Michigan Library Association

Written by Lisa Buttigieg

Note From Lisa

As many of you know, my time with the Michigan Library Association is coming to a close. After nearly seven years as MLA’s Administrative Assistant, it’s hard to put into words what this community has meant to me. Working alongside such passionate, dedicated professionals has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.

Remembering Randy Riley

The Michigan Library Association mourns the loss of Randy Riley and expresses our deepest sympathies to his family and friends, the Library of Michigan team, and the hundreds of colleagues and friends across Michigan’s library community.

As Michigan’s State Librarian since 2014, Randy’s passion, character, and commitment to the betterment of libraries were always evident in his work. Today, MLA honors the life and legacy of our friend and library champion, Randy.

Federal Advocacy: Tell Congress to Fund Libraries in FY2026

The Congressional committees in the House and Senate that decide the federal budget have included funding for library services in the Institute of Museum and Library Services, as well as for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program in the Department of Education, in their latest bill drafts.

Sign the Protect MI Right to Read Petition

The Protect MI Right to Read Petition calls on Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to defend the freedom to read, support library workers, and protect critical statewide library programs like MeL and MeLCat. Add your name to show your support for Michigan’s public libraries and everyone’s right to access information freely.

Written by Dillon Geshel, Interim Executive Director

Michigan’s Trial Court Funding Recommendations Threaten Vital Support Earmarked for Libraries

Dillon Geshel, Interim Executive Director

In 2017, the Michigan Legislature created the Trial Court Funding Commission, which spent several years developing recommendations to help stabilize the court’s funding system. In 2023, the Michigan Judicial Council formed the Alternative Funding for Trial Courts Workgroup (AFTCW) to review those recommendations and develop a plan for implementation. Why is this of interest to libraries? A familiar funding source for libraries, penal and civil fines, is at risk of capture under the workgroup’s recommendations. The workgroup’s final concept paper proposes that all revenue from penal fines and civil infractions is redirected to trial courts, which would have a disastrous impact on Michigan’s public libraries.

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