January 2026 - Michlib-l

Library Law Office Hours THURSDAY 1/15 @ 3:00pm
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello! Are you a Michigan library director, board member or friends group member? Have you ever faced questions involving the law and how it relates to Michigan libraries? Questions like: On a snowy day, a patron cross-country skis to the library’s drive-up book drop. While the patron is pulling books out of a backpack to place into the book drop, a car drives up behind them. The driver doesn’t see the skier until the last minute and makes a sudden stop. The car slides a bit and ends up running over the back end of the skiing patron’s expensive skis, which causes the skiing patron to fall. The books in the patron’s hand fall to the ground landing in a pile of slush. The skiing patron is not seriously harmed. The skiing patron sues the driver and the library for replacement of the ski equipment, and emotional distress. The driver countersues the skier and the library for negligence for improper use of the drive-up book return, and the library’s failure to deter improper use by not posting signage notifying users that the drive- in book drop was for cars only- and for the library’s failure to clear the driveway of snow. Does the library have any liability here? Can the library hold either or both parties responsible for the damage to the books that landed in the slush? For information on these and other questions, please join us for The January Library Law Office Hours TOMORROW, Thursday January 15, 2026 at 3:00 pm Registration is required. To register, please click this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqdO6uqD8pEt31yRiFFRZkHDc96mWbdi… I hope to see you there! 😊 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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Correction: Library Director Position at Alger
by Janelle Thomas 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello all, A quick correction regarding the Library Director position at Alger that was shared yesterday. The contact email address in the original posting has been updated. For convenience, the full corrected job posting is included below. Thank you. *Cross-posted. Please excuse duplication.* The Alger Public Library of the Upper Scioto Valley School District Board of Trustees is currently accepting resumes and seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Director. We are seeking "an energetic" candidate to serve a multiethnic, multi-cultural community. The director will assume responsibilities to include managing library facilities, preparing budgets and grants, overseeing a staff of 2-3 employees, selecting library resources, and serving as an advocate and community liaison. We are seeking a candidate with strong communication skills and progressively responsible library service. A degree in Library Science and Information Science or equivalent experience is preferred. The Board of Trustees is interested in a candidate who has proven success in supervision and administration. The ideal candidate will likewise have the creativity and communication skills necessary to develop programs and partnerships which will further enhance the role of the library in the community. The director will assist in children and adult programing as deemed necessary and may occasionally need to cover the front desk Travel will be required regularly throughout the service area and as needed, county and state-wide, for library business, events, or training. Evening and weekend work hours are a requirement of the position; overtime may be required. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Flexible scheduling can be built into a 40-hour work week; with paid holidays, vacation time, and personal hours included. Retirement benefits are through the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). Resumes will be reviewed until the position is filled, with interviews beginning in early January of 2026. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Library Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations to efficiently and effectively serve the public needs. Interested persons should apply by submitting a resume, cover letter and three references to algerlibrarytrustees(a)gmail.com. Questions may be directed to the email address as library staff will not be able to answer questions. If mailing resume and cover letter please send to: Alger Public Library Attn: Stacey Hensley Director PO Box 18 Alger, OH 45812 *Physical Demands* - Ability to sit and use computer for extended periods and operate standard office equipment, daily - Ability to lift and move up to fifty (50) pounds, daily - Ability to push book trucks with up to 150 pounds of materials on them, daily - Ability to stand for extended periods, daily - Ability to perform repeated reaching, bending, climbing and squatting, daily - Travel by automobile is required occasionally *Janelle Thomas (she/her/hers) **| *Executive Director *| *The Northwest Regional Library System (NORWELD) *| *Phone: 419-352-2903 | jthomas(a)norweld.org *This message and any response to it may constitute a public record and thus may be publicly available to anyone who requests it.*

