Michigan Library Association

09/14/2026

In 1891, Coldwater librarian Mary A. Eddy wrote about the effort to create a statewide library association: “I don’t feel just like giving it up.” Neither did her peers.

On September 1, 1891, library leaders gathered in Detroit to form the Michigan Library Association. What began with a small group of people determined to bring Michigan’s library community together has grown into 135 years of advocacy, connection, professional development, intellectual freedom, and support for libraries across our state.

And that story is still being written—with you.

Every library worker. Every trustee. Every advocate, partner, supporter, and member who shares an idea, speaks up, learns, connects, or helps another library person remember: we're in this together.

💙 Michigan libraries are stronger together—and MLA is stronger because of you.

Help us celebrate 135 years by making a birthday gift to the MLA Annual Fund. Whether it's $13.50, $135, $1,350, or whatever is meaningful to you, your support helps MLA keep showing up for Michigan's library community.

135 years later, we're still here. Still together. Still not giving up. Happy birthday, MLA! 🎂

Support the MLA Annual Fund:
GiveLively (no login req.): https://ow.ly/sjjc50ZLeLL
Donate through MLA's website (login req.): https://ow.ly/C2v950ZLeLK

09/11/2026

October is Michigan Library Appreciation Month: Take Me to Your Library!

Get ready to celebrate Michigan Library Appreciation Month! This October, we're throwing it back Y2K style with the theme : Take Me to Your Library!

Join us in celebrating Michigan Library Appreciation Month and highlighting the impact libraries, librarians, and library workers have on the lives of Michiganders. October 5–11 is also MI Right to Read Week, making October a perfect time to celebrate the freedom to read and your library’s role in helping people explore a wide range of ideas and information.

This month we ask that you submit the Michigan Library Appreciation Month proclamation to your local leaders and/or elected officials to give them time to proclaim their support! Issuing a proclamation (or resolution!) can sometimes take a month or more, but it’s simple to do. Identify a council member, mayor, superintendent, dean, or supervisor to sponsor the proclamation and have them present it at a commission meeting or other important leadership function.

Find it in the most recent email from MLA, Primary Source, sent on Thursday, August 27!
Not receiving MLA's monthly email? Signup: https://ow.ly/Bknk50ZLrSK

09/11/2026

Join us in congratulating these incredible Michigan Library staff! We're celebrating retirements and promotions:

The Northland Library Cooperative is honored to commemorate the retirement of current Director Linda Adams and celebrate hiring Stacy Pasche, current Director of the Benzie Shores District Library as Adams replacement. Canton Public Library announces the retirement of Engagement & Design Department Head Laurie Golden. Henika District Library is celebrating Ashley Bolton’s 20th anniversary. And David Dapkus of Baldwin Public Library, was recently promoted to full-time Library Assistant III.

09/10/2026

“I found it on Google.”

Okay. But… How do you know it's true?

The internet has made finding information easier than ever. But search results aren't the same thing as verified, trustworthy information. Algorithms, advertising, SEO, AI, popularity and other factors can influence what rises to the top—and anyone can publish something online, whether it's accurate, outdated, credible, misleading or completely false.

And there's another problem: Not everyone has reliable internet access.

For some people, the library may be the place where they can get online, use a computer, check their email, print a document, apply for healthcare or jobs, access information they couldn't otherwise afford—or get help figuring out where to look.

And sometimes what you're looking for isn't easy to find online at all.

A local librarian may know about a helpful community resource, historical record, local organization or nonprofit, government service, neighborhood information or appropriate and relevant collection that doesn't show up neatly in a Google search.

That's where libraries matter:
- We help people access and evaluate information.
- We connect people with information about their communities.
- And we help make information access possible for people who might otherwise be left out.

Because information literacy isn't just knowing how to search.
It's knowing how to find it, access it, question it, evaluate it—and know when you need a better source.

In a world where information is abundantly everywhere, libraries help people make sense of it.

09/10/2026

View MLA Connect Advocacy Hours on Demand: visit milibraries.org to watch past MLA Connect Advocacy Hours such as "Library Policies and Intellectual Freedom" and "The Fight for Fair eBook Pricing."

Find MLA Connect Advocacy Hours on MLA's website:
milibraries.org > Events > MLA Connect On Demand > MLA Connect Advocacy Hour Archive

09/09/2026

Continuing education stipends are available through the Library of Michigan Library Continuing Education Program. Applications may be submitted at any time for a continuing education event that is AFTER the current month-end, so make sure you apply before the end of September!

View complete program details, eligibility, and criteria, and apply: https://ow.ly/VJke50ZLeu0

Library of Michigan

09/09/2026

What you read is your choice. That matters. 📚

A book might introduce you to someone whose life looks nothing like yours. A voice you’ve never heard. A culture you’ve never experienced. A question you’ve never considered.

A story that makes you laugh.
A story that makes you uncomfortable.
A story that makes you feel seen.

That’s the power of choosing for yourself.

No single person can know which stories another person needs, which questions they’re ready to ask, or which voices might change the way they see the world.

That’s why the freedom to read matters.

We can choose a book—or choose not to read it. We can decide what is right for ourselves and our families. But that choice belongs to us.

A free society makes room for many voices, many perspectives, and many lived experiences—not just the ones we already know or agree with.

You don't have to read every book. You do deserve the freedom to choose which ones you read.

Protect the freedom to read.
Protect the freedom to choose.

Join the MI Right to Read coalition by pledging your support: https://ow.ly/WIaf50ZLemR

Learn more: https://ow.ly/otlq50ZLemO

09/09/2026

Kent District Library’s Write Michigan Short Story Contest is celebrating its 15th year, giving Michigan writers of all ages an opportunity to share their stories, compete for cash prizes, and see their work published. The statewide contest drew more than 1,000 entries last year and has helped launch the careers and build the confidence of writers in Michigan.

For Michigan library workers, Write Michigan is a great example of how libraries can nurture local talent, create pathways for community voices to be heard, and help people see themselves as writers and creators—not just library users.

Source: Zach Aery, WoodTV 8
https://www.woodtv.com/westmichiganguide/kent-district-library-writing-contest-celebrates-15-years/

Kent District Library

Until Nov. 15, submissions are open for the 15th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest with Kent District Library.

09/09/2026

A Grand Rapids literacy organization is being recognized on the national stage: the Literacy Center of West Michigan has won the 2026 Kislak Family Foundation Prize, a $100,000 award from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program. The organization was honored for making an exceptional impact on literacy relative to its size, highlighting the powerful work Michigan organizations are doing to expand literacy and promote reading in their communities.

For Michigan library workers: this is a great reminder that literacy work happens through partnerships, community organizations, and libraries working together—and that Michigan has innovative, impactful literacy leaders worth celebrating.

Source: MLive.comhttps://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/09/grand-rapids-literacy-group-wins-100k-library-of-congress-award.html