Registration  |  Agenda at a Glance  |  Speakers and Panelists  |  Location  |  Event Policies

Intellectual Freedom Summit

June 10-11, 2026

Library leaders from across Michigan are invited to join us for a two-day Intellectual Freedom Summit focused on shaping the future of intellectual freedom policy, practice, and advocacy. This dynamic event is designed for passionate advocates of the right to read, offering a collaborative space for meaningful dialogue, strategic planning, and collective action to tackle the pressing challenges in intellectual freedom today.

Thanks to generous support from the Mellon Foundation, your registration, accommodations, and meals at the summit will be provided at no cost to you.

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Event Goals

The Intellectual Freedom Summit is centered on three key objectives:

• Establish a Unified, Statewide Policy Framework: This summit will help identify the policies that Michigan’s library leaders are united behind and create an actionable plan for addressing future challenges. We will explore what success looks like in the coming years and how we can proactively respond to emerging issues such as legislation and local controversies.

• Uncover Gaps & Build a Roadmap for Action: Together, we’ll identify underserved areas within Michigan’s intellectual freedom landscape, explore new approaches, and develop a coordinated statewide action plan. We want you to be part of the conversation on what opportunities exist for growth and improvement in our work.

• Strengthen Cross-Sector Collaboration: Building stronger partnerships between libraries, civil liberties groups, educators, and publishers is crucial. How can we better amplify one another’s efforts and create a more unified front in advocating for intellectual freedom?

Why Attend?

The Intellectual Freedom Summit is more than just a gathering. It is a FREE opportunity to help shape the future of intellectual freedom policy in Michigan. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, new partnerships, and a roadmap for advancing intellectual freedom in their communities.

In addition to policy discussions, the summit will offer hands-on sessions designed to equip attendees with the tools and strategies needed to advocate for intellectual freedom in their libraries and communities.

There will be several informal networking opportunities throughout the summit to connect with colleagues from libraries across Michigan, civil liberties advocates, and other stakeholders in intellectual freedom.

Join Us and Make an Impact!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of intellectual freedom in Michigan. Register today to ensure your place at the table!

Registration

Registration opens on Thursday, April 23, and is open to library directors, managers, and leaders interested in advocacy and shaping the future of intellectual freedom policy in Michigan. We encourage attendees to come prepared to contribute meaningfully by sharing their insights, goals, and experiences.

To ensure we reach as many library systems as possible, MLA asks that each library or organization send no more than a few representatives.

Register

Agenda at a Glance

Subject to change

Wednesday, June 10

10:00 AM – Registration Opens

10:30 AM - 5:00 PM – Summit Day 1

10:30 - 11:00 AM – Welcome Remarks & Introduction

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM – Opening Keynote

12:15 - 1:30 PM – Lunch & MI Right to Read Review

1:30 - 3:45 PM – Afternoon Breakout Sessions

4:00 - 5:00 PM – Day 1 Closing Session

After 5:00 PM – Dine-Arounds (informal networking)

Thursday, June 11

8:00 AM – Breakfast at Hyatt House

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM – Summit Day 2

9:00 - 10:00 AM – Day 2 Opening Session

10:15 - 11:30 AM – Morning Breakout Sessions

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM – Strategy Session

12:15 - 1:15 PM – Lunch Break

1:15 - 2:30 PM – From Summit to Action: Implementation Strategies

2:30 - 3:15 PM – Action Plan Synthesis & Summit Closing

Speakers and Panelists

Stay tuned for an exciting lineup of expert speakers and panelists! Announcements will be made soon, featuring thought leaders in intellectual freedom, library advocacy, and policy.

Location

AC Hotel Lansing University Area
3160 East Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48912

Overnight Accommodations

Complimentary overnight accommodations are available on the night of June 10 at the AC Hotel Lansing and Hyatt House Lansing, two sister properties located next to each other. Both hotels offer shared amenities and parking. You may be booked at either location. A reservation confirmation number will be sent to you prior to the event.

Parking

Complimentary parking is available at both the AC Hotel and Hyatt House for MLA attendees. Detailed parking instructions will be included in your confirmation email ahead of the summit.

Funding

Thanks to the generous support of the Mellon Foundation, your registration, accommodations, and meals at the AC Hotel will be provided at no cost to you.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media and use the hashtag #IFSummitMi to share your experiences, network with other attendees, and keep up with the latest event updates.

Consider sharing on Facebook or LinkedIn to encourage other library leaders to join this critical conversation.

Event Policies

Consent

Registration and attendance at, or participation in, MLA meetings or other activities constitutes an agreement by the registration to the use and distribution of the registrants or attendees' image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions of such events and activities by MLA. Please contact MLA at [email protected] if you'd like to be removed from any list. 

Code of Conduct

Download the complete Code of Conduct (pdf)

MLA’s vision is to be a highly effective, trusted network of libraries, library employees, trustees, friends and supporters working together to support and promote the highest quality library services throughout Michigan. To fulfill our vision, MLA has built, and is dedicated to maintaining, an inclusive and equitable community where all people can come together to advance our shared vision.

MLA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and MLA staff. Each participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, and service providers, is expected to understand and follow MLA policies and report any violations. These expectations apply to all MLA activities (whether virtual or in-person), including but not limited to those held in conjunction with conferences, events, and meetings.Any conduct that is prohibited in-person is also prohibited online, including but not limited to on MLA social media pages and other online platforms. 

Health and Safety Guidelines

We ask you to be courteous and conscientious of others while meeting in-person at the event, especially when it comes to health and safety.

Common Allergens

MLA will make every effort to ensure that provided meals are free of any declared allergens. Please ensure you have alerted MLA staff to any allergies you may have. If you have emergency medications, such as an EpiPen, please carry it with you during the conference.

Although we always aim to work with you to provide a safe and comfortable conference, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free event or prevent others from bringing potential allergens to the event. Event attendees are asked to refrain from bringing, distributing, and consuming products containing peanuts and other nuts at the event.