MI Right to Read

Libraries don’t just store information—they protect the freedom to seek it.

At today’s Michigan Library Association Intellectual Freedom Summit, Kyle Zawacki of the ACLU of Michigan opened with a reminder that feels especially urgent right now: libraries have long stood as cornerstones of democracy, defending the right to read, learn, and explore ideas freely.

From book bans to digital access barriers, from funding pressures to legislative scrutiny, the challenges facing libraries today are real—and they are not new. This session places them in a longer history, where libraries have continually adapted while holding the line for intellectual freedom.

We hope the first day of the Summit was a meaningful experience, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on Day 2.

The Intellectual Freedom Summit is made possible through generous support from the Mellon Foundation.

On April 3, 2026, the White House released its budget proposal requesting the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program in the Department of Education. Read ALA's statement and background on the announcement: https://ow.ly/qOkT50Z8v3B

With pressure from the Executive Branch in full swing, it's more important than ever that Congress fund libraries in next year's budget.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies voted to approve level funding for IMLS on June 5, 2026. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee is expected to take up its own version of the appropriations bill in mid-June.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/UrYb50Z8v3J

ALA is calling on us to spread the word about on social media and share the impact of IMLS funding in your library or state. Remember to tag your posts with .

Free to attend today at 10 am!

TOMORROW!

Learn about the important role poll workers play in supporting fair and accessible elections and how individuals can get involved, with Dan Papineau, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. This session will provide an overview of what poll workers do, why they are essential, and the steps to becoming one.

Participants will explore ways libraries can partner in poll worker recruitment efforts through programming, newsletters, displays, website resources, and social media outreach. Join us to discuss practical partnership opportunities and how libraries can help strengthen civic engagement in their communities.

This virtual session is free to attend. Register: https://ow.ly/S9s450Z8vjY

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

NEWS: ALA has joined a new coalition calling on Congress to expand federal funding for libraries, museums, & archives through the Institute of Museum & Library Services. As Congress debates the outline of next year's federal budget, they MUST provide robust funding for the institutions that connect and inform our communities. Learn more: https://www.ala.org/news/2026/06/cultural-organizations-press-congressional-decisionmakers-fund-library-museum-services

TOMORROW!

Learn about the important role poll workers play in supporting fair and accessible elections and how individuals can get involved, with Dan Papineau, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. This session will provide an overview of what poll workers do, why they are essential, and the steps to becoming one.

Participants will explore ways libraries can partner in poll worker recruitment efforts through programming, newsletters, displays, website resources, and social media outreach. Join us to discuss practical partnership opportunities and how libraries can help strengthen civic engagement in their communities.

This virtual session is free to attend. Register: https://ow.ly/S9s450Z8vjY

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Texas is once again asking a court to revive its controversial book rating law (H.B. 900), which was previously ruled unconstitutional because it would require booksellers to rate books for sexual content in order to sell to schools. Publishers, booksellers, and library advocates argue the law amounts to compelled speech and could lead to censorship and restricted access to books in school libraries. The case is part of ongoing legal battles over state efforts to regulate or restrict access to books in public education settings, with opponents warning it threatens First Amendment protections and the freedom to read.

Read the full article by Andrew Albanese, Publishing Perspectives:

In the U.S., Texas Asks Court to Resurrect ‘Unconstitutional’ Book Rating Law, Alarming Publishers and Booksellers After more than two years, the return of H.B. 900, which would require bookstores and vendors to review all books in Texas schools at their own expense and rate them for sexual content, is a…

Our latest update of book bans and challenges happening across the U.S.—and efforts to stop them—includes news from Tennessee, Arizona, and Texas.

Read more at https://bit.ly/4efG7Bn

Despite ongoing book bans, censorship efforts, and other challenges to free expression, independent bookstores across the country are continuing to grow and serve their communities. The American Booksellers Association reported record membership growth and hundreds of new bookstore openings, underscoring the resilience of those committed to connecting people with books, ideas, and the freedom to read.

Read the full article by Claire Kirch, Publishers Weekly:

ABA Celebrates ‘Banner Year’ Despite ‘Existential Threats’ At the American Booksellers Association’s annual membership meeting, held virtually on Thursday, CEO Allison Hill celebrated booksellers’ resilience and reported a 19% increase in membership, which now stands at 3,417 bookstores.

PEN America is raising concerns about a recent increase in book removals from Duval County school libraries, questioning whether the review process is transparent and accountable to the public.

Supporters of intellectual freedom argue that students deserve access to a wide range of ideas and that decisions about library materials should include clear public oversight and community input.

Read more by Ariel Schiller, News4Jax:

Duval County Schools book removals draw scrutiny from national free expression group Duval County Schools has more than doubled the number of books removed from shelves through an internal review process, raising transparency concerns from PEN America. The free expression group criticizes the lack of public oversight, noting the removals disproportionately impact students with limit...