic, school, and special libraries, each with its own challenges, opportunities, and communities to serve. Yet the things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us. 

Building on Our Intellectual Freedom Work 
One of my primary external priorities is to build on the tremendous work that began at this year's Intellectual Freedom Summit in Lansing. This two-day event brought together brilliant, passionate, and talented library professionals from across Michigan and from every corner of our profession. Public, academic, school, and special librarians came together not simply to talk about intellectual freedom, but to listen, learn, share ideas, and begin thinking about what we can do together. The energy in that room was extraordinary. The conversations that started at the Summit have already helped shape actions connected to MLA's Strategic Plan, strengthened relationships among different types of libraries and their organizations, and sparked new ideas for the future. I want to make sure that the Summit was not simply a wonderful two-day event, but the beginning of something much larger. I would like to see MLA help provide the structure, resources, and connections needed to turn those conversations into action. 

Building Relationships with Our Elected Officials 
My second major external priority is focused on another kind of connection: building stronger relationships between libraries and the legislators and elected officials who represent our communities. We know the incredible impact libraries have every day. We see it in our circulation numbers, our programs, our partnerships, our classrooms, our meeting rooms, and in the people who walk through our doors looking for information, opportunity, connection, and sometimes simply a welcoming place to be. But our elected officials need to see that impact, too. I would like MLA to develop a practical plan or resource that can help library directors, staff, trustees, and volunteers build meaningful relationships with their local, state, and federal representatives. This is not simply about asking for support when a funding decision is on the table. It is about developing relationships before we need something. When our elected officials understand what libraries contribute to their communities, hear directly from the people who work in and support those libraries, and see the stories behind the statistics, we create opportunities for stronger advocacy and greater support for libraries across Michigan.

Growing MLA from Within
Internally, MLA is also taking on some important work. This year, we are launching an Annual Fund Drive, providing a new opportunity for members, supporters, and friends of Michigan libraries to invest directly in the work of our association and the future of libraries across our state. We will also be looking closely at membership growth. MLA is at its best when it represents a broad and engaged community of library professionals, trustees, advocates, and supporters. Increasing membership is not simply about increasing a number on a spreadsheet. It is about bringing more voices to the table, creating more opportunities for collaboration, and ensuring that library professionals throughout Michigan have a place to connect, learn, advocate, and grow.

A Year of Change 
This is also a year of significant transition for Michigan libraries. Dillon Geshel is beginning his tenure as MLA's new Executive Director. Four of our Cooperative Directors are retiring, bringing new leaders into those important roles. The loss of our State Librarian, Randy Riley, is creating another transition in statewide library leadership. And throughout Michigan, communities are welcoming new library directors and new leadership. Even in the Upper Peninsula, we are experiencing an unprecedented number of new directors stepping into leadership positions this year. Change can be challenging. It can also be an opportunity to look at the way we do things, ask better questions, welcome new ideas, and build something even stronger.

As I look ahead to this year, I am excited about what this moment of transition can mean for MLA and for Michigan libraries. There is an extraordinary amount of experience within our profession, but there is also an extraordinary amount of new energy. Bringing those things together is where I believe some of our greatest possibilities lie.

Our profession is changing. Our communities are changing. MLA is changing. Let's make this a year of purposeful change, meaningful connections, and exciting new ideas. I am honored to serve as your President, and I look forward to the year ahead. 

Lisa Waskin