October 2025 - Michlib-l

FY26 Michigan Budget Update from the Library of Michigan
by Bradley, Michelle (MDE) 03 Oct '25

03 Oct '25

FY26 Michigan Budget Update from the Library of Michigan Thanks to the hard work of the library community, the Library of Michigan staff, MDE legislative liaisons and leadership, and MLA and their lobbyist, the Library of Michigan and Michigan libraries appear to have fared well overall in the FY25/26 budget. The budget is in the process of being sent to the Governor for signing. Highlights include: * Amidst cuts elsewhere in the state's budget, State Aid to public libraries remained flat * LSTA (IMLS) allotted funding was approved for expenditure * Library of Michigan did not lose any positions * Funding for MeL increased around 100K * The budget includes a one-time additional 900K for MeL Reductions include: * Renaissance Zone Reimbursements were reduced by around 370K * Funding for the Michigan Poet Laureate program was eliminated * Library of Michigan General Fund Operations were reduced by 50K We appreciate the patience, advocacy, and support the library community has shown during this challenging budget year, and we look forward to continuing to serve and support Michigan's libraries. Thank you everyone! Randy Riley State Librarian Randy Riley State Librarian Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 rileyr1(a)michigan.gov<mailto:rileyr1@michigan.gov> (517) 335-1517

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Reposting: FT Head of Technology Services at Chelsea District Library
by Shannon Powers 03 Oct '25

03 Oct '25

Chelsea District Library Employment Opportunities- REPOSTING Head of Technology Services Chelsea District Library (CDL) is seeking a head of technology services. This person understands the necessity and value of technology in the public library’s ability to transform lives in small and large ways. As the head of technology services at CDL, you will find opportunities to share and learn in a team environment. In this position, you will join the library staff and board in developing the resources, programming, and services that enable the library to achieve its mission and implement its strategic plan. Why Chelsea District Library? CDL is a nationally recognized library located in historic downtown Chelsea with a mission to engage, inspire, and equip through evolving resources and service. An integral part of the Chelsea community, we provide patrons of all ages with a variety of services, resources, and programs to meet the educational, recreational, and informational needs of the community we serve. We truly believe that coming to work every day should be fun, challenging, and supportive! We look forward to hearing how you can support our mission and contribute to our culture. Pre-interview questions (to be submitted with application materials): - How do you see the role of head of technology services responding to our library’s mission and strategic plan? - What qualifications and qualities are important in the role of head of technology services in a public library setting ? Describe at least three. - How do you see Artificial Intelligence impacting the public library over the next five years? Items to submit (in a single PDF file): 1. Cover letter 2. Resume 3. Answers to pre-interview questions 4. CDL job application <https://chelseadistrictlibrary.org/about-us/employment-cdl/> Apply to: jobs(a)chelseadistrictlibrary.org Deadline for applications: Open until filled Target starting date: November 3rd, 2025 <https://chelseadistrictlibrary.org/> *Shannon Powers* *Head of Information Services* Chelsea District Library p: <http://goog_1831993167/> 734.475.8732 x217 <17344758732> a: <https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVVjBg9R2kYyHxWp8> 221 S. Main Street | Chelsea | MI | 48118 <https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVVjBg9R2kYyHxWp8> w: chelseadistrictlibrary.org e: spowers(a)chelseadistrictlibrary.org

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Youth & Teen Services Updates
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 03 Oct '25

