August 2025 - Michlib-l

Revenue reduced by tax captures
by Danielle Baldwin 19 Aug '25

19 Aug '25

We are a district library in a county that has various Brownfields, Renaissance Zones, and Land Banks that reduce our property tax revenue (we have opted out of TIFs and DDAs now). Each year our County Treasurer has been able to gather and provide the data for these captured taxes that I use to calculate our next year's revenue. Unfortunately this year, the new Treasurer has been delayed in getting the figures to me. For those of you in similar organizations that are not run by their local municipality, how do you calculate your property tax revenue to include the reduction of these tax capture mechanisms? Do you rely on your County Treasurer to provide the numbers, like we have in the past, or is there a super secret process or formula I can use to arrive at these numbers myself? *Danielle Baldwin* Finance and Human Resources Manager Traverse Area District Library 610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686 dbaldwin(a)tadl.org (231) 932-8549

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Missing patron (Downriver to M-59 Corridor)
by Lisa Boyd 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

A family friend never returned from a trip to the renaissance festival this weekend. Here is the news report about Jacob. https://www.wnem.com/2025/08/18/police-looking-man-who-went-missing-after-a… [https://gray-wnem-prod.gtv-cdn.com/resizer/v2/F33EBU2M3JHRXNPSUJETEQ2MKM.pn…]<https://www.wnem.com/2025/08/18/police-looking-man-who-went-missing-after-a…> Man did not return after going to Renaissance Festival, police say - WNEM<https://www.wnem.com/2025/08/18/police-looking-man-who-went-missing-after-a…> Police said Angeles drives a 2006 silver Jeep Commander. Anyone with information can call 734-379-5323<tel:734-379-5323>. Subscribe to the TV5 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to ... www.wnem.com [photo] Lisa Boyd Librarian, Canton Public Library 734-394-1123<tel:734-397-0999ex:1123> | www.cantonpl.org<https://www.cantonpl.org/> boydl(a)cantonpl.org<mailto:boydl@cantonpl.org> 1200 S. Canton Center Rd Canton, MI 48188<https://maps.google.com/?q=1200%20S.%20Canton%20Center%20Rd%20Canton,%20MI%…> [custom_u/QVK0w684xRE/1671645794491]<https://www.cantonpl.org/Kids> [custom_u/QVK0w684xRE/1660662320896]<https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/librarylandlisa> [linkedin]<https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakboyd/>

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Community Language Collection Help
by Diana Marable 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Hello! I am hoping you all can help us find vendors for books in languages other than English. Ingram has some, but we would like to branch out. What companies can you recommend for diverse books in a variety of languages? Thank you! [An open book. Text below says "ELPL: East Lansing Public Library."]<http://www.elpl.org/> Diana Marable (She/Her) | Technical Services Assistant East Lansing Public Library 950 Abbot Rd | East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-2420 | dmarabl(a)cityofeastlansing.com

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Internet access for minors policies in class 5 and 6 libraries
by Dan Hutchins 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Hi all, I’m writing the collective today to discover how other class 5 and 6 libraries handle this issue. In terms of Internet access for minors, Van Buren District Library currently has two policies which are in conflict. Our library card policy, which has its origins in 1997 (though it has been revised many times since), allows for parents or guardians, when registering their minor child for a library card, to disallow them from using the Internet. This policy states: A minor’s parent or legal guardian is responsible for regulating all access to and use of library materials including the Internet and video media or content. A minor’s parent or legal guardian will have the option of prohibiting the minor’s Internet access and video media borrowing privileges. To accomplish this our patron records in our ILS have the option of blocking Internet usage and DVD borrowing for minor cards. Internet on our public access computers may be blocked by a setting on our ILS. However, our Computer/Internet Access, Use, & Safety Policy states: 1. Parents or legal guardians of users under the age of 18 are responsible for Internet use by the minor. 2. Users are encouraged to bring their library card for convenience in logging onto a computer. A. Temporary guest Internet passes are available for non-resident, temporary visitors. Resident library patrons should apply for a library card rather than regularly requesting guest passes. What this means in practice is minors may ask for a guest pass rather than using their library card, thus overriding the guardian’s selection of not allowing them to use the Internet via their registered library card. Having said that, the technology has evolved over time and VBDL offers wifi both inside and outside its facilities, and many, if not most minors now own mobile devices. All of VBDL’s networks are filtered, so we’re CIPA compliant regardless of the means of access. Which brings me to my question, are there any class 5 or 6 libraries in Michigan that have an active mechanism for disallowing Internet use by minors if their guardians request it, or is your default that all minors may access the filtered Internet; it is their guardians’ responsibility to accompany said minors to the library and personally supervise their library use if they don’t wish them to access the library’s Internet connection? Thank you, Dan Hutchins Executive Director Van Buren District Library 200 North Phelps Street Decatur, MI 49045 dhutchins(a)vbdl.org W: 269-423-4771 M: 248-895-7240 www.vbdl.org

