Michigan Library Association

Written by Keeley Briggs

FY 2026 Federal Budget Update

There is cautious optimism for federal funding that supports libraries as Congress works to finalize the FY 2026 budget. Although the President’s FY 2026 budget proposal called for eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Congress has instead moved to sustain the agency, rejecting the administration’s elimination proposal and maintaining funding near FY 2025 levels. Earlier this month, the U.S. House advanced a bipartisan Labor–HHS–Education appropriations bill that preserves approximately $291.8 million for the IMLS.

Written by Dillon Geshel

Note From Dillon

In recent years, libraries in Michigan and across the country have found themselves at the center of conversations around intellectual freedom and information access. For MLA, much of our work since 2021 has been focused around these discussions and engagement with libraries, stakeholders, and Michiganders about constitutionally protected freedoms. Our MI Right to Read coalition was founded to provide support to libraries facing book bans, to equip advocates with the tools they need to fight back, and to educate Michiganders on the importance of the right to read. Our experiences here in Michigan mirror much of what we’ve seen in other parts of the country and point to a sustained attack on the First Amendment and civil rights laws long championed by our libraries, communities, and courts.

Get Involved! Answer the MLA Call for Ambassadors

The Call for Ambassadors for 2026-2027 workgroups and committees is open! Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your network, and represent MLA. If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you!

Written by Keeley Briggs

Celebrate March is Reading Month with Your Local Legislators

This March, libraries across the state will celebrate literacy, learning, and the lifelong impact of reading during March is Reading Month. It’s also an important moment to showcase the many ways libraries lead and strengthen their communities, from early literacy and beyond.

MLA Hosts Roundtable With Attorney General Dana Nessel

On November 13, MLA brought together library leaders from across Michigan for an energizing roundtable with Attorney General Dana Nessel at the Kent District Library Service Center in Grand Rapids. More than just a policy discussion, the gathering underscored the shared commitment between Michigan’s library community and the Attorney General’s office to protect access to information and opportunity for Michiganders.

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