Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative

Director’s Report

April and May 2026

State Budget/State Aid:

  • There are three budgets that are going through committees to come to an agreement on one. The Senate version of the budget includes a $500,000 increase for State Aid and $900,000 for Mel. The lobbyists are pushing for this version to be the final budget. The Legislature is supposed to present a final budget to the Governor on July 1st.

 

Cooperative Services:

  • At the Advisory Council meeting at the beginning of May, the council decided to make a recommendation to the Board to change the format of the Board to a Public Library member Board. This would allow members to appoint the Director or a professional staff member to represent the library on the MMLC Board.T here are a few cooperatives in the state that have this set up.
  • At the May MMLC Board of Trustees meeting, several items were addressed:
    • The Board accepted the request to withdraw membership from Public Libraries of Saginaw, effective September 30, 2026
    • Due to Laingsburg Public Library not meeting full state aid requirements, The Board voted to rescind the Laingsburg Public Library’s full membership. The Board then voted to accept Laingsburg Public Library’s request to join the Cooperative as an Associate Member.
    • The Board accepted Eric letter of resignation with a modification of his last day of working being June 30, 2026, and with health insurance coverage extended through September 30, 2026.
    • The Board voted to table until the June Board meeting a proposed change to the Board Structure recommended by the Advisory Council.
    • The Board approved holding a joint Advisory Council and Board meeting June 11, 2026 at Bay County Library System – Wirt Branch to further discuss the change to the Board Structure.
    • The Board voted to suspended the Strategic Planning process in light of the upcoming changes to the Cooperative, and thanked Kate Pohjola-Andrade for her assistance.

 

Library Cooperatives of Michigan (LCM):  

 

Library of Michigan (LM): Michelle Bradley, Interim State Librarian

  • If you’re looking for free, high-quality continuing education webinars on a wide range of professional topics, check out People Connect Institute (PCI) webinars available from Library of Michigan every Wednesday at 2 pm.PCI webinars are available to the Michigan library community live via the Zoom platform and asynchronously via recordings made available in our Niche Academy about a week later. You can register for these webinars from the Library of Michigan Continuing Education calendar. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom link to attend.
  • The physical building is one of a library’s most important assets—yet facility management is often overlooked as a core leadership responsibility. The Library of Michigan is hosting a webinar series to equip library directors, managers, and trustees with the knowledge to confidently steward their buildings, plan, and protect public investment. Each session blends practical strategies with real-world examples, helping participants understand not just what needs to be done, but why it matters for safety, efficiency, and public trust. The sessions are designed for decision-makers at all levels, from first-time branch managers to experienced administrators.

 

Michigan Library Association (MLA): Dillon Geshel, Executive Director

  • Do you know someone who deserves recognition and celebration for their work in Michigan libraries? The Call for Nominations for the 2026 Michigan Library Awards is now open through Friday, July 10! We encourage and welcome your nomination for any of MLA's Awards for recognition at the 2026 Michigan Library Awards on Wednesday, October 28, during the MLA 2026 Annual Conference at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace (formerly known as the Suburban Collection Showplace) in Novi. Submitting a nomination is simple, self-nominations are strongly encouraged, and nominators may also choose to have submissions considered for the 2027 awards cycle.
  • View the 2026 Michigan Library Advocacy Day event photo album on Facebookand mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 4, 2027, for Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2027!
  • MI Right to Read is an initiative led by the MLA, dedicated to safeguarding the right to read in Michigan. Visit com today to join the coalition and take the pledge to protect every Michigander's right to read.

 

Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS): Scott Garrison, Executive Director

  • Visit our training store at mcls.org to find your next learning opportunity! If you have any questions, contact Gwen at training@mcls.org or call 517-220-9950.
  • The MCLS Board of Directors Nominating Committee seeks nominations from the MCLS membership for the following Board openings for 2027-2029:
    • At-Large Library Representative (Michigan)

Submit a nomination form by 5 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. Central) on July 1, 2026

 

MMLC Administration:

  • Eric attended Library of Michigan update meetings via Zoom.
  • Irene and Eric attended the Advisory Council meeting via Zoom, where the strategic plan survey results were discussed.
  • Eric attended the MLA Advocacy Day training meeting via Zoom.
  • Eric participated in the MLA Advocacy Day in Lansing.
  • Irene and Eric attended the Advisory Council Meeting at Dryden.
  • Irene and Eric attended the Board meeting at the Public Libraries of Saginaw – Hoyt Branch.
  • Eric has scheduled Board Trainings for Chippewa River District Library and Goodland Township Library in the middle of June.

 

Respectfully submitted, Eric Palmer

MMLC Director