July 2025 - Michlib-l - liblists.org

Lapeer District Library - Director Search
by Laura Fromwiller 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

https://summithr.applicantpro.com/jobs/3789375 District Library Director - *Lapeer, MI, USA* - *100000-130000 per year* - *Salary* - *Full Time* <?subject=District%20Library%20Director%20at%20SummitHR&body=Apply%20for%20the%20District%20Library%20Director%20at%20SummitHR%20using%20the%20link%20below.%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.applicantpro.com%2Fopenings%2Fsummithr%2Fjobs%2F3789375> ------------------------------ Daily Responsibilites - Plans and directs the services of the library network to provide for the education, - reading, entertainment and information needs of the citizens of the library district. This - Is performed under the general direction of the District Library Board. - Develops policies for Library Board approval to guide library operations. - Responsible for building and maintaining the library's collections - Supervises library staff, prepares and administers the budget, and performs other administrative functions - Works with Management Team with Assistant Director for Technical Services and department heads. Other Responsibilities Include Provides recommendations and administers the budget as approved by the Library Board, preparing periodic financial reports and recommending adjustments throughout the year Keeps abreast of funding sources available for continuation of existing services and development of new service areas, making recommendations to Board as needed, preparing applications and administering grants as needed Works with Board and staff to establish library objectives and policies then plans and administers programs and procedures governing library services to achieve the objectives and reflect the policies Oversees maintenance of library buildings and equipment Plans and makes recommendations for expansion, alteration or relocation of any of the library facilities Responsible for collection development through selection, regular sorting, replacement and repair of books, periodicals, and other material formats including electronic resources Interviews and hires, trains, evaluates, counsels and terminates employees as required Monitors and evaluates service and personnel issues, i.e. circulation, public service hours, community needs, inter-loan, information access, staffing and employee benefits Consults and collaborates with community officials and members on library issues and community interests and needs with which the library can assist Responsible for marketing the services of the library through press releases to media, presentations and conferences with civic, educational and interested groups, programs at the library and other methods as deemed appropriate and effective Presents necessary reports to Library Board, County Commission and participating municipalities Attends all District Library Board meetings making recommendations and providing technical assistance to the Board concerning library service needs and improvements Provides staff support to the Library Board by assisting with meetings, preparing reports and implementing policy decided by the Board. Administers personnel policies and procedures for library employees, including training, development, scheduling and evaluation, either directly or through appropriate delegation Maintains knowledge of new developments in the library profession, including technological advances, through professional reading and professional development opportunities Work Approach -Highly collaborative team leader that has excellent written and verbal communication skills -A Service oriented management attitude with active listening skills for both employees and patrons. -A socially perceptive understanding for the community. -A self starter that has an eye for detail and an ability to lead with the big picture in mind. -Engages with challenges and change with calm, analytical and quick decisive leadership -A dynamic problem solver that looks to move obstacles away daily goals. . -A Customer facing, positive outlook that enjoys working with the public and providing a positive atmosphere in and around the library grounds. -Adaptable, dependable honest, ethical and transparent with a genuine concern for the Patrons of the Library and the integrity of the historical building(s). -A professional presenter at board meeting with high emotion intelligence. Computer Skills required. Microsoft or Google Database Management Systems Presentation and Graphics Excel Spreadsheets Physical Requirements/Working Conditions This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include but are not limited to, the following requirements and working conditions. Stooping, bending and kneeling to shelve or retrieve books Ability to travel to various library locations for meetings, training workshops and other purposes Ability to enter and access information in a terminal Ability to access all areas of the library Exposure to books and other materials with molds, mildews and dust Work hours may be varied, including evening and weekend hours **Reasonable accommodations may be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements: Education Requirements: Master's degree in Library Science or Information Science (MLS or MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited school.. Five years of progressively-responsible experience in library administration. Other Possible Requirements: Permanent Professional Certificate as required for a Class 6 library from the Library of Michigan Possession of a Valid Driver's license

1 0

FW: Special Collections Update - July 28, 2025
by Oster, Adam (MDE) 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

