LWVLC Forum Addresses Challenges Facing Michigan Public Libraries

The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County (LWVLC) is hosting a public forum on the future of public libraries in Michigan. “Michigan Public Libraries: Funding and the Freedom to Read” will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at noon in the lower-level Community Room of the Leelanau County Government Center (8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suttons Bay, MI.

The forum will feature Dillon Geshel, Interim Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association (MLA), who will speak to crucial issues surrounding library funding and intellectual freedom. Geshel, who has previously served as President of MLA’s Board of Directors and chaired the organization’s Intellectual Freedom Task Force, will address the current landscape of library funding in Michigan, highlighting the threats to federal and state financial support that could impact libraries.

Geshel will also discuss ongoing efforts of the MI Right to Read coalition, which has launched numerous projects and events supported by a significant grant from the Mellon Foundation. The MI Right to Read opposes any attempts to ban books from Michigan libraries based on content subjectively deemed inappropriate. Its purpose is to educate the public as well as propose and support legislation that protects First Amendment rights and intellectual freedom.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are free to bring a sack lunch and a non-alcoholic beverage of their choice. A recording of the forum will be made available within a week on the LWVLC website lwvleelanau.org.

Leelanau County is home to four public libraries: Glen Lake Community Library in Empire, the Leelanau Township Library in Northport, the Leland Township Library in Leland and the Suttons Bay Area Library in Suttons Bay.

The League of Women Voters is a national, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.  The League is non-partisan and as an organization does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. Learn more about the LWV Leelanau County by going to its new website at www.lwvleelanau.org.