Michigan Library Association

Think Space Registration Opens Soon

Join the 2024-2025 cohort and experience what makes Think Space a transformative journey for library leaders! Now in its fourth year, MLA’s Think Space is designed to help library directors thrive—both as workplace and community leaders. This year’s focus is on sustaining personal well-being and supporting those around you, all while adapting to evolving challenges.

Since 2021, Think Space has provided a unique forum where library directors and cooperative directors across Michigan come together to engage deeply in issues that matter to our profession. More than just a learning opportunity, it’s a space for meaningful connection—where conversations spill out of formal sessions and continue in hallways, on porches, or even around the bonfire.

State of Michigan Budget 2022-2023 Updates

Revenue for the 2022-23 fiscal year decreased slightly more than forecasted, the House Fiscal Agency (HFA) said in its October report.

Call for Nominations for 2025 MLA Board Election Now Open

The Call for Nominations for candidates for the 2025 Board of Directors opens today! The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) will be seeking nominations/self-nominations for four member-at-large directors as well as the President-elect position, with terms beginning in July 2025 and ending in June 2028.

Do you know someone who would be a great addition to the MLA Board of Directors? Submit a nomination! We also encourage you to self-nominate if you are interested in serving on the MLA Board.

The submission deadline is 5:00 PM on Monday, November 1, 2024. Submit a nomination by clicking the link below. For any questions please contact Debbie Mikula, Executive Director at [email protected]

More information about qualifications and criteria is linked below:

Learn more about MLA Officer Positions (pdf)

Learn more about Board Member Responsibilities (pdf)

Submit a nomination

Public Opinion Polling Update

As the MI Right to Read paid advertising campaign rolls to an end, MLA commissioned a single question in the EPIC-MRA omnibus public opinion poll (600 sample – Error ±4.0%) in early November. We wanted to see the change in voter perception about support for state legislation to protect the right to read from March 2023 to now.

New Podcast Debuting in November

What can happen when a few very creative individuals sit around a table with a glass of wine and a good idea? At the PLA Conference in Columbus this past spring, we found out. One of the coop directors, a few library directors, and MLA staff were enjoying conversation when they hit upon a great idea for a joint project that would be fun and inspiring – a monthly podcast celebrating the lives of library workers throughout Michigan. For the past 6 months, MLA and the Library Cooperatives of Michigan have been working together to plan and prepare for a grand debut of Chapter and Verse on November 14, 2024.

Hosted by the Michigan Library Association and the Library Cooperatives of Michigan, Chapter and Verse: Storytime from the Stacks features dedicated Michigan library workers and their inspiring stories. Each episode welcomes a library worker from one of Michigan's 11 cooperative regions to share their most interesting and inspiring experiences.New episodes will premiere on the second Thursday of each month.

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