Michigan Library Association

Note From Scott

August 24, 2023

Scott Duimstra I’ve been a member of the Michigan Library Association since 2005 and have given back to the organization through volunteering, serving on the Board and now as President. For what I’ve given to MLA, it has given me back so much more. I’ve made connections with MLA staff and members that have allowed me to grow as a professional. That is why it’s difficult for me to say goodbye.

Thursday, May 07, 2020 12:00 AM

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: COVID-19 in Small and Rural Libraries

Grab a cup of joe and join Director of the Presque Isle District Library, and newest member of the MLA Board of Directors, Amber Alexander, for a discussion on how COVID-19 has impacted smaller and rural libraries. MLA Event and Programming Director Amber Sheerin will facilitate this conversation and audience interaction and questions will be welcome!

View Coffee Hour Recording

What Do Michiganders Really Think? MLA Public Opinion Survey on Public Libraries And Book Banning

In March 2023, the Michigan Library Association contracted with EPIC-MRA, a full-service survey research firm with expertise in Public Opinion Surveys and Market Research Studies to conduct a statewide survey on library issues. While we have been using national studies to prove that book banning and censorship issues are not tolerated by the majority of voters in the country, we now have solid Michigan data to back this up.

Note From Debbie

July 27, 2023

Like other places throughout the country, Michigan libraries are facing calls from some parents and conservative groups to ban certain books.

In Ottawa County's Jamestown Township, residents voted down a library millage in the last midterm election, forcing the eventual closure of the only local library after staff refused to remove LGBTQ books from the collection.

Earlier this year, Michigan libraries were thrown into the political spotlight once more with a party-line vote on a resolution in the state House to honor Librarian and Library Worker Day, with Republicans all opposing.

In Lapeer County, a prosecutor threatened to have the librarian arrested as she stood strong to protect First Amendment Rights and the right to read at her library.

In March 2023, the Michigan Library Association contracted with EPIC-MRA to conduct a statewide survey of 800 Michigan voters on their awareness of, and attitudes toward, the increasingly intense and coordinated efforts to dictate the collection content of local public libraries.

The overall findings indicate that groups and organizations that favor banning books in Michigan are clearly going against an overwhelming majority of public opinion that opposes book banning.

Now, to address these challenges, the Michigan Library Association has contracted with Martin Waymire*, a PR firm in Lansing, who will help us launch a six-month, strategic public education effort to head off censorship efforts or other restrictive or punitive measures for Michigan public libraries by local, state and federal lawmakers.

Written by Tashia Miller, ALA Councilor, MLA Board of Directors

ALA Councilor's Report - June 2023

Below is a report of Council meetings and activities during the 2023 Annual conference. Agendas and council documents including committee reports are available online through the ALA website: ala.org/aboutala/virtual-llx-and-annual-conference-council-meetings. Recordings and minutes will subsequently be available on their respective pages of the ALA website.

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