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There was no question to any of the 7,500 attendees at the Public Library Association (PLA) 2024 in Columbus, Ohio 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 their 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. Read more
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MLA 2024 Board Election Results and Board Appointments | |
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The 2024 MLA Board of Directors Election results are in! This year MLA members voted for an MLA President-elect and four Member-at-Large Board positions and the Board appointed a Member-at-Large Director to fill a newly vacated seat.
Congratulations to Jenny Marr, voted MLA Presdent-elect, and to our newly elected Member-at-Large Directors: John Clexton, Library Director, Gladwin County District Library; Anne Heidemann, Tribal Librarian, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe; Valerie Meyerson, Library Director, Petoskey District Library; and Erin Schmandt, Director, Caro Area District Library; and to Claire Meeker, Library Director, Romeo District Library, appointed by the MLA Board to serve the remaining Member-at-Large term of our now President-elect Jenny Marr.
Many thanks to all the candidates for demonstrating leadership by agreeing to run, and thank you to all MLA members who voted. We look forward to a great year. Please feel free to welcome and congratulate our new Directors.
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Jenny Marr
Executive Director, Capital Area District Libraries
President-elect
Term Ending June 2027
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John Clexton
Library Director, Gladwin County District Library
Member-at-Large
Term Ending June 2027
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Anne Heidemann
Tribal Librarian, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
Member-at-Large
Term Ending June 2027
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Claire Meeker
Library Director, Romeo District Library
Member-at-Large
Term Ending June 2025
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Valerie Meyerson
Library Director, Petoskey District Library
Member-at-Large
Term Ending June 2027
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Erin Schmandt
Director, Caro Area District Library
Member-at-Large
Term Ending June 2027
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Say Yes to Getting Involved With MLA! | |
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The 2024-2025 Call for Ambassadors closes tomorrow!! Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your network, and represent MLA.
All MLA members are eligible to volunteer for workgroups and committees. Nonmembers interested in volunteering are welcome to join MLA by filling out the online membership application or by contacting us at (517) 394-2774 or MLA@milibraries.org.
We hope you say YES! If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you! Check out available opportunities to get involved on the web and complete the online ambassador application by Friday, April 26, 2024.
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MLA 2024 Annual Conference Call for Proposals: PRESS PLAY ▶️ | |
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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.
Breakout sessions are 60 minutes in length. Submit your proposals that elevate the ideas of intellectual freedom, networking, equity, diversity, inclusion, collaboration, programming, management, taking control of hot-button issues, and more.
The conference theme this year is "Press Play”. Attendees will curate a playlist of educational content to help them turn up the volume and amplify library advocacy efforts, pause for self-care, rewind to learn from the past, fast-forward to look toward the future, and PRESS PLAY to focus on the movement, reignite our purpose, and dive back into what’s happening right now!
This invitation extends to all library professionals and partners from first-time to experienced presenters as well as professional speakers and subject matter experts.
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Future Pathways Grant Accepting Applications | |
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The Future Pathways Grant, formerly known as the Equity Fund Grant, underwent an overhaul with updated guidelines approved by the MLA Board in December 2023. Applications are now open for the July 2024 deadline.
Through this grant program (funded entirely by donations), MLA reaffirms its commitment to equity, diversity, accessibility, and belonging. Future Pathways Grants aim to empower underrepresented individuals in the library community by reducing financial barriers to career advancement. The grant supports the professional development of racially and ethnically diverse library workers, including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, North African, and Middle Eastern individuals. Eligible expenses include memberships, workshop attendance, educational events, and conferences.
For complete eligibility requirements, restrictions, and selection criteria, see the Future Pathways Guidelines (pdf). Applications will be reviewed twice per year. Beginning in 2025, deadlines for submission will be January 15 and July 15. Applications are now open and will be considered for the July 15, 2024 deadline.
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MLA 2024 Youth Literary Awards Top Ten Titles Lists Announced | |
It is our pleasure to share the Top Ten Titles of the 2024 Mitten, YouPer, and Thumbs Up! Awards!
MLA Youth Literary Award workgroups spent thousands of hours reading, reviewing and discussing hundreds of books to determine the top titles for youth published in 2023.
View the top ten titles for each award, plus download award seals and graphics to promote the titles at your library at milibraries.org/youth-literary-awards
Save the date! The winners and honor books will be announced on Friday, June 7 at 10:00 AM on our social media and website!
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FREE MLA Office Furniture Up For Grabs | |
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In two months, the MLA staff will be fully remote and that means lots of great stuff needs to be re-homed. First dibs go to our organizational library members for free.
Call or email Lisa at (517) 881-1683 or lbuttigieg@milibraries.org to see photos, get measurements, or see what else we have and arrange for pickup before June 4. Pick up only. Sorry, no deliveries!
