January 2026 - Michlib-l

Website
by Stephanie Daniels 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Dear Librarians, Everyone seems to be recommending Streamline, but they seem very expensive? Are there any discounts? Are they priced by library size or all the same? -- *Stephanie Daniels, Director* *Hartford Public Library* *Vanderlyn Community Center* 12 Church Street, PO Box 8 Hartford, MI 49057 (269)588-5103 "A book too, can be a star.....a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." Madeleine L'Engle

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Patron Services Employee Opportunity
by Jack Buck 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Richland Community Library EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Position: Patron Services/Circulation Desk Clerk (Part-Time Position: 6-19 hours per week) Application Deadline: Open until filled. If you enjoy providing a valuable service in a great small town, working as part of a team, and joining an institution beloved by its community, this is the job for you! POSITION DESCRIPTION: Responsible for performing routine clerical work in a library and providing basic support services to patrons. Duties include, but are not limited to: * Providing excellent service to library patrons. * Engaging with patrons and handling materials at the main Library Circulation desk; assisting patrons with computer, printing, faxing/copier, and other general/resource questions. * Retrieving and processing materials returned via the inside and outside drop boxes. * Ensuring that circulation policies and procedures are followed. * Shelving materials and maintaining shelving areas in an accurate, neat, and orderly fashion. * Demonstrating how to best utilize the library's physical and electronic collections. * Checking shelves for accuracy. * Processing and labeling of library materials. * Providing Reader’s Advisory to patrons. * Registering and updating library cardholder accounts. * Maintaining the welcoming and orderly appearance of the library. * Performing other duties as assigned. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties. Knowledge and Abilities Required * Ability to communicate positively with customers and staff in a cheerful manner * Strong attention to detail, with excellent organizational skills * Demonstrated interest in working with children and adults * Willingness to learn new technology, including library technologies * Must be confident, personable, and a team player * Must display initiative and problem-solving skills * Ability to responsibly manage petty cash and cash register * Ability to work with general supervision and adhere to established policies and procedures * Ability to operate a variety of equipment including cash register, fax, and copy machines Knowledge and Abilities Preferred * Experience working in a library * Proficient computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Drive * Experience with automated library circulation systems Working Conditions Part-time position (6-19 hours per week) able to work mornings, afternoons, evenings based on library scheduling needs. Able to work 2 weekends (Saturdays per month) required. Physical Requirements Ability to stand, sit, bend, twist, stoop, reach and grasp, walk, push, pull or lift materials or equipment weighing 15 pounds or more, manually manipulate computer keyboard, mouse and scanner etc. Ability to bend, reach and shelve a full range of shelving units. Additional Requirements Ability to read and write, type and operate standard computer software, perform basic mathematical computations, communicate effectively, work a determined schedule including evenings and weekends, take and follow direction, work well with patrons, coworkers and management, organize work successfully, maintain confidentiality, give attention to detail, maintain a positive customer service attitude (internal and external), meet deadlines, work independently and perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Personal accountability and moral integrity are crucial to keeping our high standard in the community. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Compensation $14.00 per hour +, depending on education and experience. Please submit an application<https://www.richlandlibrary.org/About/job-opportunities/employment-applicat…> to Main Circulation Desk at the Library or e-mail documents to the Library Director jbuck(a)richlandlibrary.org -- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean.

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Inclement Weather Policies
by JC Wheeler Public Library 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Hi Library Land! With the Extreme Cold Watch in effect throughout some of Michigan, I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or policies on temperature? Does anyone close for wind chill, or do you close strictly for bad road conditions? Thanks 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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ALA Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship
by Monique Oldfield 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

The Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship is now accepting nominations. Nominations due, March 1, 2026. Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship now accepting nominations | ALA<https://www.ala.org/news/2026/01/ken-haycock-award-promoting-librarianship-…> Kind Regards, Monique Oldfield, MSW, MLIS Librarian IV, Coordinator, Learning and Research Support Purdy/Kresge Library Wayne State University Detroit, MI 48202 313-577-5037 Subject Librarian for Social Work, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Honors College, Foundation Center.

