MLA News | Michigan Library Association
News - MLA
Thursday, May 22, 2025 12:00 AM

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, Creating Safe Spaces: Outreach Inclusion and the Modern Library. In this episode, hosts Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of MLA, and Mallorie DeVilbiss, Director of the Suburban Library Cooperative, talk with Olivia Olson, Head of Community Engagement at the Troy Public Library.

Olivia reflects on her early love of libraries and the path that led her into library work. She shares how the community engagement department came to life and how programs like the bookmobile and the English Language Learners Book Club are expanding the library’s reach.

From serving diverse communities to creating safe, welcoming spaces, Olivia offers insight into the evolving role of libraries and the powerful connections they foster. Her stories of working with patrons and her vision for the future remind us why libraries remain essential pillars of community life.

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News - MLA
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 12:00 AM

MLA 2025 Ambassador Orientation

MLA Ambassadors: watch your email! You will receive workgroup and committee placement and orientation information soon!

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News - MLA
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 12:00 AM

Note From Debbie

May 22, 2025

A longtime and well-respected member of MLA came up to me at Advocacy Day while I was grabbing a cup of coffee.  While I don’t remember her exact words, the sentiment went something like this…”You have done great things for MLA, and while we will miss you, I want you to know that you have set this organization up for success. You have instituted a succession plan for leadership that will guide us well into the future.  I’ve been around a long time, and I don’t recall anyone doing this for MLA in the past. You have shown your professionalism and how much you care, from the start of your tenure to the very last day.” 

Thank you, Julie Farkas, for your kind words and for validating the work that goes into the forward momentum of MLA. It is always good to hear that our members truly support and know the hard work to solidify the decisions we make.

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News - Advocacy
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 12:00 AM

Michigan Budget Process Advances Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

State officials finalized key revenue projections last Friday during Michigan’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC), a critical step in shaping the next fiscal year’s budget. CREC typically sets the foundation for the governor’s budget proposal in January and updates figures in May ahead of final legislative negotiations. A bipartisan panel, led by top legislative fiscal advisors and the State Budget Director, revised January’s economic forecasts, projecting that revenue will be down by $320 million for the upcoming fiscal year amid warnings of uncertainty tied to potential federal tariff disputes and spending debates. While overall state revenues are expected to dip, the School Aid Fund will likely see a modest boost.

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News - Advocacy
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 12:00 AM

Michigan Library Advocates Shine at the Capitol!

On Wednesday, April 30, more than 150 passionate library supporters from across Michigan gathered at the Capitol in Lansing to advocate for Michigan libraries. Together, we met with an impressive 105 of Michigan’s 148 state legislators—including Senators and Representatives—to share stories of libraries’ transformative impact and advocate for critical funding to sustain and grow essential services statewide. We also welcomed Bookmobiles from libraries across Michigan to line Capitol Ave, inviting exploration and showcasing mobile library services.

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News - Advocacy
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 12:00 AM

IMLS Update: Current Status and Next Steps

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has seen partial restoration of operations following a federal court ruling in Rhode Island v. Trump. On May 13, Judge John J. McConnell Jr. issued a preliminary injunction halting the administration’s efforts to dismantle IMLS under Executive Order 14238, which had terminated staff and grants in March. The court mandated the reinstatement of employees and grant programs, prompting the administration to report progress by May 20, including the return of staff members and the restoration of competitive grants in the 21 plaintiff states.

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News - Advocacy
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 12:00 AM

Updates on the Next Chapter of MLA's MI Right to Read Initiative

We have been getting to work putting our Mellon Foundation grant to good use and expanding Mi Right to Read already! MLA recently contracted with EPIC-MRA in Lansing to conduct a new statistically significant poll of Michigander’s opinions on their libraries and the right to read. Once those results are analyzed in the next month, our work on a 6-month statewide marketing campaign will begin in partnership with Bellwether Public Relations.

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