Michigan Library Association

Update on COVID-19 Library Closures

April 23, 2020

Governor Whitmer is expected to announce extensions and adjustments to the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order on Friday, April 24. Lawmakers argue that certain accommodations can be made to allow some businesses to return if proper safety precautions are made. Libraries will probably not be affected and should prepare for an extension of their closures.

To date, the most accurate summaries on the Executive Orders and other current legislative activity can be found in the attached information sheet compiled by the Library of Michigan.

Sunsetting Interest Groups

March 20, 2020

With a new strategic plan to back up our programming priorities, the MLA Board of Directors has decided to put our full attention to strengthen standing committees and work groups and to sunset all MLA Interest Groups, effective Friday, March 20.

Lynda.com Discount for MLA Members

We are excited to partner with LinkedIn to offer Lynda.com to Michigan libraries at a discounted rate. Libraries that join our consortium will receive a minimum discount of 5% but the more libraries that join, the greater the discount will be! With libraries closed across the state, Lynda.com provides public library patrons with access to 15,500+ online courses. Inspire anyone to learn the latest software, creative and business skills. Give users of any skill level bite-size tutorials, or comprehensive courses, on hundreds of topics and encourage personalized and self-paced learning for those looking to gain new skills in their time at home or to re-skill after a layoff.

MLA Recommends the Closure of All Michigan Public Libraries

March 14, 2020

The Michigan Library Association wants to commend the libraries and local officials who have made the very hard decision to close their doors to the public and at the same time, encourage others to take action.

MLA is using our role as a leader and advocate of Michigan libraries to call on all public libraries in Michigan to close their doors until Sunday, April 5th.

Letter from Debbie

March 26, 2020

I really don’t even know how to sum up a week like the one we’ve just gone through, nor how to anticipate what we’ll be going through for the next few weeks, let alone months. We’ve seen our daily routines upended, and we are now all isolated from each other in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a week ago. I know you’ll agree with me, we’re living in unprecedented times…so please, take it one day at a time!

The board and staff of MLA hope you are staying safe, keeping distance, washing hands, and remaining healthy during this global health pandemic. MLA continues to work hard (from our homes, of course) to ensure that libraries can weather this storm together. And even though we are physically separated we remain committed to being STRONGER TOGETHER.

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