ALA Releases 2023 Censorship Data, Reports Record Number of Unique Book Titles Challenged in 2023

The surge in book censorship and the number of titles targeted for censorship during 2023 reached unprecedented levels. According to the American Library Association (ALA), there was a 65 percent increase in the number of titles targeted for censorship compared to the previous year. In 2023, 4,240 unique book titles were subject to censorship efforts, surpassing the previous high of 2,571 titles in 2022.

Note From Debbie

March 28, 2024

How do you show your community your value and importance? How do you know your local libraries have impact? How do you document the economic benefits, the educational benefits, the social benefits and the health and well-being benefits that your library contributes into making your community the thriving and dynamic places that they are? 

As Kate Pohjola Andrade from the Woodlands Library Cooperative stated at our most recent Advocacy Hour, collecting appropriate data is the key to knowing the answer to any of these questions – from a national, statewide or local perspective. 

Local Library Funding From Voter-Approved Millages Facing Opposition

What Would Happen if Libraries Were No Longer Funded by Property Taxes?

A small group in Michigan is questioning if property taxes should be eliminated by changing the Michigan Constitution and is actively working to get this question onto the November ballot. Over 446,000 valid voter signatures are needed by July 8, 2024, to make this a reality. And then it would be left to the voters.

Say Yes to Getting Involved With MLA! The 2023-2024 Call for Ambassadors is Open

The Call for Ambassador online signup for 2024-2025 workgroups and committees is now open! Applications are accepted through April 26, 2024. Learn more and apply at milibraries.org/get-involved.

We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community, develop your leadership skills, grow your network, and represent MLA. We hope you say YES! If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you!

Governor Whitmer Proposes No Increase to State Aid to Libraries in FY25 Budget

As we have experienced for 8 years of the Snyder Administration and the 6th year of Governor Whitmer’s administration, the FY25 State Aid to Libraries budget remains flat. We also saw no increases for Library of Michigan programs/staff. (Link to the full GF budget below – Library of Michigan budget is on page 76.)

More Ways to Support Libraries and the Freedom to Read

We need your help to spread the message for Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Order shirts to wear on April 16th and/or record a 30-second clip asking your legislator to support intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights by supporting the Freedom to Read Legislation.