MLA Advocacy - January 24, 2019

Practice Advocacy Every Day

The new legislature is getting settled and our new Governor is gearing up for her first State of the State on February 5. We're busy figuring out the new committee members and who could have a big impact on state aid to libraries this year. We'll be meeting with new legislators soon and recommend that you reach out to your new elected officials and invite them into the library for a tour, coffee hour, or any community event. 

President's Update - January 10, 2019

Happy New Year! With a new year comes resolutions and the aspirations of new goals. This year the Michigan Library Association Board's top priority is to search for, select, hire and onboard a new MLA director. The search committee has spoken with the recruiter from ASAE several times. The recruiter is writing a job posting that will be up and posted by February 1. We feel confident that the recruiter knows what MLA needs and wants in our next leader. As the search progresses, please share with me your ideas, hopes and suggestions in regard to our new director.

Executive Director's Desk - January 10, 2019

Leadership and Succession Planning

Leadership development and succession planning are common topics at the MLA office lately. Not only because they soon will directly impact our office when I retire in March but also because our 2019 MLA professional development lineup includes a growing assortment of opportunities to enhance these key factors for your library staff.

MLA Advocacy - December 21, 2018

Special Lame Duck Update: What passed, what died and what is still in question.

At 4.:30 a.m. this morning the House was still in session passing bills. They started at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. The Senate adjourned at 8:18 a.m. after their marathon session. The 2018 legislative year and contentious lame duck session is finally over. We'll be watching for any legislation that may have passed in the dark of night as legislators finished up work on their final bills.

Sen. Jim Stamas Named 2018 MLA Legislator of the Year

State Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland) was recognized as 2018 Michigan Library Association Legislator of the Year for his leadership in promoting libraries and supporting legislation advancing the library mission. Stamas received his award at the MLA Board of Directors meeting on December 14, 2018 in Lansing.

President's Update - December 13, 2018

December is a time of reflection, for me. As I get involved in holiday events, parties and shopping, I tend to get lost in memories of the year. I think about the books I have read; the authors I have seen and met; movies I have watched; friends and family I have spent time with; places I have traveled; the political scene and midterm elections; and great programs the library has hosted or that I attended. I also think about everything I want to accomplish before the end of the year, like writing my 2018 best reads list, weeding my closets, and the list goes on. This year my reflections have been plentiful and very fulfilling. I had the great honor of meeting and moderating the One Book, One Community event with United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and recently I did my first-ever podcast with author Mitch Albom.