Executive Director's Desk - September 13, 2018

Don't Let Overwork or Stress Derail Your Goals

Once again MLA will be facing a challenging fall as we defend our libraries' funding mechanisms and the right to freely communicate with and serve patrons. A couple of years ago we fought and won a hard and expensive battle against assault on the first amendment and the right to educate our patrons. We also successfully fought back an effort to move all millages to November. We continued to educate lawmakers about penal fines and state aid. This fall it is very likely that we will face many of those obstacles again. 

With legislators from both chambers facing term limits or reelection this fall, it's very important that you connect with them during this volatile time. If your legislators aren't coming back next year, remind them that you still expect them to support their constituency which includes the library. If you elect a new legislator in November, invite them to your library before the end of the year. Show them around and introduce them to all the value you provide to the community. 

In the political realm, we've had an especially divisive few years. That experience combined with the constant effort to educate our elected officials can sometimes lead to advocacy burnout. In the library you face ongoing or recurring obstacles that can derail the best efforts as you often try to be everything to everyone.  

Next month at MLA 2018 we want you to check out and renew. We'll hear Brenda Viola talk about going the extra mile when you're running on empty. She'll inspire us with six secrets to getting our mojo back. Patty Buccellato will help us to influence without words and understand what we're really saying before we even open our mouths. Then Maxine Bleiweis will challenge you to be your best, to bring the library message to the entire community, and to shed any and all barriers to service.

A library material fashion show will earn dollars for MLA scholarships and show off the creativity and resourcefulness of our exceptional librarians as they strut their stuff on the catwalk. Consider entering the show - individually or as a team. It will be fun and you could take home bragging rights for winning the best dressed contest. 

There also will be plenty of time to reconnect, network and meet friends and colleagues. It may also be the most fun you've had in a long time as we gather at a party at Paradise Park complete with miniature golf, laser tag, go karts, climbing wall, spaceship simulator, trampoline center, miniature bowling and lots more games and refreshments. 

I hope you'll join me in Novi on October 17-19. Register here.

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