Michigan Library Association

MLA's Response to COVID-19

March 12, 2020

The health and safety of our members and our communities is a top priority at MLA, especially in relation to the coronavirus and Michigan’s newly declared state of emergency.

Yesterday evening, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released new recommendations that discourage events and gatherings of more than 100 people and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Spring Institute for Youth Services Postponed

March 12, 2020

In light of growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, we have decided to postpone our Spring Institute for Youth Services, originally scheduled for next week, March 19-20 in Ann Arbor. Our conference theme this year is People First, and as we find ourselves in this unprecedented situation, we plan to do just that.

Letter from Debbie

February 27, 2020

Most of you know that I come from an arts background…more specifically, a theatre background. From my humble beginnings in the MSU theatre department, I have been blessed to work and build friendships for the past 40 years in an industry that is populated by individuals driven by sheer talent and devotion to their calling.

A healthy theatre environment thrives, indeed soars, when a new production is staged; a group of artists and technicians come together to form a new family; group effort and teamwork are prevalent; and innovative, creative, challenging ideas are put on the table. That is what producing theatre is all about – molding and shaping of ideas from hundreds of different perspectives and opinions – a truly collaborative environment.

Update for Attendees - Spring Institute and COVID-19 Concerns

March 11, 2020

MLA’s top priority is the health, safety and well-being of the library community especially in relation to the Coronavirus and Michigan’s newly declared state of emergency. We are mindful that our members may have concerns and questions regarding attending our Spring Institute for Youth Services, scheduled next week, March 19-20, 2020.

It is okay to be concerned, but more importantly, it is essential to be prepared. MLA is doing our due diligence and closely monitoring the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website's guidelines for public events, monitoring local travel advisories and communicating daily with our conference venue, the Ann Arbor Sheraton Hotel. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we will reassess immediately should anything change in the days ahead.

Lisa Visits Detroit Libraries

by Lisa Buttigieg, MLA Administrative Assistant

Last week I had the opportunity to visit a few of the Detroit Public Libraries.

My gracious hosts were Alma Simmons, Assistant to the Executive Director of the Main Library downtown, Charlene Hyland, Assistant Manager and Children’s Librarian of the Conley Branch and Crystal Jolly, Assistant Manager and Children’s Librarian from the Parkland Branch.

They each took time out of their busy days to show me why their libraries are the heart of the communities they serve. As they showed me around and spoke of the many services each branch offered, I could hear and see the pride they have for their library.

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