Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2026 Talking Points

MICHIGAN ELIBRARY & CATALOG (MEL & MELCAT)

The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) needs ongoing state support to remain a stable, statewide resource. Federal funding uncertainty, including threats to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), puts MeL services at risk for schools, libraries, and residents.

ASK: Include the $900,000 General Fund investment for MeL in the FY27 budget to sustain statewide access.

Key Points:

MeL provides access to research databases and a shared catalog across 435+ libraries, maximizing taxpayer investment and saving millions through shared resources
Michigan K–12 schools, colleges, and universities rely on MeL for curriculum support, research access, and workforce development tools
In 2025, users accessed 24 million articles and borrowed 1 million+ items.
MeL is partially funded through IMLS, which faces ongoing federal budget threats that could eliminate $4.8 million in support to Michigan.

DOWNLOAD THIS FACT SHEET (PDF)

STATE AID TO LIBRARIES

Michigan’s State Aid to Public Libraries Act, enacted in 1977, established funding for public libraries and 11 regional cooperatives supporting statewide resource sharing, training, and services. State Aid has not kept pace with inflation, only reaching the 1977 recommended level in 2023.

ASK: Increase State Aid to Libraries by $500,000 for FY27 to support Michigan’s public library systems and cooperatives.

Key Points:

State Aid makes up 5–10% of most library budgets and is critical for small and rural communities.
Funding is split between local libraries, cooperatives, and shared statewide services.
Flat funding reduces access to books, technology, and educational programming.

DOWNLOAD THIS FACT SHEET (PDF)

PENAL FINES & TRIAL COURT FUNDING REFORM

Proposed trial court funding changes would take funding away from public libraries without replacing it, putting essential community services at risk. Library funding from penal fines isn’t new or optional; it’s been part of Michigan’s foundation since 1835, written directly into the state constitution because libraries were recognized as critical to public education and access to information.

ASK: Oppose any plan that diverts funding away from libraries without a stable replacement.

Key Points:

Libraries received about $16.8 million in penal fine revenue in 2024.
This funding is especially critical for small and rural libraries’ operations.
Losing it would reduce hours, services, and access to essential community resources.