Note From Ryan

Intellectual freedom and access to information are core to librarianship, and we all play important roles in maintaining both within our respective libraries. Targeted banning efforts over the past year or two across the country and now punctuated recently in Michigan libraries, illuminate the real-life consequences of coordinated efforts to limit freedom and patrons’ right to read. The events at Hillsdale, Patmos, and many others bring home the need for you, your organization, and your stakeholders to be prepared on how to respond to challenges, and how to positively and confidently project not an argument or defense—but a patron’s right to read—and the vital responsibility of libraries to uphold that.

I am grateful for MLA’s quick call to action to lead with education and support. Debbie Mikula and the MLA staff, and Dillon Geshel and the Intellectual Freedom Task Force have done incredible work the past several months by putting their hearts into efforts that help all of us. The MiRightToRead website is an outstanding tool created in preparation for anticipated material challenges that libraries will face. MLA was ready to quickly support Patmos Library and its Board and continues to step up and lead where needed to publicly stand against banning efforts. I am also thankful for the courage I see demonstrated every week by librarians across the state who work hard to address this issue and still keep up with their day-to-day jobs of providing great service. The emotional and mental stress is real and can take a toll, but please take comfort in knowing that MLA has your back. We are indeed stronger together.

On another note, the MLA 2022 Annual Conference is fast approaching! I hope to see you (in person!) in Port Huron on October 19-21 at the Blue Water Convention Center. Don’t delay, register today!

Ryan Wieber
MLA President