Hello!

Please see below for upcoming programs sponsored by United for Libraries.

United for Libraries is a division of the American Library Association that focuses on Library Trustees, Friends Groups, and Foundations.

The Library of Michigan provides a Statewide Membership to United for Libraries through funds from the Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS) and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

To create a login for United for Libraries:

Go  to

(https://www.ala.org/united/stateaccess)

Click on “Michigan”

Click on  “Register” The system will walk you through creating an ALA login which you will then use to access United for Libraries

Once you have a login, you can click on the links below to register for the desired program

And

You can log into United for Libraries  ( https://www.ala.org/united/stateaccess ) and choose “Access” to take advantage of all of the useful resources United for Libraries offers!

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.

Library Law Consultant

Library of Michigan

MembielaC@michigan.gov

517-335-8132

The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

“the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965).

Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote.

If you are having trouble viewing this mailing, please click here for our online version.

March Learning Live: Fundraising for Library and Community Programs

Tues., March 10 at 2pm ET

Join us for a fireside chat as we discuss how the uncertainties in government funding, along with an increased volume in applications as a result of AI, are having a cascading effect on libraries and grants across the country. We will look at the current state of grantmaking and strategies you can use to be more competitive in the grant seeking process.

These strategies will include fundraising industry best practices; framing your library and programs in community hub terms; identifying new sources of foundation and grant funding; leveraging community partnerships to make your application stand out; and utilizing existing metrics to establish workable goals and objectives.

Learning Live is free to United for Libraries personal members and those in MA, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OR, SC & VA through partnerships with the state library agency in each location.

Register

2026 Shaping the Future for Your Friends of the Library Retreat

Sat., March 21 | 12-3pm ET

Presentations and panels will be recorded and available on-demand. Breakout rooms activities will not be recorded.

Friends groups make a lasting difference for their libraries. Learn how to ensure your library Friends have a bright future and strategic direction. The program will include panel presentations, activities, and idea sharing.

Agenda/Topics

• Part 1 – Cultivating a Vibrant Friends Group: Practical Strategies for Recruiting, Retaining, and Engaging Members
• Part 2 – Friends and Foundations Working Together (panel discussion)

Registration is free for statewide partners in MA, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OR, SC, and VA, and deeply discounted for United for Libraries personal members (individual and group viewing registrations are available).

Speakers

Kathy Dooley-Smith President, Friends of Tennessee Libraries

Katie Roche Development Director, Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation

Candace Vessella President, Friends of the Lewes Public Library

Deborah Doyle Chair, Sonoma County (Calif.) Library Commission

Register

Take our survey for a chance to win free United Virtual registration

Deadline to submit is Fri., March 13

United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries.

To best serve you now and in the future, we need your feedback! By completing this survey, you can help United better understand the ways in which we can best support Friends, Foundations and Trustees.

To thank you for your time, you will have the opportunity to enter to win no-cost registration for United for Libraries Virtual 2026 at the end of the survey.

Take the Survey

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