October 2025: Michigan Library Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, the Michigan Library Association (MLA) annually designates the month of October as a statewide observance to celebrate the contributions of Michigan's public, school, academic, tribal, cooperative, and special libraries; and,

WHEREAS, in October 2025, we celebrate Michigan Library Appreciation Month and MI Right to Read Week, observed October 5-11, with the theme “Find out”—reminding us that libraries are places where curiosity is welcomed, discovery encouraged, and the right to read—and to find out—is protected; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan’s libraries are essential institutions that serve as cornerstones of knowledge, learning, and curiosity, engaging the community to freely explore, inquire, and find out more about the world around; and,

WHEREAS, libraries play a vital role in fostering education, lifelong learning, and literacy for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities; and,

WHEREAS, libraries provide a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages exploration, discovery, and personal growth, and

WHEREAS, libraries serve as cultural and civic hubs, offering books, digital media, educational programs, technology, and community resources that enrich lives and strengthen communities; and,

WHEREAS, libraries safeguard our First Amendment rights by ensuring unbiased access to ideas and information and protecting intellectual freedom, enabling individuals to engage in open discourse with the freedom to read, to inquire, and to find out; and,

WHEREAS, libraries provide essential services to underserved communities, bridging the digital divide and offering critical support for job seekers, students, and individuals seeking to improve their lives; and,

WHEREAS, libraries are a smart investment in Michigan’s future, with federal and state funding supporting collections, technology, and statewide programs such as MeL (the Michigan eLibrary), which provides every resident with free access to digital books, research databases, and learning tools; and,

WHEREAS, library professionals are dedicated advocates for literacy, learning, and civic engagement, working tirelessly to connect patrons with resources that support personal growth, workforce readiness, and community wellbeing; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan Library Appreciation Month recognizes the invaluable contributions of librarians, staff, trustees, volunteers, and supporters who preserve access to information and nurture curiosity in every community;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2025 as Michigan Library Appreciation Month. During this time, I encourage all residents to check out MeL, the Michigan eLibrary at MeL.org, and visit their local library, in person or online to connect to the services, resources, and collections their library provides