Through its successful lobbying and grassroots communications  efforts, the Michigan Library Association secured an amended Executive Order that protects and recognizes the importance of statewide library services and the Library of Michigan, on September 9, 2009.

Through the amended Executive Order, Governor Granholm concurs the state has a vital role to play in maintaining statewide resource sharing and delivery of online library services and interlibrary loan through the MeLibrary and MeLCat,  the statewide online catalog.

The amended Executive Order also calls for the ‘continued operation of the Michigan Library and Historical Center and the preservation of the important historical resources and library collections.”

Governor Granholm will be announcing appointment of the Michigan Center for Innovation and Reinvention Board in January 2010 to “preserve and maximize the benefits to the public of the existing Michigan Library and Historical Center.”  The Michigan Library Association nominated Nancy Skowronski, former Director of the Detroit Public Library, to serve on this board.  MLA was recently notified by the administration that Nancy’s nomination has been accepted and she will be appointed to serve.

Libraries did not fare well in the final budget negotiations late last year.   Governor Granholm’s 2009-10 budget called for funding libraries at $10 million.  Funding was completely eliminated in the Senate.  Final negotiations left libraries with a 40 percent cut to $6 million.  This level of funding places all statewide library resource sharing systems at risk of collapse.

MLA will continue to fight to protect Michigan libraries and statewide library services.  We will participate in the MCIR Board process and work to keep the Library of Michigan whole within state government.

For regular updates, visit MLA’s website at: www.mla.lib.mi.us/advocacy.