New Distracted Driving Law Anticipated Impact on Penal Fine Revenue

Michigan’s new distracted driving law could create an increase in Penal Fines for Michigan’s public libraries. Public Acts 39, 40, and 41 of 2023 amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prohibit, holding or using a cell phone or other mobile device while operating a motor vehicle, beginning June 30, 2023.

Intellectual Freedom Resources

MI Right to Read is an MLA initiative coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force to protect the right to read in Michigan. Visit MIRighttoRead.com today to take the pledge to protect every Michigander's right to read. Then take action to stand up for your First Amendment rights and intellectual freedom. Check out ten ways you can help support every Michigander's right to read and take action today!

ALA Councilor's Report - June 2023

Below is a report of Council meetings and activities during the 2023 Annual conference. Agendas and council documents including committee reports are available online through the ALA website: ala.org/aboutala/virtual-llx-and-annual-conference-council-meetings. Recordings and minutes will subsequently be available on their respective pages of the ALA website.

Proposed Updates to MLA Bylaws

The MLA Board has reviewed and voted on extensive amendments to the MLA bylaws and is sending them to the membership to approve them in totality. Eligible members will vote online to adopt or reject the proposed changes in full. The summary document below has included all of the amendments – text to be deleted is shown with a cross out, and new text to be inserted or substituted is bolded. If approved by the membership, the bylaws will go into effect on July 1, 2023.

Michigan Library Awards Call for Nominations

Do you know an awesome library professional or library supporter who deserves recognition for their work in Michigan libraries? The Call for Nominations for the 2023 Michigan Library Awards is open through Friday, July 14!

We encourage and welcome your nomination for any of MLA's Awards for recognition at the 2023 Michigan Library Awards on Wednesday, October 18 in Kalamazoo during the MLA 2023 Annual Conference.

Movement on the MLA Board

On Friday, June 8, the current MLA Board met for the June meeting and were joined by our newly elected Board members Michele Howard, Traverse Area District Library, Mary Higginbottom Johnson, Muskegon Area District Library, and Shaunna Martz, Kent District Library, for training and orientation. We had the honor of hosting Thomas Fladung from Hennes Communications for this year's training session. Thomas shared tips and techniques on the best use of social media, speaking with the press and crisis communication planning in the wake of censorship and book-banning efforts.