October 2025 - Michlib-l

Youth & Teen Services Updates
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 17 Oct '25

17 Oct '25

MiYouth Save the date! We'll meet again on Tuesday, January 13th at 2:00pm ET. Topic suggestions can be sent to me directly at LancasterC5(a)Michigan.gov. LM Seeking YSAC Volunteers The Library of Michigan’s Youth Services Advisory Council (YAC) is seeking volunteers to serve for a minimum of 2 years on the committee. YSAC is mainly responsible for planning and facilitating the quarterly MiYouth (virtual) meetings, with support from the LM Youth Services Coordinator. YSAC is also called upon to provide insights on youth services trends, topics, and resources. If you are currently working in youth services and interested in volunteering, please complete this volunteer form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1euYX4luV30eIHSUjnLGyVXioVIu2Ns5…> for consideration by December 5, 2025. Resources Recent LM Webinar In case you missed it, feel free to watch Managing Your Library's Afterschool Crowd<https://youtu.be/Qy72cfvCutw> (recorded 9/26/25) and access the slides<https://bit.ly/AfterschoolTeens>. Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship from ALSC Now is the time to get lost in a good book (or a few thousand of them)! Applications for the Bechtel Fellowship are now being accepted. The Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship provides a grant up to $7,500 to a qualified children's librarian to spend up to four weeks reading and studying at the Baldwin Library of Historical Children's Literature of the George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville. The Baldwin Library contains a special collection of 130,000 volumes of children's literature published mostly before 1950. The fellowship is endowed in memory of Louise Seaman Bechtel and Ruth M. Baldwin. The application and more information can be found at http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/profawards/bechtel The deadline for submitting materials is October 15, 2025. For any questions about the award/application, please contact ALSC Professional Recognition and Scholarships Committee Co-Chairs,Gwen Vanderhage (gvanderhage.ala(a)gmail.com<mailto:gvanderhage.ala@gmail.com>) and Jenny Rosenoff (jennyrosenoff(a)gmail.com<mailto:jennyrosenoff@gmail.com>). Penguin Random House Young Readers Group Award The Penguin Random House Young Readers Group Award provides a $1200 stipend to up to two children's librarians to attend their first ALA Annual Conference. The 2026 ALA Annual Conference will take place June 25-30, in Chicago. Applications are due November 15, 2025. For more information, check out our blog: https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2025/09/apply-for-the-penguin-random-house-yo…, or go directly to the ALSC website to apply: https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/profawards/penguinyoungreadersgroupaw…. Spanish Language & Bilingual Titles for Young Readers Thursday, October 23, 2:00 pm ET Demand for Spanish language and bilingual titles continue to grow, especially for youths. So, where do you find the titles you need to fill shelves in your library, classroom or bookstore? Well, join us on Thursday, October 23 at 2pm ET/11am PT for this free one-hour webinar featuring the latest upcoming Spanish language and bilingual titles for your youth patrons! Reps from NorthSouth Books, The Creative Company, Charlesbridge, Simon and Schuster, and PRH Grupo Editorial will present, and Julia Smith, Senior Editor for Books for Youth, will moderate. Register now! Details and Registration: https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/2217592496947/WN_v91QMk0RRO2HxD… Children and Screens Guide for Early Child Development and Media Use<https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/the-children-and-…> The first five years of a child’s life are a magical time of rapid development that is foundational for their later cognitive, social, physical, and behavioral health. As families worldwide navigate the integration of digital technologies and media into daily life, researchers and clinicians continue to investigate the impacts of screen use on all facets of development, from infancy through late adolescence. Children and Screens has summarized insights from current research and experts in the field to help parents and caregivers of infants and very young children learn how to build a foundation of healthy brain, neural, and social development — and help families determine how they can intentionally and most beneficially incorporate media use into their child’s life. In the News... How Libraries Are Creating Community Through Food<https://civileats.com/2025/08/27/how-libraries-are-creating-community-throu…> - Civil Eats, 8/27/25 Enjoy the autumn colors that are popping out! 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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Mittens Allegan District Library visit
by Cristi Harnish 17 Oct '25

17 Oct '25

Hello MeLCat Friends, Mittens finally arrived at Allegan district Library. First thing Mittens did was help Amber unpack and open MeL. Then he stopped in the ADL Lab to see the 3D printer printing mittens.LOL! Mittens was very excited to read "Remember" to the storytime group and be a part of the free giveaway of the book to the kids that visited. Mittens got to stay and be part of the Stuffed Animal Sleepover, he gave a safety speech, played the VR, caused a little mischief and got a donut for breakfast. Mittens helped Bill pack outgoing MeL books and convinced Kali to give him a ride on our MeL cart. Mittens enjoyed one of our 1,000 books before Kindergarten walls and wanted his picture up there. Mittens liked helping the kids make Halloween monster pictures. Mittens helped at the Circulation desk as much as possible, he liked meeting new people at the Allegan District Library. Then he took one final picture with the ADL Ladies of MeLCat. We had so much fun with Mittens! We hope he visits again! Congratulations on 20 years of MeL! *Cristi Harnish* *Cataloging and MeL Coordinator * *Allegan District Library* *charnish(a)alleganlibrary.org* <charnish(a)alleganlibrary.org> *269-673-4625 ext 18*

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Designers?
by Mary Harrison 17 Oct '25

17 Oct '25

Happy Friday Mich Lib-L, Our library is considering options for sprucing up our 20 year old facility with new carpeting, furniture, and possibly incorporating study pods, etc. Please let me know firms your library has used for interior design or to carry such projects out. Our original designer is no longer in practice. Thanks for sharing! Mary Mary Harrison Director Coloma Public Library 151 W. Center Street PO Box 430 Coloma Michigan 49038 269-468-3431 www.colomapubliclibrary.net<http://www.colomapubliclibrary.net/> The most important asset of any library goes home at night – the library staff. Timothy Healy

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Performer Recommendation- Sherry Burton and the Orphan Train Saga
by Turbok, Joseph 17 Oct '25

17 Oct '25

The St. Clair County Library System recently hosted author Sherry Burton who talked about her historical fiction series the Orphan Train Saga along with the real world history behind the books. Sherry was engaging, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the subject matter. She would be a great addition to your library's programming especially if you want to highlight forgotten or under appreciated historical topics. One of your anonymous surveys said even claimed "this was one of the best presentations I've ever attended." Her website and info is below. https://www.sherryaburton.com/the-orphan-train-saga1.html Joseph Turbok- Senior Librarian for Adult Services St. Clair County Library - Main Library 210 McMorran Blvd. Port Huron, Michigan 48060

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Now Hiring: Part-Time Reference Paraprofessional - Youth Services (Spring Lake District Library)
by Alison Anderson 17 Oct '25

17 Oct '25

Spring Lake District Library in Spring Lake, MI is hiring a Reference Paraprofessional - Youth Services! Pay range $18.68 - $24.28 hourly Avg. 28 hours/week Spring Lake District Library is seeking energetic and organized applicants for the position of Reference Paraprofessional - Youth Services. This position will use library technology to assist and instruct library patrons of all ages in reference questions and other library services. The person in this role will also work closely with the Youth Services Librarian to plan and implement engaging programs for children and teens. Some evenings and weekends are required as part of the library’s regular weekend rotation. Training is provided. Minimum requirements include an Associate’s Degree. MLIS students are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have experience working with the public, demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service, and be comfortable with technology. Visit our website at https://sllib.org/about-us/employment/ for a full job description and application instructions. Best, Alison Anderson, MLIS Library Services Manager (616) 840-3756 [image: facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/SpringLakeDistrictLibrary/> [image: instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/springlakedistrictlibrary/> sllib.org

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Invitation to Tri-City Ghost Hunters Present: A Paranormal Evidence Reveal of the Pinckney Library on Wednesday, October 22, 2025
by Hope Siasoco 16 Oct '25

16 Oct '25

Dear Michlib-L Colleagues, Join paranormal author and investigator Nicole Beauchamp and her team, the Tri-City Ghost Hunters Society, for an immersive evening inside the haunted Pinckney Library on Wednesday, October 22, at 6:30pm-8:00pm. In this special in-person event, Nicole and her crew will share their chilling results from their personal paranormal investigation conducted by her team on-site at the library and the public investigation held earlier this year in April. Through photos, EVPs, and firsthand accounts, attendees will get an exclusive look into the building’s haunted history—and the spirits that may still linger. This is a free event, but registration is required: https://pinckneylibrary.org/registration-a-paranormal-evidence-reveal-of-th… For questions or help with registration, please call the Pinckney Library (125 Putnam St., Pinckney, MI 48169) at 734-878-3888. We hope that you can join us for a spooky time! Informational Flier with QR Code: https://pinckneylibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Updated-Use-this-one… Sincerely, Hope Siasoco Library Director ------------------------------ She/Her Pinckney Community Public Library 125 Putnam St. Pinckney, MI 48169 Tel: 734-878-2952 Fax: 734-878-2907 Email: hsiasoco(a)pinckneylibrary.org

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Help from school librarians
by Trixie L. McMeeking 16 Oct '25

16 Oct '25

Our school media center is in need of some help. It has not been weeded in ages, no book repairs, no proper shelving, the list goes on. My question is are there a standard school of thought as to how long to leave fiction on the shelves that has not circulated? 5 years, 10 years ????? Non-fiction should work the same as in the public library???? CREW method. Just want some guidance so that I can help out in any way I can to get them a functional media center again. Trixie L. McMeeking Homer Public Library 141 W. Main St. Homer, MI 49245 517-568-3450 Fax 517-568-4021 hpl(a)wowway.biz homerpl.michlibrary.org

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VidieGogo books?
by Laura Hauch 16 Oct '25