03 Oct '25

MiYouth & Michlib-L Listservs Update MCLS is excited to announce that MiYouth & Michlib-L listservs will soon be updated! On 10/04/25, MCLS will be updating the software that runs our listservs. With that update, there will be a few changes to how the list works: * The list email address will be changing from 'miyouth(a)mcls.org' to 'miyouth(a)liblists.org'. Please use this new email address to post to the list beginning on 10/04/25. * If you want to be able to manage your list subscriptions via the list webpage, you will need to visit https://liblists.org/accounts/signup/ and create an account (link will not be live until after 10/04/25). * Listservs will be accessible at https://liblists.org/postorius/lists/ (link will not be live until after 10/04/25). All current subscriptions to the list and the list archives will be preserved during the update. Thank you for your patience as MCLS moves toward improving our listservs! Updates from CSLP The Unearth A Story(TM) 2026 Product Catalog<https://www.cslpreads.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CSLP-2026-Product-Cata…> is now available. The CLSP online store<https://shop.cslpreads.org/> opens next week (tech problems could delay) . CSLP is working to complete the 2026 manual upload and codes to access them online will be emailed to library directors via LibPass. Directors, please share those codes with your summer library program planning staff. If you wish to receive the manual code directly from me, and are not a director, you can complete this form<https://forms.gle/j5a7SGncwmJDUCy3A> to request the code using your official library email. Again, these codes will not be sent until next week. If you are a public library director, you do not need to complete the form. Consider joining a CSLP committee! Collaborative Summer Library Program's committees are the engine that keeps CSLP moving forward, and vibrant committees lead to a vibrant CSLP. That is why we invite all member library staff members to join a committee annually. Only through your input can we continue to improve. Sign-ups for 2026 CSLP Committees are open until October 15. While the duties vary, committee obligations generally run for one calendar year. All committee work is done virtually, either through email, or through phone or online meetings. Attending the CSLP Annual Meeting is not required. Each committee has different size and participation criteria. To help you decide which committee to volunteer for, please visit: https://www.cslpreads.org/committees/<https://www.cslpreads.org/committees/> to review the responsibilities of each committee. Most CSLP committees are open to all, however some have limited seats or require previous CSLP experience. Apply now! - CSLP Committee Application form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAy2mdZy1thVWJlEO7KINKd3YR0YQTRWy…> The sign-up period is through October 15. If you are currently serving on a committee that you enjoy, let your Committee Chair know you want to sign up again or feel free to try a new committee. [cid:b5b35eb9-75b1-4eb2-9b03-be211c553f23] Patron Access Webinar November 13th, 2pm EST Join CSLP's Patron Access Committee as they welcome Rachel Hawkins in a presentation on Universal Design. Details available here<https://www.cslpreads.org/professional-development/> and registration<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xY2TSUK4Rc-fVMwzTkACJg> <https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xY2TSUK4Rc-fVMwzTkACJg> is limited to live attendees, but it will be recorded and shared publicly on the website if you can't attend live. This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. SciStarter Resources October Thematic Calendar Check out the SciStarter Calendar<https://l4yex5cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D8O9VkcfdaOU3f5RDCKvJiJ9NVdEoNyR7k…> for weekly themes and featured projects, including a monthly spotlight project for Libraries! October's spotlight project is eBird<https://l4yex5cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D8O9VkcfdaOU3f5RDCKvJiJ9NVdEoNyR7k…> in honor of Global Big Day. See all calendars.<https://l4yex5cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D8O9VkcfdaOU3f5RDCKvJiJ9NVdEoNyR7k…> NEW! Updated Resource Hub Visit the refreshed library resource hub<https://l4yex5cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D8O9VkcfdaOU3f5RDCKvJiJ9NVdEoNyR7k…>! We aim to support all libraries with all types of capacities. If you see something missing, tell us! View it all here.<https://l4yex5cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D8O9VkcfdaOU3f5RDCKvJiJ9NVdEoNyR7k…> ALSC/YALSA Update At the ALA Annual Conference in June 2025, ALA Council voted to reunify the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). In the Council meetings and since then, we have heard from members of both divisions, expressing their support for this new direction, as well as their concerns. Here's a recap of what will be happening - you can also view our FAQs for more in-depth answers.<https://www.ala.org/alsc/aboutalsc/historyofalsc/reunification-faqs?_zs=Fu5…> ALSC/YALSA will hold their first Reunification Town Hall on Wednesday, October 29 at 3pm ET/2pm CT. They encourage members of both ALSC and YALSA to attend and provide feedback - register here.<https://ala-events.zoom.us/meeting/register/UJEvtRQRQ7yX2dkuRorWGw> Reunification survey is also open here<https://airtable.com/appTZZ0QcQuHG6DH6/shrQBDn5zbGJuFAPT> - please fill the survey out by Wednesday, October 15. Hazel Ridge Workshop & Gallery Open House Just a fun note that Hazel Ridge Farm, home and workshop of Michigan's Robbyn and Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen<https://www.hazelridgefarm.com/about.html>, will be hosting an open house weekend<https://www.hazelridgefarm.com/events.html>! The farm is located in Bath, MI, so if you're in the region plan on stopping in! The Gallery will be open as well as 6 miles of hiking trails. See the open house event link for details. Enjoy the warm weekend weather, Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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Upcoming Programs of Interest Dearborn Library
by Daniel Lodge 03 Oct '25

