MLA Recommends the Closure of All Michigan Public Libraries

March 14, 2020

The Michigan Library Association wants to commend the libraries and local officials who have made the very hard decision to close their doors to the public and at the same time, encourage others to take action. 

MLA is using our role as a leader and advocate of Michigan libraries to call on all public libraries in Michigan to close their doors until Sunday, April 5th.

Spring Institute for Youth Services Postponed

March 12, 2020

In light of growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, we have decided to postpone our Spring Institute for Youth Services, originally scheduled for next week, March 19-20 in Ann Arbor. Our conference theme this year is People First, and as we find ourselves in this unprecedented situation, we plan to do just that.

Yesterday evening, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released new recommendations that discourage events and gatherings of more than 100 people and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

MLA's Response to COVID-19

March 12, 2020

The health and safety of our members and our communities is a top priority at MLA, especially in relation to the coronavirus and Michigan’s newly declared state of emergency.

Yesterday evening, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released new recommendations that discourage events and gatherings of more than 100 people and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Update for Attendees - Spring Institute and COVID-19 Concerns

March 11, 2020

MLA’s top priority is the health, safety and well-being of the library community especially in relation to the Coronavirus and Michigan’s newly declared state of emergency. We are mindful that our members may have concerns and questions regarding attending our Spring Institute for Youth Services, scheduled next week, March 19-20, 2020.  

It is okay to be concerned, but more importantly, it is essential to be prepared. MLA is doing our due diligence and closely monitoring the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website's guidelines for public events, monitoring local travel advisories and communicating daily with our conference venue, the Ann Arbor Sheraton Hotel. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we will reassess immediately should anything change in the days ahead. 

Letter from Debbie

February 27, 2020

Most of you know that I come from an arts background…more specifically, a theatre background. From my humble beginnings in the MSU theatre department, I have been blessed to work and build friendships for the past 40 years in an industry that is populated by individuals driven by sheer talent and devotion to their calling.

A healthy theatre environment thrives, indeed soars, when a new production is staged; a group of artists and technicians come together to form a new family; group effort and teamwork are prevalent; and innovative, creative, challenging ideas are put on the table. That is what producing theatre is all about – molding and shaping of ideas from hundreds of different perspectives and opinions – a truly collaborative environment.

Contact Your Federal Legislators and Urge Them to Support Funding for Libraries

President Trump's proposed FY 2021 budget ends federal funding for libraries and museums. For the fourth year in a row the proposed budget eliminates funding critical to libraries. The budget proposal requests funding to cover the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administrative expenses for an orderly shutdown of the agency beginning October 1, 2020. The budget proposal also cuts $27 million from the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program, which helps school libraries serve students in the most vulnerable communities across America.