October 2026 - Michlib-l

Reading Workshops?
by Tahquamenon Library Director 05 Oct '26

05 Oct '26

Hello Librarians, I have another question with a million sub-questions: does anyone run reading workshops for patrons who want to improve their reading skills? If so, what qualifications are required to perform those? Do you use an external service? How do you help patrons who might be self-conscious about their reading level? Is your program for all ages, or do you target a specific demographic? Thanks, Ross Wine (He/Him) TASPL Director 906-293-3226 x1126

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AADL Job Opportunity - Bookshelver/Processor (Full-time)
by Heidi Pratt 05 Oct '26

05 Oct '26

Hello, The Ann Arbor District Library currently has an open job posting for a full-time Bookshelver/Processor position. Applications will be accepted until 8pm on October 19, 2026. Please visit [ https://aadl.org/aboutus/employment | aadl.org/aboutus/employment ] for the posting and information on how to apply, and feel free to share this with others who may be interested! Thank you! Heidi Pratt (she/her) | SHRM-CP HR Staffing Coordinator | Ann Arbor District Library [ mailto:hr@aadl.org | hr(a)aadl.org ] | 734-327-4273 | [ mailto:pratth@aadl.org | pratth(a)aadl.org ]

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Fw: Hiring Minors? New Youth Permit Rules Take Effect Today
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 02 Oct '26

02 Oct '26

FYI - Information on the new Work Permit system from the law firm of Foster Swift, Collins and Smith (please see below) Take care, Clare To view a web version of this email, please click here.<http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJyM0k2SqjgAAODT4K6tJBCUhQufGvx5YIsQ7…> [a blue and white sign with white text] Hiring Minors? New Youth Work Permit Rules Take Effect Today October 2, 2026 [Supermarket manager giving training to a trainee]<http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJwUyUtuwyAQANDT4J3RMHwMCxbZcIEeoIJhs…> Beginning October 2, 2026, Michigan employers that hire minors must now exclusively use the state's new Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP) for all new youth work permits. To avoid delay, employers should prepare by: Registering their business in the portal; reviewing hiring procedures for minors; and ensuring that they are ready to submit required employment information electronically. Employers must also continue to maintain work permits, post required notices, and comply with youth hour and workplace restrictions. Keep in mind, youth work permits issued by Michigan schools before the October 2 deadline, will be honored and do not need to be replaced simply because the process is now online. However, new permits obtained after October 2, as well as permits for minors changing employers or work locations, must be processed through YEPP. The purpose of this change is to centralize the youth permit process, streamline compliance, and ensure all employers and minors follow the same rules. It also aligns with the Youth Employment Standards Act’s (YESA) goal of protecting young workers and prioritizing education. Learn more and register through the Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP)<http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJxMjT3uryAQRVcDHQaQQSkoXuM-Bhg_EgUj-…>. If you have questions about YESA compliance, hiring minors, or updating your employment policies and practices, contact one of our Labor & Employment attorneys<http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJxkyrGOtCAQAOCngQ4D4wBaUOyf_Fb3EgMOL…> for guidance. Lansing<http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJxcyrFuhDAMgOGnSbYgx8TJZcjQhen6EMYYi…> | Southfield <http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJxcyjFyriAQAODTQIezrixKQfE3Vu9VOQEui…> | Grand Rapids<http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJxcyrFuhDAMANCvSbYg4ziGDBluoUun_oEJD…> | Detroit <http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJxcyj1uhTAMAODTJFuQcf7IkOFJFVMvEYwDk…> | Holland<http://email.engage.fosterswift.com/c/eJxcyj2OhSAQAODTQIcBnOGnoHiN2WIvAePgI…> Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC E-Newsletters are intended for general information for our clients and friends. This newsletter highlights specific areas of law and is not legal advice. The reader should consult an attorney to determine how this information applies to any specific situation. IRS Circular 230 Notice: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed in this communication. 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] Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigan-top-10-strategic-education-…> provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo] Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>. ________________________________

