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.

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.

Michigan Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Book Bans, Show Stronger Support for Libraries in New Statewide Poll

*846-sample live operator statewide survey conducted June 6-15, 2025. Included 80% cell phone only respondents - Margin of Error 3.5 points.

LANSING, MI – A new statewide poll reveals Michigan voters increasingly oppose book bans and strongly support their local public libraries. The new poll follows a similar statewide survey on library issues conducted in March 2023, both commissioned by the Michigan Library Association (MLA) and conducted by the public opinion survey and research firm EPIC-MRA. Results confirm a growing statewide resistance to censorship efforts targeting library collections and a significant increase in strong support for public libraries since 2023. 

Strategic Plan

On Friday, June 13, the MLA Board voted to approve MLA’s new three-year Strategic Plan.

MLA Ambassadors

MLA is lucky to have so many dedicated professionals step up to serve on our Board, workgroups, and committees and be ambassadors of the association. They show commitment to their communities, their libraries, their patrons, the library profession, and the Michigan Library Association every day.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, From Small Town Roots to Library Leadership: Defending Access and Inspiring Community.

In this episode, Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association, and Jennifer Balcom, Director of the Mid-Michigan Library League, talk with Tracy Logan-Walker, Director of Cadillac Wexford Public Library in Cadillac, Michigan.

Tracy reflects on her journey from small-town beginnings to a career in librarianship, sharing the early influences that shaped her path. She highlights the vital role libraries play in their communities, recalls meaningful moments from her career, and addresses current challenges—including the spread of misinformation and the fight for intellectual freedom. Tracy also shares her hopes and excitement for the evolving future of libraries.