MI Right to Read

What’s next for intellectual freedom advocacy in Michigan libraries?

Join us this Thursday at 10:00 AM on Zoom for MLA’s September Advocacy Hour. We’ll share what we learned from June’s Intellectual Freedom Summit, what’s ahead for MI Right to Read, and new resources and strategies to help libraries prepare for and respond to intellectual freedom challenges.

💬 Come learn, ask questions, and find ways to get involved: https://ow.ly/ufrZ50ZNWaR

What you read is your choice. That matters. 📚

A book might introduce you to someone whose life looks nothing like yours. A voice you’ve never heard. A culture you’ve never experienced. A question you’ve never considered.

A story that makes you laugh.
A story that makes you uncomfortable.
A story that makes you feel seen.

That’s the power of choosing for yourself.

No single person can know which stories another person needs, which questions they’re ready to ask, or which voices might change the way they see the world.

That’s why the freedom to read matters.

We can choose a book—or choose not to read it. We can decide what is right for ourselves and our families. But that choice belongs to us.

A free society makes room for many voices, many perspectives, and many lived experiences—not just the ones we already know or agree with.

You don't have to read every book. You do deserve the freedom to choose which ones you read.

Protect the freedom to read.
Protect the freedom to choose.

Join the MI Right to Read coalition by pledging your support: https://ow.ly/rVb350ZLemM

Learn more: https://ow.ly/jy9L50ZLemQ

Libraries across the country have the same message: their communities rely on the internet E-Rate provides. The FCC's proposals to cut the program would have wide-reaching consequences. Learn more: https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2026/0820/fcc-e-rate-libraries-schools

Use our tools to tell Congress to and submit your own public comments in support of the program: ala.org/erate

FCC considers cuts to funds for internet access at schools and libraries A program called E-Rate has helped expand public internet access for 30 years. As the Federal Communications Commission challenges whether the subsidies are still needed, schools and libraries say cuts could leave them with hard choices.

Is your library ? Today (Aug 31) is the deadline to register your library as a National Voter Registration Day partner! If your library is hosting voter registration or information programming, be sure to sign up: bit.ly/ALA-NVRD26

Find more tools and resources from ALA, and get ready for NVRD on September 15: ala.org/readervoterready

Are We Facing a Future Without Diverse Stories? Librarians all over the country are facing threats and job loss in defending YOUR right to read! Find out how you can support them at www.everylibrary.org.

Our latest update of book bans and challenges happening across the U.S.—and efforts to stop them— includes news from Arkansas, Utah, and Texas.

Read more at https://bit.ly/4gGchGd

MLA and the ACLU of Michigan have partnered to complete the first comprehensive update of the ACLU's statewide map tracking book bans and other forms of government censorship in Michigan. The updated map is now available through the MI Right to Read website, helping Michiganders see where challenges are occurring and how communities are responding.

View the map: https://www.mirighttoread.com/map

If you know of a challenge in your community, please share it by using the MI Right to Read Request Support form: https://www.mirighttoread.com/contact-us