Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode Drops January 9

Subscribe to Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks and tune in on January 9! Our January episode will be hosted by Carol Dawe Director of the Lakeland Library Cooperative and feature Virginia DeMumbrum, Director of the White Lake Community Library in Whitehall.

Dark Store and OMA Legislation Die in Lame Duck

Legislation aimed at closing the dark store tax loophole has died in committee. House Bills 5865-5868 received a hearing in the House Tax Policy Committee on December 11. Andrea Ingmire, from the Peter White Public Library, provided testimony on how the tax loophole is impacting libraries and MLA submitted cards of support and testimony. The legislation did not move out of committee. Stating that they had run out of time for the day, Committee Chair, Representative Cynthia Neeley called the committee to ease and later adjourned. It is now too late in the legislative session for any further action.

House Bill 4693, introduced by Representative John Fitzgerald to amend the Open Meetings Act has also run out of time. Our work continues.

Legislators of the Year

Last week, MLA Executive Director Debbie Mikula and Jenny Marr, President-Elect and Chair of the MLA Advocacy and Legislative Committee visited the capitol to present awards to MLA's 2024 Legislators of the Year. We are proud to honor State Representatives Angela Witwer and Regina Weiss for their commitment to libraries in Michigan.

Support MLA Future Pathways Grants

As we approach the end of the year, many of us look for meaningful ways to give back. This year, we invite you to support the MLA Equity Fund. Our goal is to raise $3,000 by year-end, and with your help, we know we can achieve this!

November 5 Election Millage Results

We are excited to share the good news that several libraries around Michigan passed millage proposals during the November election! Library millages are the primary source of funding for most Michigan public libraries and at the ballot box, Michigan residents made it clear that they love, support, and VOTE YES to fund their local libraries. It is a great reminder that regardless of where patrons land on the political spectrum, libraries are for everyone!

MLA Strategic Planning Survey

We need to hear from you! This fall, MLA is working with Alliance for Library Impact to develop a new strategic direction and 3-year plan for our work to educate, advocate, and engage libraries and library workers throughout Michigan.