Congratulations to MLA Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin!

We are so proud of the accomplishments of MLA Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin! Earlier this month, she was awarded the "Innovative Planner of the Year" award from the Meeting Professionals International, Michigan Chapter. MLA President Scott Duimstra presented her with flowers at the June MLA Board meeting in recognition of her outstanding achievements in serving the members of MLA.

Cass County Proposed “Child Protection Ordinance"

April 27, 2023

Last week, MLA worked on an issue that was taking shape in Cass County that would have had far-reaching ramifications for other counties. It was a proposal, unlike anything MLA has responded to in the fight against book banning and censorship.

The Cass County Board of Commissioners was looking to adopt a “Child Protection Ordinance” which would have required signed legal statements attesting to the “safety” of materials at the three local libraries among other places. While the title of the ordinance is a “bit” misleading – this was an attempt to censor and ban books. They were also proposing a county-wide threat of felony charges and warrantless arrests to operate the libraries and curate the collections if materials didn’t satisfy their definitions. 

The good news: the Cass County Board pulled the ordinance from the agenda due to the “heat” of inquiry from librarians and others who were appalled that this was on the agenda. 

There are many issues with the ordinance and the three affected library systems have already engaged legal counsel; are opposed (obviously); and will work through the legal systems to ensure they continue to offer library services without censorship.