Updates to MIOSHA Emergency Rules and MDHHS Order

May 24, 2021

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced updates to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules as many employers return to in-person work. Changes to the rules include:

MDHHS Updates Gatherings and Face Mask Order

May 5, 2021

Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its COVID-19 Gatherings and Face Masks epidemic order to encourage safer outdoor activities as spring and summer bring warmer weather and new opportunities to go outdoors. The new order goes into effect Thursday, May 6, and continues through Monday, May 31. Masks are generally not required outdoors unless a gathering has 100 or more people. In addition, anyone who is fully vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms is not required to wear a mask at residential gatherings, including indoors.

Take Action for School Libraries

April 29, 2021

State Reps. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) introduced a package of bills that would require a library staffed by a certified media specialist in every public school in the state.

House Bill 4663, would require a school board to employ at least one certified media specialist for each school library operated by its district.

House Bill 4664, would require a school library in every Michigan public school, and also would require the library to be accessible to students and offer resources in both electronic and print form.

Call to Action: MLA Opposes HB 4530-4533, Please Contact Your Senator Today!

April 29, 2021

On April 27, HB’s 4530-4533 were presented and passed in the Michigan House of Representatives. This package of bills eliminates the May and August elections and replaces them with a June election. Click the links to see who voted in support and who opposed. HB 4530 Passed 63 to 46, HB 4531 passed 67 to 42, HB 4532 passed 65 to 44, and HB 4533 passed 65 to 44.

House Bills 4530-4533 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.

MLA 2021 Election Results

April 29, 2021

Congratulations to MLA's new Directors! Ryan Wieber, Library Director, Kalamazoo Public Library was voted President-elect. Anne Heidemann, Tribal Librarian, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries; Cathleen Russ, Library Director, West Bloomfield Township Public Library; and Tiffany Russell, former Social Services Manager, Niles District Library, were elected as Members-at-Large to serve three-year terms, beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2024.

Many thanks to all the candidates for demonstrating leadership by agreeing to run and to all our members who voted. We look forward to a great year! Please feel free to welcome and congratulate our new Directors!

Volunteer to Help the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission

April 29, 2021

MLA is working in partnership with the communications team from the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) to engage libraries in the redistricting plan for the State of Michigan. Libraries have been identified as a key partner and as such, MLA wants to make sure that our library community is integral in getting Michigan citizens involved in the redistricting process.

In 2018, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, a ballot initiative for voters, and not legislators, to take responsibility for nonpartisan redistricting, which created the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC). The commission is comprised of 13 randomly selected Michigan residents that include four Democrats, five Independents, and four Republicans. The MICRC is responsible for redistricting the U.S. Congressional, Michigan House, and Michigan Senate districts.