Michigan Library Association

Note From Debbie

March 28, 2024

How do you show your community your value and importance? How do you know your local libraries have impact? How do you document the economic benefits, the educational benefits, the social benefits and the health and well-being benefits that your library contributes into making your community the thriving and dynamic places that they are?

As Kate Pohjola Andrade from the Woodlands Library Cooperative stated at our most recent Advocacy Hour, collecting appropriate data is the key to knowing the answer to any of these questions – from a national, statewide or local perspective.

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.)

Wednesday, September 30, 2020 12:00 AM
MLA Connect Webinar: Findings and Resources From the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project Wednesday, September 30, 2020 1:00 – 2:00 pm As libraries across the country begin to resume operations and reopen to the public, the need for clear information to support the handling of core museum, library, and archival materials has become increasingly urgent. Through the REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project, OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle are conducting research on how long the COVID-19 virus survives on materials that are prevalent in libraries, archives, and museums. Join this session to learn more about the testing process and results, how project resources can inform your local decisions, and what you can expect from the project in the months to come.
View Webinar Recording

Say Yes to Getting Involved With MLA! The 2023-2024 Call for Ambassadors is Open

The Call for Ambassador online signup for 2024-2025 workgroups and committees is now open! Applications are accepted through April 26, 2024. Learn more and apply at milibraries.org/get-involved.

We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your network, and represent MLA. We hope you say YES! If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you!

Local Library Funding From Voter-Approved Millages Facing Opposition

What Would Happen if Libraries Were No Longer Funded by Property Taxes?

A small group in Michigan is questioning if property taxes should be eliminated by changing the Michigan Constitution and is actively working to get this question onto the November ballot. Over 446,000 valid voter signatures are needed by July 8, 2024, to make this a reality. And then it would be left to the voters.

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