03 Oct '25

Everyone - We have a couple of upcoming programs of interest here at the Dearborn Library: - On Saturday, October 11th at 11am, I will be talking virtually from London with author Charlie English regarding his new book *The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War with Forbidden Literature* - On Tuesday, October 14 at 6:30pm, I will be talking virtually with journalist Tim Greiving regarding his new biography *John Williams: A Composer's Life.* Program Flyers are attached. You can view each of the conversations either here in the Library Auditorium or you can register for a Zoom link. Please let me know if you have any questions! Dan Lodge Library Supervisor Dearborn Public Library Dearborn, MI

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MAP Transportation Services Extended to October
by DJ Bond 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

Hey Michlib-L, Just want to let you know that the [ https://miactivitypass.org/transportation/ | MAP Transportation Services ] was extended into October. If you are in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb Counties, please let your patrons know that they still have time to take advantage of this service. DJ Bond Communications and Member Engagement Manager The Library Network (248) 536-3100 x116 dbond(a)tln.org TLN.org (he/him)

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Escape Velocity: How A Rural Library System Became a National Leader in Digital Access
by Dan Hutchins 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

I thought I would share that I was invited to present at Merit Network’s Michigan Broadband Summit about Van Buren District Library’s surprising status as Mobile Beacon’s number one library distributor of cellular broadband data nationwide. The presentation is entitled "Escape Velocity: How A Rural Library System Became a National Leader in Digital Access” and will be conducted the afternoon of October 14 at Huntington Place in Detroit. Please find the description and the conference agenda below; I hope to see some of my colleagues there: When the Van Buren District Library launched its hotspot lending program in 2022, it began as a modest experiment modeled after a neighboring library. Just three years later, VBDL has grown into Mobile Beacon’s largest library partner in the nation, with more than 420 hotspots in circulation and over 300 terabytes of data consumed in just six months of 2025. This presentation shares the story of how a rural Michigan library—serving communities where poverty and lack of broadband access remain daily challenges—leveraged partnerships, grant funding, and strong policy frameworks to transform digital access for its patrons. From unexpected opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic to a successful millage campaign, VBDL’s journey demonstrates how libraries can bridge the digital divide, innovate in times of scarcity, and deliver on the promise of equal access for all. https://web.cvent.com/event/449ea887-7323-4b94-8900-eee75fdc76a1/summary Dan Hutchins Executive Director Van Buren District Library 200 North Phelps Street Decatur, MI 49045 dhutchins(a)vbdl.org ph: 269-423-4771 www.vbdl.org

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B&T
by Jim Flury 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

