Michigan Library Association

MLA 2023 Youth Literary Awards

On Friday, June 16 we announced the winners and honor books of the 2023 MLA Youth Literary Awards! MLA's Mitten, YouPer (Young Person) and Thumbs Up! Award workgroups have worked for thousands of hours throughout the year, reading reviewing, discussing and evaluating hundreds of books to find the very best books for Michigan youth that were published in 2022.

MLA Supports Passage of the Crown Act Introduced by Senator Sarah Anthony

The MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee supports Senate Bill 90 a bill introduced by State Senator Sarah Anthony known as the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act. If made law, this bill would add language to Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists as traits historically associated with race.

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Rights and Freedoms for LGBTQ+ Michiganders

Last week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was joined by Attorney General Dana Nessel, Senator Jeremy Moss, Representative Jason Hoskins, and other legislators, advocates, and allies to sign legislation expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). The bill reaffirms legal protections for sexual orientation and expands coverage to include gender identity and expression.

Congratulations to MLA Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin!

We are so proud of the accomplishments of MLA Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin! Earlier this month, she was awarded the "Innovative Planner of the Year" award from the Meeting Professionals International, Michigan Chapter. MLA President Scott Duimstra presented her with flowers at the June MLA Board meeting in recognition of her outstanding achievements in serving the members of MLA.

2023 MLA Equity Fund Grant Recipient

MLA Equity Fund Grants aim to reduce financial barriers to professional development opportunities and support individuals currently underrepresented in the library profession It is our pleasure to announce the recipient of MLA's 2023 Equity Fund Grant!

It is our pleasure to announce Amelia Chea, Adult Services Librarian at the Hackley Public Library in Muskegon has been awarded grant funding.

Congratulations to Amelia for submitting an exceptional individual proposal and being granted funding to attend the Library Learning Experience Conference, LibLearnX hosted by the American Library Association. We are proud to support Amelia's professional development endeavors.

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