This month I’m asking MCLS members for help: the MCLS Board of Directors will issue a brief 5-question survey focusing on the future to all of our member libraries on Wednesday, Sept. 3, and needs one response per member by Wednesday, Sept. 24. Please take this important survey to give our Board input they can use to update their vision and direction for MCLS in these challenging times for libraries. 

MCLS member libraries are more than just members: they own MCLS as an organization. MCLS Board members represent and are accountable to the member/owners. They listen to the member/owners to learn what they value and what matters to them. They use what they learn to set and maintain a collective vision and direction for MCLS. In turn, the MCLS staff and I work to deliver on the Board’s vision in all we do for members and others where possible. I am accountable to the Board as Executive Director. 

Our Board is issuing this survey now so they can have member/owners’ input ahead of their annual retreat in November, where they will focus on their vision and direction for MCLS.  

Members, you can contact the 2025 MCLS Board members and learn about what they do and how on our website. I hope you’ll take their survey, and also find other ways to connect with them anytime to share your thoughts and ideas. Like me, they want to hear from you. It’s why our Board exists. 

You may know that you can be part of the Board. If you want to get involved in helping set MCLS’s future direction, step forward when you see our annual call for Board nominations in early summer. Have questions about what the Board does? Ask a Board member you know, or me. We’re always looking for people who care about MCLS and want to see it empower libraries to achieve the extraordinary.  

What do you value? What matters to you? What do you need? Let your Board members know, and let me know at garrisons@mcls.org.