Maryland Library Association
@mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social
Leading and supporting those dedicated to libraries through collaboration, education, and advocacy. #marylandlibraries #rightoread
The FCC's new proposals could gut the #ERate program, an critical support for broadband in libraries and schools in every state and territory. We can't stay silent in this face of these proposals. Use your voice and take action. Tell Congress to #SaveOurERate: action.ala.org/campaign/saveourerate/
Today is Right to Read Day! Since 2021, book challenges have surged: 100+ censorship bills introduced since Jan. 2025, 40 threatening libraries with fines or jail time. Join us today in fighting back. uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-read-day/ #RightToReadDay #MarylandLibraries
5 days left to save with our Early Bird rate! Join us at the MLA|DLA Annual Conference, May 6–8 in Cambridge, MD. Don't miss your chance to lock in the best price before the March 23 deadline. Register now and be part of the conversation shaping our libraries. www.mdlib.org/annual-confe...
Maryland's libraries are community cornerstones — and they need your help. Federal funding for LSTA, literacy grants, and E-Rate is at stake. Contact your reps before March 20 and tell them: protect library funding. 🔗 app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-pag...
MLA strongly opposes H.R. 7661, which would allow the federal government to ban books and regulate the right to read. This bill would take responsibility and choice away from engaged parents and experienced educators and place it in the hands of politicians. members.mdlib.org/news/Details...
MLA opposes federal book banning efforts
Baltimore - The Maryland Library Association strongly opposes H.R. 7661, which would allow the federal government to ban books and regulate the right to read. If passed, this bill - also known as the ...
members.mdlib.org
Congratulations to our Executive Director, Joshua Stone, on earning the Certified Association Executive (CAE®) designation, the highest professional credential in the association industry! Thank you for all you do! Check out the full press release at: members.mdlib.org/news/Details...
February is Library Lovers Month! David Dahl, MLA President, recently spoke with Public News Service about the vital role libraries play in our communities—as civic infrastructure, as free and open spaces, and as true third places where people can belong. app.publicnewsservice.org/story/md-lib...
MD librarian encourages people to use their local library
February is Library Lovers Month, and advocates for one of the country’s oldest government-funded services are offering ways that folks can show their local library some love. Support for libraries
app.publicnewsservice.org
January is Maryland Reading Month! Thank you, Governor Wes Moore, for championing literacy and lifelong learning across our state. Let’s read together, Maryland 🖤💛❤️ #MarylandReadingMonth
Join us next week as we preview The Librarians. Statewide and local-level library partners will come together for a community-driven conversation about the issues facing librarians today. Register here: bit.ly/TheLibrarian...
FREE EVENT: Join MLA and Maryland Public Television for a virtual screening of The Librarians from Independent Lens | PBS on January 28 at 7pm! We will watch the film in its entirety BEFORE it airs on PBS in February, then follow it up with a panel discussion. To register → bit.ly/TheLibrarian...
We invite you to the MLA|DLA Annual Conference, May 6-8, 2026 in Cambridge, MD, exploring "Our Stories, Our Shelves"—celebrating narratives that shape our libraries and communities through stories we preserve, collections we curate, and connections we build. Register: www.mdlib.org/annual-confe...
Annual Conference
Full Width Template 2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference: Our Stories, Our Shelves May 6-8, 2026 Mark your calendars for the 2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference, returning to the scenic shores of the Chesapeake ...
mdlib.org
Working towards an MLS/MLIS or undergrad degree? Need funds for training or workshops? Apply for Maryland Library Association's Educational Grants! Recipients receive up to $500 for school or qualified workshops. Must be an MLA member. Deadline: January 29th. Apply at bit.ly/mlagrants
I don’t know how I missed this but Pencil & Eraser: We Have A Dull-emma! won the Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award for beginning fiction! 🎉🙌🏆 Thank you so much @mdlibraryassoc.bsky.social What an honor! Many thanks to everyone on the committee 💕 @penguinschoollib.bsky.social
Big news! Maryland's state board reversed Harford County's ban on "Flamer," marking the first intervention under the Freedom to Read Act. Every young person deserves to see themselves in their school library. #FreedomToRead #IntellectualFreedom #MarylandLibraries www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
In a first for the state, Maryland’s school board reverses Harford County’s book ban
Maryland’s school board is reversing Harford County’s decision to remove a book from public school libraries — the first time the state has intervened in a local decision about what’s appropriate for ...
thebanner.com
"Flamer" author Mike Curato visited Harford County during Banned Books Week to discuss his book after it was banned in local schools. The event was hosted by UCBPride in partnership with the local AAUW chapter. www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/vi...
