Michigan Library Association
The Michigan Library Association is a United States professional association headquartered in Lansing, Michigan that advocates for libraries in Michigan on behalf of the state's residents. Founded in 1891 its members are more than 2,700 individuals and organizations from public, school, academic, cooperative, private and special libraries.
With a mission to lead the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, professional development, and engagement, the Michigan Library Association is Michigan's oldest and largest library association and has advocated for libraries on behalf of the state's residents for more than 130 years.
MLA has influenced the course of Michigan's libraries since its inception in 1891, when Mary A. Eddy, the librarian at Coldwater Free Public Library, wrote to Henry Utley of the Detroit Public Library about organizing a state library association. They had discussed this matter at the 1890 meeting of the American Library Association in New Hampshire, believing a state association would be helpful to Michigan librarians unable to attend national conferences. Working closely with Lucy Ball, Grand Rapids Public Library, they awakened statewide interest and arranged the first Michigan meeting in Detroit, September 1, 1891. Thirty-seven members attended, elected a slate of five officers and printed their original 40-line constitution on a 3-inch by 6-inch card. Mr. Utley became the association's first president.
Activities
Conferences and events
MLA sponsors an annual statewide conference each fall, rotating between locations in Michigan. This professional development and networking event draws hundreds of Michigan library staff yearly. A Spring Institute for Youth Services is held each spring.Programs
MLA sponsors mentor programs, webinars, and scholarship programs, and the annual Michigan Library Appreciation Month.Awards
The Michigan Library Awards are library and literary awards presented annually. They are awarded jointly with Michigan Association for Media in Education, the Michigan Academic Library Association, the Library of Michigan and the Library of Michigan Foundation.The Michigan Library Awards presentation is held annually during the fall Annual Conference of the Michigan Library Association.
Awards include:
- Michigan Author Award
- Rising Star Award
- Heart of a Champion Award
- Public Librarian of the Year Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth
- Intellectual Freedom Award
Publication