Virtual Program, Closing Announcement, Michigan Author Award, DNR Partnership on ReadMichigan.org, Dime Novels, & Great Reads [Library of Michigan logo] Special Collections Update - July 28, 2025 Virtual Program, Closing Announcement, Michigan Author Award, DNR Partnership on ReadMichigan.org, Dime Novels, & Great Reads from Great Places. [Mindy Virtual Presenting]Digitizing My Family Tree: Formats, Software, and Techniques Thursday, August 7, 2025 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom Register For This Program<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fus06web.zoom.us%2Fmeeting%2…> Explore the digital options for saving your family history research. Explore the variety of desktop and web-based applications researchers can use for organizing their data. Review best practices for both using these applications and uploading digital scans of records to the software. Registration is required for all Zoom sessions. To see the full list of 2025 Virtual Programs and Registration information, go to Michigan.gov/LMPublicPrograms<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2FLMPublic…>. ________________________________ [Library of Michigan Flags]Library of Michigan Closing Announcement The Library of Michigan will be closed from Saturday, August 30, 2025 to Monday, September 1, 2025 for the Labor Day holiday. The Library of Michigan will reopen on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. All reference questions and library card applications will be processed during the week after reopening. ________________________________ 2025-2026 Michigan Author Award Nominations The Library of Michigan<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FLibraryo…> and Michigan Center for the Book<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FMCFB/1/0…> are seeking nominations for the 2025-2026 Michigan Author Award<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FMIAuthor…>. The award recognizes an outstanding published body of literary work by an author who is either from Michigan or has substantial ties to Michigan. The Michigan Author Award was established in 1992 with the intention of recognizing significant Michigan authors with a lifetime achievement award. Over the years, the award has been given to a diverse collection of writers working in a variety of genres and styles. A panel of judges representing the Library of Michigan and Michigan Center for the Book determines the recipient on overall literary merit. Visit Michigan.gov/MIAuthorAward<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FMIAuthor…> for the nomination form, the criteria for nomination eligibility, and a list of past Michigan Author Award recipients. Applications must be submitted by Friday, August 29, 2025. Direct all questions about the Michigan Author Award to 517-335-1477 or Librarian(a)Michigan.gov<mailto:Librarian@Michigan.gov>. [Michigan Author Award] Submit nominations for the next Michigan Author Award. ________________________________ Library of Michigan Partners with Michigan Department of Natural Resources with Michigan Field Guides on ReadMichigan.org Next time you're about to head to your favorite Michigan state park, be sure to first check out new curated Michigan Field Guides<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Freadmichigan.biblioboard.co…> - this special collection offers insights into local wildlife, native plants and outdoor adventures. Offering these guides is part of a new partnership between the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. With detailed information on flora, fauna, geology and other natural features, the Michigan Field Guides will now be easily accessible to anyone with a mobile device. Whether identifying wildflowers along the trails, spotting native birds or learning about Michigan's unique ecosystems, users can dive deeper into the natural world around them. The guides are available for instant use at ReadMichigan.org<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Freadmichigan.org/1/010101985…>, a free resource provided by the Library of Michigan that offers access to Michigan-based e-books and educational materials with no wait lists or holds to Michigan residents or visitors anywhere within the state. [Department of Natural Resources ReadMichigan.org Library of Michigan]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Freadmichigan.biblioboard.co…> Click image above to go directly to the Michigan Field Guides on ReadMichigan.org. ________________________________ Collection Campaign Throwback - Michigan Dime Novels The Library of Michigan's recent Michigan Yearbook Collection campaign may seem like a view unique initiative by the Library of Michigan. However, it isn't the first time that the State Library has made state-wide calls to acquire items or information. In 1873, State Librarian Harriet Tenney issued a circular requesting contributions ranging from biographical sketches of