Michigan Library Association’s MI Right to Read Awarded $600,000 Grant by Mellon Foundation

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce that the Mellon Foundation has awarded MLA a $600,000 grant to support the MI Right to Read initiative. For the past year, MLA has worked to secure this pivotal funding to strengthen and expand MI Right to Read and its work promoting intellectual freedom and championing the free flow of information. This recognition from the Mellon Foundation underscores the initiative’s significant impact on libraries, library professionals, and communities across the state.

MLA 2025 Board Election Results

The votes are in! MLA held elections from March 31– April 21. This year MLA members voted for an MLA President-elect and four Member-at-Large Board positions.

One of the benefits and responsibilities of membership is the opportunity to vote for the leadership of the association. Thank you to all MLA members who voted.

And, many thanks to all the candidates for demonstrating leadership by agreeing to run. Our new Directors will serve for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028.

Meet MLA's new Directors!

MLA Board Leadership Update: Jenny Marr Assumes Role as President

With Dillon Geshel’s recent resignation from the MLA Board to take on the role of Interim Executive Director, the MLA Board of Directors has unanimously approved Jenny Marr’s transition into the role of President ahead of schedule. Marr, who previously served as President-Elect, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing MLA’s mission during this time of transition.

ALA State of America's Libraries Report 2025

During National Library Week on April 7, the American Library Association (ALA) released its annual snapshot of library trends.

Read about the issues impacting libraries and find out which books made the Top Ten Most Challenged Books list in the State of America’s Libraries 2025 Report.

Note From Debbie

April 24, 2025

For the past year, MLA has been figuratively putting together one of those 1500-piece jigsaw puzzles - you know the ones - they take precious space on the table (or in this case, mind) for far too long. The pieces are dumped out of the box and spread across the table (always a bit intimidating, but I do like a challenge). Then one by one, the pieces are turned over, the straight pieces identified, the corners put into place, and the border connected. The simpler design elements get assembled first and placed in the interior of the puzzle, where we think they belong. And then the hard part begins, through trial and error, trying different pieces in different places, exploring different solutions, and adjusting the approach (perhaps by color, perhaps by area, perhaps by shape). With patience and persistence (just like in real life when we need to tackle challenging situations), the last puzzle piece is ceremoniously placed.

Michigan Library Advocacy Day will Focus on Advocating for MeL Funding

On Wednesday, April 30, library supporters from all over Michigan will gather at the Capitol in Lansing to meet with legislators to advocate for all Michigan libraries and shine a light on the incredible impact libraries make on our communities! Our ASK of Michigan Legislators: Fund MeL, the Library of Michigan’s interlibrary loan program, and other statewide initiatives at $6.74 million in FY 2026, increasing the state’s investment by $5 million.

Review our MeL Fact Sheet and talking points here (pdf)