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- 5 Lovely Wood Desks – 2 U-shaped (one with credenza), 2 L-shaped, 1 L-shaped welcome/reception desk
- 8 Purple Chairs
- A Few Desk Chairs
- Small Round Table
- 5 Fold-down Heavy Duty 6' Tables
- 12 Stackable Chairs with Grey Cloth Covers
- 2 Stackable Chairs with Arms
- 2 Stackable Chairs with Black Covers
- 2 Stand-up Portable Desks
- 5 Vinyl Floor Protectors
- Large Screen TV
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- Box of Electrical Cords
- Small Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Dishes, Silverware, etc.
- 5 Large Black Frames
- Copy Machine
- Desk Phones (5-6)
- Coat Rack
- 4 Small Wooden Shelf Units – 3-4 shelves each
- Box of Metal Stakes for Yard Signs
- 2 Projector Screens
- Extra-large Michigan Map
- Lots of other misc. supplies/equipment
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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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Michigan Library Advocacy Day | |
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On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, MLA hosted our 2nd annual in-person Michigan Library Advocacy Day at the Capitol. This sold-out event brought together more than 160 library advocates representing public, school, academic, tribal, and special libraries from across Michigan. Our unified message: Strong Libraries = A Stronger Michigan!
Throughout the day, library advocates engaged in meetings with 80 of our 113 House Members and 34 of the 38 Senate Members, passionately advocating for library services and funding. The event also featured 11 bookmobiles and a book bike, providing both advocates and legislators an opportunity to explore these mobile libraries.
An event photo album will be available in the coming weeks. If you captured a memorable moment, consider sharing it with MLA for future communications by emailing it to MLA@milibraries.org.
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Watch the Morning Speakers | |
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, get inspired, and don’t forget you can still take action to support Michigan libraries and the Freedom to Read! | |
- Jon Martin, Program Manager - Chapter Relations, American Library Association [00:00:34]
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Andie Poole, Partner, Martin Waymire [00:10:40]
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Kristin Fontichiaro, Professor, University of Michigan School of Information [00:25:40]
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Loren Khogali, Executive Director, ACLU of Michigan [00:37:57]
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Lynne Pierce, President, Grosse Pointe League of Women Voters [00:55:05]
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Dr. Michael Rice, State Superintendent, Michigan Department of Education [01:07:55]
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Sonja Dunlap, Girl Scout Gold Award Candidate, Oscar A. Carlson High School, Gibraltar, Michigan [01:28:55]
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Thank you to Advocacy Day Sponsors and Partners! | |
Take Action for Michigan Libraries | |
If you couldn’t make it to Lansing in person, we still need your help to amplify our message: Strong Libraries = A Stronger Michigan.
Contact your legislators TODAY and tell them that Michigan libraries need their support! Ask them to support increased and secured funding for State Aid and capital improvements and urge them to protect the freedom to read.
We've made it easy to take action. Just click the button, enter your contact information to connect to your State legislators, customize your email, and send!!
Make sure you edit our prewritten template before you hit send! Add details about:
- how your library’s services have impacted you and/or your community;
- how State Aid is used at your library and how increased funds would enhance your ability to serve your community;
- capital improvements your library needs;
- or add any stories or information about the importance of the freedom to read.
If your legislator's office responds, make sure you follow up with any information requested! Offer yourself/your organization or MLA as a resource for finding solutions.
| Share our Freedom to Read Video | 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 protecting everyone’s First Amendment rights. | | | |
Be it Resolved...Michigan Librarian and Library Worker Day | Thank you so much, Representative Veronica Paiz, for introducing and getting this resolution passed in 2024. Read the resolution: House Resolution 222 of 2024. | | | |
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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Take Action to Support School Libraries! | |
In early March, State Senator Darrin Camilleri (District 4) and Senator Rosemary Bayer (District 13) introduced a package of tie-barred bills requiring a library staffed by a certified school librarian in every public school in the state. These bills replicate the house bills that were introduced in the last three legislative cycles but didn’t move any further.
Senate Bill 0741, would require a school library in every Michigan public school, and also would require the library to be accessible to students and offer resources in both electronic and print form.
Senate Bill 0742, would require a school board to employ a certified school librarian for each school library operated by its district.
Senate Bill 0743, would require a principal or comparable administrator to designate an individual to supervise students in a school library when a certified school librarian is not present.
On April 16 during Michigan Library Advocacy Day, $25 Million was recommended in the first draft of the Senate budget for these bills. The bills now move to the Senate Committee on Education for consideration. Take action for school libraries today by asking your Senators to support SB741-743. Visit MASL's website to use the online form to email your legislator. Advocates can edit the email template or send it as-is. Thank you for taking action to support libraries!
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ALA Advocacy Alert: #FundLibraries in FY25 | |
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It's time to take action to #FundLibraries in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25)! With the release of the President's proposed FY25 budget and the launch of Dear Appropriator letters in Congress, the annual funding process has begun.
Dear Appropriator letters are a primary way that members of Congress show their support for individual budget items. MLA has sent letters to Senator Gary Peters, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Representative Elissa Slotkin. Click the button below to contact your members of Congress, and ask them to sign the Dear Appropriator Letters to #Fundlibraries!
