Michigan Library Association

Know someone making a difference in Michigan libraries?

Nominations for the 2026 Michigan Library Awards are now open through July 10, recognizing excellence, innovation, leadership, and service across the state. Self-nominations are encouraged—help celebrate the outstanding people and organizations strengthening Michigan libraries and communities.

Learn more about the Michigan Library Awards, view guidelines, and submit a nomination at milibraries.org/michigan-library-awards.

📢 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!

Find your legislators; look up:
State Senator: https://ow.ly/ATjo50Z67FS
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/abk750Z67FN.

Libraries are a public good—strengthening every community by ensuring access to knowledge, opportunity, and connection for all.

Being a library advocate starts with simple actions that add up:

Use your library. Every visit is a quiet vote for its value and future.

Share your story. Personal moments—how a library helped you, your family, or your community—carry farther than statistics.

Connect libraries to everyday life. They support job seekers, early literacy, digital access, small businesses, and lifelong learning.

Speak up and invite others in. A post, a conversation, or a “I love my library—here’s why” helps build collective support.

And show up when it counts—at local meetings, budget discussions, and millage votes that directly shape library services. Tools like MLA’s bill tracker can help you stay informed.

milibraries.org

Libraries:

Looking for some ideas and resources for celebrating America's 250th Anniversary?

Visit: https://www.america250mi.org/, Michigan's Community Hub for the celebration.

Share your events there.
View the Program Guide.
View the AASLH Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial.
Browse a list of resources.
And more.

America250MI | America250 Michigan America250MI serves as Michigan’s official point of contact for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.

Federal funding supports summer reading.

Trump's budget eliminates all federal funding for libraries.

Take action at SaveIMLS.org

Enjoyed this look into Ortonville history:

This year marks 100 years of service for the Brandon Township Public Library—a milestone that began with a grassroots community effort and a shared belief in the power of reading.

A century later, the library continues to connect people with knowledge, opportunity, and one another, proving that libraries remain at the heart of strong communities.

Brandon Township Public Library

Read the full article by David Fleet, MI Home Paper:
https://thecitizenonline.com/articles/news/btpl-at-100-grassroots-effort-sparks-century-of-reading/

What happens when library advocates from every corner of Michigan come together?

In his latest note, Dillon Geshel reflects on conversations across the state—from library visits and community events to the shared challenges and opportunities shaping Michigan libraries today.

Read more about the connections, advocacy, and momentum helping move libraries forward: https://ow.ly/ofur50Z5Rt6

When everything feels overwhelming…
You can walk into your library and start finding answers, one step at a time.

You don't have to be an avid reader or know how the library works. Staff are there to assist you with the numerous resources available.