ALA Denounces Amazon, Macmillan in Response to Congressional Inquiry on Competition in Digital Markets

October 25, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Current practices by content publishers and distributors in digital markets limit libraries’ ability to deliver core services, according to a new report publicly released today by the American Library Association (ALA). Submitted in response to an inquiry from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law, ALA’s report underscores practices by companies like Amazon and Macmillan Publishers that threaten Americans’ right to read what and how they choose and imperil other fundamental First Amendment freedoms. The report urges lawmakers to curb anti-competitive practices of digital market actors. Download the Digital Markets Report

Read more at ALA.org

Letter from Debbie

October 24, 2019

“They say that when one door closes, another opens. I believe that is true. And with all new endeavors, it is always exciting to open a door, see what is inside, and let the fresh air in.”  This was the welcome message I wrote for MLA’s 2019 Annual Conference.  It was all about opening doors and acknowledging, accepting and embracing everyone wherever they are in their life’s journey. I think the MLA staff, board and work group did an outstanding job infusing the values of equity, diversity and inclusion in the three days we spent together.

State Aid and the Library of Michigan Budget

October 23, 2019

The Governor and the state legislature kept us in suspense about the state budget right down to the deadline – with all being finally adopted on October 1, 2019.  We all breathed a sigh of relief that state aid for libraries and the Library of Michigan budget were generally status quo from the year prior. In a tumultuous environment and budget cycle like FY20, we are thankful that state aid was not touched. Members…rest assured that MLA was watching carefully and ready to react in an instant if anything would have affected the state aid that libraries rely on.  Long-held relationships and daily dialog with leaders in the House and Senate went a long way in protecting these funds. 

MLA Receives Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs Operational Support Grant

October 22, 2019

MLA received wonderful news late last week with the passage of the state budget. The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) announced a series of operational, programmatic and special grant funds totaling close to $10 million for arts and cultural organizations throughout the state.

State Senator Paul Wojno Honored as the MLA 2019 Legislator of the Year

For Immediate Release: October 17, 2019                                                                     
Contact: Deborah E. Mikula (517) 394-2774 ext. 224       

Danielle DiAmico Honored as MLA’s 2019 Rising Star

For Immediate Release: October 17, 2019                                                                     
Contact: Deborah E. Mikula (517) 394-2774 ext. 224       

LANSING – The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce Danielle DiAmico has been named the 2019 Rising Star. DiAmico received the award during the MLA 2019 Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on October 17 in Novi.

DiAmico is truly a rising star in libraries. Well respected by fellow staff and patrons alike, she is passionate about giving back to the community-building programs, collections, and new activities to meet the needs of patrons. After serving as a department head at the Bay County Library System for little more than a year, her accomplishments inspire other staff, and her desire to make libraries increasingly relevant in the community is remarkable.