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MLA 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Special Events

Annual Conference Book Club

Thursday, September 18 1:00 PM | The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman
Thursday, October 16 1:00 PM | Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuade

From now until the conference, we will be reading a book published from each of our keynote speakers. Feel free to come to as many or as few as you would like and discuss some books with your colleagues, and become more knowledgeable about our speakers you can meet in person this October!

The first virtual meeting will be on Thursday, September 18 at 1:00 PM, where we will be discussing The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman.

A few weeks later on Thursday, October 16 at 1:00 PM we will be meeting virtually to discuss Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuade.

If you are interested in participating in the discussion about one or more of these books, you can register to receive a Zoom link here.

Also, consider joining the official MLA discord channel to chat about the books leading up to the conference!

Welcome Reception at Lansing Shuffle

Tuesday, October 28 6:00 - 9:00 PM
325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing, MI 48912

Arriving Tuesday before the official start of the conference? Join us at Lansing Shuffle for an early arrival welcome event!

Lansing Shuffle has trivia every Tuesday!

An additional fee applies to this event. Pre-registration is required.

New Attendee Welcome

Wednesday, October 29 10:00 - 10:45 AM

First-time conference attendees are invited to a special breakfast with representatives from Michigan library organizations.

Thank you to PFM Financial Advisors for sponsoring this event!

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

Wednesday, October 29 12:30 - 2:00 PM
Exhibit Hall

Keep the energy and excitement of opening day going by meeting up with colleagues and friends on the trade show floor! Exchange notes on what you’ve seen and heard during the first day of the conference while visiting with vendors.

This event is free to attend for all Wednesday conference attendees and exhibit booth personnel.

Dog Park

Take a break with dogs from G.R.A.C.E. and Canines for Change in the exhibit hall!

Michigan Library Awards Ceremony and Dinner

Wednesday, October 29 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Lansing Center Ballroom

The Michigan Library Awards are awarded annually and are considered the state’s highest honors within the library community. The awards celebrate the excellence, accomplishments, dedication and service of library staff, trustees and supporters in Michigan libraries.

This event is free to attend for all Wednesday conference attendees or tickets can be purchased as an a la carte event. Pre-registration is required. Learn more about the Michigan Library Awards.

Reception at the Library of Michigan

Thursday, October 30 6:30 - 9:00 PM
702 W Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48915

Enter the Costume Contest

Get ready for a lively and festive night at the Library of Michigan! This year’s all-conference reception is packed with music, refreshments, and plenty of fun, including a Halloween Costume Contest with four frightfully fun categories:

• Individual – Literary Theme
• Individual – Other Theme
• Group – Literary Theme
• Group – Other Theme

Don your best costume for a chance to win or just come to enjoy the festivities!

We’ll also be honoring the incredible career and retirement of MLA Executive Director Debbie Mikula! Help us celebrate her legacy with laughter, applause, and good cheer.

Shuttle transportation will be provided from the conference hotel to the Library of Michigan. Don’t miss this magical, memorable night with colleagues and friends. Costumes encouraged, creativity celebrated!

Parking at the Library of Michigan is free after 5:00 PM. A free shuttle will pick up from in front of the DoubleTree on Grand Avenue. Shuttle will start at 6:15 PM and end at 9:00 PM.

Thank you to Hoopla for sponsoring the DJ for this event!

This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.

Enter the Costume Contest

Headshot Photography Studio

Are you in need of a new (or first!) professional headshot? MLA has partnered with a local photographer offer complimentary headshots to conference attendees.

Thank you to Fast Forward Libraries for sponsoring this event!

Silent Auction

Vendors and attendees are asked for donations of any kind to this auction: library bling, vendor give-a-ways, new books, posters, a weekend stay in a fabulous location, anything which could either stand alone as an auction item or could be combined with other items to make a great gift basket! Proceeds from the auction will benefit MLA’s Educational Scholarship Fund.