Letter From Debbie

September 23, 2021

Over the past 2 years, a tremendous amount of time, energy and input has been shared by the board, staff and members to make sure that MLA’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion were solidified in our strategic plan, in our statement of commitment, and through our training and educational opportunities. 

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

September 23, 2021

In 2019, MLA adopted its first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement at the Annual Meeting of Members. In September 2021, the MLA Board of Directors reaffirmed our commitment to these values. Through their leadership and sustained effort, MLA will create a culture that recognizes, enhances and promotes equity, diversity and accessibility for Michigan’s library community. At the same time, we remain steadfast in modeling an organization where our board, staff, ambassadors and members feel a strong sense of belonging and acceptance, where voices are heard, acknowledged and acted upon. As we continue to learn and grow, we will outline and implement the right actions that prove our commitment. View the statement. 

MLA Welcomes Riz to the Team

August 26, 2021

MLA is adding more talent to our team! We are proud to announce that Riz Hatton, a Detroit native and senior at Michigan State University will be joining us as an intern for three months as our social media strategist to promote both MLA and Michigan’s awesome libraries and library workers.

How did we choose Riz? Well, we found out that RIz is a stellar writer with imagination and a creative flair and we felt that she would be able to adapt and translate MLA’s voice and personality into digital content. In her cover letter she wrote, “When I was a child, there was a fake dragon inside of a castle surrounded by books in the kid’s section at my local library. Trips to the library were exciting and fun and I believe everyone should experience the joy libraries bring.” 

2021 MLA Annual Member Meeting Notice

August 26, 2021

Notice is hereby given to MLA members that the Annual Meeting will take place during MLA 2021 Annual Virtual Conference on Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM via Zoom. MLA 2021 Annual Virtual Conference registration is not required to attend the annual meeting and all members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Members will receive an invitation with the Zoom link to attend the meeting in early October. Watch for more information in our September newsletter.

Letter From Debbie - A Sneak Peek at THINK SPACE!

August 26, 2021

The world is a complex place, and our workplaces are only getting more complicated and challenging to navigate and manage. Michigan libraries included. For close to 18 months, since the pandemic began, MLA has pivoted, molded, shaped, and continues to spin new ideas based on a new reality. We are planning for our future. We provided rapid answers when they were needed. We incorporated solutions outside of our normal channels. We unleashed an entrepreneurial spirit. And we cultivated a more open, questioning climate. 

We didn’t waste a moment! 

This window of opportunity led us to have more conversations with the leadership of MLA and our library directors. To meet the expressed demand that they shared for higher-level educational content, MLA is excited to add to our professional development plate. Designed by library directors for library directors, it is called THINK SPACE and is an all-inclusive event including sessions, overnights, meals, shuttles, tours, hallways conversations, and the opportunity to build deeper, lasting relationships with other directors and deans of libraries throughout Michigan. 

State of Michigan Budget Updates

July 22, 2021

With summer recess in full swing, work on the state of Michigan’s general fund budget continues. The Senate also voted to push back the state’s budget deadline for this year to September 1 (from July 1) so we continue to hope for an increase in state aid to libraries. The Governor’s and House version of the budget called for a flat budget for state aid. The Senate version called for a $2M increase. Our hope is that the Senate version will be adopted (of course!) and we will continue to advocate for this increase when legislators return to work.

While we wait for consensus-building on the general fund budget, Governor Whitmer has already signed into law the School Aid budget. In early July, House Bill 4411 marked a historical moment for the state by reaching the goal of eliminating the funding gap between districts at the minimum and maximum foundation allowances, as set forth by Proposal A of 1994. The bill finalizes the fiscal year 2022 School Aid budget, which totals $17.1 billion including $85.4 million from the state’s general fund and provides cost adjustments and supplemental funding for the current 2021 year.