Maryland Library Association

Author discusses book after ban in Harford County schools Mike Curato, the author of the novel "Flamer," held a discussion after his book was banned in Harford County schools.

"Flamer" author Mike Curato visited Harford County during Banned Books Week to discuss his book after it was banned in local schools. The event was hosted by UCBPride in partnership with the local AAUW chapter.
www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/vi...

This week we celebrate the freedom to read. Orwell's "1984" warned us about censorship—today we're living that warning. Together, we can defend every reader's right to access books that challenge ideas and expand understanding.

Learn more: www.ala.org/bbooks
Support MD libraries: mdlib.org/donate

Tell Congress to #FundLibraries The American Library Association is leading the charge for libraries. Librarians, information professionals, and everyone who loves them must tell their members of Congress to support full federal fun...

The good news? If it's brief, most library services will continue since funding has already been distributed to states. But a longer shutdown could mean serious disruptions.

Learn more and contact your representatives at: ala.org/fundlibraries

How the 2025 Government Shutdown Will Impact Libraries | American Libraries Magazine The federal government shutdown, which begins today, will have cascading effects across the nation and our economy.

The federal government shutdown that started October 1st is affecting libraries across the country and there are concerns about potential elimination of library-supporting programs. Learn more about what this means for agencies, funding and staff:
americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-sc...

Eliminating federal funds for libraries would harm local support systems As the directors of Southern Maryland’s three public libraries, we see each day how the library enriches the lives of community members by connecting them with information, resources and experiences.

Thank you to our Southern Maryland library directors for their thoughtful letter to the editor about federal library funding! Carrie Willson, KennethWayne Thompson, and Michael Blackwell highlight the vital role of the IMLS in supporting community libraries.
www.somdnews.com/opinion/lett...

You made your voice heard for libraries. The House listened. A House of Representatives Subcommittee just voted to continue library funding in next year's federal budget. The fight to #FundLibraries isn't over yet, but this good news is thanks to your hard work. Stay tuned for more ways to take action for libraries. Show up for our libraries. American Library Associaiton.

NEWS: A House of Representatives Subcommittee just voted to continue library funding in next year's federal budget. This is thanks to YOUR hard work as library advocates.

The fight to #FundLibraries isn't over yet. Stay tuned for more ways to take action for libraries. #ForOurLibraries

How federal cuts could affect your local Maryland library Maryland libraries get millions of federal dollars for some of their most creative projects, and they’re fighting to hang onto it.

Maryland libraries receive $3 million annually from IMLS for digital access, lifelong learning, staff training, and youth services. State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller discusses what's at stake as federal funding faces cuts.
Listen at: www.wypr.org/show/on-the-...

Ashley Teagle from SMRLA with Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, proudly displaying our "Support Maryland Libraries" message!

Dana Newman from Talbot County Free Library, Rachel Wright from Cecil County Public Library, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Andrea Berstler from Carroll County Public Library, and Ashley Teagle from SMRLA

Lieutenant Governor Miller and Andrea Berstler

When library leaders and state officials come together, great things happen for Maryland communities! Check out these photos from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City.

The Maryland Library Association is teaming up with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative to help cultivate library leadership for community resilience.

Check out the full press release here: members.mdlib.org/news/Details...

Shoutout to MLA member Michael Blackwell, Director of St. Mary's County Library, who co-authored a new study on Ebook Availability, Licensing, and Pricing in Canada and the U.S.!

Take a look at the findings here:
www.infotoday.com/cilmag/jul25...

Maryland Library Advocates Unite!✊Ready to be a powerful voice for Maryland libraries? Join us for a one-day conference on Thursday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will equip you with the tools to speak up and take action.

🔗 Register now: members.mdlib.org/eventcalenda...

Hey #alaac25! Last chance to get a Very Radical button and show your support for Maryland (and all) libraries! Come see us at booth 2100.

It just got tougher to ban books in Maryland school libraries Maryland’s school board changed state regulations to align with a law that prevents removing books from school libraries without due process.

Good news for Maryland school libraries! The state school board just approved new regulations to support the Freedom to Read Act, making it harder to remove books from school libraries without proper due process and requiring schools to have a certified librarian on staff.

House LSTA Results - 123 signatures (up from 104); 52 new supporters and 21 newly elected members - 18% increase from last year

House IAL Results - 86 signatures (up from 61); 42 new supporters and 12 newly elected members - 41% increase from last year

Senate Results - LSTA: 42 signatures; 9 new supporters and 6 newly elected senators - IAL: 33 signatures; 6 new supporters and 5 newly elected senators

Your advocacy worked! A HUGE thank you to the MLA members and friends who contacted representatives—and to the Maryland legislators who signed onto the critical funding letters to #FUNDLIBRARIES! See which Maryland reps signed: ala.org/advocacy/fund-libraries

Last week’s storm hit the town of Westernport in Allegany County very hard, damaging public infrastructure, including the public library, with flooding and high winds. Please consider giving in support of our Western Maryland neighbors. www.alleganycountylibrary.info/support-us/

With equal amounts of determination and grace, Dr. Hayden forever changed libraries and librarianship. Across the nation, she inspired leaders and improved access for those who need it most. Her term may have been cut short, but her impact will outlast this administration and many more to come.

