MI Right to Read

06/20/2026

Stories shape how we understand ourselves, our communities, and one another. In a new article for the American Bar Association, Daniel R Novack argues that protecting the freedom to read is essential to preserving free expression and ensuring people can access diverse ideas and perspectives.

This is an impassioned reminder that defending the right to read means protecting everyone's ability to discover, learn, and engage with stories that reflect the richness of the human experience.

Summarize from the article by Daniel R. Noack, attorney for penguin Random House, published on the American Bar Association's website:

Escalating book bans threaten the First Amendment; citizens and lawmakers must defend libraries and codify the right to read before these freedoms are further eroded.

06/20/2026

Libraries are introducing different types of library cards in response to censorship debates, but many librarians and intellectual freedom advocates caution that restricting access based on age or content can create barriers to information and raise legal and ethical concerns. Rather than expanding access, these policies may limit what young people can borrow and place libraries in the role of determining who can access certain materials.

The conversation highlights the importance of protecting intellectual freedom while supporting parents in making reading choices for their own families—not for everyone else's.

Read the full article by Kelly Jensen, Book Riot:

The rules defining the issuance and use of library cards are important for protecting the freedom to read. Libraries should be taking a second look.

06/17/2026

Massachusetts lawmakers have advanced legislation aimed at protecting school and public libraries from politically motivated book bans, moving the measure closer to becoming law. The bill would require libraries to follow standardized, professionally grounded policies when reviewing challenged materials and ensure clear, consistent processes for reconsideration of books. It also strengthens protections for librarians and school staff while affirming the importance of maintaining diverse, accessible collections in public and school libraries across the state.

Read the full article by John L. Micek, MassLive:

The House-approved measure requires school librarians to use professional expertise, not personal beliefs, when selecting materials and mandates annual reporting to state education officials.

06/11/2026

Libraries don’t just store information—they protect the freedom to seek it.

At today’s Michigan Library Association Intellectual Freedom Summit, Kyle Zawacki of the ACLU of Michigan opened with a reminder that feels especially urgent right now: libraries have long stood as cornerstones of democracy, defending the right to read, learn, and explore ideas freely.

From book bans to digital access barriers, from funding pressures to legislative scrutiny, the challenges facing libraries today are real—and they are not new. This session places them in a longer history, where libraries have continually adapted while holding the line for intellectual freedom.

We hope the first day of the Summit was a meaningful experience, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on Day 2.

The Intellectual Freedom Summit is made possible through generous support from the Mellon Foundation.

06/10/2026

06/08/2026

On April 3, 2026, the White House released its budget proposal requesting the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program in the Department of Education. Read ALA's statement and background on the announcement: https://ow.ly/qOkT50Z8v3B

With pressure from the Executive Branch in full swing, it's more important than ever that Congress fund libraries in next year's budget.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies voted to approve level funding for IMLS on June 5, 2026. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee is expected to take up its own version of the appropriations bill in mid-June.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/UrYb50Z8v3J

ALA is calling on us to spread the word about on social media and share the impact of IMLS funding in your library or state. Remember to tag your posts with .

06/08/2026

Free to attend today at 10 am!

TOMORROW!

Learn about the important role poll workers play in supporting fair and accessible elections and how individuals can get involved, with Dan Papineau, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. This session will provide an overview of what poll workers do, why they are essential, and the steps to becoming one.

Participants will explore ways libraries can partner in poll worker recruitment efforts through programming, newsletters, displays, website resources, and social media outreach. Join us to discuss practical partnership opportunities and how libraries can help strengthen civic engagement in their communities.

This virtual session is free to attend. Register: https://ow.ly/S9s450Z8vjY

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

06/07/2026

NEWS: ALA has joined a new coalition calling on Congress to expand federal funding for libraries, museums, & archives through the Institute of Museum & Library Services. As Congress debates the outline of next year's federal budget, they MUST provide robust funding for the institutions that connect and inform our communities. Learn more: https://www.ala.org/news/2026/06/cultural-organizations-press-congressional-decisionmakers-fund-library-museum-services

06/07/2026

TOMORROW!

Learn about the important role poll workers play in supporting fair and accessible elections and how individuals can get involved, with Dan Papineau, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. This session will provide an overview of what poll workers do, why they are essential, and the steps to becoming one.

Participants will explore ways libraries can partner in poll worker recruitment efforts through programming, newsletters, displays, website resources, and social media outreach. Join us to discuss practical partnership opportunities and how libraries can help strengthen civic engagement in their communities.

This virtual session is free to attend. Register: https://ow.ly/S9s450Z8vjY

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash