Michigan Library Association

Michigan Libraries Secured Key Funding in FY2026 Budget—Please Take Five Minutes to Thank Your Legislators!

On Tuesday, October 7, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan's FY2026 budget into law. Thanks to your outreach, education, and advocacy, Michigan libraries secured several key funding wins:

Written by Erin Schmandt, Chair, MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee

Note From Erin

Erin Schmandt, Chair, MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee

MLA is based on the strength of its members. The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee cultivates leadership potential within MLA membership to maintain strong and effective governance and solicits and evaluates nominations of candidates for service on the MLA Board of Directors. We are tasked with seeking candidates to serve on the board and as officers. We often struggle with getting multiple candidates for the same role since librarians do not like to run against one another (we are nice and collegial, as a whole) and no one likes to lose. The membership would really like to see choices on the ballot though.

Federal Funding Uncertainty for Libraries and Polling Support from Michiganders

In June 2025, MLA commissioned a statewide poll to learn more about Michiganders’ attitudes towards public libraries and book bans. That poll also included questions around the uncertain future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and federal funding for libraries.

Sign the Protect MI Right to Read Petition

The Protect MI Right to Read Petition calls on Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to defend the freedom to read, support library workers, and protect critical statewide library programs like MeL and MeLCat. Add your name to show your support for Michigan’s public libraries and everyone’s right to access information freely.

Federal Advocacy: Tell Congress to Fund Libraries in FY2026

The Congressional committees in the House and Senate that decide the federal budget have included funding for library services in the Institute of Museum and Library Services, as well as for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program in the Department of Education, in their latest bill drafts.

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