Michigan Library Association

Protecting Penal Fines

Thank you to Senator Ed McBroom for supporting the Michigan Constitution and Michigan libraries! At the Michigan Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting on November 7, Sen. Edward W. McBroom (R - Vulcan) shared concerns about a proposed bill that would assess and utilize fines, with a reminder about Article 8, Section 9 of the Michigan Constitution: Penal fines should be exclusively applied to public libraries.

Sine Die

When a legislature adjourns sine die, it signifies the legislative body has concluded its meeting without setting a day or time to reconvene. It literally means to adjourn “without a day.”

Split House – 54-54

After the November 7 election, the Michigan House of Representatives is expecting a big change: House Democrats have lost their narrow two-seat majority. Rep. Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) and Rep. Lori Stone (D-Warren) won their respective mayoral races. That means the House will be split 54-54 between Democrats and Republicans until early 2024 when special elections will determine the Warren and Westland replacements in the Michigan House.

MLA Strategic Planning Starts Soon

Alliance for Library Impact logo This fall, MLA will begin developing a new strategic direction and 3-year plan for our work to educate, advocate, and engage libraries and library workers throughout Michigan. Since 2019, MLA has been working with a healthy and robust rolling plan that is updated annually and has served us well over the past 6 years. It is now time to gather more input, check in with our members, and re-engage our key stakeholders. As our newly contracted planning consultants state in their proposal, “After the uncertainty of the last several years and recent threats to libraries across the country, it’s a good time to celebrate success, assess what’s working, deepen members connections, and set a course for the next three plus years.” We are excited to get started. READ MORE

Let’s Go! October is Michigan Library Appreciation Month

Get ready to celebrate Michigan Library Appreciation Month! This October, we are excited to honor Michigan libraries and library staff, emphasizing the theme “Let’s Go!”! Libraries inspire us to go explore, go learn, and go connect with our communities.

Join us in celebrating Michigan Library Appreciation Month and help us showcase the profound impact libraries have on the lives of Michiganders. Libraries and their dedicated staff play a crucial role in fostering connections, providing resources, and supporting lifelong learning.

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