News & Press

Public Libraries Stand United for E-book Pricing Action

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:37:00 GMT

“America’s public libraries are critical to digital discovery of authors and titles, as well as literacy builders and champions. Libraries will pay a fair price for fair services to be able to deliver equitable access to the universe of information and creative works for all readers. Libraries must be able to lend and preserve content in all its forms to advance literacy and learning with partners across the publishing ecosystem.” -Dr. Brandy McNeil, President, Public Library Association (PLA)

Read Full Statement

Today, Monday, April 20th, is Right to Read Day!

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:34:00 GMT

Today, Monday, April 20th, is Right to Read Day! Join library advocates nationwide in honoring our recent victories against censorship and committing to protect the freedom to read. To mark the occasion, the American Library Association (ALA) has unveiled the State of America's Libraries Report, which features the highly anticipated list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2025. See the list here: https://www.ala.org/bbooks

#RightToRead #americanlibraryassociation

EveryLibrary Institute 2025 Annual Report

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:27:00 GMT

The 2025 Annual Report of EveryLibrary Institute is out now! Read the report, titlted "Resilience in a Time of Great Pressure," online at the link below.

"In 2025, the EveryLibrary Institute operated at the intersection of law, policy, research, and civic life at a scale that reflects the evolving role of libraries in American democracy. Our impact is best understood not through isolated metrics, but through the cumulative strengthening of the systems that sustain public, school, academic, and state libraries across the country."

Check It Out!

Celebrating Humanity: Book Displays in the Public Library

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:00:00 GMT

This year marks 100 years of nationally honoring Black History Month! With this important milestone, now might be a good time to talk about how libraries can bring awareness to communities. Displays and collections for specific communities message to those communities that they are welcome in the library. Libraries can celebrate communities even while remembering and acknowledging truthful and sometimes horrific history. Through our daily work, libraries can do a lot by providing access, services, and resources to support everyone in our communities.

Library displays (special exhibits, book displays, and bulletin boards at the library) are one way that libraries do this work. The purpose of library displays is to raise awareness of library resources, programs, and services. Highlights can be made around community interests, library collections, currents events, and more. Celebrating special events and designated times to do so, like Black History Month, is just that, a celebration.

Each library is set in a community that experiences all kinds of individuals–from the residents, to visitors, to even the library employees–and the library hopes to serve them all. That being said, some individuals may express concern or disapproval with displays that challenge their perspectives. Celebrating one group does not have to be derogatory or degrading to another group. Highlighting the voice of underrepresented groups is not discriminatory to any other group, it is uplifting a part of our communities that may not always be heard.

While sharing information to the public, library displays can also be a message letting underrepresented individuals and historically marginalized groups know that the library is for everyone, including them. Displays can be an opportunity for the library to highlight smaller collections, limited viewpoints, and diverse identities that may not be well known, moving them from the margins to the center.

The purpose of library displays is to share and promote access to information, resources, and services. In a time where we see continued attempts to censor books highlighting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), books highlighting the LGBTQIA+ Community along with other communities, it is important to remember while some ideas and topics may be controversial to parts of our communities that does not exclude those books from being part of a display that meets the needs of others in the community.

Library displays should have associated policies so that the public can see the purpose and guidelines associated with their use and availability. Just like in library collection development policies, library display policies should afford individuals the right to ask the library to reconsider a specific display if it seems to not follow library policy. Just a reminder, though, that "Library workers should not censor or remove materials from exhibits, displays, or information areas because someone may disagree with the content or the identity, beliefs, or affiliations of the sponsors."

This moment in time is not different from the past. We have the responsibility to operate libraries without censorship, recognizing that information sought by one individual may be seen as offensive to another. Currently, many of the most challenged books and displays in America explore identities and showcase humanity, but criticisms label them as inappropriate. Celebrating the humanity and identity of communities may be labeled as divisive by some, but questioning identities and rights of groups or individuals is dehumanizing and contrary to core library values. Libraries offer access to information, services for all, and materials for varying viewpoints. A display is not designed to humiliate or offend, but also the public must understand that there are perspectives and identities that are different from their own, which may challenge their views.