16 Oct '25

Hi everyone, Had an email from Midwest Tape today that briefly mentioned they have VidieGoGo <https://wonderscape.net/vidiegogo> books available. We have Wonder and Vox Books, but this was the first I'd heard of VidieGogo. They look pretty cool, but at $100 a piece, I'm wondering how they hold up. Does anyone have any? Are they worth it? *Laura Hauch* Collection and IT Coordinator Buchanan District Library 128 East Front Street Buchanan, MI 49107 269-695-3681 269-695-0004 Fax www.buchananlibrary.org

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MeL Minute: The Great Lock-In: Time to Level Up, Without Burning Out
by Williams, Barbara (MDE) 16 Oct '25

16 Oct '25

[cid:image001.png@01DC3EB2.7E6066A0] The Great Lock-In: Time to Level Up, Without Burning Out As the days grow shorter and the cozy season sets in, it’s officially The Great Lock-In! That time of year when library professionals can finally slow down, reflect, and invest in their own learning. Whether you're curled up with a blanket or hunkered down at your desk, the Library of Michigan (LM) has the resources to help you grow your skills and stay inspired. Designed with Michigan’s library professionals in mind, the Library Science Collection at the Library of Michigan serves public, academic, and school libraries alike. We’ve continued to invest in new titles this year, and now there are even more ways to access the materials you need, wherever you are. Here’s how you can explore and use the collection: 📚 Borrow Print Items via MeLCat! We’re back on MeLCat! That means you can request LM titles through your home library using <https://mel.org/welcome> MeL.org<https://mel.org/welcome>. Browse the latest professional development additions online by visiting the <https://research.ebsco.com/c/7uvvy4/search> ANSWER catalog link<https://research.ebsco.com/c/7uvvy4/search> and use “Library Science Collection” in the Search field to filter your results. 💻 Online via Gale eBooks on <https://mel.org/welcome> MeL.org<https://mel.org/welcome> Prefer digital access? We’ve added 95 new library science titles to the Gale eBooks collection on <https://mel.org/welcome> MeL.org<https://mel.org/welcome>, featuring content from ALA and Libraries Unlimited. These eBooks are available to anyone in Michigan, no login required. Professional Growth, Not Burnout Find a sample survey, modify a program idea or try assessing a small portion of your community (fall cozy mystery readers vs horror/spooky/thriller readers). The Great Lock-In is about intentional learning, not overloading your plate. We know library professionals are juggling a lot! Let this be a time to recharge your mind, not exhaust it. Whether you skim, read one chapter or dive into a full book, give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. This autumn, take a moment for yourself and your professional growth. Brew a beverage, pick up a great read, and let LM be your partner in learning. No stress required. How to Find the Library Science Gale eBook Collection on <https://mel.org/welcome> MeL.org<https://mel.org/welcome> mel.org<https://mel.org/welcome> > <https://mel.org/az.php> eResources<https://mel.org/az.php> > <https://mel.org/az.php?a=g> G<https://mel.org/az.php?a=g> > <http://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=gv…> Gale eBooks<http://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=gv…> > Library Science Collection * Go to <https://mel.org/welcome> mel.org<https://mel.org/welcome> * Select <https://mel.org/az.php> eResources<https://mel.org/az.php> * Select "G<https://mel.org/az.php?a=g>" * Select <http://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=gv…> Gale eBooks<http://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=gv…> * Select "Library Science" collection in the left side of the screen, under "View Collections" [cid:image002.png@01DC3EB2.7E6066A0] If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org> for help. Author/editor: Hi! I'm Shauna Quick, the Technology Access Consultant at the Library of Michigan. In exploring how AI can support libraries, I’ve been testing different use cases, like creating clear, helpful instructions for this MeL Minute. I ask Microsoft's Copilot to create step by step instructions by giving it my paragraph explanation of how to access the collections. Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new> GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. The MeL project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Barbara Williams, MLIS Library Development Analyst (MDE) Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909 WilliamsB39(a)michigan.gov<mailto:WilliamsB39@michigan.gov> I (517) 241-2149 [cid:image003.png@01DC3EB2.7E6066A0] [cid:image004.png@01DC3EB2.7E6066A0] Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The MTOY Program is accepting nominations through September 24. Nominate an educator using the online form<https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9BjArjCenn1GB14>. For more information visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy<http://www.michigan.gov/mtoy>. [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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Self Checkout System
by Director ＠ Newaygo Library 16 Oct '25

16 Oct '25

I would like any information that anyone would like to share about Self Check-out systems. We are looking into offering Self-Checkout, and I am not familiar with them at all. Thank you!! Mary Mary Franklin | Library Director a: 44 North State Rd | Newaygo, MI 49337 e: mailto:director@newaygolibrary.org | w: http://newaygolibrary.org/ p: 231 652 6723 https://www.facebook.com/Newaygo-Area-District-Library-174353817596/ https://www.twitter.com/newaygolibrary/ https://www.instagram.com/newaygolibrary/ http://pinterest.com/newaygolibrary/ Would you like to support Newaygo Library - https://tinyurl.com/newaygo-library-donations?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJp…

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