Michigan Library Association

Intellectual Freedom Resources

MI Right to Read is an MLA initiative coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force to protect the right to read in Michigan. Visit MIRighttoRead.com today to take the pledge to protect every Michigander's right to read. Then take action to stand up for your First Amendment rights and intellectual freedom. Check out ten ways you can help support every Michigander's right to read and take action today!

New campaign urges Michiganders to protect their right to read and oppose book banning efforts

LANSING, Mich. – With the rise of book banning and censorship efforts in libraries around the country, the Michigan Library Association (MLA) is launching a six-month MI Right to Read campaign, encouraging residents to oppose censorship and book banning efforts and protect their First Amendment right to read whatever they choose to at public libraries.

Public libraries are being targeted at an alarming rate by individuals and extremist groups to remove books that discuss topics such as racism, sexuality, gender, and history – censoring different perspectives.

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: How Michigan Local Governments Are Responding to COVID-19

MLA welcomes Neil Sheridan, Executive Director of the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) and Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of Michigan Municipal League (MML) for a discussion on how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting local government service delivery, what long term changes may be in store for those who provide services to our citizens and how state and federal resources will be affected.

View Coffee Hour Recording

Note From Dillon

September 28, 2023

Dillon Geshel Hello and welcome to another edition of MLA’s Primary Source! Just a couple of short months ago, I couldn’t have known I’d be writing this update as the soon-to-be MLA President. In October, I’ll move into the role of MLA President as Scott Duimstra steps down and takes on a new opportunity as Library Director of the Hennepin County Library in Minnesota. Congratulations to Scott and on behalf of MLA, I want to thank him for his exceptional leadership over the last year and beyond. Scott has been a thoughtful, measured leader as MLA President and among the MLA membership at large. We will miss his quick willingness to support Michigan libraries and MLA priorities, and wish him the best on his new journey.

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Summer Reading Programs 2020

With limited services, reduced access to library spaces, and socially distant staff and patrons, how should we approach summer reading programs? Join Cathy Lancaster from the Library of Michigan as we discuss the best practices and ideas for youth service staff to navigate through 2020 summer program ideas.

View Coffee Hour Recording

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