early Michigan pioneers to physical relics/specimens to be preserved by the library. Decades later in 1911, a call was put out about the details of Michigan political conventions in order to compile a complete history from the territorial government up to the present day. By 1964, the State Library was looking for Michigan dime novels. In March of 1964, most of the major newspapers in Michigan were featuring a lengthy article about the State Library's search for Michigan Dime Novels. An image of the library's Reader Services Division director Franscis Scannell (who later served as State Librarian from 1968-1983) often accompanied the article. It described the value of the dime novels to the State Library and provided examples of titles already acquired through the collection project. Many of these same dime novels are still preserved in the Rare Book Room at the Library of Michigan and can be viewed by making an appointment with library staff at Librarian(a)Michigan.gov<mailto:Librarian@Michigan.gov> or 517-335-1477. To learn more about the items the Library of Michigan is currently looking for, visit Michigan.gov/LibraryGift. [Dime Novels State Library] March 12, 1964 The Kalamazoo Gazette p. 21 and Dime Novels from the Library of Michigan Rare Book Room. ________________________________ 2025 Great Reads from Great Places Michigan Selections The Library of Michigan<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…> and Michigan Center for the Book<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmcfb/1/0…> are pleased to announce the Great Reads from Great Places 2025 Michigan Selections: * Adult Selection - "Dearborn: Stories" by Ghassan Zeineddine * Youth Selection - "Strikers: A Graphic Novel" by Kiel Phegley Every year, a list of books representing the literary heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories is distributed by the Library of Congress's Center for the Book<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.loc.gov%2Fprograms%2Fce…> during the National Book Festival<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.loc.gov%2Fprograms%2Fna…>. Books are selected by the local Center for the Book affiliate, with titles for both children and adults. Books may be written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state's culture and heritage. Learn more about the Great Reads from Great Places program and see a list of past Michigan selections on the Michigan Center for the Book website: Michigan.gov/MCFB<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmcfb/2/0…>. [Michigan Great Reads from Great Places 2025] 2025 Great Reads from Great Places selections: Adult Selection "Dearborn: Stories" by Ghassan Zeineddine and Youth Selection "Strikers: A Graphic Novel" by Kiel Phegley. [Library Card 2023]Library of Michigan Library Card Harness the resources of your state library with a Library of Michigan Library Card. Apply online at www.Michigan.gov/LibraryCard<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FLibraryC…>. Donate to the Collections of the Library of Michigan The Library of Michigan actively accepts additions to its collections and holdings. Find more information on the types of items accepted at www.Michigan.gov/LibraryGift<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FLibraryG…>. Sign-Up for the Special Collections Update Go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/signup/24046<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Fac…> [Bookmark and Share]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fa…> Issue URL: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/bulletins/3eb2020 ________________________________ [https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/-/media/Project/Websites/library…]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FLibraryo…> Questions? Contact Us<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…> Your generous tax-deductible gift today will help assure The Library of Michigan Foundation<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.libraryofmichiganfoundat…> continues to support the Library of Michigan in improving crucial services and ensuring a rich literary culture. STAY CONNECTED: [Visit us on Facebook]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FL…> [https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MILOM/2019/01/2362…]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FLibraryofMich…> [Sign up for email updates]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Facc…> [Instagram Icon]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flibrary…> SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Facc…> | Help<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsubscriberhelp.govdelivery.…> ________________________________ This email was sent using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Library of Michigan * 702 W. Kalamazoo St * P.O. Box 30007 * Lansing, MI 48909-7507 * 1-877-479-0021

