9:00 Opening Keynote with Susan Banks: The Future Can’t Wait: New Fuel for Post-Pandemic Libraries
10:00 Vendor Showcase
11:00 Education Sessions
11:00 Fireside Chat: MLA AMA
12:00 Vendor Showcase
12:00 Discussion Rooms
1:00 Fireside Chat: All About Penal Fines with Hon. Tom Boyd
1:00 Education Sessions
2:10 Education Sessions
2:10 Fireside Chat: LIBRARY GREEN SPACES
4:00 Afternoon Keynote with Jewell Parker Rhodes: Building Connections and Empowering Youth
6:30 Michigan Library Awards Broadcast
Thursday, October 14, 2021
7:45 Stretch in the Stacks
8:00 Coffee with Vendors
9:00 Morning Keynote with Dan Cable: Becoming Exceptional
10:00 Vendor Showcase
11:00 Education Sessions
12:00 Vendor Showcase
12:00 Discussion Rooms
1:00 Education Sessions
1:00 Fireside Chat
2:10 Education Sessions
3:00 MLA Annual Meeting
4:00 Closing Keynote with Bill Baker
Legislators of the Year
Last week, MLA Executive Director Debbie Mikula and Jenny Marr, President-Elect and Chair of the MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee visited the capitol to present awards to MLA's 2024 Legislators of the Year. We are proud to honor State Representatives Angela Witwer and Regina Weiss for their commitment to libraries in Michigan.
On Thursday, November 7, new legislation to safeguard library materials from censorship and protect the right to read was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. The Freedom to Read Act legislation, tie-barred House Bills6034 and6035, was introduced by Michigan State Representatives Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) and Carol Glanville (D-Walker) and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Along with the MLA Board, staff, workgroup leadership, and the MI Right to Read Coalition, we are proud to endorse and share this newly introduced legislation.
We are excited to share the good news that several libraries around Michigan passed millage proposals during the November election! Library millages are the primary source of funding for most Michigan public libraries and at the ballot box, Michigan residents made it clear that they love, support, and VOTE YES to fund their local libraries. It is a great reminder that regardless of where patrons land on the political spectrum, libraries are for everyone!
Spring Institute for Youth Services 2021 Virtual Conference is all about "sparking connections and possibilities" and we can't wait to connect with you and explore new and creative possibilities for library youth services in Michigan! Our lineup of keynote speakers, education sessions, and fun virtual networking opportunities are sure to spark your creativity and energy in providing the best possible library service for Michigan children, tweens and teens.
