Note From Debbie

December 21, 2023

“Think Big”

MLA is a little organization. Not in terms of our mission, but in terms of our size. With only five staff members and a budget normally under $1M, we are considered small in the nonprofit and association world. And while we may be small, we are MIGHTY, and, we THINK BIG!

Where do we get inspiration to be mighty? Rather than viewing resource constraints (like our budget and staff size) as limitations, small organizations like MLA find our strength in articulating our entrepreneurial spirit. MLA thrives on innovation, on instituting creative ideas, on listening to the needs of our members, on knowing our own limited capacity and taking calculated risks. Big thinking often involves stepping out of our comfort zone.  

MLA actually draws inspiration from all sorts of organizations, especially larger organizations to achieve our goals. For us, the key to “thinking big” lies not in mimicking larger organizations but in molding and shaping many of their successful programs into our unique, small organization. We look for cost-effective ways to implement those big ideas without compromising the end result. We are resourceful, finding ways to do more with less and we innovate out of necessity – you can too. Those big organizations, or big libraries, that share big ideas at conferences are always worthwhile to listen to. And while it may not all resonate, if we listen closely, there are always, always, always bits and pieces that can be creatively implemented by smaller organizations. And many times, we will do it better.

Protecting Penal Fines

Thank you to Senator Ed McBroom for supporting the Michigan Constitution and Michigan libraries! At the Michigan Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting on November 7, Sen. Edward W. McBroom (R - Vulcan) shared concerns about a proposed bill that would assess and utilize fines, with a reminder about Article 8, Section 9 of the Michigan Constitution: Penal fines should be exclusively applied to public libraries.

ALA Announces Interim Director

The American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board announced that Leslie Burger has been selected as Interim Executive Director. Her first day was November 15, 2023.

November 7 Election Millage Results

Check out our roundup of the November 7, 2023 election results for millage issues on ballots around the state. We are proud of the library boards, staff, and supporters for their work on these campaigns and their dedication to supporting their libraries. The Library of Michigan provides a listing of Public Library Millage Election Results from 2010 to the present. View the results (pdf)

State of Michigan Budget 2022-2023 Updates

Revenue for the 2022-23 fiscal year decreased slightly more than forecasted, the House Fiscal Agency (HFA) said in its October report.

Freedom to Read Legislation Coming in January

With the help of many members, leaders and legislators, MLA helped draft a simple, direct piece of legislation on the Freedom to Read. We know it may not stop every challenge, but we hope it will stop the majority of those who target the books and materials so often at the top of the “most banned books” list.