Library of Michigan Foundation

Open a Book – Expand their World!

Make a Gift to enhance the literacy and literary life of Michigan!

Your gift grows special programs, builds collections and enhances services for Michigan citizens.

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MeL.org

MeL – Michigan eLibrary

The Foundation helps promote MeL and MeLCat state-wide to citizens so that people are aware of this tremendous, free library service.  Publicizing this service is a critical part of access for all. Promotional dollars are an area where private funding can help supplement government funding. The Foundation

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Library Development

The Library of Michigan Foundation enhances many library services provided to the entire state, such as certification workshops and continuing education for library staff and trustees, especially those from small and rural libraries and those staff providing youth services to their communities. The Foundation also

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Braille and Talking Books Library

  BTBL serves Michigan citizens with visual and physical impairments which make reading very difficult. For over 30 years, the Foundation has supplemented BTBL programs and services, by enabling the purchase of technology products and adaptations, providing support for professional development for BTBL librarians to better serve their

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Patrons speak…

BTBL enriches my life immeasurably, helping me access the same written information my sighted contemporaries, and take my place as an informed member of society. From the cassette and BARD collections I can select nonfiction books, and magazines about science, politics, and current events, so that I can better know what's happening in the world and vote responsibly. Plus, I can access the same fiction that my neighbors and friends enjoy, enabling me to interact on a cultural level.

Rebecca, Patron, Braille & Talking Books Library

Professionals speak…

I greatly appreciate how MeL allows library patrons like me gain access to other collections across the state. Through MeL, I can request older books (economics, fiction, etc.) which would otherwise be unavailable at my local library. What a great way for libraries to maximize the use of their collections!

Robert Business Professional

Librarians speak…

The visit by Michigan Notable Books author Tom Stanton ("Terror in the City of Champions") was a great success! We partnered with Bedford Public Schools and had about 70 in attendance. Stanton is an excellent speaker and so interesting. We received a lot of positive feedback and sold quite a few books. Thank you for including us in the Michigan Notable Books Author Tour. Years ago we had Tyree Guyton and it was a standing room only crowd. Both experiences were so positive.

Judy, Reference Librarian Monroe County Library System

Families speak…

While reading this year's Michigan Reads! Book - "Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum" - out loud, the children were able to point out rhyming words, anticipate what would happen next and draw their own conclusions. I gave the children bubble gum to chew while they were listening to the story. We touched on some important rules.

Sarah, Public Librarian

What We've Done Together!

Facts About Us

Numbers tell part of the story of how the Library of Michigan Foundation impacts libraries and citizens statewide.

6000000Private Funds Raised
650Michigan Libraries
500Michigan Notable Books
400000MI Reads! Youth in 2017

Library Leaders

Library Leaders are civic-minded businesses who are committed to literacy and the literary life of Michiganders. Library Leaders support the Library of Michigan Foundation in its efforts to enhance and promote special programs, services and collections of the Library of Michigan for the citizens of our state. We are grateful for their continuing leadership and commitment:

Learning Express
Cengage
MCLS

Corporate Partners

We are grateful to the following organizations who continue to support the Foundation's efforts on behalf of the Library of Michigan:

Michigan Humanities
Meijer
Consumers Energy