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website recommendations
by Lisa Waskin 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Here are all of the responses I received regarding recommendations for websites. Thank you all for your input. Lisa Lisa Waskin, District Director Superior District Library 541 Library Drive Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783 Ph. (906) 632-9331 lwaskin(a)superiordistrictlibrary.org<mailto:lwaskin@superiordistrictlibrary.org>

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Accessible Websites
by Lisa Waskin 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

To the Collective Michigan Library Mind, We are starting to plan for the accessible website requirement coming up in April 2026 for those of you with populations over 50,000, and in April 2027 for those of us, like our district, that serves under 50,000. We currently use Ploud, and it's okay, but we want to explore other options and are hoping for some suggestions, insights, sites to avoid at all costs, etc. Please share your Good, Bad, and Ugly stories about website design companies. One site we are looking at in particular is Streamline. We have heard some good things about the ease of their site for the user and for making sure it meets the requirements. If you have had first-hand experience with Streamline, I would appreciate your thoughts on it as an actual user. Thank you, and Happy Fig Newton Day! Lisa Lisa Waskin, District Director Superior District Library 541 Library Drive Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783 Ph. (906) 632-9331 lwaskin(a)superiordistrictlibrary.org<mailto:lwaskin@superiordistrictlibrary.org>

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Reminder: Digital Michigan Newspaper Grant program
by Marsh, Carrie 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Reminder: The Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University is accepting applications for the annual competitive grant program to digitize a Michigan newspaper and upload it to the DigMichNews database<https://digmichnews.cmich.edu/>. We welcome applications from Michigan libraries, historical societies, museums, archives, and other nonprofit organizations holding runs of newspapers. Read more about the application requirements and submit your application online<https://www.cmich.edu/research/clarke-historical-library/services/digmich-n…>. Completed applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on January 30, 2026. The Digital Michigan Newspaper Grant program is supported by the Robert and Susan Clarke Endowment, with additional funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. For more information, email ClarkeMicrofilm(a)cmich.edu<mailto:ClarkeMicrofilm@cmich.edu> or call (989) 774-4420, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. [cid:image003.png@01DC8AD5.134C31E0] Carrie Marsh (she, her) Director | Clarke Historical Library Park Library 142B | 250 Preston Street | Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 P: 989-774-3965 | E: marsh4c(a)cmich.edu<mailto:marsh4c@cmich.edu> | www.cmich.edu<http://www.cmich.edu/>

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Re: Smart Money Kids Read program is still accepting 2026 requests!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Michigan libraries have requested approximately 5,000 copies of the 2026 book for our Smart Money Kids Read program to date -- and has capacity to give a lot more! Participating libraries 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! Most libraries 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. This year's book is Cinders McLeod's How Do YOU Spend? If your library has already submitted your request for free books for kids, please do not submit another as it makes things very confusing! Here's the google form link<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckQos0T42sam6VPo-9rcAPMyDyNetTOwX…> where requests may be made: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckQos0T42sam6VPo-9rcAPMyDyNetTOwX…<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckQos0T42sam6VPo-9rcAPMyDyNetTOwX…> Questions? Contact Kelly Masters at MiFinancialWellness(a)gmail.com Thank you, 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/>. ________________________________ From: Miyouth <miyouth-bounces(a)mcls.org> on behalf of Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) via Miyouth <miyouth(a)mcls.org> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2025 4:36 PM To: MI Youth Services List <miyouth(a)mcls.org>; michlib-l(a)mcls.org <michlib-l(a)mcls.org> Cc: Kelly Masters <MiFinancialWellness(a)gmail.com> Subject: [Miyouth] Smart Money Kids Read program is now accepting 2026 book requests! CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse(a)michigan.gov "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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Hartford Chamber Annual Dinner Event
by EMAIL TEAM 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Dear Southwest Michigan Librarians, The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce has an Annual Banquet. The banquet is Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at the new venue, Moondance in Hartford.. What makes this event interesting is our guests. The guest speakers are the Cummings Family. Their daughter, Brynn is a student from PawPaw who made it to America's Got Talent. She is going to tell her story of her journey. It is always uplifting when you hear a story of local youth achieving success at a young age. Tickets can be purchased on the chamber website: hartfordmichamber.org, click on annual banquet. Stephanie Daniels, DirectorVice-President, Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library 12 Church Street Hartford, MI 49057(269)588-5103http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org/

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Free Button Blanks
by Meghan Mott 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Hello, If anyone has a 2.5in button maker and would like some button blanks, let me know your RIDES code. It's about a 12x12 in box. Sincerely, Meghan Mott Adult Services Outreach Manager Clinton-Macomb Public Library Main Library Mmott(a)cmpl.org<mailto:Mmott@cmpl.org> 586-226-5055 (she/hers)

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