Michigan Library Association

Dark Store and OMA Legislation Die in Lame Duck

Legislation aimed at closing the dark store tax loophole has died in committee. House Bills 5865-5868 received a hearing in the House Tax Policy Committee on December 11. Andrea Ingmire, from the Peter White Public Library, provided testimony on how the tax loophole is impacting libraries and MLA submitted cards of support and testimony. The legislation did not move out of committee. Stating that they had run out of time for the day, Committee Chair, Representative Cynthia Neeley called the committee to ease and later adjourned. It is now too late in the legislative session for any further action.

House Bill 4693, introduced by Representative John Fitzgerald to amend the Open Meetings Act has also run out of time. Our work continues.

Note From Dillon

The past month has been a busy time of transition for MLA. As our outgoing Executive Director prepares for retirement, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside her and the MLA team in my new role as Interim Executive Director. Many of you have been in touch with well wishes, to check in, and to ask how the transition is moving along. And as I’ve often stated in response – Debbie and everyone on staff at MLA has helped to plan the most organized onboarding journey that I’ve ever experienced. It’s helped bring me up to speed on MLA’s day-to-day operations quickly, allowing me to dive right into our important work on advocacy, programming and member engagement.

Legislators of the Year

Last week, MLA Executive Director Debbie Mikula and Jenny Marr, President-Elect and Chair of the MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee visited the capitol to present awards to MLA's 2024 Legislators of the Year. We are proud to honor State Representatives Angela Witwer and Regina Weiss for their commitment to libraries in Michigan.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, Creating Safe Spaces: Outreach Inclusion and the Modern Library. In this episode, hosts Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of MLA, and Mallorie DeVilbiss, Director of the Suburban Library Cooperative, talk with Olivia Olson, Head of Community Engagement at the Troy Public Library.

Olivia reflects on her early love of libraries and the path that led her into library work. She shares how the community engagement department came to life and how programs like the bookmobile and the English Language Learners Book Club are expanding the library’s reach.

From serving diverse communities to creating safe, welcoming spaces, Olivia offers insight into the evolving role of libraries and the powerful connections they foster. Her stories of working with patrons and her vision for the future remind us why libraries remain essential pillars of community life.

Michigan Library Awards Call for Nominations!

Do you know someone who deserves recognition and celebration for their work in Michigan libraries? The Call for Nominations for the 2025 Michigan Library Awards is open through Friday, July 11! We encourage and welcome your nomination for any of MLA's Awards for recognition at the 2025 Michigan Library Awards on Wednesday, October 29, at the Lansing Center in Lansing during the MLA 2025 Annual Conference.

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