Note From Debbie

October 24, 2024

I would like to say that now that the MLA Annual Conference is over, the MLA staff can slow down and get back to our daily routine, but truthfully, I don’t think there is a daily routine any longer. The fall and winter are just as busy with Think Space, the legislative lame-duck session, audit prep, annual report writing, preparing for Spring Institute and Advocacy Day in the spring, recording our first podcast, and already meeting to plan next year’s annual conference. We are back to work, a little tired, but planning, preparing, producing and always thinking ahead to what else we might work on that is of benefit to our members.  

And, of course, this fall there is also an election to take into account in just under two weeks which will affect and provide the foundation for MLA’s advocacy work over the course of the next couple of years.

Chapter and Verse: Storytime from the Stacks Podcast Debuts November 14

Our first episode of Chapter and Verse: Storytime from the Stacks debuts November 14, 2024 and will be hosted by the Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative and feature Ryan Tackabury, Director of the Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library in Imlay City.

Ryan Tackabury first started working in his school library while in High School, and then never left the profession. After nearly twenty years of experience serving Genesee County library patrons in various roles including as a Digital Services Librarian (yes, he can help you recover your email password, and he is happy to do it!), he remains excited about public service. Ryan now serves as the Director of the Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library, working alongside a talented and passionate staff. Ryan resides in Flint's historic Carriage Town neighborhood with his wife, a fellow librarian, their two book-loving children, and a book-indifferent Pug. When he's not talking up the library's value or spending time with his kids, Ryan is often found trying to convince friends to play ever more complex board games.

MLA Strategic Planning Member Survey

This fall, MLA is working with Alliance for Library Impact to develop a new strategic direction and 3-year plan for our work to educate, advocate, and engage libraries and library workers throughout Michigan.

We need to hear from you! Please take a moment to let us know how we might better serve you in the future by sharing your input. The survey should only take 10-15 minutes and will be open until Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!

Take the Survey

Let’s Go! October is Michigan Library Appreciation Month

It’s Michigan Library Appreciation Month, let’s celebrate! All October, we are excited to honor Michigan libraries and library staff, emphasizing the theme “Let’s Go!”!

Libraries inspire us to go explore, go learn, and go connect with our communities. Join us in celebrating Michigan Library Appreciation Month and help us showcase the profound impact libraries have on the lives of Michiganders.

Call for Nominations for 2025 MLA Board Election Now Open

The Call for Nominations for candidates for the 2025 Board of Directors opens today! The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) will be seeking nominations/self-nominations for four member-at-large directors as well as the President-elect position, with terms beginning in July 2025 and ending in June 2028.

Do you know someone who would be a great addition to the MLA Board of Directors? Submit a nomination! We also encourage you to self-nominate if you are interested in serving on the MLA Board. 

The submission deadline is 5:00 PM on Monday, November 1, 2024. Submit a nomination by clicking the link below. For any questions please contact Debbie Mikula, Executive Director at [email protected]

More information about qualifications and criteria is linked below:

Learn more about MLA Officer Positions (pdf)

Learn more about Board Member Responsibilities (pdf)

Submit a nomination

MLA Statements of Principle

For the past year, MLA’s Intellectual Freedom Task Force has been focused on refining our commitment to censorship challenges in our public libraries. We have found that we needed talking points to counter questions and concerns about age appropriateness and about rating and labeling systems. Over the course of the past two months, the task force, the Advocacy and Legislative Committee and the MLA Board have been workshopping these statements of principle that outline our stance when it comes to these challenges. These are statements that have been molded and shaped into shared messaging that reinforces our library values of protecting intellectual freedom for every citizen of Michigan.

Statement of Principle on Book Rating Systems and Labelling in Public Libraries (pdf)

Statement of Principle on Age Appropriateness and Placement of Materials in Public Libraries (pdf)