Note From the MLA Staff

November 22, 2023

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the MLA staff send our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of you who work in our public, school, academic, tribal and special libraries throughout this beautiful state and to say thank you for everything you do to support and build MLA. Perhaps even more important though, we get to say thank you for the work that you are doing locally and for each and every one of the 10 million citizens of Michigan.

Member Survey Deadline Extended

We want to hear from you! Please take a moment to let us know how we might better serve you in the future by sharing your input. The survey should only take 10-15 minutes and will be open until Friday, November 10, 2023.

2023 Michigan Library Awards Honorees

We are pleased to share the recipients of the 2023 Michigan Library Awards! The 2023 honorees were unveiled on Wednesday, October 18 during the Michigan Library Awards event in Kalamazoo at an evening of celebration. Each recipient was chosen through peer review for their outstanding achievements. Read more

A Public Library Bill: “Michigan Freedom to Read Act”

October 26, 2023

I would have never believed you two years ago if you told me that 80% of my work at MLA would be addressing book banning, censorship and intellectual freedom challenges. But the reality has set in and the pro-active work that MLA continues to institute, day in and day out, to combat these local challenges is to be commended. So many smart, talented and professional library directors, librarians and library workers are in my ear every day and I thank them for keeping me tuned in to their opinions, what is happening in their communities, what is keeping them up at night, and even their pride and incredible bravery in holding the line. 

Call for Nominations for the 2024 MLA Board of Directors Election

The Call for Nominations for candidates for the 2024 Board of Directors is open! Do you know someone who would be a great addition to the MLA Board of Directors? Submit a nomination! We also encourage you to self-nominate if you are interested in serving on the MLA Board. The Call for Nominations will be open through Friday, November 3.

Note From Dillon

September 28, 2023

Hello and welcome to another edition of MLA’s Primary Source! Just a couple of short months ago, I couldn’t have known I’d be writing this update as the soon-to-be MLA President. In October, I’ll move into the role of MLA President as Scott Duimstra steps down and takes on a new opportunity as Library Director of the Hennepin County Library in Minnesota. Congratulations to Scott and on behalf of MLA, I want to thank him for his exceptional leadership over the last year and beyond. Scott has been a thoughtful, measured leader as MLA President and among the MLA membership at large. We will miss his quick willingness to support Michigan libraries and MLA priorities, and wish him the best on his new journey.