Maryland Library Association

05/27/2026

Library leaders from across the state gathered in Annapolis this morning as Governor Wes Moore signed several important library bills into law. The bills provide critical funding for Maryland’s 24 public library systems, three Regional Resource Centers, the Maryland State Library Resource Center and the Governor’s Young Readers Program. In addition, county library boards now have the ability to add a student member.

Many thanks to Governor Moore and the General Assembly for their continued support of Maryland libraries. A special thanks also goes out to our partners and the many community members who worked hard on behalf of public libraries throughout the session.

05/21/2026

“I don’t think so, honey. Don’t ever get me started on that again.”

05/07/2026

Stop by and add your thoughts - we’re across from the registration desk.

04/20/2026

Today, April 20th, is Right to Read Day! The freedom to read is worth fighting for, and Maryland libraries are showing up every day to protect it.

Since 2021, book challenges have surged to record numbers. In 2024, 72% of demands to censor books came from organized pressure groups and government officials. And since January 2025, more than 100 pro-censorship bills have been introduced in state legislatures, at least 40 of which would threaten libraries and library workers with lawsuits, fines, or even jail time.

Today, join us in taking action. Learn more and get involved at the link below.

🔗 uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-read-day/

03/18/2026

5 days left to save with our Early Bird rate!

Join us at the 2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference: "Our Stories, Our Shelves," May 6–8 in Cambridge, MD.

Don't miss your chance to lock in the best price before the March 23 deadline. Register now and be part of the conversation shaping our libraries and communities.

https://www.mdlib.org/annual-conference/

03/10/2026

Maryland's libraries are more than buildings — they're cornerstones of our communities. Federal funding makes them possible.

Congress has a fast-approaching deadline to sign "Dear Appropriator" letters supporting federal library funding for FY2027. You can take action before March 20 to protect funding for library services.

Federal funding currently supports:
➡️ IMLS Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) grants, connecting libraries to the resources communities need most
➡️ Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) grants, bringing evidence-based learning into school libraries
➡️ The FCC E-Rate Program, keeping libraries and their communities connected to high-speed internet

Here's what we're asking Congress to do:
1️⃣ Fully fund LSTA at $232 million and sign the Dear Appropriator letter in support
2️⃣ Fully fund IAL at $50 million and sign the Dear Appropriator letter in support
3️⃣ Protect and strengthen E-Rate with sustainable, predictable, long-term funding

Your voice matters. Contact your representatives today and tell them: Protect library funding.

The fiscal year 2027 (that begins Oct. 1, 2026) budget process in Congress just got off to an early start, with the U.S. House of Representatives r...

03/05/2026

The Maryland Library Association strongly opposes H.R. 7661, which would allow the federal government to ban books and regulate the right to read.

This bill would take responsibility and choice away from engaged parents and experienced educators and place it in the hands of politicians.

MLA supports the First Amendment rights and true parental choice for parents/guardians to be involved in what their children are reading. Congress should do what Maryland has already done - ensure the freedom to read for every individual.

MLA urges those concerned about this bill, and who support the freedom to read without interference from politicians, to call their members of Congress at the Capitol switchboard (202-224-3121) and ask them to oppose H.R. 7661.

Read our full statement at: https://members.mdlib.org/news/Details/mla-opposes-federal-book-banning-efforts-316958

03/02/2026

ICYMI: Kwame Alexander is coming to Calvert County! Join Maryland Libraries Together and Calvert Library on March 9 for what promises to be an interesting conversation about literacy, advocacy and community. Learn more: https://loom.ly/BYNTJak

02/20/2026

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Joshua Stone, on earning the Certified Association Executive (CAE®) designation, the highest professional credential in the association industry!

This is an impressive accomplishment for Josh and a further reminder of the expertise and dedication he brings to MLA. Congratulations, Josh, and thank you for all you do!

🔗Check out the full press release at: https://members.mdlib.org/news/Details/joshua-stone-earns-certified-association-executive-credential-314469

02/20/2026