The American Library Association praises servic of Dr. Carla Hayden, decries 'unjust dismissal' of Librarian of Congress. [Image of Dr. Carla Hayden standing in the stacks in a library]

NEW: ALA salutes Dr Carla Hayden for her exceptional service to the nation as the Librarian of Congress. We are deeply disappointed in Dr Hayden's abrupt & unjust dismissal last night, an insult to the scope & breadth of her work.

Read ALA Pres. Cindy Hohl's statement: www.ala.org/news/2025/05...

Each year Congress crafts a budget proposal that funds agencies across government, including the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS). Tell Congress to provide sustained funding for IMLS in FY26! app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...

🦀 The spring issue of The Crab just dropped!
Catch statewide library news + a great cover story featuring State Librarian Morgan Miller and Library Board Chair Kristen Pironis — both named to the Leadership Maryland Class of 2025. marylandlibraryassociation.growthzoneapp.com/ap/CloudFile...

"This is especially true in rural communities, where the library often delivers the only access to the internet, to job help, to safe spaces and to books and literacy — essentially, to everything that makes a difference in a person’s life."

Rural Maryland libraries depend on vital federal funding | GUEST COMMENTARY Federal funding losses stand to devastate rural Maryland libraries, writes Morgan Lehr Miller.

"Few community institutions care for people and their problems [like libraries do], not to mention are sufficiently resourced and positioned to help people do something about them." #FundLibraries #MSLA #IMLS
www.baltimoresun.com/2025/04/10/r...

It’s #NationalLibraryWorkersDay! Let’s show love to the library staff who protect our right to read and keep our communities informed. 💙
1️⃣ Nominate a stellar library worker → ala-apa.org/nlwd/
2️⃣ Send a postcard of support → uniteagainstbookbans.org
3️⃣ Become a library advocate → mdlib.org/advocate/

Today is #RightToRead Day — a national day of action to defend the freedom to read and resist growing censorship efforts in libraries and schools.
Join us in saying: Libraries are for everyone.
🔗 uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-rea...
#UniteAgainstBookBans #FreedomToRead

Take action today. Right to Read Day. April 7, 2025 #RightToReadDay. #DrawnToFreedom. Unite Against Book Bans. bit.ly/RightToReadDay. Above the text is an illustration by Nate Powell featuring people at a public library and various things you can do at the library.

It’s #RightToReadDay.
NEW data from @oif.bsky.social shows that 72% of book bans in 2024 were initiated by organized groups and elected officials. We need EVERYONE to #UniteAgainstBookBans & take action against these organized attempts today: uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-rea... #DrawnToFreedom

YouTube video by Maryland State Library Maryland Governor Wes Moore Celebrates National Library Week 2025

​Happy #NationalLibraryWeek! Check out this video from @govwesmoore.bsky.social highlighting the invaluable role libraries play in our communities. Tell us why you love your library in the comments! #101Reasons #LoveMyLibrary
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHIB...

Show Up for Our Libraries Join us and Show Up #ForOurLibraries.

Take action now! Call your representatives and urge them to restore federal library funding. Our communities depend on it. www.ala.org/advocacy/sho...

Federal cuts threaten library programs statewide The thing is, local libraries help everyone. Libraries are the literary homes where kids are practicing their reading.

Federal cuts are threatening vital library programs across our state — from after-school resources to workforce development and community internet access. Maryland's State Librarian, Morgan Lehr-Miller, talks to WMAR about what's at stake.
www.wmar2news.com/local/federa...

Poster Design Tips This guide is meant to bring together resources from academic libraries around the country to help you create your poster for a conference-style poster presentation. Need further assistance? Contac…

Check out ACRL MD's poster design tips page for help with creating an effective conference poster: acrlmd.wordpress.com/about/poster...

All posters must have a digital version submitted, even if the presenter plans to showcase it in person. While a high-quality photograph of a handmade poster is acceptable, our preference is for submissions to be born digital, in either PNG or PDF format.

MLA/DLA Conference Poster Session Proposal The MLA/DLA Annual Conference is now accepting proposals for the poster session. The deadline for proposal submissions is 4:00 PM on Friday, April 11th. Accepted posters will be notified at the begin...

The MLA|DLA Annual Conference is accepting proposals for an upcoming poster session! We're excited to announce that the poster session will be a hybrid event, accommodating both in-person and virtual posters. The proposal submission deadline is 4 p.m. on April 11th! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...