September 2025 - Michlib-l

Van Buren District Library is Mobile Beacon's #1 User of Cellular Broadband Nationwide
by Dan Hutchins 23 Sep '25

23 Sep '25

Hi all, I thought I would share that back in July Van Buren District Library received a phone call from Mobile Beacon, our mobile Internet hotspot provider. They called to inform us that of their 1,801 public library clients nationally, Van Buren District Library is their number one user of cellular broadband data! Honestly, I was astonished to hear this news. When we started our mobile Internet hotspot lending program with FCC Emergency Connectivity Funds back in 2022, we were simply attempting to add another offering to serve our community. It never, ever, occurred to me that VBDL could potentially become their top library consumer of broadband nationwide, especially given that Mobile Beacon has so many large, urban library systems as clients. In the first six months of 2025 alone VBDL patrons used 312 terabytes (TB) of data from our 420 mobile Internet hotspots (60 per branch), which is astounding to think about. VBDL is a seven-branch system which serves a mostly rural area of southwest Michigan. In much of our service area broadband infrastructure just doesn’t exist. In addition, there are large pockets of poverty in our service area. For instance, Covert Township has a poverty rate of 25% and Decatur a poverty rate of 22%, so for many home broadband access isn’t affordable; VBDL is bridging the digital divide in a very tangible way. Financially, what makes this feasible for VBDL is our relationship with Mobile Beacon. Mobile Beacon is a non-profit provider of cellular broadband whose mission is to serve other non-profits such as public libraries, the Red Cross, and the United Way, amongst others. Mobile Beacon offers filtering and the ability to deactivate overdue hotspots as well. Mobile Beacon charges $10 per month per device for unlimited, unthrottled data from the T-Mobile cellular network. My understanding is $40 per month is the commercial average charge from other providers for the same service. For our 420 hotspots at VBDL, the data usage costs $4,200 per month or $50,400 per year. Mobile Beacon also allows clients to bring their own devices, so if your library already owns hotspots, this could be either a large savings, or could allow your library to vastly increase the number of hotspots it offers in a way that still saves your library money or is perhaps cost-neutral. In addition, for libraries, they also offer seven free hotspots per year, per branch, so there’s another cost-effective way to potentially expand a current hotspot lending program. I’m including VBDL’s press release and the data they shared with us for our recent application for the State Librarian’s Excellence Award. If anyone is interested, I would be happy to share contact information for Mobile Beacon upon request. Dan Hutchins Executive Director Van Buren District Library 200 North Phelps Street Decatur, MI 49045 dhutchins(a)vbdl.org W: 269-423-4771 www.vbdl.org Bangor – Bloomingdale – Covert – Decatur – Gobles – Lawrence - Mattawan 200 N. Phelps St., Decatur MI 49045 PHONE 269-423-4771/FAX 269-423-8373 PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 17, 2025 For more information, contact Laura Dorgelo, 269.521.7601, ldorgelo(a)vbdl.org **** Van Buren District Library’s Hotspot Program Transforms Digital Access for Rural Michigan Communities XXXXXX DECATUR, MI — The Van Buren District Library (VBDL) is closing the digital divide in southwest Michigan through its popular Mobile Internet Hotspot lending program in partnership with Mobile Beacon, a non-profit provider of cellular broadband Internet services. Since launching in early 2022, the program has empowered library patrons across Van Buren County to access high-speed internet from home, school, or on the go, no matter where they live. In a rural region where broadband access is often unreliable or unavailable, this service has become a lifeline for many. “Many of our residents are low-income and lack affordable broadband at home.” Daywi Cook, the Covert Township Supervisor comments, “The library's innovative mobile hotspot lending program -– one of the largest and most impactful in the nation — has been transformative.” In just the first half of 2025, VBDL’s 420 hotspot devices provided patrons with over 312,000 gigabytes (GB) of data, which is 45 times the national average and nearly 100 times the median usage within Mobile Beacon’s network. This data is crucial for supporting remote learning, job hunting, telehealth, and everyday online needs. During the summer months alone (May through July), community members used more than 149,000 GB of data, a powerful indicator of how vital the program has become. Mobile Beacon, headquartered in Johnston, Rhode Island provides affordable, reliable, high-speed internet access to schools, libraries, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations, enabling them to expand digital access and inclusion, and fostering stronger, more connected communities. The mission of Mobile Beacon is to power education through broadband. “Van Buren District Library is the clear leader among our partners.” Mobile Beacon Director of Programs, Joe Gleason, notes. “Their program demonstrates what is possible when a library invests deeply in digital inclusion and puts equitable access at the center of its mission.” Van Buren District Library’s Executive Director, Dan Hutchins, elaborated “when we started this program back in 2022, we were simply trying to serve the community. It never entered my mind that it was even possible a rural library system such as ours could exceed the data distribution of Mobile Beacon’s large, urban library clients; I’m astonished.” Each hotspot device averages 109 GB per month, far surpassing national usage trends. The popularity and reach of the program earned VBDL recognition as Mobile Beacon’s top-performing library partner of 2025, outpacing more than 1,800 other libraries in the country that offer similar services. “I am currently a single dad that relies on the internet for just about everything. We use it to watch movies, play games, work on homework, watch YouTube, videos and help with looking for work. Without this service, we would not be able to afford this basic necessity.” - David S., a VBDL patron. The Van Buren District Library is headquartered in Decatur and serves Van Buren County, southwest MI from its seven locations in Bangor, Bloomingdale, Covert, Decatur, Gobles, Lawrence, and Mattawan.

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website building
by Jill Rauh 23 Sep '25

23 Sep '25

Hello all, We are looking at a major redesign/revamp of our website. Besides making it more interesting, we want to ensure it is ADA compliant. How have you approached this? Did you do it in-house, did you hire someone to do the redesign, and then make updates in-house, did you outsource the design as well as the updates? Any ideas appreciated! Jill Rauh, Public Services Librarian Benton Harbor Public Library 213 E. Wall St. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269-926-6139 www.bentonharborlibrary.com The information and views presented do not necessarily represent those of the Benton Harbor Public Library.

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Smart Money Kids Read program is now accepting 2026 book requests!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 22 Sep '25

22 Sep '25

"Smart Money Kids Read" program is now accepting 2026 book requests! Hello Library friends! After reviewing the detailed feedback from our 2025 participating librarians, The 2026 Smart Money Kids Read book will be a new book from the Moneybunny series, by crowd favorite author Cinders McLeod: How Do YOU Spend?. Our year-round efforts culminate with intensified programming during Financial Literacy Month, April 1-30, 2026. To this end, we've been hard at work over the summer and into autumn, planning for our beloved Smart Money Kids Read (SMKR) program! By completing this request<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckQos0T42sam6VPo-9rcAPMyDyNetTOwX…> for FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS, you agree to provide money-themed children's programming during Financial Literacy Month, April 1-30, 2025, utilizing How Do You Spend? for our SMKR program, supplemented by fun, age-appropriate programming. Librarians are so creative! We believe most libraries will do in-person story time events, using our chosen book, along with coloring sheets, finger puppet plays, songs, rhymes, crafts, and more! Consider partnering with a local credit union on these events as well! Michigan credit unions not only provide funding for the Smart Money Kids Read program, but also enjoy participating in, and helping to provide program support, for such youth events. It is important that you share with us the ways in which you plan to implement your Smart Money Kids Read program. How will you get these books into the hands of Michigan children in April? Do you need help securing a credit union partner for possible program support? What might your program look like? We want to hear about it! SMKR Contact: Kelly Masters at MiFinancialWellness(a)gmail.com. The SMKR program is done in partnership between the Michigan Financial Wellness Network and the Michigan Credit Union Foundation. ### 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/> Join the MiYouth<https://lists.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/miyouth> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [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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Book Club Kits
by Elizabeth Campion 22 Sep '25

22 Sep '25

Shelby Township Library has the following book club kits available. Each comes with a summary, brief author biography, questions, and extra material like an author interview. *We Need Names* by NoViolet Bulawayo (10 copies) *The Map of Salt and Stars *by Zeyn Joukhadar (8 copies) *The Reason You're Alive* by Matthew Quick (7 copies) *The Sparrow *by Mary Doria Russell (7 copies) *Sing, Unburied, Sing* by Jesmyn Ward (6 copies) If you're interested, please share your RIDES code. Regards, Elizabeth Elizabeth Campion, Adult Librarian Shelby Township Library 52610 Van Dyke Avenue Shelby Township, MI 48316 586-739-7414

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Free Study Carrels
by Stacy Pasche 22 Sep '25

22 Sep '25

We have 2 study carrels with natural oak finish in need of a new home. Absolutely free but pick-up only. The dimensions are: 37.5" W 27.5" D 49" H I am happy to send pictures if you are interested. Thanks!

