Federal Changes Impacting Grant Programs for Michigan Libraries

Federal budget uncertainties, shifting priorities, and policy changes are causing significant changes and delays in grant programs and funding processes for Michigan libraries and cultural organizations. Updates from the Library of Michigan, Michigan Humanities, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council highlight adjustments to grant cycles, compliance requirements, and funding priorities. These changes may impact future opportunities for libraries and their partners. We will continue to monitor and share updates on these programs. Below, we provide an overview of the latest developments to keep you informed and prepared. 

Governor Whitmer Proposes No Increase to State Aid to Libraries in FY26 Budget

As we have experienced for 8 years of the Snyder Administration and the 7th year of Governor Whitmer’s administration, the FY26 State Aid to Libraries budget remains flat. We also saw no increases for Library of Michigan programs/staff.

Note From Debbie

February 27, 2025

MLA is proud to serve a vibrant and growing membership. Our mission and commitment drive everything we do and as we close in on the final meetings to update our strategic plan, we are even more committed. Every day we are making sure that you are informed through online and in-person events—through our pillars of advocacy, education, and engagement.

With that said, we want to make sure that you know that MLA’s leadership (on the board, staff, and committees) is closely monitoring the fast-paced discussions that are taking place in our country, and we will continue to strongly and loudly advocate for the essential and critical role that libraries play in our communities throughout Michigan.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode Drops March 13

Subscribe to Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks and tune in on March 13! Our March episode will be hosted by Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of MLA, and Dillon Geshel, Director of the Superiorland Library Cooperative serving libraries in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and features Amanda Griggs Cataloger/Technical Services Specialist at the Dickinson County Library in Iron Mountain.

Future Pathways Grant Now Accepting Applications

MLA is accepting applications for the Future Pathways Grant program (formerly the Equity Fund Grant) through Friday, January 31.

Future Pathways Grants, funded entirely by donations through the MLA Equity Fund, aim to encourage the participation, engagement, and leadership of racially and ethnically diverse library workers in the library profession and MLA.

Note From Dillon

I won't sugarcoat it, this one hurts. After nearly two years of work by Michigan Library Association staff, volunteers, and partners, the Freedom to Read bills died in the Senate at the end of 2024. Their introduction during lame duck was a last-ditch effort to cross the finish line and solidify First Amendment protections and civil rights law for Michiganders at public libraries. Unfortunately, the chaos and implosion of the House and the Senate left the Freedom to Read bills to die alongside hundreds of others in both chambers. With the makeup of Michigan's legislature now having shifted, any opportunity to pass these bills is now behind us.