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Board Management Software Recommendations?
by BTPL Careers 02 Oct '26

02 Oct '26

Greetings-- I am exploring Board Management Software options. I'd love to discuss this with other libraries that are using software for this before engaging with very persistent sales reps. There are so many options out there. If you are using any software: --what are you using? --what do you like about it? --how was customer support? --how has this affected the preparation of board materials, as well as ease of use for board members? --how was the implementation? Many thanks, in advance. Best Regards, Linden Godlove Administrative Assistant Bloomfield Township Public Library See all of our open positions here: https://btpl.org/employment/

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Author Priya Parker coming to Dearborn next week
by Estee Schlenner 02 Oct '26

02 Oct '26

Good afternoon, Priya Parker, acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters and The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict, will be in Dearborn next week for a free event! Michigan Humanities is thrilled to be hosting author Priya Parker for a free, public event at The Henry Ford Museum on October 8. Through a conversation between Parker and Michigan Humanities' President and CEO, Jennifer Rupp, you'll be inspired to gather in community with your peers, learn why gathering is essential to the humanities, and be introduced to Michigan Humanities' new statewide initiative that helps bring intentional gatherings to communities near you—the Great Michigan Gathering.<https://www.michiganhumanities.org/great-michigan-gathering/> Each attendee will receive a free copy of Priya's book, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, and have the opportunity for her to sign it at the event. If you'd like to attend this event, please register here.<https://luma.com/uhmovy2o> We'd also appreciate the help of Southeast Michigan libraries to promote this event to your audiences if you think it'd be a good fit! I've attached a promotional flyer for your use, and here is a link to a social media post on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19dc4ogcga/> and one on Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/p/DdZ79byj6nb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=M…> that can be shared. Along with the in-person event, organizations across Michigan are hosting watch parties of the event livestream on October 8, so that more Michiganders can join the conversation. If you'd like to find a watch party to attend near you, please check out this map.<https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1nSlFs4AVXGA31g4T6t_7CqquEf_YayA&usp…> Please reach out to me with any questions! Thank you for your consideration. Best, Estee Estee Nisbet (she/her/hers) Communications and Development Officer | eschlenner(a)mihumanities.org<mailto:eschlenner@mihumanities.org> | (517) 372-7770 ext. 665 Connecting, Sharing, Growing [A blue and white badge with gold ribbon Description automatically generated] Michigan Humanities PO Box 91 Marshall, MI 49068 Website<http://michiganhumanities.org> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHumanities> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/mihumanities/?hl=en> Mission: Bringing people together through stories, histories, cultures, and conversations.

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YESA Youth employment/volunteer work permit portal is active TODAY
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 02 Oct '26

02 Oct '26

Hello: Starting today, October 2, 2026, employers hiring or engaging minors under the age of 18 must register in the Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP) and utilize this portal to obtain work permits for minors being hired or engaged as volunteers in accordance with the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA). This applies to minors who are hired or engaged as volunteers on or after today, October 2, 2026. If a library has questions regarding how this portal and new requirements may impact their hiring or volunteer programs, they should consult their library's attorney. A tutorial of the YEPP system can be found https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/ber/wage-and-hour/youth-emplo… [LEO Banner] LEO's Latest New Youth Employment Permit Portal Helps Protect Michigan’s Young Workers [Michigan Youth Employment Portal Showcase]<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fleo%2Fbu…> LEO is encouraging employers to register for the new Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP),<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fleo%2Fbu…> an online system that will modernize Michigan’s youth employment permit process and transition responsibility for issuing permits from schools to the state. "Michigan is committed to modernizing government services while maintaining strong protections for young workers," said Susan Corbin, director of LEO. "The new Youth Employment Permit Portal allows us to provide greater consistency in how youth employment requirements are administered and monitored across the state, setting them up for success not just in their first job, but throughout their careers." Beginning Oct. 2, 2026, employers and minors will use YEPP to complete the youth employment permit process through one centralized statewide system. The new portal will create greater consistency in how youth employment requirements are administered, reduce administrative responsibilities for schools and give LEO a more direct role in overseeing youth employment requirements. The policy change is part of a broader effort to modernize Michigan’s approach to youth employment and ensure young workers are employed safely and lawfully. State Rep. Phil Skaggs sponsored House Bill 5594 to update the Youth Employment Standards Act, which was signed into law as Public Act 196 of 2024. Moving the permitting process to the state gives LEO greater visibility into youth employment, creates a consistent statewide process for employers and young workers, and allows schools to focus on their educational mission. Learn more and get started on the YEPP website<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fleo%2Fbu…>. Read the full YEPP press release<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fleo%2Fne…>. 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] Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigan-top-10-strategic-education-…> provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo] Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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CSLP Newsletter: Sept 2026
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 02 Oct '26

