Stronger Libraries = A Stronger Michigan
On Tuesday, April 25, the Michigan library community will unite to amplify our collective voice in support of all Michigan libraries at MLA's Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Email your legislators to add your voice and amplify our message: Strong Libraries = A Stronger Michigan!
Let your legislators know that Michigan libraries need their support. Ask your legislators to prioritize library funding in Michigan by supporting increased and secured funding for State Aid and capital improvements and by reforming Headlee to stabilize library revenues during economic downturns. Ask them to support policy and funding for certified school librarians and that schools in Michigan be required to have a school library. Urge them to protect intellectual freedom.
We've created a template for you to update. Or draft your own message using our talking points linked below.
Please customize the email template! We’ve indicated suggested areas for you to add content to personalize your message. Adding this information is optional, but we encourage you to customize and personalize your message for greater impact.
Make sure you edit our prewritten template before you hit send! Feel free to customize any part of your message, but please note the [****text****] areas will need to be edited in the email before you submit your message.
Talking Points:
Funding - State Aid to Libraries
Michigan libraries need increased and secured funding to provide innovative and indispensable services. State Aid helps our library systems continue their mission to provide education, training, and resources to Michigan residents. We will continue to advocate for the resources that make our libraries innovative and essential in today’s world. Funding - State Aid to Libraries Talking Points (pdf)
Funding - Capital Improvements
Investing in capital improvements is a critical component of a library’s long-term financial health and operational capabilities. America’s aging library infrastructure faces challenges ranging from broadband capacity, skyrocketing energy consumption, mold, and accessibility barriers. Inadequate capital funding has made it difficult for libraries to address such concerns. Funding - Capital Improvement Talking Points (pdf)
Funding - Headlee Rollback
In Michigan, the majority of funding for public libraries (approximately 80% overall) comes from property tax revenues in the form of dedicated millages. It is the position of MLA that in an economic downturn when property values are decreasing, millage rates should be allowed to go up at the same rate of inflation. MLA supports legislation to reform Headlee and help to stabilize library revenues during an economic downturn. Funding - Headlee Rollback Talking Points (pdf)
Intellectual Freedom
Viewed as an integral component of a democratic society and guaranteed by the First Amendment, intellectual freedom protects an individual's right to access, explore, consider, and express ideas and information and forms the basis for a self-governing, well-informed citizenry. MLA opposes any restrictions to access of materials which may include: banned books, book burning, challenges to literature, and censorship in any form. Intellectual Freedom Talking Points (pdf)
Equity of Access to School Libraries/Librarians
All of Michigan’s students need school librarians who provide access to diverse resources, improve student achievement, prepare students for college and career, and support technology integration. We call on Michigan legislators to support policy and funding to ensure that no child is without access to a certified school librarian and that schools in Michigan be required to have a school library.
Stronger Libraries = A Stronger Michigan
On Tuesday, April 25, the Michigan library community will unite to amplify our collective voice in support of all Michigan libraries at MLA's Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Email your legislators to add your voice and amplify our message: Strong Libraries = A Stronger Michigan!
Let your legislators know that Michigan libraries need their support. Ask your legislators to prioritize library funding in Michigan by supporting increased and secured funding for State Aid and capital improvements and by reforming Headlee to stabilize library revenues during economic downturns. Ask them to support policy and funding for certified school librarians and that schools in Michigan be required to have a school library. Urge them to protect intellectual freedom.
We've created a template for you to update. Or draft your own message using our talking points linked below.
Please customize the email template! We’ve indicated suggested areas for you to add content to personalize your message. Adding this information is optional, but we encourage you to customize and personalize your message for greater impact.
Make sure you edit our prewritten template before you hit send! Feel free to customize any part of your message, but please note the [****text****] areas will need to be edited in the email before you submit your message.
Talking Points:
Funding - State Aid to Libraries
Michigan libraries need increased and secured funding to provide innovative and indispensable services. State Aid helps our library systems continue their mission to provide education, training, and resources to Michigan residents. We will continue to advocate for the resources that make our libraries innovative and essential in today’s world. Funding - State Aid to Libraries Talking Points (pdf)
Funding - Capital Improvements
Investing in capital improvements is a critical component of a library’s long-term financial health and operational capabilities. America’s aging library infrastructure faces challenges ranging from broadband capacity, skyrocketing energy consumption, mold, and accessibility barriers. Inadequate capital funding has made it difficult for libraries to address such concerns. Funding - Capital Improvement Talking Points (pdf)
Funding - Headlee Rollback
In Michigan, the majority of funding for public libraries (approximately 80% overall) comes from property tax revenues in the form of dedicated millages. It is the position of MLA that in an economic downturn when property values are decreasing, millage rates should be allowed to go up at the same rate of inflation. MLA supports legislation to reform Headlee and help to stabilize library revenues during an economic downturn. Funding - Headlee Rollback Talking Points (pdf)
Intellectual Freedom
Viewed as an integral component of a democratic society and guaranteed by the First Amendment, intellectual freedom protects an individual's right to access, explore, consider, and express ideas and information and forms the basis for a self-governing, well-informed citizenry. MLA opposes any restrictions to access of materials which may include: banned books, book burning, challenges to literature, and censorship in any form. Intellectual Freedom Talking Points (pdf)
Equity of Access to School Libraries/Librarians
All of Michigan’s students need school librarians who provide access to diverse resources, improve student achievement, prepare students for college and career, and support technology integration. We call on Michigan legislators to support policy and funding to ensure that no child is without access to a certified school librarian and that schools in Michigan be required to have a school library.