The ALA Code of Ethics, followed by many libraries, states that "We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person." Libraries are to serve the public, our communities, while recognizing their humanity. The Library Bill of Rights states that "A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views." and that "Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas." The same can be said for what is on display at the library. Libraries can stand on our core principles of serving the public and providing access to information while also celebrating the humanity of all identities and persons in our communities.

Citations and Further Reading

https://www.ala.org/...exhibitsdisplaysbulletinboards

https://www.ala.org/...librarybillofrights

https://www.ala.org/bbooks/...top10

https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics

https://blackhistory100.org/

The Legend Lives On: The Wreck of the EDMUND FITZGERALD (Recording)

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:32:00 GMT

If you missed the webinar for The Legend Lives On: The Wreck of the EDMUND FITZGERALD, or if you want to watch it again, you can check out the video recording below.

View on YouTube

Former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden Speaks Out on her Firing by Trump

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:37:00 GMT

Check out this week's CBS Sunday Morning interview segment with Dr. Carla Hayden, at the link below.

Watch on Youtube

Michigan Activity Pass Access to Attractions

Thu, 5 Jun 2025 15:16:00 GMT

Michigan Activity Pass Gives Access to Local Attractions

"Wish you could visit some fun places around the state of Michigan, but that it didn’t cost so much? The Library Network is here to help!" - by Joan Young

Read Article!

Federal Judge in Rhode Island Orders Halt to Unconstitutional Dismantling of Library Agency

Wed, 14 May 2025 18:11:00 GMT

Federal Judge in Rhode Island Orders Halt to Unconstitutional Dismantling of Library Agency

Read Article

Use Your Library Card to Get Free or Discounted Access to Michigan Activities with MAP!

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Get A Pass Today!

With Regard to Recent Federal Decisions

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:57:00 GMT

Over the past month, several executive orders and other actions taken by the federal government have targeted many disadvantaged people, in particular the LGBTQ and immigrant communities. These frightening and discriminatory attacks have led to people losing their jobs, having their documents seized, and have contributed to a culture of inequity that permeates the United States. As information professionals, you may be wondering what you can do to help support those impacted in your community.

The American Library Association stringently and unequivocally maintains that libraries and librarians have an obligation to resist efforts that systematically exclude materials dealing with any subject matter, including sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, in addition to a compelling public interest in the preservation of intellectual freedom for individuals of any age held in jails, prisons, detention facilities, juvenile facilities, immigration facilities, prison work camps, and segregated units within any facility, whether public or private. As such, we've compiled some resources that may be helpful as we stand together in these difficult times.

Understanding Executive Orders and What They Mean for the LGBTQ+ Community - a practical breakdown of the recent decisions and what is being done to combat them.

How to Respond to Law Enforcement Requests for Library Records and User Information: Suggested Guidelines

Facing the Future Together: FAQs, Guidance, and Resources - this excellent guide by the Human Rights Campaign gives practical answers to some questions that may be on your mind.

New Immigrants - this ALA page lists resources for serving new immigrants.

Creating the Trans Inclusive Library - this guide lists activities that librarians and their parent institutions can complete in order to create a more inclusive environment for trans students, employees, and patrons.

Know Your Rights: Immigrant Rights - a collection of scenarios concerning immigration status and how to navigate them.

Libraries Respond: Protecting and Supporting Transgender Staff and Patrons - this article by the ALA contains practices and resources for supporting both transgender staff and patrons.

WSU's Libguide on Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - acquainting yourself with works and resources by women and queer authors and spotlighting them in your library signals to your community that your institution is an ally.

WSU's "Subject of the Month" Libguide on Immigration- the same goes for the immigrant community.

Please consider donating to these mutual aid funds if you are able, and sharing these links with others to help these organizations reach as many people as possible.

Trans Lifeline's database of mutual aid networks

Folx Health’s database of mutual aid funds

Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network

Times are hard, and we can read articles all day, but without your voice drowning out the others, the culture that gave way to these discriminatory decisions will continue to rear its ugly head. Make your and your library's active support for the disenfranchised loud, proud, and visible!

