Maryland Library Association

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Joshua Stone, on earning the Certified Association Executive (CAE®) designation, the highest professional credential in the association industry! Thank you for all you do! Check out the full press release at:
members.mdlib.org/news/Details...

MD librarian encourages people to use their local library February is Library Lovers Month, and advocates for one of the country’s oldest government-funded services are offering ways that folks can show their local library some love. Support for libraries

February is Library Lovers Month! David Dahl, MLA President, recently spoke with Public News Service about the vital role libraries play in our communities—as civic infrastructure, as free and open spaces, and as true third places where people can belong.
app.publicnewsservice.org/story/md-lib...

January is Maryland Reading Month! Thank you, Governor Wes Moore, for championing literacy and lifelong learning across our state. Let’s read together, Maryland 🖤💛❤️ #MarylandReadingMonth

Join us next week as we preview The Librarians. Statewide and local-level library partners will come together for a community-driven conversation about the issues facing librarians today.

Register here: bit.ly/TheLibrarian...

FREE EVENT: Join MLA and Maryland Public Television for a virtual screening of The Librarians from Independent Lens | PBS on January 28 at 7pm!

We will watch the film in its entirety BEFORE it airs on PBS in February, then follow it up with a panel discussion.

To register → bit.ly/TheLibrarian...

Annual Conference Full Width Template 2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference: Our Stories, Our Shelves May 6-8, 2026 Mark your calendars for the 2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference, returning to the scenic shores of the Chesapeake ...

We invite you to the MLA|DLA Annual Conference, May 6-8, 2026 in Cambridge, MD, exploring "Our Stories, Our Shelves"—celebrating narratives that shape our libraries and communities through stories we preserve, collections we curate, and connections we build.
Register: www.mdlib.org/annual-confe...

Working towards an MLS/MLIS or undergrad degree? Need funds for training or workshops? Apply for Maryland Library Association's Educational Grants! Recipients receive up to $500 for school or qualified workshops. Must be an MLA member.

Deadline: January 29th.
Apply at bit.ly/mlagrants

The ‘city that reads’ is reading — more A record number of volumes were borrowed from Baltimore’s library system last year.

The ‘City that Reads’ is reading — more

These are Baltimore’s most-borrowed books of 2025 What exactly is the “City That Reads” reading? Pratt staff provided a list of the top 25 titles circulated within the last 12 months.

These are Baltimore’s most-borrowed books of 2025

Image shows the word “Winner!” Across the top in capital letters. Below it is and image of the book Pencil & Eraser: We Have A Dull-emma! and the seal of the Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award which features a blue crab reading a read book. Pencil and Eraser are at the bottom of the image saying “thank you.”

This image shows the seal of the Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award which features a blue crab reading a red book. Below it reads “MARYLAND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION YOUTH SERVICES DIVISION” and its address. Below that is a whale reading a red book. On the right side of the image it shows that the book Pencil & Eraser: We have a Dull-emma! by Jenny Alvarado is the winner for beginning fiction. There is a description of the book and below it are the honor winners of the category Dog and Pony Show: Dog Gets a Pet by Jeff Mack, Words Are Magic by Zaila Avant-garde, and Ty's Travels: Showtime! by Kelly Starling Lyons

I don’t know how I missed this but Pencil & Eraser: We Have A Dull-emma! won the Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award for beginning fiction! 🎉🙌🏆
Thank you so much @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social What an honor! Many thanks to everyone on the committee 💕
@penguinschoollib.bsky.social

In a first for the state, Maryland’s school board reverses Harford County’s book ban Maryland’s school board is reversing Harford County’s decision to remove a book from public school libraries — the first time the state has intervened in a local decision about what’s appropriate for ...

Big news! Maryland's state board reversed Harford County's ban on "Flamer," marking the first intervention under the Freedom to Read Act. Every young person deserves to see themselves in their school library.
#FreedomToRead #IntellectualFreedom #MarylandLibraries
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...

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...