Michigan Library Association

06/26/2026

Did you know?

It's easy to think school libraries and public libraries do the same thing—they both inspire a love of reading and learning. While they share many values, each has a distinct role.

School libraries partner with educators to support classroom instruction and help students build the knowledge, critical thinking, and information literacy skills they need to succeed in school—and beyond. School library staff are often instructors as well, teaching information literacy directly to students while fostering independent reading.

As students continue their education in college, academic libraries expand this support by providing access to specialized research resources, scholarly collections, and services that advance teaching, learning, workforce readiness, and faculty research. Librarians in academic libraries are often faculty members, teaching information literacy courses, engaging in student research assistance as subject matter experts, and conducting their own research and writing for professional publications.

Public libraries serve their entire community, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. They offer books, technology, lifelong learning opportunities, workforce and small business resources, early literacy support, creative programming, and spaces to connect, explore, and grow. Public libraries often partner with local schools and school libraries, but their mission is to serve the diverse needs and interests of everyone in their community.

Different libraries. Shared purpose. Helping people discover, learn, and thrive throughout every stage of life.

06/25/2026

Throwback Thursday:

In 2023, the Michigan Library Association partnered with EPIC-MRA to conduct a statewide survey of Michigan voters on public library issues, including book banning and trust in library services.

The results showed strong and growing public support for libraries, with a clear majority trusting librarians to make thoughtful, professional collection decisions and opposing efforts to restrict access to books.

These findings continue to inform today’s advocacy work, reinforcing that Michiganders value the freedom to read and recognize libraries as essential community institutions that provide equitable access to information for all.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/hUol50Zgim7

06/25/2026

What's the first thing you do when you visit your local library?

06/25/2026

For generations, summer and the library have gone hand in hand.

Long before reading apps and streaming services, families, students and adults of all ages visited their local library to discover new stories, track their reading, and make reading a part of summer fun. Today, that tradition continues at your local library — helping readers of every age discover, imagine, and grow, one book at a time.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Summer Reading Road Trip encourages students and families across Michigan to keep reading and visit their local library throughout the summer! No matter the challenge you accept, or both, we hope you enjoy discovering the joy of reading and the passion with which Michigan library staff encourage you — through rewards, fun programs, recommendations, and community-connection.

06/24/2026

Congratulations Addison Twp. Public Library!

06/24/2026

Michigan's public libraries are once again at the heart of summer learning.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the Summer Reading Road Trip, a statewide initiative that encourages PreK–12 students to keep reading all summer through fun literacy challenges, prizes, and visits to their local public library. Building on the state's proposed historic investment in literacy through Every Child Reads, the initiative highlights what libraries have long provided: welcoming spaces, engaging summer reading programs, expert staff, and free access to books, resources, and learning opportunities that help students continue growing when school is out (and all year long).

This summer, Michigan's public libraries remain the definitive destination for reading, discovery, and helping every child build a lifelong love of learning.

To find your local library, please use this tool developed by the Library Cooperatives of Michigan : https://milibraryfinder.org/

To participate in the SUMMER READING ROAD TRIP, please visit the State of Michigan's website here: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/06/24/whitmer-announces-summer-reading-road-trip-to-keep-students-reading-all-summer

Entries must be completed and submitted between June 24, 2026 (12:00 a.m. ET) and August 19, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET) to qualify for an entry.

06/24/2026

The 2026 Library Systems Briefing highlights a library technology landscape shaped by rapid advances in AI, leadership changes, and vendor consolidation. While many libraries have delayed replacing older systems, the report suggests modernization is gaining momentum as vendors introduce new AI-powered tools and expanded product suites.

As technology evolves, library leaders will continue balancing innovation with concerns about privacy, ethics, open-source solutions, and the human impact of AI in library services.

Read the full article by Marshall Breeding, American Libraries Online:

Technology consultant Marshall Breeding examines the industry's technology disruptions and business transitions.

06/24/2026

📢 Michigan’s FY27 state budget negotiations are happening now, and library funding is on the line.

Contact your state legislators today and share how your library impacts your community. Ask lawmakers to support a $500,000 increase for State Aid to Libraries, invest $900,000 in MeL and MeLCat, and protect library funding. Your story can make a difference!

Michigan's statutory deadline to present a finalized state budget to the governor is July 1, while the constitutional deadline to pass the budget is OCtober 1.

Find your legislators; look up:
State Senator: https://ow.ly/SIha50Z67MP
Representative: https://www.house.mi.gov/

Our key requests:
- Increase State Aid:https://www.milibraries.org/assets/docs/AdvocacyDay2026/State%20Aid%20to%20Libraries%20Overview%20-%20Michigan%20Library%20Advocacy%20Day%202026.pdf
- Sustain funding for MeL:
https://www.milibraries.org/assets/docs/AdvocacyDay2026/MeL%20Overview%20-%20Michigan%20Library%20Advocacy%20Day%202026.pdf
- Oppose any diversion of penal fine revenue without a stable replacement for libraries:
https://www.milibraries.org/assets/docs/AdvocacyDay2026/Trial%20Court%20Funding%20and%20Penal%20Fines%20Overview%20-%20Michigan%20Library%20Advocacy%20Day%202026.pdf

Questions? Click the links above to review detailed fact sheets about our top legislative priorities or visit https://ow.ly/szCg50Z67ML.

06/24/2026

Looking for your next opportunity in Michigan libraries?

Whether you're just starting your career or ready for your next chapter, the MLA Job Board is a great place to discover openings from libraries across the state and submit your application.

Find it at: milibraries.org > Programs & Services tab > Job Board

06/24/2026

Whoa, this looks like it was amazing! Sterling Heights Public Library