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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 March 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. | | | |
Organizational Membership Renewal | Thank you to all of our organizational members for your continued support! Watch the mail for organizational membership renewal information for the 2024-2025 member year in April. | |
Group Invoicing for an Easy Renewal Process for Your Entire Staff | |
Did you know? MLA makes it super easy for Organizational members to sign up all of their employees as Affiliated Individual members. Instead of having to issue multiple checks for individual dues throughout the year, wouldn’t you love the option of cutting one check that covers the cost of annual dues for all staff ($85 per employee) AND…they will all renew at the same time each year!
We can provide you with one invoice that will cover the cost of the employees you choose to pay for. We will even pro-rate their dues as necessary to eliminate the need for sending multiple checks. Note according to the bylaws, membership in the association is not transferable or assignable, but there is an exception for Affiliated Individual memberships that are paid for by an Organizational member to address staffing changes. This is a wonderful professional development perk for your staff members and increases the “package of benefits” you offer.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact MLA Administrative Assistant, Lisa Buttigieg who will be happy to help answer any questions you may have. She can be reached by phone at (517) 394-2774 ext. 227 or by email at lbuttigieg@milibraries.org.
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View the Organizational Member Directory |
Search the MLA Organizational Member Directory to view library organizational members of MLA. You can search by library name, address, or zip or view all organizational members in alphabetical order. Need to update your library's info? Library directors can log in to their individual member profiles to access and update their library's organizational membership. | | |
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) and make sure your membership profile is up to date!
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Strategic Partner Directory | 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! | | |
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. | | |
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Congratulations to Erin Brzozowski from Jackson District Library, who was promoted to the new Staff Development Coordinator. All the best Erin!
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Carly Pampuch moved from Jackson District Library’s Springport/Parma location and is now managing JDL's Eastern Branch. Wishing you great success Carly. | | |
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Jackson District Library welcomes Christina Stuck as Branch Manager of JDL’s Springport and Parma branches. Congratulations Christina!
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Kudos and Congratulations | |
Catherine Mulla, Law Librarian at Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone, PLC was recognized during National Library Week, for providing the essential research necessary for attorneys and their clients to succeed. Shout out to Catherine! | |
Joan Morin, WMU Libraries Business Manager (left) and Sara Volmering, WMU Libraries Marketing and Communications Manager (right) were recognized with Western Michigan University’s Make a Difference Award. Congratulations Joan and Sara! | |
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Jeff Crocker, Assistant Director of the West Bloomfield Township Library was recognized for the amazing job he has done serving as the library's acting Director. Great job Jeff!
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Congratulations to Bath Township Public Library Director, Kristie Reynolds who recently received an award for her achievements at the library from Representative Tsernolglou and Senator Singh. Way to go Kristie! | | |
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East Lansing Public Library’s Angelo Moreno was just honored with a Legislative Citation during National Library Week. Congratulations to you Angelo!
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On to retirement...Mary Kay Hinkle-Gaskill has been with the Crawford County Library for over 40 years. Mary Kay, you will be greatly missed! | |
MCLS announced Stephanie Davis, Associate Director/Manager, eLicensing and Collection Resources will retire on November 1, 2024. Wishing you all the best in your retirement Stephanie. | |
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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Business Manager
Hackley Public Library - Muskegon, MI
Public Services and Outreach Librarian
Pontiac Public Library - Pontiac, MI
Youth Services Librarian
Pontiac Public Library - Pontiac, MI
Library Director
Bath Twp. Public Library - Bath, MI
eLicensing and Collection Resources Manager
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) - Lansing, MI / Remote
Library Director
Parchment Community Library - Parchment, MI
Local History Librarian
Cromaine Library - Hartland, MI
Special Materials Cataloger
State of Michigan - Library of Michigan - Lansing, MI
Library Director
Lapeer District Library - Lapeer, MI
Youth Services Librarian
Bloomfield Township Public Library - Bloomfield Township, MI
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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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Michigan Humanities Virtual Grants Workshop | |
Join Michigan Humanities for a virtual grants and programs workshop on May 7, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. This workshop will give an overview of funding opportunities, including Humanities Grants, Bridging Michigan Grants, Arts and Humanities Touring Grants, and program opportunities, including Great Michigan Read, Poetry Out Loud, and Michigan Humanities Awards, as well as an overview of the grant portal and a walkthrough of the Humanities Grant application. There will be time for Q&A. Register for the Zoom workshop.
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Bridging Michigan grants provide Michigan nonprofits with up to $2,500 in support of public humanities programming that sparks in-depth thinking and conversation around persistent challenges affecting our communities. Michigan Humanities welcomes projects that aim to address and deepen understanding of social, economic, cultural, and racial inequities, and other pressing challenges affecting communities across our state. | | | |
Libraries Transform Communities: Engagement Grant | The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant is an annual grant to recognize, promote, and support innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members - be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations - to address issues for the betterment of the community. | | | |
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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Database 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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