Note From Dillon

As this year draws to a close, many of us consider the meaningful ways we can give back. This year, we invite you to consider how you can make an impact in the lives of library staff, patrons, and communities with a year-end contribution to the Michigan Library Association. At MLA, we believe in advancing the library profession through advocacy, professional development, and engagement. Every tax-deductible donation empowers us to continue carrying out that important work for Michigan libraries.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse: Library Leadership in Action: What’s Shaping Michigan Libraries.

In this episode, host Dillon Geshel is joined by Jenny Marr, Executive Director of the Capital Area District Libraries and current MLA Board President, along with Steven Bowers, Executive Director of The Library Network and immediate past chair of the Library Cooperatives of Michigan. Together, they explore how Michigan’s libraries continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities. Jenny and Steven share their early paths into library work, discuss emerging trends in services and programming, and highlight the vital role libraries play in championing intellectual freedom and community engagement. The conversation also examines the sector’s biggest challenges—from staff recruitment and retention to rising censorship efforts—and how library leaders are adapting to support diverse access, inclusion, and a thriving public library ecosystem.

Federal Budget Update

On the evening of Wednesday, November 12, the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history came to an end. Largely along party lines, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, a temporary funding measure that reopens and funds government operations through January 30, 2026.

Note From Erin

Erin Schmandt, Chair, MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee

MLA is based on the strength of its members. The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee cultivates leadership potential within MLA membership to maintain strong and effective governance and solicits and evaluates nominations of candidates for service on the MLA Board of Directors. We are tasked with seeking candidates to serve on the board and as officers. We often struggle with getting multiple candidates for the same role since librarians do not like to run against one another (we are nice and collegial, as a whole) and no one likes to lose. The membership would really like to see choices on the ballot though.

Celebrate Michigan Library Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, in October 2025, we celebrate Michigan Library Appreciation Month and MI Right to Read Week, observed October 5-11, with the theme “Find out”—reminding us that libraries are places where curiosity is welcomed, discovery encouraged, and the right to read—and to find out—is protected;

It’s officially Michigan Library Appreciation Month! Help us celebrate Michigan’s excellent libraries and amazing library staff all October long! Follow us on social media, share our posts, and join the fun as we share interactive questions and photo prompts like:

Michigan Libraries Secured Key Funding in FY2026 Budget—Please Take Five Minutes to Thank Your Legislators!

On Tuesday, October 7, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan's FY2026 budget into law. Thanks to your outreach, education, and advocacy, Michigan libraries secured several key funding wins: