January 2026 - Michlib-l

The Fresh Coast Bookshelf 2026 from the Library of the Great Lakes --
by Elizabeth Hartig 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

*The Fresh Coast Bookshelf 2026 *from the Library of the Great Lakes -- Starting January 28th, all Great Lakes region public libraries will have the chance to apply for a “Bookshelf in a Box” – a curated selection of 12 books across age range and genre that celebrate the Great Lakes, plus a full-color display kit to help promote it! Visit the Library of the Great Lakes website for more info and *for the title reveal of the final four books! *Fresh Coast Bookshelf by LGL <https://libraryofthegreatlakes.org/news-2>

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ICE in Libraries
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Hello! With the recent ICE activities in the state, I have been getting questions on how to respond if ICE enters the library. I have drafted an information sheet on this topic: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19TE026mK8A5Gejjys60CrNhPb_J5DwKI/edit?u… It is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED that libraries prepare in advance for the possibility of an ICE presence, visit or raid. Libraries should consult their attorneys on the appropriate way to manage such an event. Interfering with ICE activities can have significant consequences for the library, staff and patrons. It is important that library staff (including vulnerable staff who may be immigrants) understand their rights and the laws that apply. It is also a good idea for libraries to consult their municipal law enforcement and their municipal officials to coordinate policies and efforts and share information. If ICE enters a library and creates a disturbance, it may be helpful to have a pre-discussed plan in place with local law enforcement. I hope this is helpful! Sincerely, Clare 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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Charlevoix Library Circulation Supervisor Opening
by Ryan Deery 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Hello Library Land, If you are committed to providing exceptional service that educates, enriches, and empowers your community and want to work and live in a spectacular up north library and community, then serving as a team leader at the Charlevoix Public Library might be a perfect fit for you. We are seeking our next fantastic Circulation Services Supervisor to manage and lead the functioning of circulation services and the circulation services team. This is a full-time, management position with excellent benefits. The full job description can be found here<https://www.charlevoixlibrary.org/about-cpl/employment/> and interested applicants should please submit their resume to Ryan Deery, Director at rdeery(a)charlevoixlibrary.org<mailto:rdeery@charlevoixlibrary.org> by February 6th at 5pm. Ryan Deery Director, Charlevoix Public Library [cid:image001.jpg@01DC861C.3CCF0A00]

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MCLS offices closing schedule (Friday p.m. and Monday)
by Mary Ruthko 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Please excuse cross-posting Hello everyone, MCLS offices are closed Friday and Monday as follows: * Friday, Jan. 16 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern (10:30 a.m. Central) for a staff event * Monday, Jan, 19. all day in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Offices reopen as normal on Tuesday, Jan. 20. MCLS SERVICE AND PROGRAM CONTACTS Accounting: accounting(a)mcls.org<mailto:accounting@mcls.org> Engagement and Consulting: engagement(a)mcls.org<mailto:engagement@mcls.org> eLicensing and Collection Resources: services(a)mcls.org<mailto:services@mcls.org> Training: training(a)mcls.org<mailto:training@mcls.org> Membership: membership(a)mcls.org<mailto:membership@mcls.org> TALK (Text and Learn for Kindergarten): talkhelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:talkhelp@mcls.org> RIDES: https://mcls.org/rideshelp MeL eResources: melerhelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org> MeLCat: melcathelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:melcathelp@mcls.org> MDPN (Michigan Digital Preservation Network): MDPNsupport(a)mcls.org<mailto:MDPNsupport@mcls.org> —The MeL project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. —Support for the MDPN is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Library of Michigan. Mary Ruthko Marketing and Communication Coordinator 517-507-4149 ruthkom(a)mcls.org Schedule a meeting with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/82504839b07649009896aaa10a3d2395…> [cid:17ac6a26-7140-45ad-ae42-07fac9b734bc] 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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MeL Minute: MeLCat: a Year in Review
by Williams, Barbara (MDE) 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

[cid:image005.png@01DC8613.CCE25D80] MeLCat: a Year in Review As we close out 2025 and MeLCat's 20th Anniversary year, a huge thank you to all the libraries and library staff whose efforts make MeLCat a vital and successful statewide resource! In addition to other anniversary activities, including collecting MeLCat stories and an in-person and online reception, Mittens, the MeLCat Mascot, travelled to many MeLCat libraries. Hundreds of libraries shared photos of Mittens via social media or other channels, many using the #MittensLovesMeLCat hashtag. More than 1 million items were requested by patrons throughout the state of Michigan. January 2025 was the busiest month, with patrons placing an impressive 103,089 MeLCat requests! The top 5 most requested titles via MeLCat were: 1. The frozen river: a novel<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb43383177> by Ariel Lawhon 2. James : a novel<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb47343558> by Percival Everett 3. The women<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb43524029> by Kristin Hannah 4. Remarkably bright creatures : a novel<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb42695441> by Shelby Van Pelt 5. West with giraffes : a novel<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb41690180> by Lynda Rutledge In the Library of Michigan fiscal year (October 2024 - September 2025), the top five lenders were: 1. Capital Area District Libraries 2. Monroe County Library System 3. Genesee District Library 4. Kent District Library 5. Jackson District Library While the top five borrowers were: 1. Kent District Library 2. Capital Area District Libraries 3. Ann Arbor District Library 4. Monroe County Library System 5. Traverse Area District Library In 2025, MCLS MeLCat staff assisted libraries with various MeLCat questions and issues, responding to more than 4,200 tickets opened by library staff. MCLS MeLCat staff also reached 490 library staff through over 55 MeLCat-related trainings. The MeLCat DCB servers were modernized throughout the Spring 2025, transitioning library staff to an easier to navigate, browser-based client, and updating the MeLCat software. The servers were upgraded again late in 2025. Brought to you from the MCLS MeL Team This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Barbara Williams, MLIS Library Development Analyst (MDE) Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909 WilliamsB39(a)michigan.gov<mailto:WilliamsB39@michigan.gov> I (517) 241-2149 [cid:image001.png@01DC8613.73EACAA0] [cid:image002.png@01DC8613.73EACAA0] Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The MTOY Program is accepting nominations through September 24. Nominate an educator using the online form<https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9BjArjCenn1GB14>. For more information visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy<http://www.michigan.gov/mtoy>. [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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MCLS Virtual Dialogue Next Week - Join Us!
by Jenny Kobiela-Mondor 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services will hold our first Virtual Dialogue of 2026 next week, on Thursday, January 22, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central). We will discuss how we can use our strengths and lessons we’ve learned, both as individuals and as a library community, to continue our work and help each other thrive in uncertain times. MCLS Virtual Dialogues are designed to provide those in the library industry opportunities to connect and engage around topics that impact the way we work. These dialogues are not workshops or webinars; they are a way to engage with others in the profession through facilitated dialogue. Please plan to have your microphone enabled and camera on to participate. Registration is open at https://www.mcls.org/training-events/events/virtual-dialogues. If you have any questions, please reach out to engagement(a)mcls.org<mailto:engagement@mcls.org>. We look forward to connecting with you! Jenny Kobiela-Mondor (she/her) Library Strategist 517-481-2013 kobielamondorj(a)mcls.org<mailto:kobielamondorj@mcls.org> [cid:86272b14-21dc-4df0-910f-6d7bf2f928b4] 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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Fwd: Free Books for Libraries
by Steven K. Bowers 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Hello friends, We still have a chance to get thousands of books for your library/school that are newer and in great condition (see more info in forwarded email below). They plan to have another browsing and pickup day this Saturday, January 17th from 10 am- 12 pm. You must RSVP if you are interested in attending Saturday. Please email the contact, Jill Engel, at this address to confirm you will attend: Jill Engel [ mailto:jillengel@campmirage.com | jillengel(a)campmirage.com ] Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Steven K. Bowers Executive Director The Library Network (248) 536-3100 x107 [ mailto:sbowers@tln.lib.mi.us | sbowers(a)tln.org ] [ https://www.tln.org/ | TLN.org ] (he/him/his) From: "Jill Engel" <jillengel(a)campmirage.com> To: "Steven Bowers" <sbowers(a)tln.org> Cc: "Cara Trost" <caratrost(a)campmirage.com> Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2026 11:55:35 AM Subject: Books for Libraries Good afternoon, Steven. Following up on our phone conversation, I wanted to let you know that Camp Mirage remains interested in donating all the books we currently have. As a reminder, we purchased a private school in Plymouth this past summer, which has since closed. This purchase included the land, the building, and all contents. The former New Morning School was a Pre-K through 8th-grade institution. We have a wide variety of books, including board books, chapter books, fiction, and non-fiction. You name it, and we have it! You mentioned that an evening time frame might work best for library staff to come and pick out books. I am happy to arrange two days with a two-hour window. However, we would like to complete this before the end of January, preferably by January 20th, as I am leaving for a work trip on the 21st. Please email or call me with your recommended dates and times. If there is no interest, we will consider other donation options, but given the excellent condition of these books, we believe libraries are the best fit. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Jill Jill Engel Director of Development Camp Mirage Franchises, LLC 734-209-9137 [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__campmiragefranchise.co… | https://campmiragefranchise.com/ ] [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__campmirage.com_&d=DwMF… | https://campmirage.com/ ]

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Program recommendation - 10 Slow and Steady Decluttering Strategy Tips For Seniors
by Kelly Rembert 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hi, I just did a great program - 10 Slow and Steady Decluttering Strategy Tips For Seniors with realtor Tricia Winborn. We had a nice crowd of 24 attendees and they had great feedback on the program. It's a very practical program with tips you can go home and employ right away. Mrs. Winborn is interested in doing this program at other metro Detroit libraries and the program is free. She can be reached at twinborn(a)kw.com. Thanks, Kelly Kelly Ireland Rembert Outreach Librarian Southfield Public Library 26300 Evergreen Rd. Southfield, MI 48076 (248) 796-4367 krembert(a)southfieldlibrary.org<mailto:krembert@southfieldlibrary.org> www.southfieldlibrary.org<http://www.southfieldlibrary.org/> she/her/hers

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Spine labels
by SBBDL Information 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Howdy! My library is starting to run low on our Demco printable spine labels and we are wondering if there is another option for restocking our stash. We need the sticker sheet to be able to feed through our printer (of course) and come with a digital template so we can make spine labels as needed. Does anyone use something from Avery or the like? Is this a thing or does Demco have a monopoly? Thanks in advance! Happy Wednesday! Autumn -- Autumn Anderson (she/her) Assistant Director Suttons Bay Bingham District Library PO Box 340 416 Front Street Suttons Bay, MI 49682 231-271-3512 *Currently reading 'Survival Is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde' <https://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb47555594__Ssurvival%20is%20a%…> by Alexis Pauline Gumbs*

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One Seed, One State registration is now open
by Pam Quackenbush 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello Seed Librarians! The MI Seed Library Network is happy to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 One Seed, One State initiative. Our selection this year is 'Pacific Beauty' Calendula! 'Pacific Beauty' Calendula is a lovely flower in shades of yellow, gold, and orange and it grows well in cool weather. Not only is it a beautiful flower, the plant is also a healing herb. Seeds will ship beginning the first week of March. Each library will receive a bulk packet with enough calendula seeds for 60 packets. It is totally up to each library how many packets you want to distribute. Fewer packets = larger portions. You will receive digital files for the poster, brochure, seed packet labels, and instructions by email when the seeds ship. Libraries provide their own seed packets and print their own labels and materials for the program. The last day to register is February 28. This is a firm date as I have to have all the seeds on their way before my library closes for the move to our new location. Again this year you will have the option on the registration form to volunteer to become a co-op captain. Co-op captains will take responsibility for receiving a bulk packet of seeds for each participating library in their co-op and forwarding them to the registered libraries through their co-op’s library delivery. This speeds up the delivery process immensely since I can only send out a limited number each week working alone. I will reach out to volunteers when registration ends on February 28. Individual seed libraries please register for One Seed, One State using this registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH8GABRDqIWQrcHrEaY6ojoZki5DCyr5I… Some library systems prefer to receive and handle OSOS materials for their branch seed libraries at a central location. You will receive a bulk packet for each branch. If this works for you, please have one designated person apply for all the branches using the multiple library registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCKibmRt9NdM1i1ma45IlfeYIybuQW2WP… It might be prudent to inform the branches that you are registering on their behalf. Every year we get a few people registering for themselves when they are already receiving seeds through the multiple branch registration, which creates extra work on our end. If you have multiple branches but you want each branch to handle their own One Seed, One State materials, please have each branch register as an individual seed library. Please forward this email to anyone you feel should have this information. As always, please direct your questions to info(a)miseedlibrarynetwork.org Our apologies for cross posting as we roll out this information to various listservs and mailing lists over the next few days in an effort to reach all interested parties. Thank you for your interest in the MI Seed Library Network's One Seed, One State! Pam Quackenbush MI Seed Library Network Lyon Township Public Library I'll have a table at the seed swap below for the MI Seed Library Network. Hope to see you there! [image: 5fd0516a-8ae6-4de0-8862-f1e0ea7b66d4.png] -- Pam Quackenbush Lyon Township Public Library 27005 Milford Road South Lyon, MI 48178 248-437-8800 ext 617 pquackenbush(a)ltpl.org

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