Please Continue to Reach Out to Legislators

May 27, 2020

MLA continues to reach out to all of our Senators and House members to remind them of the importance of libraries throughout Michigan. Last month we contacted every State Representative and Senator to remind them that while libraries' doors are closed, libraries continue to offer many valuable digital services online. We shared that even though library buildings are closed to the public, many have taken this opportunity to expand access to digital resources and online services, launch virtual programs, and coordinate services with local government agencies. We reminded them that library patrons can access eBooks, audiobooks, online learning and tutoring help. We shared that libraries are engaging readers of all ages by streaming book discussions, author visits and storytimes, offering access to skill-building activities and resume development for those who have been recently unemployed, as well as offering telehealth resources and trustworthy public health information.

Michigan Libraries to Remain Closed Through June 12, 2020

May 22, 2020

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY - LIBRARIES TO REMAIN CLOSED THROUGH JUNE 12, 2020.

At 5:00 pm on Friday, May 22, Governor Whitmer extended Executive Order 2020-69 which temporarily closes all places of public accommodations, including libraries through June 12, 2020.

Read Executive Order 2020-100

Call to Action: Urge Governor Whitmer to Allow Libraries to Begin Curbside Services

Updated -- May 20, 2020

MLA is here to help our libraries be totally prepared for the eventual phased-in reopening of their facilities and their services. Libraries across Michigan are now preparing individualized phased-in reopening plans and library administrators are being very careful and thoughtful to take into consideration staff and patron protections from the continued spread and/or a resurgence of the coronavirus. Many libraries are ready to begin implementing curbside services. We are now asking the Governor to allow libraries to offer curbside and no-contact pickup services.

Libraries Must Develop a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan

May 19, 2020

Updated -- May 21, 2020 -- Governor Whitmer issues Executive Order 2020-97 - Rescission of Executive Order 2020-91 amending the standards set forth in EO 2020-91 to include new provisions governing outpatient health-care facilities.

In accordance with Executive Order 2020-91 all libraries must develop a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, consistent with recommendations in Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, developed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

By June 1, 2020, or within two weeks of resuming in-person activities, whichever is later, a business’s or operation’s plan must be made readily available to employees, labor unions, and customers, whether via the website, internal network or by hard copy. 

View the OSHA handbook: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

Libraries to Be Included on Governor's Reopening Advisory Workgroups

May 13, 2020

Last week, MLA heard that Governor Whitmer would be forming workgroups to help determine reopening plans for different industries, and MLA immediately asked to be at the table.

We received communications yesterday that Governor Whitmer formally announced the creation of these advisory workgroups (led by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity). The workgroups will provide input on Michigan’s process to safely re-engage the economy. Workgroups will focus on mitigation of transmission risk in the workplace, including but not limited to best practices for workplace safety, PPE requirements, and retraining workers on newly implemented COVID-19 work requirements.

MI Safe Start Plan

May 7, 2020

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer detailed the six phases of her MI Safe Start Plan to re-engage Michigan’s economy. The Governor has worked with leaders in health care, business, labor, and education to develop the plan, and announced today that Michigan is in phase three.