FY 2027 State Budget Includes Increased Investment in Michigan Libraries

The Michigan Legislature officially approved the FY 2027 state budget on Friday, July 3, following a nearly 24-hour legislative session that extended through the night as lawmakers worked to complete the budget before the July Fourth holiday weekend. On July 21, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the budget into law.

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Nominations for the 2026 Michigan Library Awards Due July 31

We’ve extended the deadline! There’s still time to shine a spotlight on the outstanding people and libraries making a difference across Michigan. MLA Award nominations are now due Friday, July 31!

Tell Your Federal Legislators: Reject Censorship. Protect the Freedom to Read.

The American Library Association (ALA) has issued a call to action opposing dangerous censorship bills introduced in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, and your voice is needed to help stop them before they gain momentum. ALA is urging library supporters to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators and ask them to reject the bills. MLA encourages our members to join this effort and take action to protect the freedom to read.

Federal Library Funding Update: Current Status and Next Steps

In April, the White House FY27 budget proposal once again recommended eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), including only $6 million to shut down the agency. While concerning, this reflects the early stage of the federal budget process and does not determine final funding levels. Congress has repeatedly rejected similar proposals, and in FY26, maintained and modestly increased federal library funding.

House Property Tax Overhaul Threatens Local Library Funding

Last month, a bill package was introduced in Michigan’s House of Representatives that seeks to eliminate certain property taxes and limit future property tax growth across the state. The Michigan Library Association stands in opposition to several of the bills – House Bills (HB) 5872, 5878, and 5880 – as they raise significant concerns by reducing local revenue streams that support public libraries and increasing certain administrative costs for libraries. MLA recognizes that thoughtful property tax relief deserves real consideration, but these bills would reduce local revenue for public services without providing reliable replacement funding for libraries.

Note From Dillon

Summer has arrived in Michigan, and with it comes a familiar busy season for libraries across the state. I’ve enjoyed hearing about the launch of so many wonderful summer reading programs at your libraries, and it’s a meaningful reminder that the hard work of public libraries never stops. There is a sense when summer arrives that time slows down, but library professionals know it marks the beginning of some of the year’s most exciting and impactful work.

For MLA, the summer season offers an opportunity to reflect on our work during the first half of the year while looking ahead to what’s next. Whether we are advocating for library funding, supporting intellectual freedom, or preparing for upcoming events, our focus remains the same: making sure your libraries have the resources and support they need to serve your communities.