1 0

Copies of Firekeeper's Daughter Up for Grabs
by Jenny Rasmussen 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

Hey All, We have 9 copies of Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley. All hardcovers, no HCDL stickers on them, ISBN is 9781250326058. Please let me know your RIDES code and how many copies you would like, and we'll get those out to you. Thanks, Jenny Rasmussen (she/her) -- Howell Carnegie District Library 314 W. Grand River Howell, MI 48843 517-546-0720

1 1

RHPL Garage Sale
by Allison Sartwell 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

Hello, Greetings from Rochester Hills Public Library! We are doing some deep cleaning and clearing out some furniture as well as weeded items from our Innovative Items Collection (Library of Things), and we are making them available for purchase. You can view everything up for grabs at this link <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/148A_0RxUBl1YS51MwHs2ds_rhdDkEPtstev…>. There are two tabs -- one has the furniture and library fixtures, the second has the Library of Things items. Questions about dimensions, payment, or pickup can be sent to me at allison.sartwell(a)rhpl.org. Thanks! -- Allison Sartwell (she/her) Head of Digital Services Rochester Hills Public Library allison.sartwell(a)rhpl.org (248) 650-7185

2 2

DVD mailers
by Zac Larson 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

Hi Everyone, If anyone has any spare dvd mailers, they could send our way... We'd greatly appreciate it! ZV141 Thank you! Zac Larson Pronouns: He/Him Administration Collection Development Librarian Staffing and Scheduling Devereaux Memorial Library 201 Plum Street[http://www.crawfordco.lib.mi.us/dnn/portals/0/devsm.jpg] Grayling, Michigan 49738 Phone: 989-348-9214 Ext. 203 Fax: 989-348-9294 [cid:af030ea6-2787-4945-937e-e765b5ecd6b6]

1 0

Microfilm projector for sale
by Tim Wiggins 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

We are cleaning up our items from our storage space. We have an *ALOS Z Scan 46-II Microfilm reader/printer.* We are selling as is for *$50*. It will have to be picked up can not deliver. If interested please contact me at circulation(a)nileslibrary.net. Thanks Tim -- *Tim Wiggins* Cataloging & Circulation Team Leader *Niles District Library* (269) 683-8545 x104 300-ZV244 circulation(a)nileslibrary.net

1 0

[Employment Opportunity] IT Library Assistant I (Computer Help Desk)
by BTPL Careers 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

Greetings-- The Bloomfield Township Public Library is seeking a professional and resourceful Library Assistant I to provide support to patrons at the Computer Help Desk. Bloomfield Township Public has a service population of 44,000+ people. There is strong community support for the Library and its collections, services and programs offered. Technology is integrated into Library services. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to providing quality service to the staff and the public and the desire to work in a collaborative, team environment. POSITION TITLE: IT Library Assistant I (Computer Help Desk) DEPARTMENT: IT, reporting to IT Department Head HOURS: Part-time, 15 hours weekly. Includes evenings and weekends; Sundays paid at time and one-half in addition to the 15-hour schedule. WAGE & BENEFITS: $18.56- $25.99 per hour, per hour with increase possible upon successful completion of three-month orientation. Sick time. Employee assistance program (EAP). RESPONSIBILITIES: DIRECT PUBLIC SERVICE: * Provides positive, pleasant professional patron support at the public service Computer Help desk, in the Computer Center, and Computer Lab * Monitors and assists with the proper use of study rooms * Demonstrates and provides one-on-one instruction to Library visitors in the use of copiers and computers in Computer Center * Directs Library visitors to appropriate public service desks * Provides A/V support in the absence of IT Assistants INDIRECT PUBLIC SERVICE: * Follows Computer Center opening and closing procedures * Maintains and troubleshoots computer and copier equipment in the Computer Center and Library * Maintains inventory of supplies * Assists in the implementation of Library policies and procedures For more information, see attached or go to the library website, below my signature. Best Regards, Linden Godlove Administrative Assistant Bloomfield Township Public Library See all of our open positions here: https://btpl.org/employment/

1 0

Rochester Hills Public Library Posting: Community Engagement Specialist
by Betsy Raczkowski 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

