State of Michigan Budget Updates

September 23, 2021

Last week, legislative leadership and Governor Whitmer’s administration issued a joint announcement that a budget deal had been finalized for the FY22 state budget.  On Tuesday, Sept. 21, legislative leaders moved a massive $50 billion spending plan out of a joint House-Senate conference committee that has shaped the FY22 general government omnibus budget.  On Wednesday, Sept. 22, the House and Senate, in separate votes,  gave quick approval to the spending plan. The Governor has indicated she will sign it in time for it to take effect for the new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

Linked here is the summary of the General Omnibus Conference Report which outlines the updates and changes to the General Fund: https://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDF/Summaries/21s82s3cr1_General_Omnibus_Conference_Report.pdf

Call for Nominations for 2022 Board Elections

September 23, 2021

MLA has seats to fill and the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC), chaired by Past President Jennifer Dean, is looking for interested candidates to fill four at-large seats plus a President-elect and an ALA councilor position on the MLA Board of Directors, with terms beginning in July 2022 and ending in June 2025. 

Each year in September, the call for nominations for the MLA Board opens. This year we invite each and every one of our members to apply – individuals representing any type of library, any staff position within the library (not just directors), any size and budget, and in any geographic region of Michigan. 

Letter From Debbie

September 23, 2021

Over the past 2 years, a tremendous amount of time, energy and input has been shared by the board, staff and members to make sure that MLA’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion were solidified in our strategic plan, in our statement of commitment, and through our training and educational opportunities. 

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

September 23, 2021

In 2019, MLA adopted its first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement at the Annual Meeting of Members. In September 2021, the MLA Board of Directors reaffirmed our commitment to these values. Through their leadership and sustained effort, MLA will create a culture that recognizes, enhances and promotes equity, diversity and accessibility for Michigan’s library community. At the same time, we remain steadfast in modeling an organization where our board, staff, ambassadors and members feel a strong sense of belonging and acceptance, where voices are heard, acknowledged and acted upon. As we continue to learn and grow, we will outline and implement the right actions that prove our commitment. View the statement. 

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Are You Prepared for Your Next Ballot Proposal?

Thursday, September 16, 2021
10:00 – 11:00 AM

Are You Prepared for Your Next Ballot Proposal? The MLA Connect September Coffee Hour is all about how to build community support for your library. 

Learn why voter support for funding libraries is dropping in many places, and what support is for your library looks like in your community.  

Know in advance what amount voters are willing to pay to keep your library open, improve or expand access, what can be done to increase support, and who you need on your team.  

Guest: 

Edward V. Sarpolus, Target Insyght 

Over the past 25 years, Edward has spoken to hundreds of groups, organizations, associations in Michigan and across the United States and other countries. He is the Executive Director of Target Insyght, which assists organizations with market research, image management, public relations, advocacy, and ballot campaign consulting. He has worked on over 200 millage and bond campaigns in the last 30 years including many that impact Michigan libraries.  

MLA Welcomes Riz to the Team

August 26, 2021

MLA is adding more talent to our team! We are proud to announce that Riz Hatton, a Detroit native and senior at Michigan State University will be joining us as an intern for three months as our social media strategist to promote both MLA and Michigan’s awesome libraries and library workers.

How did we choose Riz? Well, we found out that RIz is a stellar writer with imagination and a creative flair and we felt that she would be able to adapt and translate MLA’s voice and personality into digital content. In her cover letter she wrote, “When I was a child, there was a fake dragon inside of a castle surrounded by books in the kid’s section at my local library. Trips to the library were exciting and fun and I believe everyone should experience the joy libraries bring.”