Welcome to the Michigan Library Association

Josie Parker, Chair of MLA's Legislative Committee, testified January 26 before the Local Government Committee on "Essential e-services through Michigan's Libraries."  Parker stressed that libraries are essential government services to guarantee citizens access to online information and government information that is all moving online.  As the state of Michigan moves more services online and tells citizens to access information on the web, local access to the internet through public libraires is essential.  View her complete testimony and

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Library directors, trustees and staff from Jackson, Albion and Woodlands Library Cooperative met with Senator Nofs, the primary PPT elimination bill sponsor on January 13.  The impact of cuts are drastic with Jackson slated to close 6 branches, Albion considering closing significant hours and Litchfield losing over 50% of their budget.  Residents would face reduced services to people most in need, reduced access to online information and technology and opportunities for children and youth.  View the impact of proposed cuts.

Over 45,000 job seekers will lose access to job workshops and training in Grand Rapids Public Library and the Genesee District Library service area if personal property tax is eliminated.  Over 56,000 urban teens won't have a safe place to go after school and in the summer if PPT isn't replaced in these communities.  The Flint Public Library has already close all three branches.  If a PPT replacement i

Otsego, PawPaw and VanBuren libraries met with Rep. Nesbitt on January 11 to explain how libraries will be forced to close hours, eliminate job training, pre-reading and other programming, and eliminate jobs if the personal property tax is eliminated.  Otsego showed how homeowners will be assessed an additional $310,000 in taxes if a PPT replacement isn't guaranteed. Dexter, Ann Arbor and Chelsea libraries met with Rep.

Over 25 library directors, trustees and friends met with Rep. Foster on January 12 at the St. Ignace Public Library to discuss the potential elimination of the personal property tax (PPT).  Sault St. Marie, Macknaw City, Mackinaw Island, Curtis, Luce County and Superiorland were all represented.  They shared the return on investment to their community and articulated the impact that cuts would have on northern Michigan.  Library directors from Saginaw, Bridgeport, Chesaning, Thomas and Frankenmuth met with Rep.