Michigan Library Association

Written by Jenny Marr, MLA Board President

From the President’s Desk: A New Chapter for MLA

As I begin my term as President of the Michigan Library Association Board, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve this organization and its incredible members. The year ahead is a transformative one, and I’m honored to help guide the implementation of MLA’s newly adopted strategic plan. Our collective vision includes strengthening relationships with policymakers, expanding access to professional development, and deepening engagement with our members. Each of the four strategic directions speaks to MLA’s commitment to creating a stronger, more connected library community - one where our voices are heard, our services are visible, and our profession is supported at every level.

Michigan Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Book Bans, Show Stronger Support for Libraries in New Statewide Poll

*846-sample live operator statewide survey conducted June 6-15, 2025. Included 80% cell phone only respondents - Margin of Error 3.5 points.

LANSING, MI – A new statewide poll reveals Michigan voters increasingly oppose book bans and strongly support their local public libraries. The new poll follows a similar statewide survey on library issues conducted in March 2023, both commissioned by the Michigan Library Association (MLA) and conducted by the public opinion survey and research firm EPIC-MRA. Results confirm a growing statewide resistance to censorship efforts targeting library collections and a significant increase in strong support for public libraries since 2023.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, From Small Town Roots to Library Leadership: Defending Access and Inspiring Community.

In this episode, Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association, and Jennifer Balcom, Director of the Mid-Michigan Library League, talk with Tracy Logan-Walker, Director of Cadillac Wexford Public Library in Cadillac, Michigan.

Tracy reflects on her journey from small-town beginnings to a career in librarianship, sharing the early influences that shaped her path. She highlights the vital role libraries play in their communities, recalls meaningful moments from her career, and addresses current challenges—including the spread of misinformation and the fight for intellectual freedom. Tracy also shares her hopes and excitement for the evolving future of libraries.

Governor Whitmer Proposes No Increase to State Aid to Libraries in FY26 Budget

As we have experienced for 8 years of the Snyder Administration and the 7th year of Governor Whitmer’s administration, the FY26 State Aid to Libraries budget remains flat. We also saw no increases for Library of Michigan programs/staff.

MLA Statement on Civil Fines and Penal Fines

MLA’s statement in response to bills that attempt to siphon penal fines or civil fines away from libraries.

The Michigan Constitution states that all fines assessed for breaches of penal laws must be exclusively applied for the support of libraries. This provision has been in place since the first state constitution in 1835 and has been reaffirmed in subsequent constitutions. In addition to penal fines, Michigan law specifies that civil fines ordered under section 907 of the Michigan Vehicle Code should also exclusively be applied to support libraries.

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