Storytime from the Stacks Podcast

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:26:00 GMT

Hey podcast lovers, have you checked out the new Chapter & Verse podcast from the Cooperative Libraries of Michigan and the Michigan Library Association? Available wherever you get your podcasts! This month's episode just dropped and features our friends over at Lakeland Library Cooperative! Link below.

Check It Out!

Mellon-Funded Research Report on Food Justice and Public Libraries

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 02:42:00 GMT

Christine D'Arpa, Assistant Professor in the School of Information Sciences is sharing the final report on the project on Food Justice Work and Public Libraries:

Hello, Everyone

I am happy to share the final report/white paper for our project on food justice work and public libraries - funded by the Mellon Foundation. The full report is available here, https://letsmovelibraries.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Public-Librarianship-and-Food-Justice-Report-FINAL.pdf

This was an especially effective collaboration that included a SIS student (now alum) and a colleague in Communication here at Wayne was one of our research fellows. We will be adding it to our respective digital repositories.

Chris

Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald 50th Anniversary in 2025

Fri, 8 Nov 2024 20:42:00 GMT

In the evening of November 10, 1975 the 729 foot ore freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior with the loss of her entire 29 man crew. The story of the ship and its crew is still well known to those living in Michigan, thanks in large part to the efforts of author and maritime historian Fred Stonehouse. Fred's book "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is regarded to be "the" source of information on the topic.

In conjunction with next year's 50th anniversary of this tragic event, the Library Cooperatives of Michigan and The Library Network are pleased to announce that they are sponsoring two hosted programs for libraries and the public, with author and historian Fred Stonehouse: "The legend lives on - the wreck of the EDMUND FITZGERALD."

The first program will be virtual, and statewide. It will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
The second, an in-person program, will be held at Michigan Technological University on Saturday, November 15, 2025, focusing on the Edmund Fitzgerald and maritime history of the Upper Great Lakes.

Please mark your calendars. We will share additional information and promotional materials concerning the three programs as soon as the final details are available. Public registration will open later next year for all events. There will be no access fee for any of these events but space will be limited for the in-person activities.

We would like to thank Jim Flury, Technical Services Manager, The Library Network and Dillon Geshel, Director, Superiorland Library Cooperative for their work to coordinate this series of three Fred Stonehouse hosted library programs to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975.

Event Calendar

[article updated 7/2025]

In Partnership With

Juneteenth Is A Day to Celebrate!

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMT


	The Library Network officially recognizes the Juneteenth holiday! Juneteenth has long been celebrated as a day to recognize the emancipation of slaves in the United States. In 2021, it became America's newest federal holiday. If you're not sure what Juneteenth is about, and why all Americans should celebrate the date, we all know that libraries are a wealth of information! There is lots to learn about Juneteenth and the history of emancipation in our nation. Our schools teach about the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln for January 1, 1863. This proclamation was to end slavery. But not everyone knows that the proclamation was to end slavery in just the Confederate states, and not all of the Union. Although the proclamation was made, it took two more years for the news to reach all of the rebellious regions, and much longer for all slavery to be abolished in the United States of America. The Union military presence in Texas on June 19, 1865 was marked as a date where the final reaches of the rebellious regions of our country heard the proclamation that slavery was no longer allowed, as was declared "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free." After that year, many communities chose to use the June 19th (Juneteenth) date to hold an annual celebration for emancipation in our country. It wasn't until later that year (in 1865), that the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution officially abolished slavery after it was ratified by enough states on December 6, 1865, and officially proclaimed on December 18. So national recognition of Juneteenth, to celebrate the official end of legal slavery in the United States, was a long time coming. We all celebrate the establishment of equal human rights in our country. While we take this day to celebrate each year we can continue to work daily against the still-existing racist structures that our country was built on. We can acknowledge that racism continues to hold a dominant place in many parts of American life. We can provide access to power and an inclusive voice to the diverse populations that we service. We can uplift the people of color in our lives and provide space in our communities to realize continued positive change as we work toward a not only equal, but equitable future. In the context of book bans and collection challenges, the work of libraries is integral to moving forward.

