Michigan Library Association

Celebrate MI Right to Read Week

Get ready to celebrate Right to Read week here in Michigan! This September 22-28 we are sharing a positive and proactive message that emphasizes access, diversity in library collections, librarian qualifications, and protection of our First Amendment rights. Here’s an example of our creative campaign using the ALA theme of “FRead Between the Lines.” Using black out poetry each day, we will have a new and inspiring message that we hope you will share with your patrons. Watch our social media sites for 7 different versions of our campaign. We’ll have them posted on our website in advance so you can grab them if you want as well.

2025 Budget Update

Never wanting to keep MLA members in the dark, we are finally able to share the state of Michigan budget with you (links below for the House Fiscal Agency Conference Reports for the General Omnibus Budget and the School Aid Fund). With little to no advance public review of the budget, in the early morning hours today, the FY25 State of Michigan budget (beginning October 1) has finally passed through the conference committee, the Senate and the House. The budget now awaits the Governor’s signature before the July 1^st deadline. (Just as a reminder, she also has line item veto power, so nothing is in stone until she signs.)

While we haven’t had time to digest the entire budget, we have highlighted some of the items that we have been watching including (DRUMROLL PLEASE) a $1,000,000 increase to State Aid bringing it to $16,567,700.

And while we didn’t get everything we asked for in the budget…your voices were heard and communications with your state legislators made a difference! Advocacy is a full year commitment – it never ends, so keep up the good work. We are #StrongerTogether. MLA will share more details soon on other MLA priorities.

Thank you MLA Members!

Save the Date for 2025 Michigan Library Advocacy Day

Save the Date and mark your calendars on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 for Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2025!

Note From Debbie

March 27, 2025

Last week, I attended a think tank discussion, where this quote from JRR Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, was shared:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.

“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

We didn’t dwell on the quote very long, but it lingered in my thoughts with a realization that even without full control on a situation, we still need to have courage and hope - to speak up, stand up and share our values - even when we are afraid.