GCSI Redistricting Analysis

In late December, the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission completed their work and voted to adopt new district lines for Michigan’s Congressional, State Senate, and State House. These districts are a dramatic departure from the current seats and will change the landscape for the 2022 election.

Open Meetings Act Changes for Libraries Introduced in the Michigan House as HB5689

Allowing library boards to meet remotely has taken on a new purpose with increased engagement/attendance of the public in remote meetings, and recognizing the extreme geographic distances traveled by many board members to participate at in-person meetings. 

The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to inform you that yesterday, Representative John Damoose (District 107) has introduced House Bill 5689 which will update Section 3a (MCL 15.263a) as amended by 2021 PA 54 of the Open Meetings Act to allow cooperative library boards and local library boards to meet virtually if they choose.  The bill was referred to the Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee.

MDHHS COVID Test Pilot Program

On January 14, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced a pilot program in partnership with 18 libraries across the state to offer free, at-home testing kits for Michiganders.

Why Libraries? MDHHS was thinking outside the box to find community organizations that people trust to give them access to the kits besides health care agencies. Other partners of MDHHS include schools, community action agencies, local Departments of Health.

The initial distribution of COVID-19 tests to select library branches will inform MDHHS’ approach to formalizing and sustaining the program in partnership with Michigan libraries. After this first phase/trial, MDHHS will consider input from the participating libraries and add additional sites based on the availability of test kits.

MLA Connect Advocacy Hour: Penal Fines, Civil Fines and Library Funding

SPECIAL DAY AND TIME! Friday, January 21, 2022
3:30 - 4:30 PM

Join us for a special Friday afternoon edition of our MLA Connect Advocacy Hour! On Friday, January 21 at 3:30 PM, we will welcome Michigan State Senator Ed McBroom and MLA Lobbyist Bob Devries for a discussion on the difference between penal fines and civil fines, and the ripple effects on library funding as a result of criminal justice reform. Join us to learn more about civil fines and penal fines, how these fines fund libraries, and the laws that surround them. 

Senator McBroom represents Michigan’s 38th Senate District, located in the Upper Peninsula, and Chairs the Senate Natural Resources and Oversight Committees.

MLA Connect Advocacy Hour: Intellectual Freedom

Thursday, December 16, 2021
10:00 - 11:00 AM

MLA’s new Advocacy Hour Conversations are an opportunity for the library community to learn more about MLA's advocacy and legislative priorities including funding, elections, property taxes, literacy, internet access, privacy, intellectual freedom and more. Each month, we will address a new topic and share any pending legislation introduced in the House or Senate that could impact the Michigan library community. Open discussion and Q & A will follow this interview-style agenda.

On Thursday, December 16, join Lance Werner, Director of the Kent District Library, and Amber McLain, Director of the Patmos Library, as they talk about intellectual freedom rights, share personal experiences, and open a conversation about book challenges, censorship, upholding rights to privacy, library audits, and MLA’s statement of principle. 

How Libraries Can Help You Celebrate the Holidays

December 3, 2021

The holiday season is finally here! Looking for a way to jazz up your family traditions or looking to create new ones? Your local library can help you do just that

There are so many ways your library can help you celebrate!