As we reported in July, the work of our library community to advocate for increased investment in libraries has again been rewarded! For the third straight year, MLA is proud to announce an additional $500,000 has been included in the State of Michigan budget for State Aid to Libraries. In addition, $800,000 was allocated for the library pilot program that addresses a partnership between public and school libraries. Resources were also included for the Poet Laureate ($100,000), and $1.2 million was awarded through an enhancement grant to the Inkster Library. (One hundred unique projects were identified to receive $205 million in the newly released budget.)

The state budget also includes $25 million for out-of-school time (OST) grants, split between intermediate school districts (ISD) and community-based organizations (CBO) with at least 60% going to CBO which includes nonprofits, libraries and local municipalities.

Linked here is a copy of the General Omnibus Budget for your perusal, as well as the Education Omnibus Budget which is where the OST grants are listed.

It should be noted that upwards of $7 billion more in federal COVID relief money still remains to be distributed and will be included in supplemental budgets to be approved after the election. MLA is beginning to advocate for additional infrastructure dollars for our library facilities and we will keep you informed about any potential movement.

Advocacy happens year-round! Your messages to our legislators over the years have resonated and we are thankful every time you contact your legislators by picking up the phone, writing a note, sharing an email, inviting them to read a story, hold their coffee hours at your library, and/or responding to an MLA call to action. Your membership in MLA helps make this happen!

Take time today to thank your Senator, your House Member, and the Governor. You can find your legislator's contact information using the button below.

Find Your Legislators