MDHHS Library OTC COVID-19 Program Update

Thanks to library partners, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Over the Counter COVID-19 Testkit Program continues to be a success. This map shows participating libraries across the state.

The MLA Board Shuffle

In October, MLA’s President Ryan Wieber announced he was moving out of state for a new opportunity and resigned from the MLA Board. The MLA Board of Directors has appointed President-Elect Scott Duimstra to step into the role of President a little early. Scott has been engaged in public libraries for more than 18 years which has given him a broad vision of how public libraries function in Michigan. He began his career in Los Angeles Public Library as an adult services librarian and between 2005 to the present, he has moved up the ranks at the Capital Area District Library from Public Services Librarian to Training Specialist to Associate Director of Public Service to Senior Associate Director to Executive Director. Scott is well-rounded and possesses a big-picture focus and global outlook. He is a change agent, he has the ability to present, persuade and influence as evidenced by his time as the Secretary/Treasurer and short-stint as President-Elect, and he is just an overall really nice guy.

Support MLA With Year-end Giving

For those that don’t like to read….

Donate to MLA: This link…a credit card…60 seconds…and Boom! You’re done!

For those that want to take some time to absorb our appeal we have a longer version below:  

Wherever you happen to live and work in this beautiful state – we hope you think about the impact and influence that MLA has had on you and your library over the past year. Great friendships, professional successes, discoveries of help and support, and holding strong to the values that are engrained in our work during these turbulent times.  We love how connected you are to MLA!

Note from Scott

November 17, 2022

I’d like to welcome you with my first official President’s Update after being President of MLA for one week. Life happens fast! First, I’d like to thank Ryan Wieber for all his work not only for MLA but also for the libraries he’s worked for in Michigan. Ryan was always the colleague I turned to when I had questions or wanted to run an idea past a knowledgeable director. He will be missed, but Lincoln City Libraries are getting one of the best directors I’ve known. 

MLA Statement on Patmos Library Millage Failure

November 14, 2022

As the November election results were announced, the Michigan Library Association (MLA) was disheartened and saddened to learn that continued funding for the Patmos Library in Jamestown was defeated again. A local tragedy with national implications, the Patmos Library is the only library in the country that has essentially been defunded by the vote of its citizens due to its refusal to comply with censorship. The push to defund the Patmos Library was rooted in objections to one (1) challenged book that was put behind the desk in December 2021 and four (4) challenged books that were returned to their shelves in October. Some members of the community continue to demand that all books containing LGBTQ+ themes be removed, a selection that represents about 90 books, or less than .01% of the library’s collection.

Michigan Library Millages November 2022 Election Results

Check out our roundup of the November 8, 2022 election results for library millage issues on ballots around the state. We are proud of the library boards, staff, and supporters for their work on these campaigns and their dedication to supporting their libraries. The Library of Michigan provides a listing of Public Library Millage Election Results from 2010 to the present. View the results (pdf)