Michigan Library Association

Freedom to Read Legislation Introduced in House

On Thursday, November 7, new legislation to safeguard library materials from censorship and protect the right to read was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. The Freedom to Read Act legislation, tie-barred House Bills 6034 and 6035, was introduced by Michigan State Representatives Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods) and Carol Glanville (D-Walker) and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Along with the MLA Board, staff, workgroup leadership, and the MI Right to Read Coalition, we are proud to endorse and share this newly introduced legislation.

MLA Statements of Principle

For the past year, MLA’s Intellectual Freedom Task Force has been focused on refining our commitment to censorship challenges in our public libraries. We have found that we needed talking points to counter questions and concerns about age appropriateness and about rating and labeling systems. Over the course of the past two months, the task force, the Advocacy and Legislative Committee and the MLA Board have been workshopping these statements of principle that outline our stance when it comes to these challenges. These are statements that have been molded and shaped into shared messaging that reinforces our library values of protecting intellectual freedom for every citizen of Michigan.

Statement of Principle on Book Rating Systems and Labelling in Public Libraries (pdf)

Statement of Principle on Age Appropriateness and Placement of Materials in Public Libraries (pdf)

Advocacy Action Plan FY25

The MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee, chaired by Jenny Marr, finalized the 2024-2025 Action Plan. The plan outlines the top legislative priorities on both a State and Federal level as well as an advocacy plan to promote the value of libraries and librarians to both legislators and the general public.

View the MLA 2024-2025 Advocacy Action Plan at milibraries.org/mla-advocacy

“A Man is Known by the Company He Keeps” – a fond farewell from Debbie

June 25, 2025

It is time to say farewell to my MLA family. For the past 6 years, I have surrounded myself with positive thinkers - people who make a difference in their communities, in their organizations, and people who make my day brighter simply by being around them. You have challenged me, supported me, motivated me, mentored me and encouraged me to grow. I have found people to admire and people that I am proud to know. You have been my cheerleaders, teachers, trusted advisors, coaches, role models and ultimately, friends. I am mindful that the people who represent MLA reflect my own values and have influenced me in ways I can only be thankful for. Your positivity, high standards, kindness and honesty are contagious, and I am a better person for having known you all. The fact is, each of us determines the people we spend our time with. As Aesop said so well “A man is known by the company he keeps.” I have chosen wisely.

Deborah E. Mikula
MLA Executive Director

Justice for All Commission Seeks Library Representation

The Justice for All Commission currently has an open seat for appointment of an individual on behalf of the Michigan libraries as a stakeholder group.