MLA Receives MCACA Emergency Relief Fund Grant

August 26, 2020

MLA recently received a Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Emergency Relief Fund Grant. MLA was awarded $2,500 which will help us continue in our mission to lead the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education and engagement.

MCACA awarded Emergency Relief Fund Grants to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations throughout Michigan to provide relief from the negative financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan Cultural Institutions Unite to Promote the Importance of Arts and Culture Funding

August 26, 2020

With the upcoming state budget discussions looming, the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan (CAN) has been actively advocating the past few weeks. You will be proud to note that libraries have been amplifying their voices, sharing the importance of state aid to libraries and their contribution to our communities. 

CAN is a relatively new advocacy organization of statewide associations that represent the full breadth of cultural interests in each of our communities, including libraries, arts organizations, festivals, historical societies, museums and historic preservation.

MLA 2020 Virtual Conference and Fall Institute for Youth Services Preconference Registration Now Open!

We're "Charting a New Course, Together" and going virtual! Join the adventure! Register today for the new MLA 2020 Virtual Conference, October 28 and 29, 2020.

Spring Institute for Youth Services, originally scheduled for March 19-20, is now the Fall Institute for Youth Services Virtual Preconference and will be held on October 27, 2020.

The Michigan Library Association 2020 conference theme is "Charting a New Course, Together" and this October 28 and 29, we are doing just that at our first ever all virtual conference! You're invited to join the adventure and help us chart a new course!

Check out the schedule at a glance, our featured speaker lineup, special programming and events and more and register today at milibraries.org/annual-conference. Watch for more information coming soon, including detailed session descriptions and even more fun ways to engage and interact as we chart this new course, together.

Library Stabilization Fund Act Outreach Continues

August 11, 2020

MLA continued outreach to our federal legislators with a letter urging them to cosponsor the Library Stabilization Fund Act (S. 4181 / H.R. 7486).

This legislation, supported by ALA and introduced by U.S. Rep Andy Levin (D-MI-9) would provide $2 billion for libraries administered through the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The legislation would keep nearly 370,000 library workers on the job, defray costs related to safe reopening, and support a range of library services to millions of patrons, including:

Updates on Executive Orders Affecting Libraries

July 30, 2020

On Wednesday, July 29, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-160 and Executive Order 2020-161, amending Michigan’s Safe Start Order and issuing revised workplace safeguards.

The Governor stated that with rising cases throughout Michigan, these updates were necessary to protect lives and slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Under the Safe Start Order, starting July 31, 2020, statewide indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people, outdoor gatherings are not to exceed 100 people, and bars will be closed for indoor service across the state, including in Regions 6 and 8. Regions 6 and 8 also have different limits on gatherings.

Access to Scholarships and Other MLA Restricted Funds

July 23, 2020

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is committed to promoting and advancing the library profession. To demonstrate this commitment, MLA provides close to $10,000 annually for librarians and support staff at any Michigan library to attend MLA events. There are two specific funds that provide scholarships – the MLA Education Fund and the MLA/MALC Academic Library Fund. Look through the funds below and see if there are any that would provide a new opportunity for you.