As many of our loyal patrons know, Bellaire Library along with many small rural Libraries
depend on getting books through the State-wide network, called MeL (Michigan
Electronic Library). Bellaire Library alone, borrows one third of the material requests
from other Libraries using MeL and lends out one fourth of our collection. Michigan
may lose the funds already allotted from the Federal Government, for the LSTA line item if the
Michigan House current budget passes without this line item in the budget. This loss
would hurt most Rural Libraries that depend on MelCat, a data catalog, coordinated by
the Library of Michigan. Please let our Michigan Representative, John Roth and Senator
DeMoose know that LSTA funding for MeL is critical to our small rural libraries. Your
voice matters, as the budget deadline is normally Oct. 1. Thank you for your
patronage and support of Libraries.

 

- Mary Edens, BPL, BOT

 

Here is more on the topic from, Michigan Library Association as of 9/19/25:
“As budget talks continue in Lansing, it is essential for library advocates to keep
reaching out to legislators. We must ensure they understand the importance of library
funding—and that an LSTA line item must be included in the final budget to unlock $5.6
million in federal funds already awarded to Michigan. Without it, vital statewide
programs like the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and MeLCat will lose critical support.
 Urge them to voice support for the LSTA line item in a final state budget. 
 Encourage them to talk to appropriations leadership about the importance
of this funding. ( Note: Senator DeMoose is on the appropriations
committee)
 Highlight that this $5.6 million of federal money supports widely used
programs like MeL and MeLCat, which provide a $26.96 return on
investment for every $1 spent.
 Remind them of the widespread support across Michigan: 78% of
respondents in a recent statewide poll said that IMLS funding from the
federal government should remain as part of the federal budget, and
Michigan can only access those funds if the LSTA line item is included in
the state budget.”

 

 

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