02 Oct '26

Please see CSLP’s most recent newsletter below - a special welcome to CSLP Staff to Michigan’s own Kristin Talaga! I had the privilege of working with Kristin during my time at the Traverse Area District Library and I’m excited to see what she brings to our collaborative. ~ Cathy Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: CSLPreads.org <custserv(a)cslpreads.org> Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 6:15 PM To: Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) <LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov> Subject: CSLP Newsletter: Sept 2026 CAUTION: This is an External email. Please report suspicious emails via the "Report to Abuse" button in Outlook View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/cslpreads/cslp-newsletter-september2026-6753539?e=c18caf…> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/ed31fdf7-bdb…] Sixteen Libraries Selected for Building Community-Based Summers Fall 2026 Cohort [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/ae95c419-eae8-25…] Providing professional development opportunities for our member libraries is a key priority. In fall of 2024, CSLP formed a partnership with the Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS) initiative. 18 state library agencies and dozens of public libraries have participated in a series of BCBS learning sessions over the past several years. CSLP is continuing these important conversations around making summer programming community-centered. The CSLP partnership with BCBS focuses on offering the series of BCBS learning sessions to CSLP member libraries. Learning cohorts of approximately 16 libraries meet over two months in spring or fall. The libraries are selected by an application process. Supported by the CSLP BCBS Project Team, these learning sessions are facilitated by CSLP State Representatives who are engaged in the national BCBS initiative. We are happy to announce the 2026 Fall cohort, selected from 64 nationwide applications and representing 11 states: * Delta County Library District - Paonia Branch, Paonia, CO * Delta County Library District - Cedaredge Library, Cedaredge, CO * Commerce Township Community Library, Commerce Township, MI * Richard B. Harrison Community Library, Raleigh, NC * Braswell Memorial Public Library, Rocky Mount, NC * Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo, NY * Yonkers Public Library, Yonkers, NY * Grace Pickens Public Library, Holdenville, OK * Atglen Public Library, Atglen, PA * Obion County Public Library, Union City, TN * Hondo Public Library, Hondo, TX * Laredo Public Libraries, Laredo, TX * James L. Hamner Library, Amelia County, VA * Culpeper County Library, Culpeper, VA * Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls, VT * Madison Public Library, Madison, WI The four-part learning series began in early October. Sessions covered include the why of summer services, letting go of tradition, connecting with community voices, and measuring progress. Each session will offer opportunities to talk with colleagues about the theme as well as the chance to reflect on what participating library staff are thinking and wondering about. BCBS facilitators work with participants to establish a sense of trust, support, and community within the cohort, helping to provide a space for all voices to be heard and for participants to grapple with uncertainty or discomfort. In past cohort evaluations, participants noted that the opportunity to reflect on equity together and hear diverse perspectives, along with the chance to “learn from other practitioners,” were valuable parts of the experience. For more information about BCBS, including a self-paced introduction to the learning topics, visit CSLP's Community-Based Summers Guide at https://www.cslpreads.org/community-based-summers/<https://us.list-manage.com/7RO0iux6uPJ?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…>. [Thank you to our 2026 Summer Reading Champion, Dan Santat!] [decorative]Consider joining a CSLP committee! Volunteering for a CSLP Committee is a great opportunity to develop professionally while also contributing to the CSLP mission. Our committees are the lifeblood of CSLP. Volunteers play a significant role in the success of our organization and programs. While the duties vary, committee obligations generally run for one calendar year. However, CSLP is in the process of changing committee timelines. The obligation for this set of volunteers will run from January 2027- May 2027. Volunteers for the Manual Committees may begin their work before January. All committee work is done virtually, either through email, phone, or online meetings. Attending the CSLP Annual Meeting is not expected for committee volunteers. We are recruiting for all committees, except the Artwork committee. Most CSLP committees are open to all, however some have limited seats or require previous CSLP experience. Before volunteering, please visit: https://www.cslpreads.org/committees/<https://us.list-manage.com/17O6oXW9lBt?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> to review the committee descriptions. Apply now through Oct 15th – CSLP Committee Application form<https://us.list-manage.com/144OtcKrtF9?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> For questions about committees, please contact Jennifer Redford,<mailto:jennifer.redford@libraries.idaho.gov> CSLP President-Elect. [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/59a2e684-14a1-99…] [headshot of Laurie A. Conley] CSLP is excited to introduce our featured artist for 2027, Laurie A. Conley! Laurie created posters, slogans, program images, and even some mysterious characters to help bring our 2027 theme, Mysteries Await at Your Library, to life at your library next summer. [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/525d50bc-27fc-00…] Learn more about Laurie A. Conley and the exciting (and mysterious!) upcoming artwork here.<https://us.list-manage.com/CC6MHselGOF?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> [Join us online, December 3rd for the 2026 Summer Symposium. Registration coming this fall!] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/18fa742b-6d25-42…] We are excited to announce our current CSLP board and committee positions! Please note that (*) denotes those recently elected or re-elected during the Sept 2026 election. CSLP Board of Directors: * President (2027) - Jennifer Redford * President-Elect (2028) - *Kelly McCabe * Past President (2027) - Abby Chumin * Secretary (2027 & 2028) - *Darby Porter * Treasurer (2026 & 2027) - Matt McLain * Board Member-at-Large (2026 & 2027) - Evan Bush * Board Member-at-Large (2026 & 2027) - Leigh Ramey * Board Member-at-Large (2027 & 2028) - *Carrie Sanders * Manual Liaison (2027) - Lindsay Trammell * Membership (2027 & 2028) - *Jeni Schomber * Vendor (2026 & 2027) - Sara White CSLP Committee: * Artwork Co-chairs (2027 & 2028) - *Evan Bush & Christine Jensen * Budget & Finance Chair (2026 & 2027) - Matt McLain * Manual Chairs: * Manual Editor - Amanda Raiche * Adult (2027 & 2028) - *Jennie Walker * Children’s (2026 & 2027) - Danielle Welsh * Early Literacy Chair (2027 & 2028) - *Angela Germany * Spanish (2027 & 2028) - *Mollie Beaumont * Teen (2026 & 2027) - Lindsey Trammell * Membership (2027 & 2028) - *Jeni Schomber * Outreach (2026 & 2027) - Trisha Hutcherson & Tammy Kruger * Partnerships (2027 & 2028) - *Sue La Paro * Professional Development (2027 & 2028) - *Gabriella Trinchetta * Social Media (2026 & 2027) - Katie Rothley * Statistics Chair (2027 & 2028) - *Kate Brunner * Theme/Slogan Co-chairs (2026 & 2027) - Rachel Milburn & Jenni Schomber * Vendor (2026 & 2027) - Sara White Thank you to everyone who ran for a position, has filled a position, or is continuing in their position. We are so grateful for your time and commitment to CSLP! [Join us to provide feedback on how you use the manual, what elements you like, what you do not use, etc. Registration links below.] Wed, Oct 28, 11am CT (9am PT) - Register here<https://us.list-manage.com/avWgY0wMx6j?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> Tues, Nov 17, 3pm CT (1pm PT) - Register here<https://us.list-manage.com/VbhmeHgNfPW?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> New Staff Welcome [headshot of Kristen Talaga]CSLP is excited to welcome a new addition to our small, non-profit team! Join us in welcoming Kristin as our new Marketing Lead. Kristen lives in Traverse City, Michigan, and joins CSLP to support its mission of empowering thousands of member libraries nationwide. A marketing and communications strategist, her career spans impactful non-profit initiatives, regional start-ups, retail brands, healthcare services, and public libraries, highlighted by years at the Traverse Area District Library. Michigan-born and raised, she is a Central Michigan University graduate in Integrative Public Relations. Outside of work, Kristen loves exploring the outdoors and spending time with her husband, their two children, and their dog, Ralphie. She never takes a sunrise over East Grand Traverse Bay for granted. Contact Kristen at: kristen.talaga(a)cslpreads.org<mailto:kristen.talaga@cslpreads.org>. Partner List<https://us.list-manage.com/r_AxLXTr2f0?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> Was this forwarded to you? Click here to sign up for your own copy of the newsletter!<https://us.list-manage.com/R3O55qUnsjy?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> [Facebook]<https://us.list-manage.com/w99BvRT8v3J?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> [Pinterest]<https://us.list-manage.com/yItxklL2WJQ?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> [Website]<https://us.list-manage.com/10T0oAvxQ5j?e=c18caf2bb6&c2id=af1903f9dbc818a053…> Copyright © 2026 Collaborative Summer Library Program, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.

