MLA Connect Between Two Bookcases: With MLA 2020 Conference Chair Kevin King

Check out the latest MLA Connect: Between Two Bookcases, with MLA Membership and Communications Director Rachel Ash and Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin, and our special guest, MLA's 2020 Virtual Conference Chair, Kevin King.

Listen to the full interview here:

Letter from Debbie

October 22, 2020

Even in a global pandemic, working remotely, MLA’s staff and board continue our 129-year legacy of helping libraries and library professionals succeed all across Michigan. Our upcoming virtual annual conference, “Charting a New Course, Together,” will continue our mission to lead the advancement of all libraries through advocacy, education and engagement. This event is always a culmination of the work we do together – our staff, our board, our work groups, and our membership.

With over 700 individuals registered it will be fun to “see” such a large cross-sector of our membership with such varied perspectives of the library profession at this event. Having different perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world. And, I believe that real change occurs when we work together. When our public, academic, school and special libraries work together, we experience a greater impact on the lives of those we serve and in the communities where we reside, and we move the needle on issues that affect us all.

MLA Awarded $40,000 for a Services to the Field Grant from MCACA

October 15, 2020

We are very proud to announce that MLA has been awarded $40,000 for a Services to the Field grant through the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA).

On October 15, MCACA announced FY21 operational, programmatic and special grant awardees. Funds totaling $9 million were awarded to 470 applications with 58 counties in Michigan represented. View grant recipients by program or county:

• FY21 Grant Awards by Program

• FY21 Grant Awards by County

Since 1966, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has recognized the value and importance of a vibrant arts and cultural sector. From historic monuments and museums to traditional practices and contemporary arts, the Council is dedicated to ensuring that every citizen and community in Michigan enjoys the civic, economic and educational benefits of arts and culture. And libraries are not being overlooked! Congratulations to all of the grant recipients!

Amendments to Open Meetings Act Pass Senate and House, Head to Governor's Desk

October 14, 2020

Late yesterday afternoon, the Michigan House of Representatives passed SB 1108, allowing local governments (including libraries) to continue to meet electronically, under specific circumstances and for a limited period, protecting the safety of the public and public officials while ensuring public participation and transparency for meetings. Late yesterday evening, the Michigan Senate took up a concurrence vote to support it moving immediately to Governor Whitmer’s desk for signature.

MIOSHA Issues COVID-19 Emergency Rules

October 14, 2020

This afternoon, as part of the continuing effort to mitigate the effects of the court ruling that in essence dismantled all of Governor Whitmer's Executive Orders, the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration (MIOSHA) issued an emergency rule set on COVID-19. In addition to many rules applying to all businesses covered by the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Act, the emergency rules also implement rules for certain categories of businesses, including: Retail, Libraries, and Museums in Rule 9, Section 3.

MDHHS Director Issues Emergency Orders Continuing COVID-19 Safety Measures

UPDATED October 9, 2020

On October 9, Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated the emergency order issued on October 5, for "Gathering Prohibition and Face Coverings." This order is effective immediately and remains in effect through October 30, 2020.

The Emergency Order under MCL 333.2253 restricts gathering sizes and requires face coverings in public spaces. Under MCL 333.2253, if the MDHHS director determines that control of an epidemic is necessary to protect the public health, the director by emergency order may prohibit the gathering of people for any purpose and may establish procedures to be followed during the epidemic to ensure the continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws.