January 2026 - Michlib-l

Fax Machine by Donation
by Kristyn Norton 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

We got a new machine so we’re getting rid of our old one. Asking for a $25 donation. Pickup at either MCDL branch - Scottville or Ludington. Kristyn Norton

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Michigan Digital Preservation Network seeks proposals for upcoming symposium
by Chelsea Denault 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

Call for Proposals Creating a Blueprint for Accessible Digital Preservation: Learnings from the Michigan Digital Preservation Network’s IMLS Grant Activities A Symposium The Michigan Digital Preservation Network (MDPN) is accepting session proposals for an upcoming symposium to share learnings from our Institute for Museum and Libraries Services National Leadership Grant, “Demonstrating and Documenting a Statewide LOCKSS 2.0 Preservation Network for Cultural Memory Institutions,” which will be held March 26, 2026 at the Library of Michigan in Lansing, MI. This symposium serves as one of the deliverables of the grant project, which sought to build a replicable model for a statewide or regional digital preservation network. View the full Call for Proposals<https://mipres.org/index.php/2025/12/09/mdpn-cfp/> for more details and guidance on how to submit your session proposal. Session proposals are open to anyone, though members of the MDPN and grant collaborators are especially encouraged to apply. Submit your proposal via this short form (https://forms.gle/cB1HkPy7tAysVD7a9 ) by January 12. Acceptance notifications will be sent later in January 2026. Questions? Have a proposal idea, but need some help? Contact MDPN Coordinator Dr. Chelsea Denault at denaultc(a)mcls.org<mailto:denaultc@mcls.org> -- Chelsea Denault, Ph.D. (she/her) Michigan Digital Preservation Network Coordinator Midwest Collaborative for Library Services 517-325-0826 denaultc(a)mcls.org<mailto:denaultc@mcls.org> www.MIpres.org<http://mipres.org/> [Logo]<http://mipres.org/>

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Call for MCLS instructors!
by Gwen Haviland 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

Greetings, MCLS is seeking instructors for the following workshops: 1. Setting up a Library of Things for Public Libraries (not cataloging - but setting up from scratch a Library of Things at a public library) 2. Dewey Decimal Classification Do you have expertise in these areas, experience teaching virtually, and a passion for helping library staff understand and learn about these important topics? If so, we would love to hear from you! Please send your resume or CV and cover letter to training(a)mcls.org<mailto:training@mcls.org> and/or fill out our Instructor Application linked near the bottom of the web page here<https://www.mcls.org/training-events>. We would be interested in offering these new workshops starting either in late 2026 or in 2027. We have materials that could be updated for Dewey Decimal Classification but no prior content for Setting up a Library of Things for Public Libraries. We look forward to hearing from you! For any questions, please email training(a)mcls.org<mailto:training@mcls.org>. Thank you, Gwen Haviland *************************************** Gwen Haviland Membership & Training Coordinator/Project Specialist Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) 517-455-7612 havilandg(a)mcls.org<mailto:havilandg@mcls.org> Connect with MCLS Website<https://www.mcls.org/> | Newsletter<https://www.mcls.org/news/enewsletter> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services>

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Found Book
by Trixie L. McMeeking 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

Good afternoon, The book "I Am Billie Jean King" by Brad Meltzer barcode # T44160 from Emerson School was returned at our school library. There were several options for Emerson School, so I am reaching out to see if anyone recognizes the book and the barcode. I will return the book to you through RIDEs if possible or mail if needed. Let me know! 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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MiYouth meets tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2pm!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

MiYouth Tuesday, January 13th 2:00 pm ET Public library staff that work with youth are invited to join LM’s Youth Services Advisory Council (YSAC) for networking and guided discussion. This month we'll be asking you to share ideas that "spark." Feel free to come with a project or program you're excited to share about in about 60 seconds... MiYouth meets quarterly (months vary) on the 2nd Tuesday at 2pm. Looking forward to seeing you at the next “MiYouth TWOsday!” No need to register, just join us at 2pm ET! (This meeting is not recorded, but shared notes will be sent out) Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/506813991?pwd=Z2NBMTFES1BlRlNVc2lhbzV1eTJ0QT09 Password: 454345 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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Fw: Michigan Department of Treasury Web Accessibility Announcement
by Quick, Shauna (MDE) 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