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Free offers (Children's book shelving + magnifier)
by Amber Hughey 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

https://photos.app.goo.gl/aDyCPjPax5e5xjYz6 Located at the Bridgeport Public Library. Must arrange pickup. We have a magnifier 3 of the double-sided bins (approximately 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall) 4 of the single-sided bins (approximately 4 feet long, 1 foot wide, and 2 feet tall) Amber Hughey Bridgeport Public Library zv041

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Closing Sunday! Director search - Des Moines Public Library (IA)
by Beth Barker 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Director - Des Moines Public Library (IA) The Des Moines Public Library<https://www.dmpl.org/> (IA) Board of Trustees is seeking a visionary and strategic thinker to lead the organization as the library's next Director. This leader will possess exceptional communication skills and will inspire staff to excel in their roles while also fostering an environment that promotes growth within the organization and innovation to meet evolving community needs. The Director collaborates with the Library Board of Trustees to formulate and update library policies and maintains an up-to-date strategic plan to implement those policies. The Director should be flexible and able to creatively adapt to changing circumstances within the library, the community and city and state government. Responsibilities: The ideal candidate will become a highly visible public figure who will cultivate positive relationships with local government and community residents, effectively manage and oversee the annual budget, collaborate with the Library Foundation to assure the delivery of quality programming, champion intellectual freedom, and have extensive knowledge of the philosophies, principles and current best practices of public library operations. The Director will work with governmental financial management and accounting procedures, manage personnel, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. For a full list of responsibilities, please see the job description linked below. Qualifications: A master's degree in library science from an American Library Association-accredited program is required. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in management and administration, budget oversight, customer service, programming development, or other relevant work in a similarly sized public library system. The Director is required to establish residency within the City of Des Moines within 12 months of hire. Compensation: The position has a salary range of $138,500 - $197,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and comes with an excellent fringe benefits package. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates<https://bradburymiller.com/> (https://bradburymiller.com/) Interested candidates should submit their resume through the application portal<https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/> (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) by selecting the position and then the "Apply" button. This position closes on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Visit our website<https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/> to access the full version of this announcement in full, along with all related links. - Beth Barker (she/her) Director of Finance and Communication Bradbury Miller Associates 330-340-7115 | Dover, OH | bradburymiller.com<http://bradburymiller.com/> Sign up for our newsletter<https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=myy6mkoab&p=oi&m=11148931…> for updates on available positions!

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[Employment Opportunity] Adult and Teen Services Substitute Librarian
by BTPL Careers 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Greetings-- Bloomfield Township Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic and customer-service-oriented Substitute Librarian. This is an excellent opportunity for a library science student, a new librarian, or a librarian returning to the workplace to gain valuable training and hands-on experience in a dynamic public library environment. You can see the posting and apply here: https://bloomfieldtwp.bamboohr.com/careers/50 Bloomfield Township Public Library is a Class V Library, with a service population of 44,000+ people. There is strong community support for the Library and its collections, services, and programs offered. The Library promotes inclusivity in the diverse collections and programs available to all ages and abilities. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to providing quality public service and the desire to work in a collaborative team environment. POSITION TITLE: Substitute Librarian DEPARTMENT: Adult and Teen Services, reporting to Department Head HOURS: Weekdays, evenings, and weekends (including Sundays) as needed on a flexible basis. Weekday availability strongly preferred. WAGES & BENEFITS: $20.50 to $23.58 an hour. Sunday hours are paid at time and a half. Sick time. Employee assistance program (EAP). RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide friendly, professional service to patrons of all ages in a welcoming public library environment. * Assist with reference and readers’ advisory, help users find materials to enjoy, explore interests, or answer questions. * Instruct and support patrons using the library catalog, digital collections, databases, and technology. * Perform additional duties as needed to support library services and operations. REQUIREMENTS: MIMIUM: • Master’s in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent relevant work experience. Students who are currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited program and actively working to complete their degree are also eligible for consideration. • Serious commitment to providing superior quality public service to patrons of all ages and abilities. • Ability to lift, push, and/or pull at least 20 pounds; ability to visually review materials and discern vocal and audible tones with or without reasonable accommodation. • Proficiency in modern computing environments, both desktop and mobile. • Knowledge of current trends and practices in public libraries. • Ability to work effectively with others in a collaborative environment. DESIRABLE: • Previous experience working with the public on a library service desk or in an equivalent environment. • Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 and Sierra ILS. APPLICATION: Closes Monday, September 8. Employment start date: late October of 2025. Your application must include: * A resume * A cover letter * A completed online application form (https://bloomfieldtwp.bamboohr.com/careers/50) Best Regards, Linden Godlove Administrative Assistant Bloomfield Township Public Library See all of our open positions here: https://btpl.org/employment/

