Michigan Library Association

More Ways to Support Libraries and the Freedom to Read

We need your help to spread the message for Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Order shirts to wear on April 16th and/or record a 30-second clip asking your legislator to support intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights by supporting the Freedom to Read Legislation.

MLA 2021 Virtual Schedule at a Glance

*Schedule is subject to change.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

7:45 Stretch in the Stacks

8:00 Coffee with Vendors

8:45 Welcome Remarks

9:00 Opening Keynote with Susan Banks: The Future Can’t Wait: New Fuel for Post-Pandemic Libraries

10:00 Vendor Showcase

11:00 Education Sessions

11:00 Fireside Chat: MLA AMA

12:00 Vendor Showcase

12:00 Discussion Rooms

1:00 Fireside Chat: All About Penal Fines with Hon. Tom Boyd

1:00 Education Sessions

2:10 Education Sessions

2:10 Fireside Chat: LIBRARY GREEN SPACES

4:00 Afternoon Keynote with Jewell Parker Rhodes: Building Connections and Empowering Youth

6:30 Michigan Library Awards Broadcast

Thursday, October 14, 2021

7:45 Stretch in the Stacks

8:00 Coffee with Vendors

9:00 Morning Keynote with Dan Cable: Becoming Exceptional

10:00 Vendor Showcase

11:00 Education Sessions

12:00 Vendor Showcase

12:00 Discussion Rooms

1:00 Education Sessions

1:00 Fireside Chat

2:10 Education Sessions

3:00 MLA Annual Meeting

4:00 Closing Keynote with Bill Baker

Written by Amber Sheerin

PLA 2024 Recap

There was no question to any of the 7,500 attendees at PLA 2024 in Columbus, OH why they were there. Across from the main registration desk was an unmissable 10-foot-tall 3D wall with the Freedom to Read Foundation tagline: FREE PEOPLE READ FREELY.

Library workers from around the nation have been on the front line to protect intellectual freedom for citizens everywhere, and according to ALA’s press release, “PLA 2024 celebrated innovation, inclusivity, and community empowerment, tailored explicitly to cater to the needs of public library professionals,” with standing-room-only sessions focused on leadership initiatives, emerging trends, inclusion, and best practices related to library service. The conference not only celebrated the hard work library professionals do every day to protect and support their communities but also provided attendees with the knowledge, resources, and a network of support to keep improving. For any Michigan library workers unable to make the trip south to Ohio, we want to share some of the valuable ideas we brought home from PLA 2024.

Governor Whitmer Proposes No Increase to State Aid to Libraries in FY25 Budget

As we have experienced for 8 years of the Snyder Administration and the 6th year of Governor Whitmer’s administration, the FY25 State Aid to Libraries budget remains flat. We also saw no increases for Library of Michigan programs/staff. (Link to the full GF budget below – Library of Michigan budget is on page 76.)