Michigan Library Association

Activity Pass - Michigan Activity Pass Use your public library card to “check-out” free or discounted passes to hundreds of cultural destinations, parks, campgrounds and recreation areas.

My library card is the best card in my wallet. There’s no APR. I can borrow stuff, and use my library’s online databases and streaming services. And I can visit Michigan Activity Pass locations for free or with discounted admission at miactivitypass.org.

An aerial shot of Grand Rapids set above text that reads: Spring Institute for Youth Services: Thursday, March 19 - Friday, March 20, in Grand Rapids. Registration now open! With MLA's colorful logo in the lower right corner. Youth-inspired graphics decorate the image.

Spring Institute 2026 is back March 19-20! It’s Michigan’s premier spot for 250+ youth librarians to swap ideas, explore new exhibits, and build community.

Pro-tip: The Early Bird rate is live NOW through Feb 13!
Register here: ow.ly/F4Wc50XWLXp

#MLASpringInstitute #YouthServices #MiLibraries

A collage of library logos rests above text that reads MLA Connect, Advocacy Hour. PRotectig Library Funding in Michigan, Thursday, January 15 at 10 AM, with a computer mouse graphic to indicate that it's online.

A proposal to redirect penal fines to trial courts could be disastrous for MI public libraries.

Join MLA’s Advocacy Hour on Zoom tomorrow, Jan 15 at 10 AM to learn how we can defend this vital funding.

Signup: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

In a world of monthly fees and digital paywalls, your library card remains the "all-access pass" to everything you’re curious about. From bestsellers and DIY guides to hobby kits and streaming movies, your local libraries provide the tools for you to learn, grow, and explore—all without the bill.

Applications Open for Games and Gaming Round Table 2026 “Game On!” Grant

Applications are now open for the 2026 Game Grant, offering $1,000 - $2,000 to help ALA member libraries expand their collections or develop innovative gaming programs for their communities.
Apply by March 15: read more about this opportunity: www.ala.org/news/2026/01...

We would like to wish the entire library community a peaceful and joyous holiday season and a happy new year!

MLA will be closed for the holidays from December 24, 2025 through January 2, 2026. We will be back and ready to serve the library community in the new year on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Join us this Thursday, December 18 at 10 AM on Zoom for our next MLA Connect Advocacy Hour: State and Federal Budget Updates and Outlook on Library Funding in 2026.

Register to attend: ow.ly/a6zb50XKiq5

MLAConnect #MLAAdvocacyHour #MILibraries #FundLibraries

For directors, managers, Trustees, and IT staff:

MLA has a webinar for you - MLA Connect On Demand: Website Accessibility, Ensuring ADA Compliance for Your Library, held on February 12, 2025 and recorded. You must be logged in to your MLA account in order to access: ow.ly/EGEO50XKiOJ

#MILibraries

Ever wondered how you can give back or contribute to the Michigan library field?
Invest in the MI Library staff: Your tax-deductible gift to MLA supports professional development. Help us reach our $3,500 goal for the Educational Scholarship Fund.
Visit ow.ly/Gq1u5… to learn more and to donate.

Mentee applications for spring mentoring partnerships open February 1 and close February 28. Mentor applications remain open all year: www.milibraries.org/mentor-program

#MILibraries

Maybe you haven't had time to read lately. Maybe life got in the way.
That's okay. Libraries welcome you back.
Or maybe you're looking for more than "reading." Libraries are where you can find activities, events, and even a club to belong to.
Visit your local library.
MILibraries #LOVEMILibraries

Congratulations to Katrina Rouan and Ashten VanderPloeg on their appointments, and Teresa Natzke on her upcoming retirement!!

Don't forget that the deadline to submit your presentation proposals for Spring Institute for Youth Services is this Friday!
ow.ly/P5kK50XqTgY

#MichiganLibraryAssociation

Don’t know how to support your local library? Consider what you’re able to do and commit to. Here are a couple of options:

Ask them if they need volunteers!

If they don’t need volunteers, ask them how you can donate. Libraries can always use donations to help with their program offerings and more!

This does not have to be you!
Stop by your local library and surround yourself with all of the books you want to read (and then some) while your TBR pile is waiting for you at home.

Michigan is home to 400+ libraries: school, public, academic (college), special, tribal, and our State Library!

