Michigan Library Association

COVID-19 Impacts on State of Michigan Budget

April 23, 2020

Libraries need to prepare now for diminishing revenues in FY2020 and FY2021. Preliminary revenue estimates for the State of Michigan for the remainder of this fiscal year and FY2021 are not looking very promising. In a report delivered in mid-April, the University of Michigan Research on Quantitative Economics (RSQE) has advised state officials and the Governor on projected revenue numbers due to the COVID-19 economic crisis. (Note: Formal revenue projections will be delivered on May 15^th. )

Written by Deborah E. Mikula, MLA Executive Director

Letter From Debbie

Match 24, 2022

A close friend and colleague often tells me, “Your passion is showing!” And indeed, it does! When you love what you do and find excitement and inspiration in every nuance and challenge, you become what another former colleague at Project for Public Spaces calls “Zealous Nuts” or better yet, what Dale Carnegie labels as “Flaming Enthusiasm.” For 45 years, I’ve been able to work in the nonprofit cultural sector, and never once have I considered doing anything else.

Written by Deborah E. Mikula, MLA Executive Director

Letter From Debbie

For the past month, I have been thinking of (and documenting) all the wonderful accomplishments of MLA. The last few years have been extraordinary as evidenced by the increases in our advocacy efforts, our membership numbers and engagement, and attendance at our professional development activities. We have seen huge growth in meeting our mission and I am so proud to see the changes that make our association so strong and credible.

As we begin the process of orienting, inducting and engaging newly elected board members and officers on July 1 (see election results below), we are excited to include their input, wisdom, time and energy, as we continue to move MLA forward.

Take Action for Libraries Today - Reach out to Your Legislators

April 23, 2020

MLA continues to reach out to all of our Senators and House members to remind them of the importance of libraries throughout Michigan. We encourage you to reach out to them as well and make sure that in these difficult times that they are hearing from you too. Since we cannot visit with them in person or invite them to hold their coffee hours at our libraries right now, we suggest you email them and let them know what you are doing, even with the physical doors closed. You can find their contact information by inputting your address at the following websites: Find your Representative | Find your Senator

Our state legislators need to know that access to digital resources, delivered by our libraries, has become critically important to our citizens in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Libraries have stepped up to successfully deliver these resources to our communities.

Call to Action From ALA - Urge Your U.S. Representatives to Support Emergency Funding for Libraries

April 15, 2020

On behalf of American Library Association, MLA is asking you to please reach out to your federal house members to let them know what you anticipate for future needs. The next federal stimulus package is being developed as we speak, and Michigan Congressman Andy Levin is once again standing strong and leading the effort for libraries.

Reps. Andy Levin (D-MI), Don Young (R-AK), and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) are circulating a Dear Colleague letter calling for $2 billion in emergency funding for libraries through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The letter will be delivered to the House soon and we need more of our Michigan Representatives to sign on.

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