All, I had a lengthy conversation with MI B&T rep Curt Leppert earlier. I wanted to share a synopsis of our talk while it was still fresh in my mind, as I've noticed that the hard drive that is my brain seems to have a tendency to not retain information for as long a period of time as used to be the case. Perhaps it is full. Or empty. Curt shared the following: On September 11 B&T employees got a "all hands on deck business call at 4:00 p.m. today" message from their CEO. During the call it was announced that B&T was being sold to a company called ReaderLink. Nobody at B&T had ever heard of ReaderLink, but some searching revealed that their market included the likes of Costco, Meijer, Kroger, etc. Following a two week period of discovery and due diligence, the sale was to close on Friday, September 26. That two week period included B&T employees, who would become ReaderLink employees, signing up for the ReaderLink healthcare plan, etc. Since ReaderLink was not in the library business the plan was for them to order the books from the publishers, then ship them to the two remaining B&T warehouses for processing (when applicable), followed by shipment to libraries. To me that sounds like a way to slow things down even further, but that's just my opinion. Most B&T employees would have been retained, including the sales team, although there probably would have been some degree of consolidation in areas where duplication of effort would have been taking place, such as HR, etc. The current B&T CEO would be retained and continue to run the library side of the operation. During that two week period the sales staff spent considerable time tracking down every contracted customer, and asking them to sign a document giving B&T permission to assign each customer's contract to ReaderLink. Curt did note that B&T discovered that many more of their customers were under contract than he realized (TLN Executive Director Steve Bowers signed said document, as we are the party of record for the MI statewide discounts contract with B&T). Most of the libraries that were under contract nationally did the same. During the rest of the two week due diligence period, the remaining t's were crossed and the i's were dotted. On Thursday, September 25 all was ready to go with the sale. The next day, Friday, September 26 B&T employees were told that the sale had been called off. No explanation was offered to B&T staff as to why the sale was called off or perhaps, no explanation was given that Curt was willing to share. Since then, nothing has been communicated to B&T staff or perhaps, nothing Curt was willing to share. For my part I told Curt that I was disappointed by the total lack of communication from B&T concerning this, and I asked him to convey our disappointment to the decision makers at B&T. Curt acknowledged our frustration and said that he would do so. He also noted that libraries need to go with the business decisions that currently make the most sense for them when it comes to their acquisition of materials and finally, that the B&T CEO, CFO and stakeholder investors were having frequent meetings and that this issue would be resolved, likely very soon, one way or the other. I don't want to read between the lines concerning either of those, but... Jim Jim Flury Technical Services Manager The Library Network 41365 Vincenti Court Novi, MI 48375 248-536-3100, ext 133 Note New Fax Number: 248-716-5584 Note New Email Address:jflury@tln.org

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DVD Locks
by Amy Houser 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

Hello, I have 2 manila envelopes of dvd magnet locks up for grabs. If you would like these for your library, please send me your zv code and I will send them in Rides delivery to you. Thanks Amy Houser Genesee District Library Clio Area Librarian 810-686-7130 810-686-0071 Fax www.the<http://www.the> gdl.org [cid:827dc20c-d9e7-40da-b5b4-44883383bb9d] *Views Expressed here are my own and do not represent Genesee District Library*

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Fw: Michigan Author recommendation
by Lynne Wiercinski 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

While I recommend books to patrons every day, I do not usually do so to other libraries via our listservs. BUT...I am making an exception. I highly recommend adding Bring One Home by local author Thomas Pelissero if you are looking to enhance your Michigan Authors collection or simply looking for a great read. While the setting is the Upper Peninsula town of Bessemer's 1960s basketball scene, this memoir has an appeal that extends far beyond Bessemer and the U.P. It is a beautifully written memoir that perfectly captures: * Nostalgia for Days Gone By: A heartfelt tale of a simpler time, living in a tight-knit community. * The Universal Boyhood Journey: The story of an adolescent trying to meet the expectations of the adults in his life. * Excellent Writing: Although this is his first book, Tom writes with the confidence of a seasoned author, and the professional production quality of the book itself is exceptional. * Attached is an introductory letter from the author and a book sheet. Tom will be giving a presentation at the Bessemer Public Library on November 1st in case anyone wants to do a road trip to the beautiful far western end of the U.P. to meet him! Lynne Wiercinski, Director Ironwood Carnegie Library 235 East Aurora Ironwood, MI 49938 906.932.4789

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Application Form For Library Assistant
by Tahquamenon Library Director 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

Hello Librarians, Does anyone have a template for Application Forms for their entry level Library Assistant sort of positions? Historically, we have only required a resume and letter of interest, but it would be nice to observe what others are using to see whether we may want to modify our procedure in the future. Thanks, Ross Wine Director

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