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Throughout the day, library advocates engaged in meetings with 80 of our 113 House Members and 34 of the 38 Senate Members, passionately advocating for library services and funding. The event also featured 11 bookmobiles and a book bike, providing both advocates and legislators an opportunity to explore these mobile libraries.

An event photo album will be available in the coming weeks. If you captured a memorable moment, consider sharing it with MLA for future communications by emailing it to [email protected].

Watch the Morning Speakers

We lined up incredible guest speakers during Michigan Library Advocacy Day. If you missed any, check out the recording of the morning speakers, share it with colleagues, get inspired, and don’t forget you can still take action to support Michigan libraries and the Freedom to Read!

  • Jon Martin, Program Manager - Chapter Relations, American Library Association [00:00:34]
  • Andie Poole, Partner, Martin Waymire [00:10:40]
  • Kristin Fontichiaro, Professor, University of Michigan School of Information [00:25:40]
  • Loren Khogali, Executive Director, ACLU of Michigan [00:37:57]
  • Lynne Pierce, President, Grosse Pointe League of Women Voters [00:55:05]
  • Dr. Michael Rice, State Superintendent, Michigan Department of Education [01:07:55]
  • Sonja Dunlap, Girl Scout Gold Award Candidate, Oscar A. Carlson High School, Gibraltar, Michigan [01:28:55]

Thank you to Advocacy Day Sponsors and Partners!

Choose Lansing logo EBSCO logo Gale logo PFM logoAmerican Library Association Detroit Public Library EveryLibrary Friends of Michigan Libraries Lakeland Library Cooperative Library Cooperatives of Michigan The Library NetworkMichigan Academic Library AssociationMichigan Association of School LibrariansMidwest Collaborative for Library Services Overdrive logo Suburban Library CooperativeWhite Pine Library CooperativeWoodlands Library Cooperative

Take Action for Michigan Libraries

If you couldn’t make it to Lansing in person, we still need your help to amplify our message: Strong Libraries = A Stronger Michigan.

Contact your legislators TODAY and tell them that Michigan libraries need their support! Ask them to support increased and secured funding for State Aid and capital improvements and urge them to protect the freedom to read.

We've made it easy to take action. Just click the button, enter your contact information to connect to your State legislators, customize your email, and send!!

Make sure you edit our prewritten template before you hit send! Add details about:

  • how your library’s services have impacted you and/or your community;
  • how State Aid is used at your library and how increased funds would enhance your ability to serve your community;
  • capital improvements your library needs;
  • or add any stories or information about the importance of the freedom to read.

If your legislator's office responds, make sure you follow up with any information requested! Offer yourself/your organization or MLA as a resource for finding solutions.

TAKE ACTION!
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

Share our Freedom to Read Video

Click the image to view MLA's video emphasizing the critical role of libraries in providing access to diverse perspectives, safeguarding intellectual freedom and protecting the Freedom to Read. Help us advocate for Michigan libraries and protecting everyone’s First Amendment rights.

Be it Resolved...Michigan Librarian and Library Worker Day

Thank you so much, Representative Veronica Paiz, for introducing and getting this resolution passed in 2024. Read the resolution: House Resolution 222 of 2024.