Michigan Library Association

Written by Amber Sheerin

PLA 2024 Recap

There was no question to any of the 7,500 attendees at PLA 2024 in Columbus, OH why they were there. Across from the main registration desk was an unmissable 10-foot-tall 3D wall with the Freedom to Read Foundation tagline: FREE PEOPLE READ FREELY.

Library workers from around the nation have been on the front line to protect intellectual freedom for citizens everywhere, and according to ALA’s press release, “PLA 2024 celebrated innovation, inclusivity, and community empowerment, tailored explicitly to cater to the needs of public library professionals,” with standing-room-only sessions focused on leadership initiatives, emerging trends, inclusion, and best practices related to library service. The conference not only celebrated the hard work library professionals do every day to protect and support their communities but also provided attendees with the knowledge, resources, and a network of support to keep improving. For any Michigan library workers unable to make the trip south to Ohio, we want to share some of the valuable ideas we brought home from PLA 2024.

Thursday, October 22, 2020 12:00 AM

MLA Connect Between Two Bookcases: With MLA 2020 Conference Chair Kevin King

Check out the latest MLA Connect: Between Two Bookcases, with MLA Membership and Communications Director Rachel Ash and Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin, and our special guest, MLA's 2020 Virtual Conference Chair, Kevin King.

Listen to the full interview here:

MLA 2024 Annual Conference Call for Proposals: PRESS PLAY!

The MLA 2024 Annual Conference workgroup seeks proposals for breakout sessions to be presented in person, October 16 -18, 2024 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan.

ALA Releases 2023 Censorship Data, Reports Record Number of Unique Book Titles Challenged in 2023

The surge in book censorship and the number of titles targeted for censorship during 2023 reached unprecedented levels. According to the American Library Association (ALA), there was a 65 percent increase in the number of titles targeted for censorship compared to the previous year. In 2023, 4,240 unique book titles were subject to censorship efforts, surpassing the previous high of 2,571 titles in 2022.

February Election Results

Check out our roundup of the February 27, 2024 election results for millage issues on ballots around the state. We are proud of the library boards, staff, and supporters for their work on these campaigns and their dedication to supporting their libraries. The Library of Michigan provides a listing of Public Library Millage Election Results from 2010 to the present. View the Michigan Public Library Millage Results 2010 to February 2024 (pdf).

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