Michigan Library Association

Federal Budget Update

On the evening of Wednesday, November 12, the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history came to an end. Largely along party lines, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, a temporary funding measure that reopens and funds government operations through January 30, 2026.

Call Your Legislators and Urge Them to Support Library Funding in the Michigan FY2026 Budget!

Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives approved an omnibus budget bill, HB 4706, for fiscal year 2026. Now with less than a month before a signed state budget is due, the budget process is entering its final, most critical phase: reconciling major differences in Michigan's budget across Chambers and the Governor’s office.

Written by Dillon Geshel, Interim Executive Director

Note From Dillon

As this year draws to a close, many of us consider the meaningful ways we can give back. This year, we invite you to consider how you can make an impact in the lives of library staff, patrons, and communities with a year-end contribution to the Michigan Library Association. At MLA, we believe in advancing the library profession through advocacy, professional development, and engagement. Every tax-deductible donation empowers us to continue carrying out that important work for Michigan libraries.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse: Library Leadership in Action: What’s Shaping Michigan Libraries.

In this episode, host Dillon Geshel is joined by Jenny Marr, Executive Director of the Capital Area District Libraries and current MLA Board President, along with Steven Bowers, Executive Director of The Library Network and immediate past chair of the Library Cooperatives of Michigan. Together, they explore how Michigan’s libraries continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities. Jenny and Steven share their early paths into library work, discuss emerging trends in services and programming, and highlight the vital role libraries play in championing intellectual freedom and community engagement. The conversation also examines the sector’s biggest challenges—from staff recruitment and retention to rising censorship efforts—and how library leaders are adapting to support diverse access, inclusion, and a thriving public library ecosystem.

Note From Dillon

As we near the end of the season, Michigan’s Congressional leaders will return to work in Washington after Labor Day. Over the summer, MLA and other organizations supporting libraries have sent communications to Congress, urging them to support federal funding for libraries. Before their August recess, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee included a small increase and level funding for library programs. Now we need to remind the U.S. House of Representatives to follow suit.

More Articles...