Michigan Library Association

Governor Whitmer Signs “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order

March 23, 2020

Governor directs all non-critical businesses to temporarily close, all Michiganders to stay home or six feet away from others during the COVID-19 crisis. Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-21, directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.

The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store. Read the news release. View Executive Order 2020-21.

Libraries Ordered to Close Through April 13

March 22, 2020

Governor Whitmer has issued Executive Order 2020-20 extending the deadline for closure of all public facilities to April 13, 2020. Learn more: View Executive Order 2020-20.

Effective Immediately, All Michigan Libraries Ordered to Close to the Public

March 16, 2020

Governor Whitmer has issued Executive Order 2020-9 which closes places of public accommodation including all libraries.

Beginning as soon as possible but no later than at 3:00 pm March 16, 2020, and continuing until March 30, 2020, at 11:59 pm, libraries are closed to “ingress, egress, use, and occupancy by members of the public”.

View Executive Order 2020-9.

Update on COVID-19 and Michigan Libraries

March 17, 2020

Governor Whitmer released Executive Order 2020-9 which states that beginning on Monday, March 16 at 3pm, all Michigan libraries (public and academic) have been directed to close through March 30th. Her Executive Order 2020-5 included all K-12 schools inclusive of all school libraries through April 5th.

In addition, the American Library Association (ALA) has just released a statement urging our nation’s libraries to close and encouraging libraries to ensure that all library workers receive fully paid leave, including health coverage, while libraries are closed. Read the statement here.

MLA commends Governor Whitmer for her leadership and commitment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in all libraries throughout Michigan. We are living in unprecedented times, and as we all know, each day, each minute, brings new information to light of this global health crisis. We must all do our part to help limit the spread of this virus.

MLA Spring Events Postponed

March 16, 2020

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) released updated guidelines on Sunday, March 15, 2020, recommending that for the next eight weeks, all gatherings and events with 50 people or more be cancelled or postponed in order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

We are committed to doing our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging social distancing and have decided to postpone all spring workshops and events that are currently scheduled through May 30.

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