Note from Scott

March 24, 2024

As the list of candidates for MLA’s Board of Directors is released, I wanted to say a special note of thanks to those of you who put your name forward to run for an open seat on the Board. It isn’t the easiest thing to do, but as in life, you learn the most from those things that are most challenging. As you know, MLA relies on the work of their volunteers, and for those of you who are volunteering for the Board, a lot is required of you. But, professionally you receive a lot as well. What do you receive? Well, you receive the assurance that the work you do matters for libraries in our state. In your role, you work with MLA’s Executive Director Debbie Mikula and MLA staff to ensure that the organization is functioning to the best of its ability to fulfill its mission to “lead the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education and engagement”. That is done by making sure MLA follows its strategic plan and priorities along with fulfilling its efforts in Intellection Freedom, Open Access, and Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Belonging.

MLA Condemns Lapeer County Prosecutor for Suggesting Criminal Charges Against Library Officials if Book "Gender Queer" Not Removed

The Michigan Library Association stands united with our libraries and library workers to condemn the threats of the Lapeer County prosecutor, John Miller who has stated publicly that he is considering filing criminal charges against the director and officials at the Lapeer Public Library if “Gender Queer: A Memoir”, an LGBTQ-themed graphic novel, isn’t removed from the adult section of the library collection.

Note from MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee Chair Cathy Russ

Cathy Russ
Chair, MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee

The MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee is the group that works together to identify and recruit excellent candidates to run for the MLA Board and determines the final slate of candidates to present to the membership for election.

Dark Store Legislation

In response to the financial loss dark stores have caused communities throughout Michigan, State Senator Ed McBroom has introduced SB0019 and SB0020 that would change who oversees tax dispute cases.

Across Michigan, nearly 90% of funding for public libraries comes directly from local sources. With continued attempts by big box retailers to secure lowball evaluations of their storefronts, known as “dark store theory,” we have seen disastrous effects on local tax bases, city services, schools, and libraries. when successfully implemented by big box stores, this commonly used but disputed form of property tax evaluation diverts those critical operating funds away from public libraries.

What Do Michiganders Really Think? MLA Launches Public Opinion Poll on Book Banning

Last month, the Michigan Library Association contracted with EPIC-MRA, a full-service survey research firm with expertise in Public Opinion Surveys and Market Research Studies. EPIC-MRA has a proven track record of producing accurate and useful research data based on public perceptions and opinions. While we have been using national studies (like those produced by ALA and EveryLibrary) to prove that book banning and censorship issues are not tolerated by the majority of voters in the country, we felt that we needed solid Michigan data to back this up.

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Rights and Freedoms for LGBTQ+ Michiganders

Last week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was joined by Attorney General Dana Nessel, Senator Jeremy Moss, Representative Jason Hoskins, and other legislators, advocates, and allies to sign legislation expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). The bill reaffirms legal protections for sexual orientation and expands coverage to include gender identity and expression.