Michigan Budget Process Advances Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

State officials finalized key revenue projections last Friday during Michigan’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC), a critical step in shaping the next fiscal year’s budget. CREC typically sets the foundation for the governor’s budget proposal in January and updates figures in May ahead of final legislative negotiations. A bipartisan panel, led by top legislative fiscal advisors and the State Budget Director, revised January’s economic forecasts, projecting that revenue will be down by $320 million for the upcoming fiscal year amid warnings of uncertainty tied to potential federal tariff disputes and spending debates. While overall state revenues are expected to dip, the School Aid Fund will likely see a modest boost.

Michigan Library Advocates Shine at the Capitol!

On Wednesday, April 30, more than 150 passionate library supporters from across Michigan gathered at the Capitol in Lansing to advocate for Michigan libraries. Together, we met with an impressive 105 of Michigan’s 148 state legislators—including Senators and Representatives—to share stories of libraries’ transformative impact and advocate for critical funding to sustain and grow essential services statewide. We also welcomed Bookmobiles from libraries across Michigan to line Capitol Ave, inviting exploration and showcasing mobile library services.

Dillon Geshel Named Interim Executive Director

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dillon Geshel as the association’s interim executive director, effective May 19, 2025. Geshel, who has served MLA in multiple leadership roles, was selected by the Board following a deliberate and unanimous decision to ensure a seamless transition as current Executive Director Debbie Mikula prepares for her well-earned retirement in July.

"Dillon’s deep institutional knowledge, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to Michigan’s libraries made him the clear choice to lead MLA during this pivotal time," said Jenny Marr, MLA President. "After careful consideration, the Board determined that his leadership, combined with his hands-on experience guiding MLA’s key initiatives, positions him perfectly to advance our mission. We’re thrilled to see him step into this role and continue driving MLA’s momentum forward." 

Michigan Library Association’s MI Right to Read Awarded $600,000 Grant by Mellon Foundation

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce that the Mellon Foundation has awarded MLA a $600,000 grant to support the MI Right to Read initiative. For the past year, MLA has worked to secure this pivotal funding to strengthen and expand MI Right to Read and its work promoting intellectual freedom and championing the free flow of information. This recognition from the Mellon Foundation underscores the initiative’s significant impact on libraries, library professionals, and communities across the state.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, From Shelves to Support: Evolving the Library Experience. In this episode, hosts Debbie Mikula and Andrea Estelle sit down with Sarah Skinner, director of the Bridgman Public Library in Bridgman, Michigan. Sarah reflects on her path to library leadership, sharing key moments that shaped her career and community impact. She highlights standout initiatives like Project Connect and discusses the evolving role of libraries as vital hubs for connection, support, and access to essential services. The conversation also touches on the challenges libraries face today, including funding concerns and the ongoing push to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

ALA State of America's Libraries Report 2025

During National Library Week on April 7, the American Library Association (ALA) released its annual snapshot of library trends.

Read about the issues impacting libraries and find out which books made the Top Ten Most Challenged Books list in the State of America’s Libraries 2025 Report.