FY26 Michigan Budget Update from the Library of Michigan

Thanks to the hard work of the library community, the Library of Michigan staff, MDE legislative liaisons and leadership, and MLA and their lobbyist, the Library of Michigan and Michigan libraries appear to have fared well overall in the FY25/26 budget. The budget is in the process of being sent to the Governor for signing.

Highlights include:

• Amidst cuts elsewhere in the state’s budget, State Aid to public libraries remained flat
• LSTA (IMLS) allotted funding was approved for expenditure
• Library of Michigan did not lose any positions
• Funding for MeL increased around 100K
• The budget includes a one-time additional 900K for MeL

Reductions include:

• Renaissance Zone Reimbursements were reduced by around 370K
• Funding for the Michigan Poet Laureate program was eliminated
• Library of Michigan General Fund Operations were reduced by 50K

We appreciate the patience, advocacy, and support the library community has shown during this challenging budget year, and we look forward to continuing to serve and support Michigan’s libraries.

Thank you everyone!

Randy Riley

State Librarian

Randy Riley

State Librarian

Library of Michigan

702 W. Kalamazoo St.

Lansing, MI  48915

rileyr1@michigan.gov

(517) 335-1517