August 2026 FLA President's Message
17 Aug 2026
August is usually an exciting month for FLA. It is the time when we begin looking ahead to our annual conference and invite our library community to share ideas, experiences, and expertise through our call for proposals. But this year, I cannot begin my August message without first acknowledging what many of you are thinking about and asking about: Amendment 3. Many members have asked why FLA has not yet issued a public statement. I understand the question, especially as other organizations in Florida have raised public concerns about the potential impact of Amendment 3 on the services their members and communities depend on.
Please know that FLA is not silent, and we are not ignoring these concerns.
Our committees and Executive Board are working behind the scenes to prepare thoughtful and responsible messaging. This process can sometimes seem slow. Our committees meet monthly, and messages and statements must go through the appropriate review and approval process. We believe we are on track with our messaging campaign, and we will continue to communicate with you as this work moves forward.
I also recognize that colleagues across Florida’s libraries are finding themselves in very different situations. Some feel comfortable speaking publicly, others worry that taking a public position could affect their jobs. FLA needs to represent all of you. We will provide information about what proposed changes could mean for Florida libraries and share the information they need to understand the issues affecting their institutions and communities.
My own concerns about property tax changes and library funding are not new. In June, I traveled to the Capitol in Tallahassee with Jenny Abdelnour, FLA Executive Director, and testified before the Florida House of Representatives. I said then:
“Property taxes are the primary source of public libraries funding. They provide the stable, predictable revenue that allows libraries to staff facilities, maintain collections, deliver programs, and respond to communities’ needs. Without that foundation, libraries cannot continue to operate at the level Floridians expect and deserve. Floridians deserve tax relief, but they also deserve to know how their libraries, literacy programs, technology access, workforce development services, and disaster response resources will continue to be funded.”
I stand behind those words today.
FLA continues to face financial challenges, and we cannot overlook the importance of our members in sustaining this association. Simply put, FLA cannot exist without you, our individual and organizational members. Your membership, participation, and continued support make our work possible. At the same time, the Executive Board continues to work behind the scenes to support you, strengthen FLA, and ensure that the association represents the many voices that make up Florida’s library community. Representation matters, and so does your involvement.
That brings me back to our annual conference.
The call for proposals for the 2027 FLA Annual Conference is now open, and everyone is invited to consider submitting a session. This year’s theme is AI in Libraries: Friend, Foe, or Future? Whether you work in a public library, an academic library, a school library, a special library, or another part of our profession, we want to hear from you. You do not need to have all the answers. Share what you are trying, what you have learned, what concerns you, and what you think our profession needs to be talking about.
As President, I am working closely with committees and the Executive Board to find ways for FLA to better represent you and make sure more voices have a place in our association. There is a lot happening right now, and FLA will continue to keep you informed, bring our library community together, and provide opportunities to learn, share, connect, and be heard.
Marina Morgan
President, Florida Library Association
2026-2027
