Michigan Library Association

Federal Funding Uncertainty for Libraries and Polling Support from Michiganders

In June 2025, MLA commissioned a statewide poll to learn more about Michiganders’ attitudes towards public libraries and book bans. That poll also included questions around the uncertain future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and federal funding for libraries.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, Small Town Innovation, Renovating and Reimagining the Library Experience.

In this episode, hosts Dillon Geshel and Kate Van Auken talk with Briynne McCrea, Director of the Bad Axe Area District Library in Bad Axe, Michigan. Briynne shares her unique journey from spending her childhood in the library to leading it through transformative changes, including a major renovation and launching a community-focused bookmobile. The conversation explores the vital role libraries play in small towns, the challenges of leading with limited resources, and how building trust and fostering engagement are key to a library’s long-term impact.

IMLS Update: Timeline of Key Events and Status

Since March of this year, libraries across the country have wrestled with federal funding uncertainty and the prospect of losing widely used programs and services funded by those dollars. An Executive Order seeking to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) - the only dedicated source of federal funding for public libraries - was followed by the firing and replacement of key staff, federal lawsuits, court injunctions, and calls to action. With so many updates to this story over the last few months, we thought it would be helpful to summarize the timeline so far and the latest updates on securing IMLS funding.

Updates on the Next Chapter of MLA's MI Right to Read Initiative

We have been getting to work putting our Mellon Foundation grant to good use and expanding Mi Right to Read already! MLA recently contracted with EPIC-MRA in Lansing to conduct a new statistically significant poll of Michigander’s opinions on their libraries and the right to read. Once those results are analyzed in the next month, our work on a 6-month statewide marketing campaign will begin in partnership with Bellwether Public Relations.

Written by Jenny Marr, MLA Board President

From the President’s Desk: A New Chapter for MLA

As I begin my term as President of the Michigan Library Association Board, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve this organization and its incredible members. The year ahead is a transformative one, and I’m honored to help guide the implementation of MLA’s newly adopted strategic plan. Our collective vision includes strengthening relationships with policymakers, expanding access to professional development, and deepening engagement with our members. Each of the four strategic directions speaks to MLA’s commitment to creating a stronger, more connected library community - one where our voices are heard, our services are visible, and our profession is supported at every level.

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