Author discusses book after ban in Harford County schools
Mike Curato, the author of the novel "Flamer," held a discussion after his book was banned in Harford County schools.
cbsnews.com
This week we celebrate the freedom to read. Orwell's "1984" warned us about censorship—today we're living that warning. Together, we can defend every reader's right to access books that challenge ideas and expand understanding. Learn more: www.ala.org/bbooks Support MD libraries: mdlib.org/donate
The federal government shutdown that started October 1st is affecting libraries across the country and there are concerns about potential elimination of library-supporting programs. Learn more about what this means for agencies, funding and staff: americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-sc...
How the 2025 Government Shutdown Will Impact Libraries | American Libraries Magazine
The federal government shutdown, which begins today, will have cascading effects across the nation and our economy.
americanlibrariesmagazine.org
Thank you to our Southern Maryland library directors for their thoughtful letter to the editor about federal library funding! Carrie Willson, KennethWayne Thompson, and Michael Blackwell highlight the vital role of the IMLS in supporting community libraries. www.somdnews.com/opinion/lett...
Eliminating federal funds for libraries would harm local support systems
As the directors of Southern Maryland’s three public libraries, we see each day how the library enriches the lives of community members by connecting them with information, resources and experiences.
somdnews.com
NEWS: A House of Representatives Subcommittee just voted to continue library funding in next year's federal budget. This is thanks to YOUR hard work as library advocates. The fight to #FundLibraries isn't over yet. Stay tuned for more ways to take action for libraries. #ForOurLibraries
Maryland libraries receive $3 million annually from IMLS for digital access, lifelong learning, staff training, and youth services. State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller discusses what's at stake as federal funding faces cuts. Listen at: www.wypr.org/show/on-the-...
How federal cuts could affect your local Maryland library
Maryland libraries get millions of federal dollars for some of their most creative projects, and they’re fighting to hang onto it.
wypr.org
When library leaders and state officials come together, great things happen for Maryland communities! Check out these photos from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City.
The Maryland Library Association is teaming up with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative to help cultivate library leadership for community resilience. Check out the full press release here: members.mdlib.org/news/Details...
Shoutout to MLA member Michael Blackwell, Director of St. Mary's County Library, who co-authored a new study on Ebook Availability, Licensing, and Pricing in Canada and the U.S.! Take a look at the findings here: www.infotoday.com/cilmag/jul25...
infotoday.com
Maryland Library Advocates Unite!✊Ready to be a powerful voice for Maryland libraries? Join us for a one-day conference on Thursday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will equip you with the tools to speak up and take action. 🔗 Register now: members.mdlib.org/eventcalenda...
Hey #alaac25! Last chance to get a Very Radical button and show your support for Maryland (and all) libraries! Come see us at booth 2100.
Good news for Maryland school libraries! The state school board just approved new regulations to support the Freedom to Read Act, making it harder to remove books from school libraries without proper due process and requiring schools to have a certified librarian on staff.
It just got tougher to ban books in Maryland school libraries
Maryland’s school board changed state regulations to align with a law that prevents removing books from school libraries without due process.
thebaltimorebanner.com
Your advocacy worked! A HUGE thank you to the MLA members and friends who contacted representatives—and to the Maryland legislators who signed onto the critical funding letters to #FUNDLIBRARIES! See which Maryland reps signed: ala.org/advocacy/fund-libraries
Last week’s storm hit the town of Westernport in Allegany County very hard, damaging public infrastructure, including the public library, with flooding and high winds. Please consider giving in support of our Western Maryland neighbors. www.alleganycountylibrary.info/support-us/
