MLA HISTORY
MLA is Michigan’s oldest and largest library association spanning more than a century. Guided by the belief that free access to information is the cornerstone of a free society, the Michigan Library Association has advocated for libraries on behalf of the state’s residents for more than 100 years. MLA defends the right to read, advocates for adequate library funding, clarifies library governance issues, promotes librarian education, and works for free access of information to all residents.
It has influenced the course of Michigan’s libraries since its inception in 1891, when Mary A. Eddy, the librarian at Coldwater Free Public Library, wrote to Henry M. Utley of the Detroit Public Library about organizing a state library association. They had discussed this matter at the 1890 meeting of the American Library Association in New Hampshire, believing a state association would be helpful to Michigan librarians unable to attend national conferences. Working closely with Lucy Ball, Grand Rapids Public Library, they awakened statewide interest and arranged the first Michigan meeting in Detroit, September 1, 1891. Thirty-seven members attended, elected a slate of five officers and printed their original 40-line constitution on a 3-inch by 6-inch card. Mr. Utley became the association's first president.
Past MLA Presidents
2018-2019 Kristin Shelley 2017-2018 Steven K. Bowers 2016-2017 Kathleen Zaenger 2015-2016 Leslie Warren 2014-2015 Asante Cain 2013-2014 Cathy Wolford 2012-2013 Lance Werner 2011-2012 Richard Cochran 2010-2011 Christine Berro 2009-2010 Larry Neal 2008-2009 Kathy Irwin 2007-2008 Josie Parker 2006-2007 Leah Black 2005-2006 Michael McGuire 2004-2005 Linda Farynk 2003-2004 Marcia Warner 2002-2003 Phyllis Jose 2001-2002 Elaine K. Didier 2000-2001 Tom Genson 1999-2000 Denise Forro 1998-1999 Nancy Bujold 1997-1998 Pamela Grudzien 1996-1997 Beverly Papai 1995-1996 Martha Stilwell 1994-1995 Sandra Scherba 1993-1994 Sandra Yee 1992-1993 Francis J. Buckley 1991-1992 Jean Houghton 1990-1991 Jule Fosbender 1989-1990 Linda Heemstra 1987-1989 Colleen Hyslop 1987-1988 Clara N. Bohrer 1986-1987 Margaret E. Auer 1985-1986 A. Michael Deller 1984-1985 Robert Garen 1983-1984 Eleanor Pinkham 1982-1983 Margaret Thomas 1981-1982 Patricia Wilson 1980-1981 Howard Lipton 1979-1980 Carolyn McMillen 1978-1979 Robert Raz
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