Stronger Libraries = A Stronger Michigan
Contact your legislators TODAY and tell them that Michigan libraries need their support! Ask them to prioritize library funding in Michigan by supporting increased and secured funding for State Aid and capital improvements. Urge them to protect intellectual freedom by introducing Freedom to Read legislation.
We've made it easy to take action.
By Email
We've created a template for you to update, or draft your own message using our talking points linked below.
Make sure you edit and customize the prewritten template before you hit send! Add:
- A personal story about how your library’s services have impacted you and/or your community.
- Any details about how important it is to protect the right to read for your patrons.
- Details about how State Aid is used at your library and how increased funds would enhance your ability to serve your community.
- Any relevant info about improvements your library needs.
By phone
After you send your email, you can use the form to call your legislators to continue to amplify our message! Just click the call button to receive a call that will connect you with your legislators' offices.
Talking Points
View detailed Fact Sheets about these talking points and other issues important to libraries at milibraries.org/advocacy-day-resources
Freedom to Read Legislation
Need: Intellectual freedom, a cornerstone of democratic societies and protected by the First Amendment, is under threat in Michigan libraries. There has been a surge in attempts to ban, hide, destroy, weed, move, and challenge books.
Ask: The Michigan Library Association urges legislators to introduce, co-sponsor, and adopt the Freedom to Read Act.
Key Points:
- Public opinion strongly opposes book banning. A poll conducted by EPIC-MRA in March and November 2023 found that 86% of respondents (76% strongly) support state legislation that would protect the public’s right to read what they wish in local public libraries.
- The proposed act upholds First Amendment principles and civil rights, safeguarding diverse ideas and dismissing baseless challenges based on protected class.
State Aid to Libraries
Need: Michigan libraries need increased funding to provide essential and innovative services. The current State Aid allocation, set at $0.50 per capita in 1977, hasn’t kept pace with inflation and should be approximately $2.50 per capita in 2024.
Ask: Increase State Aid to Libraries by $2 Million for FY25 to support Michigan’s 397 public library systems and library cooperatives.
Key Points:
- State Aid grants, comprising 5-10% of a library’s revenue, are based on the state’s population and per capita rates.
- Changes in population affect necessary appropriations for grant funding.
- State Aid enables libraries and library cooperatives to offer education, training, and resources, meeting the growing demand for information.
Capital Improvements
Need: Michigan libraries face challenges with aging infrastructure, broadband capacity, energy consumption, mold, and accessibility barriers. The lack of dedicated funding for library facilities since 1997 at the federal level and inadequate capital funding at the state level hinder addressing these concerns.
Ask: Support a $25-50 Million investment from the Michigan legislature in an infrastructure grant program for capital improvements in public libraries.
Key Points:
- Capital improvements enhance library facilities, creating space, reducing energy consumption, preserving cultural heritage, and meeting technical standards.
- Upgrades can protect health, improve accessibility, and address hazards like mold and lead.
- This investment recognizes deficiencies and anticipates future demand, reversing decades of underinvestment in library infrastructure.
Stronger Libraries = A Stronger Michigan
Contact your legislators TODAY and tell them that Michigan libraries need their support! Ask them to prioritize library funding in Michigan by supporting increased and secured funding for State Aid and capital improvements. Urge them to protect intellectual freedom by introducing Freedom to Read legislation.
We've made it easy to take action.
By Email
We've created a template for you to update, or draft your own message using our talking points linked below.
Make sure you edit and customize the prewritten template before you hit send! Add:
- A personal story about how your library’s services have impacted you and/or your community.
- Any details about how important it is to protect the right to read for your patrons.
- Details about how State Aid is used at your library and how increased funds would enhance your ability to serve your community.
- Any relevant info about improvements your library needs.
By phone
After you send your email, you can use the form to call your legislators to continue to amplify our message! Just click the call button to receive a call that will connect you with your legislators' offices.
Talking Points
View detailed Fact Sheets about these talking points and other issues important to libraries at milibraries.org/advocacy-day-resources
Freedom to Read Legislation
Need: Intellectual freedom, a cornerstone of democratic societies and protected by the First Amendment, is under threat in Michigan libraries. There has been a surge in attempts to ban, hide, destroy, weed, move, and challenge books.
Ask: The Michigan Library Association urges legislators to introduce, co-sponsor, and adopt the Freedom to Read Act.
Key Points:
- Public opinion strongly opposes book banning. A poll conducted by EPIC-MRA in March and November 2023 found that 86% of respondents (76% strongly) support state legislation that would protect the public’s right to read what they wish in local public libraries.
- The proposed act upholds First Amendment principles and civil rights, safeguarding diverse ideas and dismissing baseless challenges based on protected class.
State Aid to Libraries
Need: Michigan libraries need increased funding to provide essential and innovative services. The current State Aid allocation, set at $0.50 per capita in 1977, hasn’t kept pace with inflation and should be approximately $2.50 per capita in 2024.
Ask: Increase State Aid to Libraries by $2 Million for FY25 to support Michigan’s 397 public library systems and library cooperatives.
Key Points:
- State Aid grants, comprising 5-10% of a library’s revenue, are based on the state’s population and per capita rates.
- Changes in population affect necessary appropriations for grant funding.
- State Aid enables libraries and library cooperatives to offer education, training, and resources, meeting the growing demand for information.
Capital Improvements
Need: Michigan libraries face challenges with aging infrastructure, broadband capacity, energy consumption, mold, and accessibility barriers. The lack of dedicated funding for library facilities since 1997 at the federal level and inadequate capital funding at the state level hinder addressing these concerns.
Ask: Support a $25-50 Million investment from the Michigan legislature in an infrastructure grant program for capital improvements in public libraries.
Key Points:
- Capital improvements enhance library facilities, creating space, reducing energy consumption, preserving cultural heritage, and meeting technical standards.
- Upgrades can protect health, improve accessibility, and address hazards like mold and lead.
- This investment recognizes deficiencies and anticipates future demand, reversing decades of underinvestment in library infrastructure.