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At a recent MLA event, a Mentorship Program participant sought me out to thank me for introducing them to their mentor. Hearing their feedback made me so glad to be a part of this organization and inspired me to start thinking about why mentorship matters.
Being a mentee is an opportunity to grow and learn from someone more experienced in your field, but it’s so much more than that. A mentor helps you clarify and be accountable for your goals; more informally, a mentor is a trusted listener who is there to encourage you when your work gets difficult (and, as we all know, the work has been especially difficult the last few years). Mentors bring with them years of connections, expanding your professional network, as well as the kind of institutional knowledge that you often don’t pick up in school. A mentor offers insight into potential career paths, projects, and educational options. The mentor-mentee relationship is flexible, personal, and confidential in a way that a classroom generally isn’t. Read more
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Mentee applications will be open August 1-31 for the fall program cohort, and mentor applications are open all year. The next round of matching will be in late September. Interested in learning more about the MLA Mentorship Program? Visit milibraries.org/mentor-program
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MLA 2024 Annual Conference PRESS PLAY | |
Registration for MLA 2024 Annual Conference and Small and Strategic Pre-conference is OPEN! This October 15 -18, PRESS PLAY and join the Michigan library community at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City.
Full Conference Early Bird registration is $300 for MLA members! Visit milibraries.org/annual-conference to check out the schedule at a glance, breakout sessions, special events, and featured speaker lineup, and register today for the best rates!
| Conference Venue and Hotel | |
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
www.grandtraverseresort.com
Reserve your room early as rooms sometimes sell out! Rooms starting at $219/night. Discounted rate not available after September 14, 2024. Call (800) 968-7352 and identify yourself as a part of the MLA group to receive discounted rate.
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We are excited to share an incredible lineup of education sessions to help attendees fast-forward to the future of libraries, rewind to reflect on the foundations of the profession, and pause for wellness and self-care. Visit us on the web to view session descriptions and learning outcomes.
Fast Forward to the Future of Libraries at sessions on emerging trends, technologies, and innovative practices that are shaping the future of libraries. Learn about forward-thinking ideas and strategies for adaptation and growth.
Rewind and Reflect on the Foundations of the Profession at sessions exploring the core values, principles, and historical significance of librarianship. Understand how past practices inform present-day approaches and strategies for preserving the essence of the profession.
Pause for Wellness and Self-Care at sessions that provide practical strategies, resources, and techniques for promoting well-being and achieving work-life balance.
Curate your playlist of sessions, and PRESS PLAY as we explore, engage, and inspire each other to navigate a dynamic professional landscape! Not sure what breakout sessions to attend? Get some inspiration from these playlists created by the conference workgroup.
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Small and Strategic Pre-conference | |
The Small and Strategic Pre-conference will be held on October 15, 2024, ahead of the MLA 2024 Annual Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Michigan. The pre-conference is for library staff from Michigan’s small and rural libraries, providing an opportunity for these dedicated library workers to network, learn, and discuss the concerns and needs specific to small libraries.
Registration is only $55 for MLA members and is limited to 100 attendees.
Pre-conference Registration for staff from class 1, 2 and 3 libraries as well as statewide organizations is open now! Registration for staff from all libraries opens after Friday, August 2, 2024.
Note, you do not have to attend the annual conference to register for the pre-conference.
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Call for Exhibitors and Sponsors | |
Do you offer products and services for libraries? Don't miss the opportunity to connect with hundreds of library staff and support the Michigan library community!
Contact Amber Sheerin, MLA Program and Event Director at (517) 881-3194 or asheerin@milibraries.org to learn more about sponsoring or exhibiting at MLA 2024 Annual Conference.
Download the MLA 2024 Annual Conference prospectus.
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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
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Check out MLA's Bill Tracker to view a full list of legislation that the Advocacy and Legislative Committee is watching.
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ALA Advocacy Alert: #FundLibraries in FY25 | The U.S. House of Representatives has proposed a 15% cut to federal library funding. Contact your federal legislators using the ALA action center and tell them we need their help to preserve and expand this critical funding and the services it supports. Take action and watch for more calls to action from ALA in the coming weeks! | |
Check out this video featuring a patron advocate at Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Thanks to Kevin Kammeraad, Community Engagement Librarian at Kent District Library for creating and sharing this testimonial about the importance of libraries and protecting the right to read! | | |
Intellectual Freedom Resources | |
MI Right to Read is an MLA initiative coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force to protect the right to read in Michigan. Visit MIRighttoRead.com today to join the coalition and take the pledge to protect every Michigander's right to read.
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Resources for library staff, educators, and board members.
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Tips and templates for promoting intellectual freedom in your community.
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Request support as you take action to protect First Amendment rights.
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Click the image to view MLA's video emphasizing the critical role of libraries in providing access to diverse perspectives, safeguarding intellectual freedom and protecting the Freedom to Read. Help us advocate for Michigan libraries and protect everyone’s First Amendment rights. | |
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Celebrate MI Right to Read Week | Get ready to celebrate MI Right to Read week here in Michigan! From September 22-28, we’ll be celebrating intellectual freedom, access, diversity in library collections, librarian qualifications, and our First Amendment rights. Inspired by the ALA theme “FRead Between the Lines,” our campaign will feature daily blackout poetry messages. Keep an eye on our social media channels and give them a share. You can also create your own blackout poetry with your patrons! Make this week memorable by celebrating the importance of libraries and protecting everyone’s right to read! | | | |
Don't miss out on upcoming events! Get your tickets! Click the images to learn more and register or visit the event calendar online at milibraries.org/upcoming-events to view our complete lineup of upcoming programs, conferences, MLA Connect webinars and advocacy hours, plus important deadlines for proposals and nominations, MLA Board elections and more! | | |
Check out the MLA Connect On Demand virtual education platform! MLA members have access to dozens of virtual programs and sessions on a wide variety of topics, all available to view on demand. To view available programs, visit MLA Connect On Demand, browse the archives, and log in with your MLA individual login credentials. | | |
Welcome to New MLA Members | Check out where new members came from in June 2024! It’s our pleasure to welcome new members from all over Michigan, check out the member directory to reach out, connect, and welcome them to MLA at milibraries.org/new-members. | | | |
Update Your Member Profile | |
Changed jobs? Got a new email address? Accidentally deleted a confirmation email? Log into the MLA website to manage your member profile! Visit the member portal to keep your contact and work information up to date, view your messages, manage your invoices and forms, and connect with others through the member directory. Do I have to be a member to register for an MLA event? Is my library an MLA Organizational Member? Do I have an Individual MLA Membership? Check out answers to MLA Member Account FAQs (pdf).