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Full-Time Genesee District Library Branch Librarian Position - Beecher
by Todd Sumpter 22 Sep '25

22 Sep '25

JOB TITLE: Branch Librarian – Beecher - Vera B. Rison REPORTS TO: Branch Operations Manager CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt; Union position HOURS: Full-Time (40 hours per week) Mon, Wed, Sat 9-5; Tues, Thurs 12-8. Fri, Sun closed Salary: $24.50/hr. Deadline: Until Filled The Genesee District Library is seeking a full-time, energetic, team-oriented Branch Librarian with a strong commitment to serving the public. We are the third largest library system in Michigan and an award-winning system of 19 branches. We are in the lower peninsula and have over 120 employees. GDL offers full time employees a Health Care Savings Program (HCSP), 403(b), 401(a) and 457 Supplemental Savings. Responsibilities include: Manage the operations of the branch and meet the needs of our patrons. Supervise staff assigned to the branch and keep them updated with new procedures. Answer reference questions and provide adequate information to patrons. Partner with area schools and other agencies to promote collections and services offered to children and young adults. Build strong community bonds by working with community leaders. Handle patron complaints with good judgment. Selecting and ordering books for the branch. Market the library by developing and/or assisting with public service-oriented programming. Prepare required reports to the Branch Operations Manager monthly. Lifelong learner with an interest in new library services and trends. Requirements for the position include: Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited library school. A minimum of a Level 2 certification by the Library of Michigan within ninety (90) days of hire. Strong proficiency with electronic databases, Microsoft Office applications, social networking sites and mobile technology. Ability to get along with diverse personalities and populations. Ability to work as a team or independently within a fast-paced environment. Will be required to: Work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours, around programs and events. Work Environment: The location of the work site is in the Beecher community located in Genesee County. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet and work is performed indoors. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid driver’s license and must have insured vehicle for use on Library business. The responsibilities and requirements listed above are not an exhaustive list of all that will be expected of this position; however, it is met to identify the general criteria for a Branch Librarian position. The Genesee District Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply for this position, send your resume to: Genesee District Library https://www.thegdl.org/employment-opportunities/ Todd Sumpter Human Resources Manager Genesee District Library Ph: 810-230-3340 Fax: 810-776-8207

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Finance and Payroll Software
by marion Library 22 Sep '25

22 Sep '25

Hello Library Land! We are planning on moving our payroll and accounts to in-house software and management. (It is currently outsourced through another municipality.) We are a small rural library that recently made the shift to a district so a lot of this is new to the library. We are looking for something with low cost and ease of use. It would be greatly helpful if you could share what you use? Thank you! -- Sarah Genereaux-Maddox MLIS Marion Area District Library Director 120 E Main St, Marion, MI 49665 (231) 428-2682 Have a wonderful day! *"**Fairy tales do not give the child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of bogey. The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon." - G.K. Chesterton*

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Library Volunteers
by Amanda Stegner 22 Sep '25

22 Sep '25

Hi everyone, Our staff volunteer committee has been reviewing our application materials, as well as volunteer opportunities for the community. We had a couple ideas suggested for roles we may be able to offer. I'm wondering if you use volunteers for these, and if so - do you have any lessons learned or best practices? - Greeters/welcome desk - our main branch has the entire collection on the second floor, so the thought was to have this on the first floor when patrons enter. - Translators Thanks so much! Amanda -- Amanda Stegner (she/her) Office Support III, Youth Services Department Dearborn Public Library 313-943-2879 amstegne(a)dearborn.gov

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Invitation to Participate in Pinckney Library's Pop Culture Trivia Night on Wednesday, September 24, at 6:30pm-8:30pm
by Hope Siasoco 20 Sep '25

20 Sep '25

Dear MichLib-L Colleagues, (Please excuse the cross-posting) Please join us at the Pinckney Library (125 Putnam St., Pinckney, MI, 48169) for a fun night of trivia with Kenny Privett Productions! You will need your own device with the *SpeedQuizzing App* installed to join in the fun. Gather a few friends and play as a team or play solo, but registration is required to attend. There will be three rounds of SpeedQuizzing with prizes for the winners after each round. Registration begins September 1st. You can register yourself or your whole team on one form: https://pinckneylibrary.org/pop-culture-trivia-night-registration-sept-24-2… NOTE: A reminder to please make sure you download and install the SpeedQuizzing App on your mobile device before participating. For help with registration or for more information, please call us at 734-878-3888. We hope very much that you can join in the fun! 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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Ebsco databases?
by Bradley Scott 19 Sep '25

19 Sep '25

Fellow Michiganders, My access to all Ebsco databases seems to be down. MEL E-resources links to Ebsco products also appear to be affected. Can others verify issues with Ebsco? (those of you who are unfortunate enough to still be online after 5pm Friday, that is?) Bradley A. Scott, MLS Electronic Resources Librarian Mott Community College 1401 East Court Street Flint, Michigan 48503 810-762-0405

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