Research on Motivation, Literacy, and Reading Development: A Review of Best Practices Final Report

Wed, 1 May 2024 16:57:00 GMT

"Literacy development in the early childhood and elementary school years is critical for learning and the acquisition of other skills essential for educational achievement. Although schools assume the primary responsibility in developing children’s literacy and reading skills, a holistic approach to literacy development requires the involvement of other important actors, including parents, caregivers, community members, and libraries. Public libraries play a key role in these literacy efforts by providing a variety of free programs and rich resources for children and families from all backgrounds."

Read the Report

Book Banning Featured on 60 Minutes

Mon, 4 Mar 2024 21:25:00 GMT

View 60 Minutes Segment Below

"A South Carolina school district’s superintendent pulled 97 books from schools after a ban push from a few parents and residents. Almost all of the books have since been returned to school libraries."

New Inclusive Teen Internship Toolkit Available

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:58:00 GMT

Inclusive Internship Toolkit:
A practical guide for teen internships!

Download Toolkit!

ALA Black Caucus Best of the Best 2023, Grades PreK-4 List

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:47:00 GMT

View the List!

High Speed Internet: Request for Public Comment

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:46:00 GMT

The Michigan High Speed Internet Office (MiHI) is asking the public comments on their Draft Digital Equity Plan, on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on August 15, 2023.

"The Michigan Digital Equity Plan highlights the state’s vision, goals, objectives, barriers, needs, and strategies to help ensure that all Michiganders can connect to affordable high-speed internet and have the devices and digital skills they need to be successful. This plan will guide how federal funds are used to connect all Michiganders to what they need."

Read Draft

Make Public Comment

Thank You to America’s Librarians

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:42:00 GMT

Check it out! Barak Obama writes a thank you letter to America's Librarians for "Protecting Our Freedom to Read."

"In any democracy, the free exchange of ideas is an important part of making sure that citizens are informed, engaged and feel like their perspectives matter."

Read Letter

Opinion: The Power of the Parent

Fri, 7 Jul 2023 22:00:00 GMT

As librarians, we want to get the right book into the right hands. Recently, I witnessed a tween in the library who was looking through a book that explained gender identities. Her mom was with her and quietly and with deep care, suggested that she was not ready to read that book yet and helped her find another book to take home. That is exactly right. We respect the power of each family to determine what is correct for their children.

That particular book exists in the library because we serve all families. We choose factual information on a variety of topics. There are teens and tweens that welcome and need that book. There are parents and grandparents who want to learn more about a topic so they can better understand their children. A friend of mine, who is a grandparent to a transgender person, thanked me for recommending it. It helped her understand the struggle her granddaughter experienced. This is the same book the other mother gently put back on the shelf. That book needs to be in our libraries, but not everyone needs to read it.

Public libraries believe in the power of the parent. We recognize every parent’s powerful desire to keep their children safe and we want to aid parents in navigating collections by giving them the power to choose.

One interesting difference between school libraries and public libraries is that public libraries do not act “in loco parentis”. This is a legal term that that means “in the place of the parent”, and it refers to the legal responsibility of a person or organization to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent. The public library is a public space, much like a grocery store, rather than a school (where the teacher is tasked with watching out for a child’s safety in place of the parent). As a public space for all, libraries have put in place unattended children’s policies and other rules that task the parent with monitoring a child’s use of the library and its collections.

Public libraries navigate under the assumption that as children navigate our spaces, their parents will be there to guide them or have discussions with them about what materials they should or should not read. Librarians recognize the vital role parents play in making these decisions. You have the same right as all parents to choose what is best for your family.

There are several tools to help you find the right book for your child. The best resource is your local librarian. They are amazingly knowledgeable about local collections and what is available. Novelist is a free resource for all Michiganders through the Michigan eLibrary. It is a great tool for finding new reads based on other books you have enjoyed. And our digital card catalogs offer a variety of search methods to find what you are looking for.
So, parents, please explore the library with your child, tween, and teens. You have the power to choose what is best for your family. And so do all the other families. Everyone is welcome at your public library.

This article was written by Linda Adams, MLIS, and Director of the Northland Library Cooperative based in Petoskey, MI. Former Director of the Charlevoix Public Library. The NLC provides advocacy and services for 24 Northern Michigan libraries.