The Rochester Hills Public Library (RHPL) is searching for the next member of its Communications team and has an opening for a Community Engagement Specialist <http://rhpl.org/employment>. If connecting and engaging with the community is your passion and you want to work with a vibrant and innovative team, this is the job for you. The position is for up to 20 hours/week and is perfect for a detail-oriented person who is familiar with administrative office work, experienced in outstanding customer service, and enjoys working in a collaborative team environment. The Rochester Hills Public Library is located in downtown Rochester, MI, is part of The Library Network and Metro Net Consortium and we use Polaris ILS as our computer system. RHPL is an anchor in the community with a strong commitment to outreach and innovation. The mission of RHPL is to empower people to explore and create with resources that enlighten, educate, entertain, and inform. If you are passionate about providing exceptional library service in a future-focused library system, we want you to apply and join our team! This posting will be open until Monday, August 11. Apply online at rhpl.org/employment. -- Betsy Raczkowski (she/her), MLIS Head of Communications and Community Engagement Rochester Hills Public Library 248-650-7124

1 0

Don't miss out! Power Up Call for Proposal Deadline is August 10th
by UW iSchool CE 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

Power Up: A Leadership Conference for Youth Services Managers & Staff 2026 Conference Call for Proposal - Deadline August 10th<https://ischool.wisc.edu/continuing-education/power-up/call-for-proposals/> March 26-27, 2026 Hybrid Conference The Power Up planning committee wants your session proposals for Power Up 2026 to be held March 26-27, 2026, in Madison, WI. Share your strategies for project management, mentorship, program evaluation, staff morale & retention, advocacy, change management, culturally relevant programming, and more! Conference sessions can take one of several formats, and you are welcome to submit multiple proposals. * Lecture presentation: 45-minute presentation + 15 min Q&A * Panel Discussion: 2-4 presenters focused on one big topic and sharing their experience * Workshop presentation: One-hour hands-on learning experience * Programming lightning talk: 5-8 minute mini presentation on or about a successful program * Roundtable discussion: Lead an in-depth full-group discussion on a topic of your choice. No need to prepare a presentation—just shepherd good conversation! Selected presentation, workshop, and panel sessions will receive one complimentary conference registration. Selected lightning talk and roundtable presenters will receive a discounted conference rate. Submit your proposal by August 10, 2025 for full consideration. We are also excited to announce this year’s closing keynote speaker, Dr. Lisa Roy. Dr. Roy is a distinguished leader in early childhood education, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Dr. Roy oversaw the creation of the Department and continues to boldly lead the agency to provide comprehensive programs and services for young children, families, and early childhood professionals, including the launch of the Universal Preschool Program, which provides half-day preschool for all Colorado children in the year before kindergarten. -- Questions? Email ce-info(a)ischool.wisc.edu<mailto:ce-info@ischool.wisc.edu>

1 0

CSLP Newsletter: July 2025
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 28 Jul '25