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Newaygo Library Children's Library is READY!
by Director ＠ Newaygo Library 02 Oct '26

02 Oct '26

Our Children's Library has been completely remodeled, due to the generosity of GM Wood Products. Tomorrow is the Openhouse from 2 - 6. Everyone Welcome! Thanks! Mary Mary Franklin | Library Director a: 44 North State Rd | Newaygo, MI 49337 e: mailto:director@newaygolibrary.org | w: http://newaygolibrary.org/ p: 231 652 6723 https://www.facebook.com/Newaygo-Area-District-Library-174353817596/ https://www.twitter.com/newaygolibrary/ https://www.instagram.com/newaygolibrary/ http://pinterest.com/newaygolibrary/ Would you like to support Newaygo Library - https://tinyurl.com/newaygo-library-donations?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJp…

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MeL Minute: Great News for Michigan Libraries: Core e-Resources Renewed for FY27!
by Williams, Barbara (MDE) 02 Oct '26

02 Oct '26

📢 MeL Minute: Great News for Michigan Libraries: Core e-Resources Renewed for FY27! We are thrilled to announce that the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) has officially renewed contracts with our major database vendors for FY 2027. This continuation of services will allow public libraries, K–12 schools, academic institutions, and all Michigan residents to retain 24/7 access to millions of high-quality, vetted online tools, articles, eBooks, and reference materials. Whether your patrons are starting a business, conducting academic research, or helping young learners take their first steps in literacy, MeL continues to offer robust resources at no cost to local communities. 📚 Featured Vendor Highlights & Descriptions 1. AtoZdatabases * Best For: Business research, job seekers, and consumer directory searches. * Overview: Premier directory and marketing database offering access to details on over 30 million businesses and executives, 220 million U.S. residents, healthcare professionals, and millions of real-time job listings. An invaluable tool for local entrepreneurs, sales outreach, and career development. 2. EBSCO * Best For: General reference, student research, advanced learning, fiction recommendations, career and workforce development, and e-books. * Overview: Houses popular resources including several Research Materials (academic journals, consumer guides, and reference books), Explora (user-friendly research portals for elementary, middle, high school students, and educators), Learning Express Library (test preparation materials, career resources, homework support, and skill building tutorials), NoveList Plus (reading recommendations and series guides), and EBSCO eBooks (spanning all genres of fiction and non-fiction). 3. Gale * Best For: In-depth academic research, subject-specific eBooks, and current events. * Overview: Provides access to Opposing Viewpoints (research database examining controversial topics, current events, and complex social issues), National Geographic Virtual Library (complete archive), and full-text magazines, newspapers, academic journals, e-books, and primary sources tailored for lifelong learners and researchers. 4. PebbleGo * Best For: PreK–3 early literacy and foundational learning. * Overview: An award-winning, highly visual research database designed specifically for emerging readers. Features audio read-aloud support, videos, and beginner-friendly modules covering animals and social studies. 5. Britannica (Britannica School & Fundamentals) * Best For: Interactive encyclopedia research and differentiated learning across grade levels. * Overview: Offers age-appropriate, trustworthy encyclopedic content with adjustable reading levels (including dyslexia support), interactive games, media galleries, and curriculum-aligned instructional tools for PreK through high school educators. 