LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan Library Affiliation (MLA) has launched a petition to encourage authorities officers to “protect the freedom to read” in libraries throughout the state.
The MLA reviews that the Shield MI Proper to Learn petition will likely be delivered to the Michigan State Legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer this October throughout Michigan Library Appreciation Month.
The MLA seeks to offer Michigan residents a “clear way to push back against censorship efforts and show their support for accessible library collections for all.”
MLA reviews {that a} statewide ballot, carried out by EPIC-MRA, reveals robust and rising assist for public libraries, in addition to opposition to ebook bans.
Key ballot findings
79% of voters approve of the work libraries are doing (up from 71% in 2023).
75% belief librarians to resolve what belongs in library collections.
82% agree that we have to defend the flexibility of younger individuals to have entry to books that assist them find out about and perceive completely different views.
84% assist present library insurance policies on age-appropriate shelving.
“Michigan’s public libraries serve everyone, not just the loudest voices,” stated Dillon Geshel, Interim Government Director of MLA, in a information launch despatched to six Information.
“The Petition to Protect MI Right to Read was created to send a clear message to our elected officials that public libraries exist to reflect all of us, and every resident deserves the freedom to see themselves on the shelves.”
The MLA says that the petition seeks to encourage authorities officers to:
Uphold the First Modification proper to entry data and reject censorship efforts concentrating on library collections.
Belief librarians as skilled, skilled guides to age-appropriate content material.
Guarantee public libraries mirror the complete vary of neighborhood voices and lived experiences.
Improve assist for State Help to Libraries and fund the Michigan eLibrary and statewide catalog, MeL and MeLCat, in addition to different statewide library providers within the Michigan price range.
“We’re seeing more organized efforts to control what people can read, and it’s happening right here in Michigan,” stated Jenny Marr, MLA Board President and Government Director of Capital Space District Libraries, in a information launch despatched to six Information.
“This petition reminds us that libraries are places of curiosity, growth, and empathy, and they’re worth defending.”