Hello! Below is a notice from the Michigan Department of Treasury discussing the new web accessibility requirements. As you are no doubt aware, the Justice Department has issued regulations requiring State and Local Government entities to comply with specific ADA accessibility requirements for websites and mobile applications by April 24, 2026 (if the population served is 50,000 or more), or by April 27, 2027 ( for special districts or if the population served is under 50,000). (See Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments | ADA.gov<https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/> ). Please note the highlighted portion at the end of the notice. Documents , forms and other materials submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury (such as Audit reports, Audit packages, and any Audit finding responses, forms- such as L-4029 forms, and any other document or form submitted to treasury by or on behalf of a public library will have to comply with the new accessibility requirements. The Department of Treasury will issue additional guidance as the deadlines draw closer. As a reminder, here are a few resources you can use to get started with Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web & Mobile Application Accessibility Rule<https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/>, WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance on your library websites. * First Steps from ADA.gov<https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-rule-first-steps/> * Justice Department Webinar<https://youtu.be/hkhIGSvJC2o> (1 Hour) * Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools List<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/tools/list/#top> * Selecting Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/tools/selecting/> * Easy Checks – A First Review of Web Accessibility<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/easy-checks/> The Library of Michigan has a Niche Academy Course that is very helpful! * The Modern eAccessibility Landscape in Public Libraries<https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills/course/63945> * If you don’t have a Niche Academy Account, it is free to sign up! You're always welcome to reach out if you need anything or have questions! Shauna Quick and Clare Membiela Libraries are urged to consult their library attorneys and/or financial professionals for further information and assistance on determining how Treasury’s announcement below will affect their library’s operations. Shauna Quick, MLIS Library Technology Access Consultant Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915 quicks1(a)michigan.gov<mailto:quicks1@michigan.gov> | 517-335-0126 she/her/hers [cid:2e853c1d-781a-43d0-99df-a711214739af]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/05de81e9d972497b8f56a791b405b02e…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/05de81e9d972497b8f56a791b405b02e…> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan]<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education…> [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/>. [Local government Update] ADA Compliance Update: New Web Accessibility Rules for State and Local Governments January 7, 2026 The U.S. Department of Justice has finalized new ADA Title II regulations requiring state and local governments to make their websites, mobile applications and digital services accessible to people with disabilities. These rules formally adopt the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) as the standard for federal compliance. WCAG 2.1 Level AA outlines how digital content must be structured, labeled and presented so it can be used by individuals with visual, auditory, mobility and cognitive disabilities. The regulations apply to new content as well as some existing digital materials that remain available to the public that is required in order to apply for, gain access to, or participate in the public entity’s services, programs or activities. Compliance deadlines vary by jurisdiction size: * Large jurisdictions (50,000+ population): April 24, 2026 * Smaller jurisdictions and special districts: April 26, 2027 What This Means for Local Governments Local units will be required to ensure all public-facing digital content meets WCAG 2.1 AA, including websites, PDFs, forms and mobile applications. Meeting these requirements often involves reviewing existing materials, updating workflows and coordinating across departments. Because compliance involves both technical changes and content updates, preparation needs to begin well before the federal deadlines. Treasury Submission Requirement Beginning April 24, 2026, all documents and digital content submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury must comply with the updated ADA Title II rules and meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This applies to reports such as audited financial statements, forms and other digital materials provided by or on behalf of state and local governments. Treasury will share additional information and implementation details as federal timelines move closer. For more information, please refer to the ADA Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ada.gov%2Fresources%2F2…> Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC(a)michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. “the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] <https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education…> [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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Invitation to Library Hop 2026
by John MacLellan 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

Hello, The Vicksburg District Library is running the third annual Library Hop this April. We are looking for other libraries in the general southwestern Michigan region that would like to participate in this fun, month-long event. Library Hop is a one-month event throughout April that encourages individuals to visit other libraries by giving them a “passport” to fill out and allows libraries to promote themselves and their services. Each interested person receives a passport booklet of participating libraries with blank spaces for stamps. The booklet contains a page of contact information, location, hours, and April events for each library. People visit other libraries, have their passports stamped, and bring them back to their home library at the end of April. Some libraries give out small prizes for returned passports, and there’s also a grand prize drawing among all libraries. Each participating library must submit contact information, library hours, a photo of their library’s exterior, and a selection of two or three April programs/displays to be included in the passport booklet. During April, library staff will be responsible for giving out passports and stamping passports from visiting patrons. Last year’s Library Hop was a collaboration of 15 libraries and library systems. This year I’m continuing to broaden my reach throughout more of southwest Michigan (last year I had participants as far north as Allegan, west as Bridgman, south as Burr Oak, and east as Colon) with the hope that more libraries will participate to give everyone more opportunities in their area. Please let me know if you’re interested or if you’d like more information. Best, John -- John MacLellan, MLISCirculation and Reference LibrarianVicksburg District Libraryjmaclellan(a)vicksburglibrary.org(269) 649-1648

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Smelly books
by Cindy Persic 10 Jan '26

10 Jan '26

We have several patrons who return books smelling heavily of cigarette smoke as well as marijuana. We do not have a process in place to remove the odors. I was thinking of an air-tight plastic bin with maybe baking soda or activated charcoal. Does anyone have suggestions on how to best deal with the smell? We don't want to just mask it with a dryer sheet. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! *Cindy Persic* *Cataloging/Collections* *"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."*

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Upcoming cataloging workshops from MCLS!
by Gwen Haviland 09 Jan '26

09 Jan '26

Register soon for the following workshops from MCLS! MARC: An Introduction<https://mcls.corsizio.com/event/6914aea3e5df27d0b0b7dade> 3-day class, January 20-22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Eastern (9-11 a.m. Central) Qualifies for 6 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! Conceptual Models Underlying RDA (Updated and expanded!)<https://mcls.corsizio.com/event/682ccaf6df7c71eadd5f2c52> 1-day class, January 22, 1-4 p.m. Eastern (12 noon - 3 p.m. Central) Qualifies for 3 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! For these and other great workshops please visit our Training Store here store.mcls.org<https://store.mcls.org/> To learn about our Essential Workplace Skills and Cataloging Certificate programs, click here mcls.org/training-events/certification<https://www.mcls.org/training-events/certification/> *************************************** Gwen Haviland Membership & Training Coordinator/Project Specialist Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) 517-455-7612 havilandg(a)mcls.org<mailto:havilandg@mcls.org> Connect with MCLS Website<https://www.mcls.org/> | Newsletter<https://www.mcls.org/news/enewsletter> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services>

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Animal Programs at the library
by JC Wheeler Public Library 09 Jan '26

09 Jan '26

I am curious to know if any libraries have ever partnered with local animal shelters for events that bring animals into the library, such as puppy yoga, cat yoga, or cat and canvas. I am very interested in organizing something like this but am aware that bringing animals into a public space might not be feasible due to allergies and other sensitivities. If you have any experiences or stories to share about similar events, I would love to hear them. Thank you in advance! Abbie LaFountaine JC Wheeler Library PO Box 226 1576 S. Main Martin, MI 49070 269-672-7875 “This week I've been reading a lot and doing little work. That's the way things ought to be. That's surely the road to success.” ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl<https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3532896>

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