MAY 30, 2024

Since I began my work with MLA five years ago, MLA has been intentional about our future, to move the needle, to look outward at other industries, and to bring a fresh, new perspective to our collective impact. The world is changing quickly and we must stay current on trends and innovations, and explore unfamiliar/atypical partnerships that will keep libraries at the forefront of our communities.

It is now time to begin a process to query our key stakeholders, ask hard questions that require deep thought, and develop a new three-year plan that will begin in 2025. This work will evaluate the impact of our past and present performance, services, and programming as well as examine our future work together. This is not a refresh of our past plan, which has served us well for the past five years, but a newly engaged process that will allow all of our members to become involved in creating the planning document. This new three-year strategic plan will serve as a road map for MLA; it will carefully lay out how we execute our chosen strategy to achieve our mission. This plan will focus our energy, resources, and time and include concrete, realistic, and measurable goals as well as benchmarks and timelines. Read more

You Said YES, Now Get Ready!

MLA Ambassadors will receive notification of their workgroup and committee placement tomorrow, June 1. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to be an ambassador of MLA and share their experience and expertise with the entire library community.

We will be holding a virtual ambassador orientation on Zoom on Wednesday, June 12, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM to go over the basics of your work with MLA. Mark your calendar and watch your email for details and the Zoom link – we hope to see you all there!

Call for Proposals: MLA 2024 Annual Conference ▶️ PRESS PLAY and Small and Strategic Preconference

Future Pathways Grant Accepting Applications

MLA's New Address

Please update your records with our new mailing address and make sure the address is corrected in your financial software as well!

Michigan Library Association

PO Box 27337

Lansing, MI 48909

State Revenue Estimates are Way Down, but Budgets Won’t Need Fixing

Below is an edited and condensed version of a Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRCM) blog post – used with permission and as reported by the CRCM.

In a Nutshell

• Updated state revenue forecasts suggest GF/GP revenue will decline by more than $4.3 billion across FY2023, FY2024, and FY2025.
• Those revenue downgrades are almost entirely attributable to the major tax reductions enacted in March and April.
• The revenue adjustments will be “much ado about nothing” for state lawmakers as they finalize the state’s budget in the coming months. The budgets that have passed the House and Senate are already largely in line with these new estimates.

Both the House and the Senate have already passed their own spending plans for the Fiscal Year (FY)2024 state budget, paving the way for conference committees to iron out the differences between the two chambers’ proposals over the coming months. Read more

FY25 Budget Recommendations for Libraries

As policymakers weigh competing priorities, it’s essential to understand the different versions of the budget and their implications for library services across the state.

In the Governor’s proposed budget, no additional support has been allocated to libraries. The budget remains flat based on FY24 funding levels.

The House of Representatives has taken a slightly different approach. They’ve allocated a $500,000 increase to State Aid for Libraries. While this amount may seem modest, it represents a step toward recognizing the vital role libraries play in communities. These funds could support various initiatives, such as expanding digital resources, enhancing programming, or improving physical infrastructure.

The Senate’s proposed budget allocates $25 million to School Libraries in the School Aid Fund. School libraries play a crucial role in supporting student achievement, and this funding could make a significant impact. Beyond school libraries, the Senate earmarks $15.5 million for “Community Revitalization and Municipal Support.” While this category encompasses various projects, it explicitly includes “municipal library improvements.” This allocation recognizes that libraries are community hubs, providing essential services beyond books—such as job assistance, technology access, and cultural enrichment.

As the budget negotiations continue, advocates for libraries must emphasize their impact on education, community development, and individual well-being. Remember that these budget proposals are subject to change as legislators deliberate and negotiate. Advocacy from library supporters can influence the final outcome. Continue to contact your legislators and champion the importance of libraries in our communities!

Save the Date and mark your calendars on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 for Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2025!

We lined up incredible guest speakers during Michigan Library Advocacy Day. If you missed any, check out the recording of the morning speakers, share it with colleagues, and get inspired. View the 2024 Michigan Library Advocacy Day event photo album 

Zac Larson has been with Crawford County Library for the past six years, starting out as Circulation Clerk, Zac’s role now encompasses Collection Development, Staffing and Scheduling, and Administrative duties. Way to go Zac!

The Crawford County Library welcomes Nicci Bigwood from Leach Public Library, Wahpeton, North Dakota. Nicci brings many talents including Marketing, Administrative duties, Collections, and customer service. Welcome Nicci!

Tonya Ryals from the MacDonald Public Library is moving out of state to serve in an academic library in Iowa. All the best Tonya!

Recognizing Jana Slisher, Youth Librarian from Bath Township Public Library for completing the 2021/22 Association for Rural and Small Libraries Leadership Institute. She continues to be an active member of ARSL, currently serving on the ARSL Advocacy Committee and as a facilitator of the Youth Services Networking meetings. Way to go Jana!

Congratulations to Sabrina Halsey, Teen Librarian at Orion Township Public Library for receiving the Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL) Community Collaboration Award for her Think Link partnership with Lake Orion Community Schools. Outstanding job Sabrina!

Congratulations to Tammy Fath from Ashley District Library who recently achieved her associate degree (in her 50s) and was the valedictorian of her class. What a great accomplishment Tammy! 

Research and Assessment Librarian

Saginaw Valley State University - University Center, MI

Public Services and Outreach Librarian

Pontiac Public Library - Pontiac, MI

Youth Services Librarian

Pontiac Public Library - Pontiac, MI

Unite Against Book Bans welcomes organizational partners who share our core principles and would like to work together to defeat censorship. If your organization is interested in joining the campaign, complete this form and the campaign will reach out to you with partnership details.Learn more at uniteagainstbookbans.org. Join as an Organizational Partner.

Unite Against Book Bans, in collaboration with the publishing community, launched Book Résumés, a free resource to support librarians, educators, parents, students, and other community advocates in their efforts to keep frequently challenged books on shelves. 

Created in partnership with dozens of publishers and featuring information provided by publishers, librarians, and Unite partner School Library Journal, Unite Against Book Bans book résumés are easy-to-print documents designed to support readers’ access to books that are targeted by censors. Learn more