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Muskegon Area District Library - NOW HIRING - District Manager
by Mariel Chandler-Nash 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello, We are excited to post a full-time position at MADL! Become a District Manager to help others find information and learn, create community spaces, promote literacy and equity, and support the preservation of knowledge. This position will be most rewarding for those with a passion for learning, helping others, and creating community relationships, offering diverse opportunities in various library settings and a positive community impact. Job Type: Full-time, Non-Union Job Status: Exempt Salary Range: $62,000 - $87,000 Education/ Experience preferred: Master's Degree in Library Science & minimum 3-5 years in library services Benefits: * Medical Insurance * Health Savings Account * Employer paid Dental Insurance * Employer paid Vision Insurance * Employee assistance program * Flexible schedule * Employer paid AD&D, STD, LTD, Life Insurance * Additional voluntary Critical Illness and Accident Insurance * Starting 4 weeks Paid Time Off * Parental leave * Relocation Reimbursement * Professional development assistance * MERS Defined Benefit (Pension) * MERS Health Care Savings Program * MERS 457 Plan * Mission Square 457 Plan * 12 Paid Holidays * Awesome coworkers! Full posting available until January 27th on Indeed! https://www.indeed.com/job/library-district-manager-12229f02fa80dc3b Mariel Chandler-Nash HR & Payroll Manager 231-737-6248 x112 | madl.org<http://www.madl.org> 4845 Airline Rd. Suite 5 | Muskegon, MI 49444 [cid:facebook_32x32_dedd724a-4c66-4e4c-bef6-56fb353e6bd1.png]<https://www.facebook.com/MuskegonAreaDistrictLibrary> [cid:youtube_32x32_303e5b6d-3b36-482c-9076-bb586baaec50.png] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3p73nXZ_UJBCLvmNkns5gQ> [cid:linkedin_32x32_3606df07-7193-459b-90a0-01d81d1f6ddf.png] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/muskegon-area-district-library> [cid:instagram_32x32_98913835-3927-4878-8296-2901ab43dbb9.png] <https://www.instagram.com/madl_pics/> <https://plus.google.com/+MuskegonAreaDistrictLibraryAdministrationLBPH> [cid:madllogooutline_4963ef8f-540a-4e1b-a4ee-13464ed6d8a1.png] <https://www.madl.org/>

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Upskill: Cybersecurity Training Opportunity for Library Staff
by Quick, Shauna (MDE) 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello, I wanted to share a professional development opportunity I came across that looks really valuable for libraries. ByWater Solutions and Novare Library Services are offering a Digital Defense: Strengthening Library Cybersecurity<https://bywatersolutions.com/news/bywater-solutions-announces-cybersecurity…> Webinar Series this spring. It’s a six-part series featuring expert presenters on practical cybersecurity topics for libraries. All sessions are free, open to anyone, and will be recorded, so you can watch live or later. Here’s what’s coming up: 1. Jan 28 | 2:00 PM EST Practical Cybersecurity & Data Privacy for Library Staff with Tracy Z. Maleeff (InfoSecSherpa) 2. Feb 18 | 2:00 PM EST A Beginner's Guide to Routers and WiFi for Libraries with Scott Lipkowitz 3. Mar 18 | 2:00 PM EST Best Practices for Securing Public PCs with David Daghita 4. Apr 18 | 2:00 PM EST Small Budget, Big Defense: Free and Low-Cost Tools That Protect Your Library with Justin Denton 5. May 13 | 2:00 PM EST Love, Lies, and Loss: A Librarian’s Guide to Romance Scams with Tracy Z. Maleeff (InfoSecSherpa) 6. Jun 10 | 2:00 PM EST Backups and Beyond: Disaster Recovery Planning for Libraries with Justin Denton For more information and to register visit: https://bywatersolutions.com/news/bywater-solutions-announces-cybersecurity… Based on the session descriptions, this series looks like a great way to get clear, practical advice on improving your library’s cybersecurity. The research and resources in this email 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 Library of Michigan cannot endorse specific vendors or brands. Libraries should contact vendors and other experts for advice and to ensure that their choice reflects the unique needs of that library. Always, Shauna Quick 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:90c00cd0-f506-4140-b3d0-cbc51d208f61]<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/>.

