Michigan Library Association
@milibraries
Leading the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education and engagement. #strongertogether #mirighttoread #lovemilibraries
Matt Dinniman has spent weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list & MI libraries help readers discover why. Across 210 MeLCat libraries, 402 copies of Dungeon Crawler Carl are offered & when we checked, only 3 were available, showing libraries are connecting readers to books they're excited for.
Deadline Extended! There's still time to recognize the incredible people and libraries strengthening communities across Michigan. Nominations for the 2026 Michigan Library Awards are now due Friday, July 31: www.milibraries.org/michigan-lib...
Every Michigan library has people behind it — MLA is here to support them. Your tax-deductible donation supports advocacy for libraries at the state level & ensures ongoing training to empower today's and tomorrow's library leaders. Please consider donating to MLA: www.milibraries.org/donation
Founded in 1891, the Michigan Library Association (MLA) is Michigan’s oldest and largest statewide library organization, representing public, academic, school, tribal, and special libraries. MLA serves as the unified voice for over 2,500 libraries and library personnel across the state.
A federal book banning bill has been introduced in the Senate. It's time to make our voices heard - protect the freedom to read: Tell your Senators to REJECT pro-censorship legislation like S.4925 that would limit people's freedom to read: action.ala.org/campaign/S4925 Shared from ALA.org
We’re featured in Target Circle™! Vote for us in the Target app to direct Target funds that support our work. Here’s how: Step 1: Choose “My Target” in the Target app, or visit www.target.com/circle/commu... in your browser. Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’ Step 3: Find us & vote
Explore best practices and policies for dealing with challenges in this free webinar from the Niche Academy on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 2 pm US Eastern, 11 am US Pacific. Register to attend: ow.ly/HVrG50ZlwRe Emily Knox and Shannon M. Oltmann share findings from research on book challenges.
Your library is eligible for a free one-year membership to the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. Opt in at no cost for access to valuable resources & peer networks. MLA members also receive 20% off the Sustainable Library Certification Program. ow.ly/t00v50ZeY4h
Not every library is the same: Michigan libraries serve different communities, operate under different governance structures, and respond to different local needs. What works in one community may not be the right fit for another. Local libraries. Local decisions. Local impact.
Join MLA and attorney Anne Seurynck for our June Advocacy Hour today at 10 AM & learn how to strengthen compliance, protect patron rights, and support a safe, well-managed library. Register to attend: ow.ly/qAxx50Ze8nl
TOMORROW Poll workers play a vital role in fair, accessible elections. Join Dan Papineau to learn what poll workers do, how to become one, & how libraries can support civic engagement through poll worker outreach. Free & virtual - register today: ow.ly/aefc50Z8vjt Photo: Element5 Digital
What could 5–10 minutes of reading a day do? Reading helps expand vocabulary, reduce stress, & grow empathy. Novels, graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines, picture books-- it all counts. Visit your local library to sign up for Summer Reading, earn prizes, & join a community of readers!
The White House again proposed eliminating federal library funding (IMLS), making Congressional support more important than ever. U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee recently approved level funding for IMLS. Share how federal library funding impacts your community. www.ala.org/advocacy/fed...
Some of the reasons people go to libraries include borrowing books & movies, but also... - to feel more connected to their community when feeling isolated - to participate in a library project - to find out about local volunteer opportunities - to spend time with their families & friends - and more.
Save the date: Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 4, 2027, for Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2027! You can also view the 2026 Michigan Library Advocacy Day event photo album on our Facebook. #MILibraryDay #MILibraryAdvocacy #MILibraries #LOVEMILibraries
Last call! 🚨 Breakout session proposals for the are due TODAY: www.milibraries.org/call-for-pro... This year’s theme, Beyond Buzzwords: An Enduring Public Good, focuses on real-world ideas and practical strategies. Help shape Michigan’s premier library event happening October 28–30 in Novi!
Every great conference session starts with one thought: “Maybe I should share this.” MLA is accepting breakout proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference, 10/28–30 in Novi. Proposals due May 15, 2026; submit via MLA's website here: www.milibraries.org/call-for-pro...
Michigan Library Advocacy Day is here - your voice matters, even from home. Contact your State Senator & Representative today to support strong library funding, MeL and MeLCat, and protection of penal fine revenue. senate.michigan.gov house.mi.gov#findareprese... 🔗 milibraries.org/advocacy-day...
Today is the start of National Library Week, and Right to Read Day. Celebrate your local library by visiting them today, and joining our coalition, MI Right to Read, here: www.mirighttoread.com #NationalLibraryWeek #MIRighttoRead
Books matter because they offer understanding, comfort, and possibility- often at the exact moment someone needs it most. Library staff help make those moments possible.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS - MLA 2026 Annual Conference, October 28-30! This year’s theme, "Beyond Buzzwords: An Enduring Public Good," is all about turning ideas into real impact. Share your expertise & help shape the future of MI libraries. www.milibraries.org/call-for-pro...
This week, youth services librarians & library staff are gathering for the Spring Institute for Youth Services. Over 2 exciting days, attendees will take part in inspiring sessions, hear from featured speakers, connect with colleagues, and more! We can’t wait: www.milibraries.org/spring-insti...
Support Federal Library Funding for FY27! ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy office recently learned: House of Rep. leaders have begun the budget process more than a month earlier than expected. Urge your House Representative to sign letters in support: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
What does the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Little v. Llano County really mean for libraries and book challenges? Join us tomorrow at 10 AM on Zoom to hear from Intellectual Freedom Taskforce experts. Questions? Email them - MLA@milibraries.org by today, 2/18, 12:00pm. Register: ow.ly/RQsE50YhCbh
MLA's Amber Sheerin was recently a guest on the Written in the Stars: Books and Beyond podcast, produced by Robin Moore, John Szilagyi, Ami Ewald, and Abby Tebeau from LCC. Amber discussed book bans, the right to read freely & more. Thank you to LCC for hosting us! Listen here: ow.ly/HMrI50YhCYE
The MLA Board has appointed Dillon Geshel as our new Executive Director! After serving as Interim Director since May 2025, Dillon’s proven leadership in advocacy and his deep commitment to Michigan libraries made him the unanimous choice to lead us into this next chapter. Congratulations, Dillon!
Registration for Michigan Library Advocacy Day is open 1 week early exclusively for 1st time participants. No experience? We’ll handle your legislator meetings, provide talking points, & host a training session. www.milibraries.org/advocacy-day Registration for everyone opens 2/13.
Spring Institute 2026 is back March 19-20! It’s Michigan’s premier spot for 250+ youth librarians to swap ideas, explore new exhibits, and build community. Pro-tip: The Early Bird rate is live NOW through Feb 13! Register here: ow.ly/F4Wc50XWLXp #MLASpringInstitute #YouthServices #MiLibraries
A proposal to redirect penal fines to trial courts could be disastrous for MI public libraries. Join MLA’s Advocacy Hour on Zoom tomorrow, Jan 15 at 10 AM to learn how we can defend this vital funding. Signup: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...