Note From Dillon

In recent years, libraries in Michigan and across the country have found themselves at the center of conversations around intellectual freedom and information access. For MLA, much of our work since 2021 has been focused around these discussions and engagement with libraries, stakeholders, and Michiganders about constitutionally protected freedoms. Our MI Right to Read coalition was founded to provide support to libraries facing book bans, to equip advocates with the tools they need to fight back, and to educate Michiganders on the importance of the right to read. Our experiences here in Michigan mirror much of what we’ve seen in other parts of the country and point to a sustained attack on the First Amendment and civil rights laws long championed by our libraries, communities, and courts.

Note From Dillon: Election Date Bills and Potential Impacts for Michigan Libraries

This month, both the House and Senate introduced separate bill packages that would reshape election dates in Michigan. While the packages differ in their intent and scope, the House bills would limit the ability of public libraries and municipalities to request property tax millage renewals or increases. Alternatively, the Senate bill focuses on shifting when elections occur rather than restricting which elections local units can access for funding requests.

Take Action! Help Secure Federal Funding for Libraries in FY 2027

The federal budget process is underway, and early advocacy is already shaping congressional priorities. One of the first opportunities to demonstrate support comes through “Dear Appropriator” letters—requests from members of Congress to the Appropriations Committees, signed by multiple lawmakers, urging strong federal funding for specific programs. According to the American Library Association (ALA), library champions in the House have exceeded last year’s number of signatures on the letter supporting the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)—an encouraging sign of momentum for libraries.

MLA 2026 Board Election

The MLA Board election will open on Tuesday, March 31, and close on Monday, April 20, at midnight. This year, MLA members will vote for an MLA President-elect and four Member-at-Large Board positions for terms beginning in July 2026 and ending in June 2029. Election results will be announced in MLA’s Primary Source newsletter on Thursday, April 23. 

Meet the candidates and cast your vote! Voting will close on Monday, April 20, at 11:59 PM.

CAST YOUR VOTE:
MLA Board of Directors Election 2026 Ballot

Please note:

• You will need to log in to access the ballot. Forgot your password? You can request a password reset by visiting the following link and inputting your primary email address. Forgot your password?

• According to MLA Bylaws, Organizational Members, Affiliated Individual Members, Unaffiliated Library Directors, Affiliated Trustee Members, Retirees, Lifetime Members, and Students shall be entitled to vote in all matters submitted to a vote of the Members.

• The ballot form can only be submitted once, so please review your options carefully before hitting submit.

• When voting for Member-at-Large board positions, please select a maximum of four candidates. If you wish to select less than four, please also select the checkbox next to "No Additional Votes". Ballots with more than four candidates selected will be considered void and not counted.

Questions? Contact MLA Executive Director Dillon Geshel at (517) 881-1266 or [email protected].

Get Involved! Answer the MLA Call for Ambassadors

The Call for Ambassadors for 2026-2027 workgroups and committees is open! Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your network, and represent MLA. If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you!

Announcing MLA's New Executive Director, Dillon Geshel!

The Michigan Library Association Board of Directors is happy to announce the appointment of Dillon Geshel as the association's new Executive Director. Following a comprehensive executive search and selection process, Geshel, who has served as MLA’s Interim Executive Director since May 2025, will continue leading the association and advancing its mission to support libraries and library professionals across Michigan.