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Join a Building Community-Based Summers virtual cohort this Spring!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch a third national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> (BCBS) in Spring 2026! BCBS is designed to help member libraries identify the “whys” behind their summer services, build strategies to engage community voices, and create and provide inclusive summer services for all members of their communities. The discussions and activities will focus on how to connect with communities experiencing marginalization to design and implement summer library services. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage with a nationwide cohort of library staff to dig deeply into inclusive summer services. What librarians say about BCBS “I found BCBS very insightful and helpful. We are changing things up! It was great to do the training with co-workers so we could rethink the way we do our summer programming.” “Thank you for the experience! I enjoyed talking to other people from different libraries! It has expanded my knowledge and has changed my point of view on libraries and communities.” Participation Each participating library should be represented by a team of at least two staff members. Libraries are encouraged to send staff from across departments including youth services, adult services, programming, outreach, and administrators. Participation in the BCBS initiative will require, of all team members: * Active attendance and participation using cameras, shared whiteboards, and breakout rooms. * Participation in six sessions including an introductory orientation, four learning sessions, and a wrap-up/review session. * Additional work will be required within your library and community to begin to consider and assess your existing and planned summer programs and services through an equity lens. Expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours/week doing this work, in addition to the virtual sessions. Dates/Times * Sessions take place Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, and 30 and April 7 and 14, 2026 * Sessions are 2 hours long: 1:00-3:00 pm ET / Noon-2:00 pm CT / 11:00 am-1:00 pm MT / 10:00am-Noon PT Learn More and Apply CSLP member libraries are invited to learn more about BCBS and the upcoming cohort<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> and apply<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> by the end of business on Monday, January 26, 2026, to be considered for the Spring cohort. Accepted participants will be notified in February. Questions? Contact bcbs(a)cslpreads.org<mailto:bcbs@cslpreads.org> 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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Job Posting: Crawford County Library Director
by Kathryn McCool 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

Dear Sir/Madam, Would you please post the following: Employment Opportunity Director, Crawford County Public Library State of Michigan Position Type: Full-Time Reports To: Board of Trustees Location: County Public Library, Michigan Deadline for applications: February Position Summary The Crawford County Public Library is seeking a qualified and experienced Library Director to serve as the chief administrative officer of the library. The Director is responsible for the overall management, operation, and development of library services in accordance with policies established by the Board of Trustees and in compliance with Michigan library law and Library of Michigan standards. The Director works in partnership with the Board of Trustees to advance the mission of the library, ensure fiscal responsibility, and provide responsive, equitable library services to all county residents and visitors. Governance and Board Relations * Reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for implementing Board-approved policies * Attends all regular and special Board meetings, except as excused * Provides professional recommendations to the Board on policy development, strategic planning, and library operations * Ensures compliance with the Public Library Establishment Act (PA 164 of 1859, as amended) and other applicable Michigan statutes Administration and Management * Oversees the day-to-day operations of the library * Hires, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines staff in accordance with Board policy and Michigan employment law * Establishes procedures and practices consistent with Library of Michigan standards for public library service * Maintains accurate records and reports required by the Board, the Library of Michigan, and other governing agencies Financial Management * Prepares and administers the annual budget for Board review and approval * Oversees library finances, expenditures, and internal controls * Works with the Board and local officials on funding, millages, and financial planning * Identifies and applies for all available local, state and federal grants * Ensures timely and accurate submission of required statistical and financial reports to the Library of Michigan and any grantors Library Services and Standards * Ensures the library meets or exceeds Library of Michigan standards, including: * Adequate staffing and professional oversight * Development and maintenance of relevant collections * Public access to information, technology, and services * Oversees collection development, programming, and technology services * Encourages innovation and responsiveness to community needs Community and Government Relations * Represents the library to county officials, partner organizations, and the public * Promotes awareness and support of library services * Develops cooperative relationships with other libraries, schools, and community agencies * Serves as an advocate for intellectual freedom, access to information, and lifelong learning Required Qualifications * Bachelor degree in Library and Information Science from an accredited institution * Library of Michigan Certification – Level 3 or higher, or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe * Demonstrated experience in library management or administration * Knowledge of Michigan public library law and governance * Strong leadership, communication, and fiscal management skills Preferred Qualifications * Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program * Level 1 or 2 Library of Michigan Certification * Experience working with a public library Board of Trustees * Experience in budgeting, personnel management, and community engagement Salary and Benefits Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience ranging from $45,000 to $62,000 annually. A comprehensive benefits package is provided in accordance with library and County policy. Application Process Interested candidates should apply on-line and submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references by the stated deadline to kmccool(a)crawfordcolibrary.org. Employment is subject to applicable background checks as permitted by Michigan law. Additional information: The Job description can be found at: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/crawford/CCL%20Policy%20203%20Director.pdf?t… Information about Crawford County can be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawford_County,_Michigan ________________________________

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Michigan Surname Index Vol. 2
by Barbara Beaton 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

Has found a home! Barbara Beaton Assistant Director/Reference Librarian Milan Public Library Milan, MI 48160 734-439-1240 www.milanlibrary.org<http://www.milanlibrary.org> she/her

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Employment Opportunity: Library Director; Alger, OH
by Janelle Thomas 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

*Cross-posted. Please excuse duplication.* The Alger Public Library of the Upper Scioto Valley School District Board of Trustees is currently accepting resumes and seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Director. We are seeking "an energetic" candidate to serve a multiethnic, multi-cultural community. The director will assume responsibilities to include managing library facilities, preparing budgets and grants, overseeing a staff of 2-3 employees, selecting library resources, and serving as an advocate and community liaison. We are seeking a candidate with strong communication skills and progressively responsible library service. A degree in Library Science and Information Science or equivalent experience is preferred. The Board of Trustees is interested in a candidate who has proven success in supervision and administration. The ideal candidate will likewise have the creativity and communication skills necessary to develop programs and partnerships which will further enhance the role of the library in the community. The director will assist in children and adult programing as deemed necessary and may occasionally need to cover the front desk Travel will be required regularly throughout the service area and as needed, county and state-wide, for library business, events, or training. Evening and weekend work hours are a requirement of the position; overtime may be required. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Flexible scheduling can be built into a 40-hour work week; with paid holidays, vacation time, and personal hours included. Retirement benefits are through the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). Resumes will be reviewed until the position is filled, with interviews beginning in early January of 2026. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Library Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations to efficiently and effectively serve the public needs. Interested persons should apply by submitting a resume, cover letter and three references to algerlibraryboard(a)gmail.com Questions may be directed to the email address as library staff will not be able to answer questions. If mailing resume and cover letter please send to: Alger Public Library Attn: Stacey Hensley Director PO Box 18 Alger, OH 45812 *Physical Demands* - Ability to sit and use computer for extended periods and operate standard office equipment, daily - Ability to lift and move up to fifty (50) pounds, daily - Ability to push book trucks with up to 150 pounds of materials on them, daily - Ability to stand for extended periods, daily - Ability to perform repeated reaching, bending, climbing and squatting, daily - Travel by automobile is required occasionally *Janelle Thomas (she/her/hers) **| *Executive Director *| *The Northwest Regional Library System (NORWELD) *| *Phone: 419-352-2903 | jthomas(a)norweld.org *This message and any response to it may constitute a public record and thus may be publicly available to anyone who requests it.*

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Program Recommendation
by Mick Howey 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

Hello Michlib! Last night BPL hosted Ric Mixter for his presentation The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigations. Both the presentation and Ric were great! Ric was friendly, engaging, personable, warm and arrived early- no scrambling just before start time! The presentation was top notch as well. It was well attended, 61, almost filling the room. His fee was $330, that includes mileage. I highly recommend this program and he'll be back to BPL in the future. Ric's contact info is below. Ric Mixter ric(a)airworthy.tv https://www.lakefury.com/ Please let me know if you have any questions. Best, Mick Howey, MLIS Adult Services Librarian II Baldwin Public Library 300 West Merrill Street Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 554-4649 https://www.baldwinlib.org/

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Michigan Surname Index Vol. II
by Barbara Beaton 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

Hello, We have a pristine, unmarked copy of this title, published in 1989 by the Michigan Genealogical Society. Happy to send it to the first library who expresses even the faintest level of interest in it! 🙂 Barbara Barbara Beaton Assistant Director/Reference Librarian Milan Public Library Milan, MI 48160 734-439-1240 www.milanlibrary.org<http://www.milanlibrary.org> she/her

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