Please join us in welcoming David Votta as the new Michigan State Librarian! A full press release<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/about/library-press-releases/michigan-state-librarian-announcement> is listed below and can also be found on the Library of Michigan’s website: www.Michigan.gov/LibraryofMichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/LibraryofMichigan> Learn more about David and the role of the Michigan State Librarian by visiting www.Michigan.gov/MiStateLibrarian<http://www.michigan.gov/MiStateLibrarian> Thanks! Adam Adam Oster, Community Engagement Librarian Library of Michigan Michigan Department of Education 702 W. Kalamazoo St. P.O. Box 30007 Lansing, MI 48909-7507 ostera@michigan.gov<mailto:ostera@michigan.gov> | 517-335-1469 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> From: MDE Communications <MDE@govsubscriptions.michigan.gov> Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 1:08 PM To: Oster, Adam (MDE) <OsterA@michigan.gov> Subject: Michigan Department of Education Announces David Votta as New State Librarian [MDE Press Release Banner] ________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: Contact: October 20, 2026 Bob Wheaton<mailto:wheatonb1@michigan.gov>, Director of Public and Governmental Affairs, 517-241-4395 Ken Coleman<mailto:colemank17@michigan.gov>, Department Spokesperson, 517-241-4395 Michigan Department of Education Announces David Votta as New State Librarian LANSING - The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is announcing the appointment of David Votta as the state librarian for the Library of Michigan. Votta, who has been serving as the interim state librarian, brings nearly 30 years of professional library experience to the role. His career includes leadership as a library director, department manager and long-time public service professional. In his interim capacity, Votta led the Library of Michigan team and oversaw programs supported by multiple state and federal funding streams. He previously served as special collections manager for the Library of Michigan. “David’s breadth of experience, strong ethical leadership, and commitment to positive outcomes for both students and other Michiganders make him an exceptional choice for state librarian,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “His vision for the Library of Michigan reflects both a deep respect for its long-standing mission and a forward-looking approach to supporting libraries and communities across the state.” Votta will begin his permanent duties Oct. 25. Throughout the selection process, Votta demonstrated strengths in strategic planning, community engagement, crisis leadership and fostering a collaborative and innovative workplace culture. He has developed and implemented numerous library programs, built partnerships across organizations, and communicated effectively with stakeholders on sensitive and high-profile issues. “I am honored to step into this role and continue supporting the vital work of libraries across Michigan,” Votta said. “The Library of Michigan plays a unique and important part in preserving our state’s heritage, expanding access to information and empowering communities. I look forward to working with staff, partners and the public to build on that foundation.” The Library of Michigan, housed within MDE, supports libraries statewide, preserves and provides access to Michigan’s history and ensures residents, government officials and researchers have access to quality information resources. Votta holds a master’s degree in Library Science and has extensive experience managing diverse funding streams, including state appropriations, federal grants and local resources. His appointment follows a nationwide competitive hiring process involving multiple interviews and evaluation against statewide leadership criteria. Randy Riley<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmde%2Fnews-and-information%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F01%2F06%2Fstate-librarian/1/010101a15a48d9a7-f5d72063-c3c8-4a77-9c0b-72cf08f8dbd3-000000/mbEwWYmUT1oBEDLEVv0Md8tSj_RoYzW6ZsLhtwziY9k=452>, the previous state librarian, died last January. Riley has been remembered for a career of making libraries more accessible to the public. ### * David Votta Headshot Resized.jpg<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FMIMDE%2F2026%2F10%2F20%2Ffile_attachments%2F3823783%2FDavid%2520Votta%2520Headshot%2520Resized.jpg/1/010101a15a48d9a7-f5d72063-c3c8-4a77-9c0b-72cf08f8dbd3-000000/mag1q4IND2fe4KOFpAjjc3TCD4FyMhPgP4MYIBxO2-o=452> ________________________________ [Michigan Department of Education Logo]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmde%2F/1/010101a15a48d9a7-f5d72063-c3c8-4a77-9c0b-72cf08f8dbd3-000000/3RGD5lyuYxZGPi11pH7vwUZYLNpK_lp2s4VNBSHTra4=452> Questions? 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