28 Jul '25

View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/cslpreads/cslp-newsletter-july2025-6747815?e=c18caf2bb6> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/ed31fdf7-bdb…] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/dd780f48-381c-08…] CSLP wants to hear from YOU! We’ve created a brief survey to better understand how libraries across the country are using CSLP materials and how we can improve them to better serve our member libraries. Complete the survey here: 🔗 https://forms.gle/SRNgUiwduxPgHd4f8<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> Want to preview the questions before diving in? 📄 View the survey as a PDF<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/bad0bf13-5413-a1…] Your voice matters—thank you for helping us grow and improve the CSLP experience for all libraries! [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/1a2e5682-88e6-51…] America250 Meets 2.50 Million Acts of Science Webinar Date: August 20, 2025 Time: 11 AM - 12 PM PT | 2 PM - 3 PM ET Description: Join CSLP Partner organizations, SciStarter <https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> and STAR Net<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…>, for a free webinar to learn how your library can be part of the nation’s largest volunteer effort AND help advance local science research and discovery! * Learn more about America250<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…>, AmericaGives, and Citizen Science Month<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…>, and 2.50 Million Acts of Science campaign * Access free trainings and resources to help librarians plan engaging, audience-specific programs. * Hear examples from other libraries and learn how to track your community’s contributions to the 2026 challenge. Register here<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/fdb8e548-2052-a9…] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/33445a34-37e3-37… 3, pg 100 Quick craft: Canvas Shoe Embroidery Canvas shoe embroidery is a fun project that adds color and creativity to canvas shoes. Follow the instructions on page 100 of the 2025 CSLP manual. For an adaptation for younger participants or those with less dexterity, substitute the embroidery with colorful permanent markers. After coloring the canvas shoes with creative designs, be sure to let them cure for 24 hours, then seal them with a waterproof shoe spray. [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/c3e7f722-4251-d1…] Come for Lunch, Stay for a Foam Party![https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/1cccad08-… By Dani DiAmico, Children’s Librarian Bay County Library System The Sage Branch Library of the Bay County Library System (BCLS) in Michigan had an unprecedented turnout for their first-ever Foam Party. They host “Meet Up & Eat Up,” a Summer Food Service Program, on Mondays and Wednesdays, while librarians offer activities for families who come for the meal. On average, 75 lunches are served at each event. However, on the day of the Foam Party, 126 lunches were served, and it was estimated that around 200 people attended the event. This is a record attendance at a lunchtime event. After posting pictures of the Foam Party on Facebook, several patrons, disappointed to have missed it, contacted the library to ask if they would be hosting another one! Due to the community's interest, high attendance, and the ease of hosting the event, BCLS is now planning to schedule Foam Parties at each of its four branches next summer. Sage staff thought they took a risk when booking the Foam Party because they weren't sure how to effectively describe it in marketing materials. Apparently, schools and campgrounds frequently host Foam Parties, so there was little need for explanation or additional marketing. The cost of the program was under $400 (from Cruise Control Mobile Gaming of Saginaw, MI) for an hour of foam and included staff to run the machine, a large speaker, and a music playlist. The library needed to provide electricity and water. Pulling in a crowd of 200 people is a huge success for this small library branch! Dani DiAmico, Children's Librarian at Sage Branch Library, has compiled a list of tips to support coworkers and other librarians considering hosting future Foam Parties: [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/8ffc9657-4a30-9d…] * I'm glad I danced in the bubbles with the kids, and not only because they got a kick out of it; the foam can be disorienting when your face gets blasted and completely covers the kids, so you can't see them. I think it is no-tear soap, but it can sting your eyes a little bit. Not a single child got overwhelmed or cried from stinging eyes, but I'm glad I was there in the middle, checking in to make sure everyone was safe. * Next year, I will advise families to bring swim goggles. * The soap leaves a residue. I brought an extra change of clothes, and washed off with a rag in the bathroom, but I was really looking forward to a shower when I got home. * Next time, I will bring out a kiddie pool to fill with foam to put off to the side for babies and littles (Caution, the performer reminded us that the bottom of the pool will be slippery). * 1 hour was the perfect amount of time. * 30 min after the event, the grass had already started to recover. You can hardly tell where the party was held. * We put a sign on the front door reminding people they need to have shoes on and asked them to wipe their feet off. We left a bucket full of towels next to the door with a sign that said, "Towels for Feet." Our circulation staff only had to ask two people to wear shoes inside afterwards. [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/26a335b2-f7e1-59…] * The company we hired required a waiver. I printed it out, created three extra pages of lined paper, and had parents sign their names and write the names of their kids. After they signed, I used a pink Sharpie to make a smiley face on their kid's hands. I had it at the table where kids collect their lunch so that parents could do both things at once. Foam Parties are gaining popularity, and rental companies are jumping on the bandwagon; be sure to search for one in your region. This was an affordable way to spend our programming funds locally and support a small business owner in Michigan, and most importantly, it drew a large crowd to our “Meet Up & Eat Up” summer food program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dani DiAmico at DDiamico(a)BayCountyLibrary.org. [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/7c7c8d60-1b48-e6…] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/aec3caa2-0b45-96…] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/b4cfe941-bd05-83…] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/89f94db9-acd5-86…] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/09138f6d-b400-95…] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/79807882-06ac-fe…] Thank you to all these libraries for sharing their photos! Partner List<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> Was this forwarded to you? Click here to sign up for your own copy of the newsletter!<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> [Facebook]<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> [Pinterest]<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> [Website]<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd…> Copyright © 2025 Collaborative Summer Library Program, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.

1 0