Update on COVID-19 and Michigan Libraries

March 17, 2020

Governor Whitmer released Executive Order 2020-9 which states that beginning on Monday, March 16 at 3pm, all Michigan libraries (public and academic) have been directed to close through March 30th. Her Executive Order 2020-5 included all K-12 schools inclusive of all school libraries through April 5th.

In addition, the American Library Association (ALA) has just released a statement urging our nation’s libraries to close and encouraging libraries to ensure that all library workers receive fully paid leave, including health coverage, while libraries are closed. Read the statement here.

MLA commends Governor Whitmer for her leadership and commitment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in all libraries throughout Michigan. We are living in unprecedented times, and as we all know, each day, each minute, brings new information to light of this global health crisis. We must all do our part to help limit the spread of this virus.

MLA Spring Events Postponed

March 16, 2020

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) released updated guidelines on Sunday, March 15, 2020, recommending that for the next eight weeks, all gatherings and events with 50 people or more be cancelled or postponed in order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

We are committed to doing our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging social distancing and have decided to postpone all spring workshops and events that are currently scheduled through May 30.

Effective Immediately, All Michigan Libraries Ordered to Close to the Public

March 16, 2020

Governor Whitmer has issued Executive Order 2020-9 which closes places of public accommodation including all libraries.

Beginning as soon as possible but no later than at 3:00 pm March 16, 2020, and continuing until March 30, 2020, at 11:59 pm, libraries are closed to “ingress, egress, use, and occupancy by members of the public”.

View Executive Order 2020-9.

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.