Learn More About the American Library Association at ALA Midwinter - You're Invited to Attend ALA Council Sessions and ALA's Member Meeting
Communication from the Michigan Library Association’s ALA Councilor, Jennifer Dean
As MLA's ALA Chapter Councilor, I have the honor of representing MLA members - and, in some ways, the state of MI - on the ALA Council.
With the ALA Midwinter meetings coming up beginning this weekend, I wanted to let you know of a number of sessions that you are invited to attend. If you've ever wanted to know more about the business of ALA and how some decisions are made, you are welcome to sit in on a Council session, or for a part of one - unless the Council is in closed session. Only Councilors may speak at Council sessions unless feedback from others in attendance is specifically solicited. (Council sessions can run pretty long even without additional input...)
Together we can combat the danger of disinformation and strengthen our democracy.
A message from MLA President Jennifer Dean
January 8, 2021
The Michigan Library Association (MLA) condemns the violent attack on our nation’s Capitol. The wanton destruction, looting, and racist and anti-Semitic sentiments our nation was subjected to on January 6, 2021, are antithetical to our core constitutional principles and the ideals of justice and reconciliation to which our nation aspires today. This relentless attempt to thwart the peaceful transfer of power at the heart of our democracy, beginning with baseless claims of fraud and culminating in the tragic loss of lives, was a conflagration of deliberate disinformation, misuse of authority, and a desire to reassert dominance based on centuries-old systems of white power and privilege.
Spring Institute for Youth Services 2021 Virtual Conference is all about "sparking connections and possibilities" and we can't wait to connect with you and explore new and creative possibilities for library youth services in Michigan! Our lineup of keynote speakers, education sessions, and fun virtual networking opportunities are sure to spark your creativity and energy in providing the best possible library service for Michigan children, tweens and teens.
Governor Whitmer Signs SB611 - Amendments to the Library Privacy Act
December 29, 2020
On December 29, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed into law Senate Bill 611 - now Public Act 315 of 2020 - amendments to the Library Privacy Act. We are eternally grateful to bill sponsor Senator Peter MacGregor and to all of the library advocates that helped us get this across the line and signed into law.
On December 19, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) again revised and extended the Gatherings and Face Mask Order to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, including in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Learn more
This order takes effect beginning on December 21, 2020, at 12:01 am, at which time the December 7, 2020, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded. This order remains in effect through January 15, 2021, at 11:59 pm.
This week, Senate Bill 611 - Amendments to the Library Privacy Act was passed in the House, concurred in the Senate and is now off to the Governor's desk for signature.
2020! A year for the record books to say the least. This was a grinchy year – one of political divide; one where systemic racial tensions were brought to the forefront; one where hope was lacking; and one of isolation from those we love, those we work with, and those we serve. But even the Grinch (and Dr. Seuss) found that at this time of year…“Christmas will always be, as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” Now more than ever, we need to link hearts and hands to find our common ground.