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Need more to read? Join the MLA Annual Conference Book Club!
by Ryan Tackabury 18 Aug '25

18 Aug '25

Hello library world! The Michigan Library Association Annual Conference is a little over two months away.There is a great lineup of keynote speakers for this year’s conference, and if you’re like me, you might find it interesting to learn a little more about the speakers First, to learn more, take a look at the MLA Annual Conference website here. <https://www.milibraries.org/annual-conference-featured-speakers> Second, maybe you would like to consider joining our first MLA Annual Conference Book Club? From now until the conference, we will be reading a book published from each of our keynote speakers. Feel free to come to as many or as few as you would like and discuss some books with your colleagues, and become more knowledgeable about our speakers you can meet in person this October! - The first virtual meeting will be on Thursday, September 18th at 1pm, where we will be discussing “The Wishing Bridge” by Viola Shipman. - A few weeks later on Thursday, October 16th at 1pm we will be meeting virtually to discuss “Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America” by Barbara McQuade. If you are interested in participating in the discussion about one or more of these books, you can register to receive a Zoom link here. <https://us05web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8IxVhxvySh6Cb-aKOLg0aQ#/registrati…> Also, consider joining the official MLA discord channel <https://discord.gg/hAG82tdh> to chat about the books leading up to the conference! -- Ryan Tackabury Director Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library 211 North Almont Avenue Imlay City, MI 48444 (810) 724-8043 ext. 205 www.ruthhughes.org

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Library Assistant Position at Laingsburg Public Library
by Eric Palmer 15 Aug '25

15 Aug '25

The Laingsburg Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic and service-oriented Library Assistant to join our team. Under the supervision of the Library Director, the Library Assistant provides friendly, and user-centered service to all community members. This position supports a wide range of library operations including customer service, programming, outreach, and basic tech support. This part-time role (10 hours/week) requires one night per week. Qualifications: ● High school diploma (bachelor’s degree preferred) ● Library experience preferred

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Library of Michigan invites Michigan public library staff to share their voice in our Training Opportunity Assessment
by Vernola, Andrea (MDE) 15 Aug '25

15 Aug '25

Hello library friends, Thanks again for the warm welcome to the Library of Michigan this summer! I'm so delighted by each connection I've been able to make this as folks have reached out to introduce themselves and chat with me about training needs and library experiences. I appreciate the learning I've been able to do. Now we invite you to complete the 2025 Library of Michigan Training Opportunity Assessment<https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8425235/2025-Training-Opportunity-Assessment> and share your experiences with professional development as a public library worker. We will use this information to assess training opportunities, understand training preferences and needs, and identify knowledge and skill gaps throughout the state. The survey is structured with some required multiple-choice questions and some larger spaces for you to add more narrative and experiences if you wish. We'd love to have as much information from as many folks in Michigan Public Library Land as possible so please share with your public library coworkers. The survey will be open through September 7. Thank you! Andrea Andrea Vernola Continuing Education Coordinator | Library Development Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909 vernolaA(a)michigan.gov | 517-335-0123 https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan [cid:image001.png@01DC0E02.79585DB0] Nourishing Michigan's Future during the summer! Find a Summer Food Service Program site nearest you and encourage Michigan's children to Meet Up and Eat Up! Michigan.gov/MeetUpEatUp<http://www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup>. [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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