State of Michigan FY2026 Budget Update

With less than a week left before the constitutional deadline for the FY2026 state budget, uncertainty remains around state funding priorities—including resources that are critical for Michigan libraries. The budget impasse between the House, Senate, and the Governor’s office has stalled progress, and with the October 1 deadline looming, Michigan faces a possible government shutdown.

Michigan Library Appreciation Month and MI Right to Read Week

Libraries are where curiosity meets opportunity, where questions turn into discoveries, and where every Michigander can explore, learn, and connect with their community. This October, during Michigan Library Appreciation Month and MI Right to Read Week (October 5–11), we are excited to honor Michigan libraries and library staff with the 2025 theme: “Find Out.”

MLA Advocacy Action Plan FY2026

The MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee finalized the Fiscal Year 2026 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 FY2026 Advocacy Action Plan (PDF).

Contact Your MI State Representative and Senator TODAY

As budget negotiations in Lansing continue, library advocates must continue outreach to their legislators. We must ensure that lawmakers understand the importance of library funding—and that a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) line item must be included in the final version of the budget for federal dollars awarded to support Michigan libraries.

Call Your Legislators and Urge Them to Support Library Funding in the Michigan FY2026 Budget!

Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives approved an omnibus budget bill, HB 4706, for fiscal year 2026. Now with less than a month before a signed state budget is due, the budget process is entering its final, most critical phase: reconciling major differences in Michigan's budget across Chambers and the Governor’s office. 

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse: Community First - Strengthening Services in a Resource-Limited Library.

In this episode, hosts Dillon Geshel and Kate Pohjola Andrade welcome Mary Gallup, Director of the Clinton Township Public Library, who shares her inspiring path from stay-at-home mom to library leader. Mary reflects on the community connections that sparked her career, the creative programs and advocacy efforts that have shaped her tenure, and the realities of serving a small library with limited resources. The conversation dives into navigating political and township dynamics, championing intellectual freedom, and embracing the evolving role of libraries as vital community hubs.