News - MLA
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Written by Kelly Richards, MLA 2021-2022 President
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President's Update - Letter From Kelly
July 22, 2021
With my first official letter as President of the Michigan Library Association (MLA), I want to thank every library worker for their hard work and perseverance during this pandemic. I don’t believe any of us were prepared or trained to deal with a crisis on such a historical scale. In the midst of the fear, loss of life and uncertainty, we managed to come together and support one another. We held local and state-wide Zoom meetings sharing ideas on how to protect staff and patrons and the best way to provide services.
Jennifer Dean, the out-going President, was awesome in the way she led MLA without the ability to meet in person. It appears we are coming out of this and I hope that I can keep Jennifer’s momentum going. Though she is the immediate past President, we are fortunate that she will remain on the Board.
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News - Advocacy
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Thursday, June 24, 2021 12:00 AM |
MLA Opposes House Bill 4536
June 24, 2021
House Bills 4535 and 4536 were recently introduced by Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord. House Bill 4535 (HB 4535) would prohibit wheeled vehicles from driving on snowmobile trails between December 1 and April 1. House Bill 4536 (HB 4536) would direct the fines from these violations to be deposited into an account for the further maintenance of the snowmobile trails.
On Thursday, June 17, both bills passed out of the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation on a unanimous vote, despite MLA testimony in opposition.
Penal and civil fines, which are variable across each of our counties, along with state aid to libraries, are the only legislatively directed sources of revenue for libraries. Between 2016 and 2020, in counties in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula where snowmobiling is most prevalent, per capita penal fine rates have dropped by as much as 100% (Arenac, Bay, Kalkaska, Montmorency, Schoolcraft) with a median loss of 26.6%.
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News - MLA
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Written by Deborah E. Mikula, MLA Executive Director
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Letter From Debbie
June 24, 2021
Why do some places exude a spirit of community more than other places? Why do some places become focal points and anchors in their community and others do not? Why do we feel such a strong sense of belonging in some places over others?
I have discovered that most of us are drawn to places that are unique and creative, to places that exude a sense of community, to places that are lively and inviting, to places that are diverse and inclusive, to places that promote people’s happiness and well-being. Our libraries are these places. Our libraries are “third spaces” to many, and over the course of the past 15 months, you have been missed. Greatly missed!
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News - Advocacy
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Wednesday, June 23, 2021 01:32 PM |
2021-2022 Advocacy and Legislative Priorities Survey Results
June 23, 2021
Thank you to those that provided their input to MLA’s Advocacy and Legislative Priorities Survey for 2021-2022. The Michigan Library Association has made advocacy one of its highest priorities. It has never been more important for librarians, staff members, trustees, and others with a vested interest in their libraries, to convey and address their challenges and successes. Meeting the challenges in 2021-2022 and, more importantly, making real progress for Michigan’s libraries in the long term requires fresh approaches and a proactive agenda.
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News - Advocacy
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Wednesday, June 23, 2021 12:00 AM |
Call to Action: Please Call Your Senator Today - Libraries Need Three Election Dates
June 23, 2021
House Bill 4530 and Senate Bill 130 would amend different acts to remove the May regular election date and move the date of the primary election in Michigan from August to June, limiting a jurisdiction to holding only two elections in a year.
The bills will be discussed at the Senate Committee on Elections meeting today at 2:00 PM. Our Senators need to hear from us about why it is important to keep three election dates to allow libraries more flexibility in seeking millages. Please contact your Senator before 2:00 PM today to tell them that libraries need three millage election dates. Ask them to oppose HB 4530 and SB 130 and ANY legislation that limits election dates and hurts a library's ability to seek funding.
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News - MLA
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Wednesday, June 23, 2021 12:00 AM |
New MIOSHA Rules Took Effect on June 22
June 23, 2021
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) filed COVID-19 emergency rules to align with Federal OSHA's Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on June 22, with the updated rules taking effect immediately and expiring on Dec. 22, 2021.
The updated MIOSHA emergency rules adopt the Federal OSHA ETS and focus on health care settings where known or suspected COVID-19 patients may be present. These workplaces may have a higher exposure risk for employees and need continued protections to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
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News - Advocacy
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Monday, June 21, 2021 04:42 PM |
Call to Action: Libraries Need Three Election Dates
June 21, 2021
House Bill 4530 and Senate Bill 130 would amend different acts to remove the May regular election date and move the date of the primary election in Michigan from August to June, limiting a jurisdiction to holding only two elections in a year.
Libraries rely on locally dedicated millages for funding. A millage loss could very well close the doors permanently for a library, so alternative dates to re-present their proposal to their community during the calendar year are essential. Additional restrictions to the number of times each year that a millage can be brought before voters are detrimental to libraries. Read MLA's Statement in Opposition to Any Restrictions to Millage Dates by the Michigan Legislature.
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