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Last month, Debbie asked me to write a note about membership for this month's newsletter, and I thought, "Sure, why not?" MLA's fiscal year is ending soon so we've been managing organizational renewals and I’ve had membership on my mind. I’ve been at MLA since 2015 and working in a membership role for almost nine years, I’ve had some time to think about why we do what we do, why dedicated individuals get involved and invest their time, energy, and money, and why libraries continue to renew their memberships and support staff memberships and involvement.
I know membership is beneficial to individual members, libraries, and our communities – I’ve seen it first-hand: Individuals get involved and then advance in their careers, they bring fresh ideas to their libraries, they move into new leadership roles. Our advocacy efforts at the capitol put money back into libraries’ budgets, and our collective advocacy protects our communities' access to information and the right to read. And, while some of the benefits members receive are tangible, like increases to State aid (Michigan lawmakers just passed the FY25 budget– $1M!) and discounts on events like our upcoming annual conference (registration is open!) most of the benefits aren’t so easily defined.
So what ARE the benefits of membership? Why should you pay money to be involved in an association? Why should libraries be organizational members AND support staff memberships?
As one is wont to do in this day and age, I asked ChatGPT: What are the benefits of membership in an association? Read more
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MLA 2024 Annual Conference PRESS PLAY and Small and Strategic Preconference | |
Registration for MLA 2024 Annual Conference and Small and Strategic Preconference is now 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!
| Conference Venue and Hotel | |
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
www.grandtraverseresort.com
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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 our upcoming MLA 2024 Annual Conference on October 16 -18, 2024 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan.
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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MLA Awards Call for Nominations | |
Do you know someone who deserves recognition and celebration for their work in Michigan libraries? The Call for Nominations for the 2024 Michigan Library Awards is open through Friday, July 12! We encourage and welcome your nomination for any of MLA's Awards for recognition at the 2024 Michigan Library Awards on Wednesday, October 16 during MLA 2024 Annual Conference in Traverse City.
We've made it simple, self-nominations are strongly encouraged, and you can choose to have your nomination considered for the 2025 awards as well.
Learn more about the Michigan Library Awards, view guidelines and submit a nomination at milibraries.org/michigan-library-awards.
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MLA 2024 Youth Literary Awards | |
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MLA's Youth Literary Awards recognize outstanding contributions to youth literature and celebrate the best titles for children and teens. For the past year, MLA Youth Literary Award workgroups have spent thousands of hours reading, reviewing, and discussing hundreds of books to choose the very best titles published in 2023 for Michigan kids. It's our pleasure to share the winners of the 2024 Mitten, YouPer, and Thumbs Up! Awards.
The 2024 Mitten Award goes to An American Story by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare Coulter, and published by Little Brown & Co. The winner of the 2024 YouPer Award is The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln, illustrated by Claire Powell, and published by Dutton Books for Young Readers. The 2024 Thumbs Up! Award winner is Warrior Girl Unearthed, by Angeline Boulley, published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR). Learn more
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Future Pathways Grant Accepting Applications | |
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Future Pathways Grants aim to encourage the participation, engagement, and leadership of racially and ethnically diverse library workers in the library profession and MLA. Applications are accepted through July 15.
Through these grants (funded entirely by donations), MLA aims to empower underrepresented individuals in the library community by reducing financial barriers to career advancement. Grants provide funding for professional development opportunities or innovative projects like:
- Educational opportunities (conference attendance, workshop participation, or tuition/books/etc. from an undergraduate or graduate School of Library or Information Science degree-granting program).
- Travel to educational opportunities, if warranted (mileage, airfare, overnight accommodations, food, etc.)
- Memberships in any professional organizations that help build the grant recipient's professional capacity.
- Projects or activities led by the grant recipient in their local library that advance the transformation of libraries and library services through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For complete eligibility requirements, restrictions, and selection criteria, see the Future Pathways Guidelines (pdf). Applications are due Friday, July 15.
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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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The MLA virtual office will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, 2023. | | |
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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Never wanting to keep MLA members in the dark, we are finally able to share the state of Michigan budget with you (links below for the House Fiscal Agency Conference Reports for the General Omnibus Budget and the School Aid Fund). With little to no advance public review of the budget, in the early morning hours today, the FY25 State of Michigan budget (beginning October 1) has finally passed through the conference committee, the Senate and the House. The budget now awaits the Governor’s signature before the July 1 deadline. (Just as a reminder, she also has line item veto power, so nothing is in stone until she signs.)
While we haven’t had time to digest the entire budget, we have highlighted some of the items that we have been watching including (DRUMROLL PLEASE) a $1,000,000 increase to State Aid bringing it to $16,567,700.