Register for our next MLA Connect: Intro to Sustainable Libraries Initiative, Thurs., Dec. 11 at 2 PM.
Discover tools and strategies to help libraries make sustainable, equitable, and community-focused decisions. Presented by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and Matthew Bollerman.
Register: ow.ly/W00W50Xu2sK

Help us discover the Top 10 books of the year in Michigan: Share your recommendations below. MI library consortia, Trustees, readers are all welcome to contribute. We'll gather the responses so you can vote for the top 10!
Photo credit: Petoskey District Library
#Top10BooksinMichigan #MILibraries

I’d say any library staff responsible for setting out displays!

#LibraryLife

Administrative Assistant Status: Non-Exempt, Full-timeReports to: Executive Director Pay Range: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour, based on experience, plus a competitive benefit package including holiday pay, paid time off, 403(b) employer retirement contributions, and health/dental/vision insurance coverage. The Administrative Assistant is the primary point of contact and receptionist for MLA. They provide support for all MLA staff members and areas of MLA operations including administration, accounting, membership, communications, and events. Key Responsibilities General Office and Administration Duties Primary point of...

MLA is seeking an Administrative Assistant to join our team!

If you’re organized, reliable, and excited to help keep a mission-driven organization running smoothly, we’d love to hear from you! 📚✨

Applications accepted through Dec 5.

Learn more: https://mla.mcjobboard.net/jobs/205802

Our wonderful colleague and friend Lisa Buttigieg will be retiring at the end of January. We are deeply grateful for Lisa's years of excellent work and dedication to the Michigan library community. Thank you, Lisa, and cheers to a wonderful retirement ahead! 🎉🥂 🙌

For public and academic library directors, managers or supervisors:

The Library of Michigan is holding 2 meetings: one in person at the Lib of IM, Wed, Dec 3, 9 am - 4 PM, and one held virtually Wed, Feb 4, 2026, 9 am - 12 pm & Thu, Feb 5, 9 am - 12 pm.

Find out more here: ow.ly/xxaQ50Xoxoc

The Annual Conference may be over, but connections don’t have to stop! Join MLA’s Discord to chat with peers, share ideas, programs, and resources, or ask for recommendations. Download the free app or use your browser. Find the invite in MLA’s newsletter or ask MLA staff: www.milibraries.org

Congrats to the Michigan libraries whose millages passed on Nov 4!
Milan, Richland, Roseville, and Van Buren District Library all saw successful renewals/additions. Troy’s bond measure did not pass.

Track statewide results via the Library of Michigan: bit.ly/3yourlink

MILibraries #MillageRenewal

Dressing up as the last day of annual conference for Halloween. How about you?

#MLA25AC #LibraryKaleidoscope

Every day, Michigan library staff do something extraordinary — often without realizing it.
You welcome the curious, comfort the lonely, guide the lost, and spark new beginnings through simple acts of service, kindness, and connection

#MILibraries #MILibraryMonth #MLA25AC

Happy Thursday morning and Day 2 of MLA 2025 Annual Conference!

Barbara discussed the history and current state of information sharing, bias, and uses in our society and recommendations for the present and hope for the future! Thank you Barbara!

#MLA25AC #LibraryKaleidoscope

MLA Interim Executive Director Dillon Geshel started us off with a heartfelt welcome and land acknowledgement of the Anishinaabe people who are today represented by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.
Wade Rouse, our 1st keynote, shared his writing inspo!

#MLA25AC #LibraryKaleidoscope

Welcome to MLA 2025 Annual Conference! Check-in at the registration desk to get started.

#MLA25AC #LibraryKaleidoscope

MLA is powered by members like YOU! 💙 We’re seeking candidates for 4 Board positions + President-Elect. You don’t have to be a director—just ready to make an impact.

Nominations due Nov 7 → milibraries.slideroom.com
Meet the Board at MLA25AC, Oct 29, 1 PM (Room 101–102).

#MILibraries #Leadership

Sound off: who's going to be at MLA Annual Conference this week? We have one more day until opening keynote!
Use reacts:
❤️ (love) - I'm going to the whole thing
👍 (like) - I'm attending Wednesday only
🫠 (care) - I'm attending Thursday only
😯 (wow) - I'm attending Friday
#MLA25AC #LibraryKaleidoscope