In her first term as governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer saw her share of challenges: a relentless pandemic, historic flooding that caused the evacuation of thousands of residents, demonstrations for racial justice, and several attempts to recall her.
“Oh, and a plot to kidnap and kill me!” Whitmer said of the domestic terror plot targeting her that was intercepted by the FBI and state police in 2020.
Having survived all of that, she decided to write a memoir, True Gretch: What I’ve Learned about Life, Leadership, and Everything In Between (Simon & Schuster, 2024).
“The question I get from people the most is ‘How do I stay optimistic?’” Whitmer told attendees at the Opening Session of the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Philadelphia on June 27. “[The book] was really an effort to put light out into the world in what I knew would be a heavy year—an election year.”
Whitmer appeared at Annual to discuss the young adult edition of True Gretch, released in January (Atheneum). The new edition includes additional stories from her youth, a Q&A with her own daughters, and a variety of resources, including information on domestic abuse, sexual assault, and suicide prevention hotlines.
“Young people have to live through tough times,” said Whitmer, who noted that issues like climate change and gun violence were not front of mind when she grew up with. “We wanted to make this a tool of empowerment.”
The advice Whitmer gave on stage was wide-ranging, from handling bullies (“you take their weapon and make it your shield”) to keeping a gratitude journal (“in the midst of the pandemic, it was The Great British Baking Show, wine, and my dogs”) to admitting when you’re wrong (“apologizing is often looked at as a weakness, but I think it’s a strength”).
Though she was a reluctant reader growing up, Whitmer identified To Kill a Mockingbird as the book that has stuck with her the most: “It helped me find my passion in life, which is public service.”
Whitmer also praised the libraries in her state—including her hometown East Lansing (Mich.) Public Library.
“We’ve got phenomenal library systems. I have found so much joy in my public libraries, and my girls have as well,” she said. “It’s about opening opportunity to everyone, no matter who you are and where you come from.”
Other news from Opening Session
Before Whitmer took the stage, ALA leaders made a few key announcements, including:
– OverDrive CEO Steve Potash and his wife, Loree, have committed to a dollar-for-dollar match for all contributions raised as part of the Association’s 150th anniversary campaign. The Steve and Loree Potash 150th Challenge will double funds up to $500,000. “We are deeply grateful to Steve and Loree for this generous challenge grant,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl.
– Earlier in the day, ALA announced that it had appointed Daniel J. Montgomery as its next executive director. Montgomery, who has served as president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers since 2010, will start in his position on November 10. He appeared at Annual to meet members. “I’m so thrilled and honored to be here with you all,” he said.
– Hohl introduced James W. Lewis, a donor who in December 2024 bequeathed the Association $25 million, the largest individual gift in ALA history. The Lewis Scholarship Program will provide need-based financial aid for those pursuing careers in librarianship. Lewis spoke about his lifelong support for libraries—from his childhood in New Bern, North Carolina, to his turns on the boards of DC Public Library and Wake Forest (N.C.) University Library—and got tearful seeing thousands of people in the audience. “I thank all of you for everything you do,” he said.