And while we didn’t get everything we asked for in the budget…your voices were heard and communications with your state legislators made a difference! Advocacy is a full year commitment – it never ends, so keep up the good work. We are #StrongerTogether. MLA will share more details soon on other MLA priorities.
Thank you MLA Members! Read more
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Check out this video featuring library bookmobiles and lots of familiar faces at Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Thanks to Kevin Kammeraad, Community Engagement Librarian at Kent District Library for creating this awesome video highlighting Michigan's libraries and bookmobiles. | | |
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 Right to Read week here in Michigan! This September 22-28 we are sharing a positive and proactive message that emphasizes access, diversity in library collections, librarian qualifications, and protection of our First Amendment rights. Here’s an example of our creative campaign using the ALA theme of “FRead Between the Lines.” Using black out poetry each day, we will have a new and inspiring message that we hope you will share with your patrons. Watch our social media sites for 7 different versions of our campaign. We’ll have them posted on our website in advance so you can grab them if you want as well.
Better yet! Why don’t you help us by creating your own blackout poetry by having your patrons create their own and share about the importance and value of your library. Either way, we encourage you to help us highlight how libraries protect everyone's right to read during this important week!
Looking forward to celebrating Right to Read Week in September!
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MLA Wins PACE Award for MI Right to Read Campaign | In 2023, MLA worked with PR firm Martin Waymire on a six-month campaign promoting the MI Right to Read coalition. This May, Martin Waymire and MLA were honored by the Central Michigan chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for the MI Right to Read campaign. MI Right to Read received two Pinnacle Awards in the Innovative Tactics and Public Service Campaign categories. Keeley Briggs, MLA Membership and Program Coordinator attended the awards ceremony with Bridgette Bauer, Public Affairs Manager from Martin Waymire to accept the awards. Thank you and congratulations to Martin Waymire and everyone who participated in the campaign! | |
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 May 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. | | | |
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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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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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. | | |
Thank you to Outgoing MLA Board Member Cathy Russ! | |
At MLA's June Board meeting, MLA President Dillon Geshel read the following statement to honor outgoing Board member Cathy Russ:
We want to take a moment to honor an exceptional leader whose unwavering commitment to libraries has left an indelible mark on our profession. It is my privilege to honor Cathy Russ, a remarkable individual whose dedication and service have enriched our community.
As a member-at-large on the MLA Board of Directors from 2017 to 2020, again from 2021-2024, and on the Executive Committee in 2022 and 2023, Cathy played a pivotal role in shaping our association’s vision. Her advocacy for Michigan libraries extended beyond board meetings—she has mentored fellow professionals, chaired committees, and championed collaboration. In 2019, she was honored as the MLA Librarian of the Year, a testament to her outstanding accomplishments and dedication.
Cathy’s legacy extends to the MLA Leadership Academy, where she graduated as part of the Class of 2006. Her conference presentations have inspired countless colleagues, and her mentorship in the MLA Mentor Program has nurtured emerging talent.
Today, we want to recognize Cathy and express our gratitude for her service, knowing that her impact will continue to resonate throughout our libraries and communities for years to come. Thank you, Cathy, for your unwavering commitment to our profession and MLA.
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Elissa Zimmer was recently promoted to the Assistant Director position of the Van Buren District Library. Wishing you great success Elissa! | |
The Kalamazoo Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Micahel Cockrel as Interim Director. All the best to you Micahel! | |
Elizabeth (Ellie) Dekkinga, previously a Senior Circulation Clerk and Cataloguer at the Patmos Library in Jamestown, recently moved to the Fremont Area District Library as Assistant Director. All the best to you Ellie! | |
Jennifer Harden was recently appointed Frankenmuth Wickson District Library’s first full-time Adult Services and Outreach Librarian! Jennifer brings more than 10 years of library experience to the library. Wishing you all the best Jennifer! | |
Kudos and Congratulations | | |
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Special recognition to Dan Hutchens who led Van Buren District Library to a ballot victory on May 7. The ballot question was for a .4 mill property tax increase. This is the very first time in the history of Van Buren District Library it has ever passed a millage on the first attempt! This is exceptional news, way to go Dan! | | |
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Congratulations to Sue Todd who has retired from the Eastpointe Memorial Library. Sue was presented with a letter signed by State Senator Veronica Klinefelt and Governor Gretchen Whitmer thanking her for her service to the library! Wishing you all the best Sue! | |
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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Michigan Arts and Culture Council Grants | MACC provides grants to encourage, initiate and facilitate an enriched artistic, cultural and creative environment in Michigan. | | | |
Free borrowing privileges for Native and Indigenous people | A small step toward redressing the university's unfulfilled commitments. | | | |
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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