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MLA Strategic Partner members help support our statewide partnerships and collaborations that unite all Michigan libraries, foster healthy communities, promote education and literacy, and advance arts and culture in Michigan. Strategic Partners include library vendors, service providers, community organizations, and philanthropic institutions. Learn more about our partners using our directory search.
Interested in joining MLA as a Strategic Partner? Learn more about the benefits of membership today!
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Shop our store for MI Right to Read apparel and MLA swag. We have shirts designed by Michigan artists that promote the right to read, plus MI Right to Read and MLA merch like hoodies, shirts, mugs, and totes. Check out our store, order your gear, and wear your support of libraries and the right to read!
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Do you have news you want to share? Contact Lisa Buttigieg at lbuttigieg@milibraries.org to share news of promotions, new hires, appointments, awards, or a tribute in memoriam. | | |
Congratulations to Maryann Zurmuehlen from Novi Public Library, who has been promoted to Assistant Director of Public Services. Way to go Maryann! | |
Canton Public Library found its newest Information Services Department Head right at the library. Congratulations to Megan Hathaway who will take on this role. All the best Megan! | |
Welcome to Brandon Britt who has joined Kalamazoo Public Library as the new Head of Community Engagement. Congratulations Brandon! | |
Macdonald Public Library says goodbye to Tonya Ryals. Tonya will be moving to Iowa and will work at an academic library there. Wishing you the best Tonya! | |
Kudos and Congratulations | |
Congratulations to Tynisha Dungey, Director of Youth Services and Community Engagement at Willard Library, who was selected for the ALA Emerging Leaders program. This opportunity allowed her to enhance her leadership skills through collaborative problem-solving and networking, starting at LibLearnX and culminating in a presentation at the ALA Annual Conference. Way to go Tynisha! | |
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress has recognized the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) for its outstanding service to readers with visual, physical, or print disabilities. Larry Gorton, Talking Book Library at TADL received the Sub-regional Library/Advisory and Outreach Center of the Year Award. This is an outstanding honor; you should be proud Traverse Area District Library! | | |
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Congratulations to DJ Bond, Member Engagement Coordinator at the Library Network. DJ had the honor of being published in the 3rd edition of the Handbook of Black Librarianship. Congratulations DJ!
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Advertise on MLA’s Job Board |
Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Job Board. Learn more here.
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2024 Partner Sign Up | National Voter Registration Day | |
MLA is a proud partner of National Voter Registration Day 2024! Join us and sign up to be a partner!
Partners can receive free stickers and posters, customized resources, and assistance in planning their celebration of the holiday.
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Join Unite Against Book Bans as an Organizational Partner | 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. | |
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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
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National Medal for Museum and Library Services Nominations Now Open | Nominations are now open for the highest honor awarded to museums and libraries—the Institute of Museum and Library Service’s (IMLS) National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Since 1994, the award has been given to 222 institutions that exemplified extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service. | | | |
I Love My Librarian Award | Nominate a Librarian | |
The I Love My Librarian Award invites library users to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school college, community college, or university librarians. Each year, up to 10 librarians are honored at a ceremony held in their honor and receive a $5,000 cash award.
Since the award was established in 2008, 160 librarians have received this distinguished honor. In that time, library users nationwide have shared more than 23,000 nominations detailing how librarians have gone above and beyond in their commitment to inclusivity, literacy, and digital access. Nominations are due September 30!
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No Reservation Recommendations |
If you are looking for a vendor or program recommendation, the “No Reservation Recommendations” website provides options that have been submitted by your Michigan-based colleagues. You can search regionally by library cooperative or search the entire contents of the database by subject. In order to ensure there is a robust and growing database, submit your positive recommendations today!
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With the severe uptick in local and statewide book challenges, ALA offers this clearinghouse of resources to assist library workers and library advocates in responding to and supporting others facing those challenges. Report challenges to the Office for Intellectual Freedom, and let ALA know if you need assistance.
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Don't keep this great resource to yourself!
Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and networks.
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Executive Director
(517) 881-1266
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Membership and Communications Director
(517) 881-6652
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Keeley Briggs
Membership and Program Coordinator
(517) 881-0496
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Administrative Assistant
(517) 881-1683
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Program and Event Director
(517) 881-3194
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Connect with MLA on social media! Like and Follow us on Facebook and X for the latest real-time updates from MLA staff, library news, inspirational and educational posts, and more! We also ask that you share this invitation with friends and help us extend our reach so important advocacy updates and calls to action are heard by library supporters throughout the state. |
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Please consider a donation to support our work! With your support, MLA can empower the library leaders of today and tomorrow and continue to enrich the lives of the people that we serve. It takes just a moment to donate here.
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Without our members, there is no MLA. Renew your membership or join our network of hundreds of individuals and organizations from all across the state working together to protect our libraries and advance the library profession in Michigan.
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Uniting the Michigan Library Community
MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.
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