6. World Book * Best For: Interactive discovery, elementary research projects, and STEM activities. * Overview: Features engaging suites like World Book Kids and World Book Early Learning, offering easy-to-read articles, hands-on science experiments, illustrations, maps, and teacher resources built to spark curiosity in young scholars. 💡 What This Means for Your Library * Uninterrupted Access: No changes to your direct links, web buttons, or patron workflows. * Promotional Materials: You can continue using the standard promotional flyers, logos, and materials currently available on MeL.org to share these resources with your community. Updated materials will be coming soon. * Training & Webinars: Stay tuned for upcoming vendor-led training sessions throughout the coming months to help your staff get the most out of these renewed platforms. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to sharing MeL e-resources with your communities! Questions or technical issues? Reach out to the MeL eResource Support Team at melerhelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org>. Funding for MeL is provided 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@01DD51BE.0EF81B80] [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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School Census 2026: A Michigan Literacy & School Library Study
by Lester, Kathy 02 Oct '26

02 Oct '26

Dear Library Community, Wayne State University is conducting the Michigan School Census: A Michigan Literacy and School Library Study with funding provided in the FY26 School Aid Budget. Each school received a unique link to respond to a survey as part of the study. It is very important to have a response from *every* Michigan school building to help build an accurate portrait of Michigan’s school libraries and the needs of our schools—information that can inform future funding discussions and priorities. Schools without a library are an essential part of that picture. Here <https://waynestateprod-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/mischool2026_wayne_…> is a video from State Representative Glanville encouraging all schools to respond to the survey. *Here is a Heat Map of the Responses by District* <https://sage-marzipan-cfdb0b.netlify.app/> *What can you do to help support this study?* *Reach out to our local schools (principals or school library staff) and encourage them to respond, if they have not already, by the deadline --which is October 15th.* Let me know if you have any questions, --Kathy Kathy Lester, MLIS, MA Adjunct Faculty,* Wayne State University, School of Information Sciences* School Library Consultant, *Kent ISD* Advocacy Co-Chair, Past-President 2014, *Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL)* Past-President, 2022-2023, *American Association of School Librarians (AASL)* Retired School Library Media Specialist / Technology Coach, *Plymouth-Canton Community Schools* *SL21 Model Library, 2017-2018SL21 Exemplary Ranking - Michigan School Libraries for the 21st Century 2013-2022ISTE Making IT Happen Award Winner2017 MAME Michigan School Library Program of the Year2012 State Librarian's Excellence Award Winner* kathyL <kathyL(a)mimasl.org>@mimasl.org <kathyL(a)mimasl.org> "Every school librarian is a leader; every learner has a school librarian" --American Association of School Librarians <https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/aasl/content/advocacy/statements/do…> (AASL)

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