Michigan Library Association’s MI Right to Read Awarded $600,000 Grant by Mellon Foundation

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce that the Mellon Foundation has awarded MLA a $600,000 grant to support the MI Right to Read initiative. For the past year, MLA has worked to secure this pivotal funding to strengthen and expand MI Right to Read and its work promoting intellectual freedom and championing the free flow of information. This recognition from the Mellon Foundation underscores the initiative’s significant impact on libraries, library professionals, and communities across the state.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, From Shelves to Support: Evolving the Library Experience. In this episode, hosts Debbie Mikula and Andrea Estelle sit down with Sarah Skinner, director of the Bridgman Public Library in Bridgman, Michigan. Sarah reflects on her path to library leadership, sharing key moments that shaped her career and community impact. She highlights standout initiatives like Project Connect and discusses the evolving role of libraries as vital hubs for connection, support, and access to essential services. The conversation also touches on the challenges libraries face today, including funding concerns and the ongoing push to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Youth Literary Awards Top Ten Titles

It is our pleasure to share the Top Ten Titles of the 2025 Mitten, YouPer, and Thumbs Up! Awards!

MLA Board Leadership Update: Jenny Marr Assumes Role as President

With Dillon Geshel’s recent resignation from the MLA Board to take on the role of Interim Executive Director, the MLA Board of Directors has unanimously approved Jenny Marr’s transition into the role of President ahead of schedule. Marr, who previously served as President-Elect, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing MLA’s mission during this time of transition.

ALA State of America's Libraries Report 2025

During National Library Week on April 7, the American Library Association (ALA) released its annual snapshot of library trends.

Read about the issues impacting libraries and find out which books made the Top Ten Most Challenged Books list in the State of America’s Libraries 2025 Report.

Note From Debbie

April 24, 2025

For the past year, MLA has been figuratively putting together one of those 1500-piece jigsaw puzzles - you know the ones - they take precious space on the table (or in this case, mind) for far too long. The pieces are dumped out of the box and spread across the table (always a bit intimidating, but I do like a challenge). Then one by one, the pieces are turned over, the straight pieces identified, the corners put into place, and the border connected. The simpler design elements get assembled first and placed in the interior of the puzzle, where we think they belong. And then the hard part begins, through trial and error, trying different pieces in different places, exploring different solutions, and adjusting the approach (perhaps by color, perhaps by area, perhaps by shape). With patience and persistence (just like in real life when we need to tackle challenging situations), the last puzzle piece is ceremoniously placed.