Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Signs Narcan Bills Into Law

June 27, 2019

On Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 1:41 p.m. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Narcan bill package into law, with immediate effect. These bills will provide liability protection for libraries when providing the life-saving opioid antidote naloxone, common brand name Narcan, to an overdosing patron. This is a huge victory for our libraries and librarians.

President's Update - June 13, 2019

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" - Charles Dickens

It is hard to believe that another fiscal year is coming to an end for the Michigan Library Association. What a year it has been. Whew!

Here is a very quick look at the year in review:

From the Associate Director's Desk - June 13, 2019

MLA has completed another successful programming year. We have placed more than one hundred eager volunteers and will begin our 2019-2020 committees and work groups this summer. We heartily thank those that served MLA this past year for their time and effort.

We had some wonderful networking, and idea development come out of the groups this year. If you or someone you know want to participate in helping develop programming, gain opportunities to exchange ideas with other libraries and library types, develop professionally, add to your resume - you name the reason - it isn't too late. Feel free to email Amber Sheerin at [email protected].

Updates From the MLA Academic Libraries Interest Group

While the academic year and the students it brings to our campus are the primary purpose our university library and others exist, the summer semester also provides an important contrast to the rest of the year. Summer semester, with its alternative class schedule and fewer students, creates a new rhythm for the library and allows us both collectively and individually to reset and prepare for the upcoming year. It's a gift and one that should be used wisely. Here are a few ways we plan to do so.

From the Associate Director's Desk - May 30, 2019

As the school year winds down (depending on how much snow your area got) and before summer reading explodes, 36 library staff will take time to attend MLA's last spring workshop. Executive Summit 2019 takes place tomorrow at the Library of Michigan and focuses on staff transition plans and finding top talent. We are so pleased to end our workshop year with another opportunity for librarians and library staff to engage with one another on important issues that impact the work they do.

MLA Advocacy - May 23, 2019

Senate Passes Narcan Bills

Senate Bills 200, 282 and 283 passed unanimously in the Senate Wednesday morning. These bills are tie-barred to House Bill 4367, which would provide liability protection for libraries when providing the life-saving opioid antidote naloxone, common brand name Narcan, to an overdosing patron. In March, the Michigan House of Representatives passed HB 4366 and 4367 on a 106 to 0 vote. These original bills were amended by senators to expand the reach to limit liability for additional municipalities and entities along with libraries.