Founded in 1891 its members are more than 2,700 individuals and organizations from public, school, academic, cooperative, private and special libraries.
Working closely with Lucy Ball, Grand Rapids Public Library, they awakened statewide interest and arranged the first Michigan meeting in Detroit, September 1, 1891.
Thirty-seven members attended, elected a slate of five officers and printed their original 40-line constitution on a 3-inch by 6-inch card.
MLA sponsors an annual statewide conference each fall, rotating between locations in Michigan.
This professional development and networking event draws hundreds of Michigan library staff yearly.