5th Annual Farmington Area Juneteenth Celebration!

Tue, 6 Jun 2023 13:52:00 GMT

Join the Juneteenth celebration this year in Farmington! Co-Sponsored by TLN partner Conversations on Race (ConR).

Download Flyer

Survey Says: Michiganders Value Libraries and the Freedom to Read!

Fri, 5 May 2023 15:30:00 GMT

In March 2023, the Michigan Library Association contracted with EPIC-MRA, a full-service survey research firm with expertise in Public Opinion Surveys and Market Research Studies, to conduct a statewide survey about current politics and libraries.

The survey of 800 voters in Michigan measured the awareness of, and attitudes toward, the growing efforts to limit the freedom to read and to ban books in public libraries.

Survey Says:

71% give local public libraries in Michigan a positive rating.

83% support legislation guaranteeing the right to read and to not ban books.

70% say that librarians are capable and trustworthy to decide which books to have in local library collections.

80% agree that parents have the right to decide what their own child can read or not read.

77% agree that local public libraries should have diverse collections of books representing the community and the world around us.

Local Survey Results

Opinion: The Purpose of Your Local Library

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:00:00 GMT

I grew up in a farming community near a small town in mid-Mi. Once a week, as a preschooler and elementary student, my mom took me to the local public library. You know what’s coming, because nearly everyone has an “I remember the library when I was a kid” story. I got to look at a world of books. I was awestruck. I got to take them home. The librarian knew my name. I read picture books, then chapter books, then I started browsing the whole collection. I was an early reader, then a voracious reader, then a curious teen. Because I read a lot, my vocabulary was huge, and writing came easily. And…I had my own library card. I felt special at the library. Most people do.

Public libraries hold professional values that verify this experience. They believe in their constitutional duty to disseminate information and make sure everyone has access to that information. We protect our patron’s privacy and offer a well-rounded collection for a diverse population. We encourage parents to accompany their children in these public spaces and help them choose the books they want them to read. We act with social responsibility and do things for the greater good.

Rural libraries today provide much the same function as my little library in Chesaning, Michigan. They are community hubs. In small towns, they shoulder a social role that more urban communities spread out between museums and cultural centers. Children feel special and find a love of learning. Teens find a place to explore ideas and feel safe. Adults work remotely in the study rooms and find books throughout the stacks that wet their curiosity. Public libraries provide a wealth of reading on a variety of topics for the lifespan. And they make sure the collection is accessible to all. That means people from different backgrounds, social groups and interests can find what they are looking for. People have the freedom to choose the books that speak to their interests. The public library welcomes all.

Rural areas are much less likely to have broadband internet available and affordable for all its residents. Public libraries have computers to use, Wi-Fi hotspots to check out and tech support for all.

Small libraries work with partners in the community to educate and inform. They are part of the Chamber of Commerce and local arts center. They work with the Historical society to offer programs. They collaborate with the community college and local schools. They are part of the fabric of the community.

Libraries have life changing impacts. A young child learns to read. The teen that was provided a much-needed safe space is forever empowered. Another person finds the resources to apply to the college of their choice. The mother of twins finds a place for her children to play, listen to stories and she finds a support system with other mothers. A senior citizen learns how to use a mouse, then a computer and now downloads eBooks to her tablet because she is homebound. Another senior waits for the librarian’s weekly visit, bringing books and stories, to her assisted living home.

Librarians are trained professionals that have a system for selecting materials, they understand customer service and know all their patrons have different needs. Librarians in these small libraries almost always get to know their patrons, celebrating a child’s first library card and attending funerals of those who pass away. One couple in Charlevoix felt such admiration for the library, they chose to be married in our garden. People feel cared for.

Though these libraries may be small, their impact on their community is invaluable. If you visit one of these libraries, please stop and thank the librarian. They are working very hard to make your community a better place.

MLA Connect Advocacy Hour: Censorship and the First Amendment

Wed, 8 Mar 2023 20:52:00 GMT

"We are pleased to welcome constitutional expert and University of Michigan Law Professor Len Niehoff as our March Advocacy Hour guest speaker."