February 2026 - Michlib-l

Paper Notices for Billing, Holds, Etc.
by McGauley, RM 05 Feb '26

05 Feb '26

Good morning Michigan Library Land, I have a few questions regarding how your library handles system-generated paper notices for overdues, holds, and billing: 1. Does your library mail paper notices to patrons who prefer them or do not have an email address? 2. How often do you send out paper overdue reminders? (i.e. 15 days overdue, 25 days overdue) 3. Is an email address required for patrons to receive system-generated notices? 4. Do you use third party software (such as MessageBee or PatronPoint) to send notices? I'd especially appreciate insights from libraries using SirsiDynix Symphony Workflows. Thank you in advance for any information you are willing to share. Have a great Thursday! RM McGauley (she/her) Operations Support Manager Jackson District Library 244 W Michigan Ave Jackson, MI 49201 O: 517-905-1305 mcgauleyr(a)myjdl.com<mailto:mcgauleyr@myjdl.com> [cid:image001.png@01DC95BD.77090670]

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Public Movie Screening for The Librarians, February 26, hosted at Southfield Public Library
by Steven K. Bowers 05 Feb '26

05 Feb '26

(Trying to post again as this was rejected earlier.) All, We are excited to host a free movie screening event of The Librarians documentary at the end of the month. Thanks to Southfield Public Library for hosting and Berkley Public and The Library Network for organizing the event. Free popcorn included! If you are interested, more info and registration are online at: [ https://tln.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2035976 | https://tln.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2035976 ] Social image and flyer for promotion, available at the registration link above, if you want to help get the word out. If you want links to customize to promo, let me know, and we can send the CANVA links. Sincerely, 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)

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Internal Programming Audit/evaluation
by Andrea Ingmire 05 Feb '26

05 Feb '26

Good Thursday to you all. We're in the midst of setting new strategic planning goals for our library and something that has come up is measuring how we are (or are not) actually meeting patron needs regarding programming. Also, a way to compare our programming to our strategic priority pillars. I'm wondering if any of your libraries have conducted an internal programming audit or evaluation? How did you structure this? If not an annual audit process, do you have an ongoing review process for programs? Such as, a new program is proposed - it is then evaluated (by whom) against criteria (presumably strategic priorities). Is there any kind of formal program proposal that must be approved before the programming can take place? Does that include marketing needs? We've got dedicated programming staff, but also staff who do one or two programs over the course of the year. It's a lot to evaluate for effectiveness and meeting patron needs. Many Thanks, Andrea [cid:aff7d717-ee6e-40f6-9131-bbace7e3744f] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Andrea Ingmire Library Director Peter White Public Library 217 North Front Street Marquette, MI 49855 906-226-4303 Office 906-228-9510 Library Main Number 906-226-1783 Library Fax [cid:43761cba-6b98-4d1a-9d4f-2cc3393f43a3]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/3193da10121b499fb20ea87e1c89c361…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/3193da10121b499fb20ea87e1c89c361…>

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PLA Webinar on responding to ICE visits in public libraries
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

See below for information on a free webinar for ALA individual members on responding to ICE in public libraries. Please note that this is a general webinar and not specific to Michigan. Libraries are strongly encouraged to consult their attorneys to formulate official policies and procedures for responding to visits by ICE agents and other law enforcement. From the most recent "American Libraries Direct" ALA newsletter: PLA To Offer Free Webinar on ICE in Libraries - Responding to ICE at the Library: Real World Approaches | ALAeLearning<https://elearning.ala.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=1677&_zs…> The Public Library Association (PLA) will hold a webinar February 24 to help library staff know how to respond calmly, lawfully, and in ways that protect safety when agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement enter a public library. The webinar is free to ALA members, and an archived recording will be available to registrants shortly after. The PLA board has also issued a statement regarding federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjI0NTU0MCZwPT…> and the PLA 2026 conference to be held there April 1-3 with resources for local information, safe traveling to and around Minneapolis, virtual conference attendance, and opportunities to support Minneapolis libraries and librarians.... The webinar will be recorded and available for free to ALA individual members. Other information and Michigan resources on ICE visits to public libraries can be found https://docs.google.com/document/d/19TE026mK8A5Gejjys60CrNhPb_J5DwKI/edit?u… Take care! 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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Face Painting & more recommendation
by Sharona Rosnik 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

Highly recommend Janette and Deana with Funny Faces! They are beyond talented, professional, affordable, and incredibly fast. They are fabulous with all age groups, and their work is amazing. I’ve attached a couple of photos for reference. Contact information: (989) 980-0185 / funnyfaces1971(a)gmail.com mailto:funnyfaces1971@gmail.com Sharona Rosnik, Library Director Millington Arbela District Library 8530 Depot Street Millington, MI 48746 Ph ‪(989) 660-2272‬ Fax (989) 871-5594

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Michigan Attorney General form for reporting ICE incidents in Michigan
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

Hello! Please note information below on a reporting form for ICE action in Michigan Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched a new reporting form to collect information from residents regarding immigration Share or view as webpage<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fa…> | Unsubscribe<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Fac…> [Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fagnews/1…> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2026 Media Contact: Danny Wimmer<mailto:agpress@michigan.gov> AG Nessel Launches Form for Reporting Immigration Action in Michigan LANSING - Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched a new reporting form<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fpages%2F…> to collect information from residents regarding immigration action in Michigan. The form provides Michiganders with an avenue to report alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents in their communities. The reporting form was announced at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Attorney General earlier today focused on United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) response across Michigan. The roundtable brought together local elected officials, law enforcement representatives, legal advocacy organizations, clergy, and other leaders from impacted communities to engage in a thoughtful and solutions-oriented dialogue. The new form comes in response to concerns from residents across the state. To date, the Department of Attorney General has received more than 5,000 emails from the public regarding immigration activity. "What we are seeing from federal immigration agents across the country has been deeply concerning," said Attorney General Nessel. "In Michigan, we do not, and will not tolerate harmful, illegal actions against our residents, and I will not hesitate to uphold the law. That includes investigating unlawful actions perpetrated by a federal officer in our state. This new form allows Michiganders to report alleged misconduct right to my office." The form allows residents to submit specific incident details, including descriptions of the actions witnessed, the number of individuals involved and their group or agency affiliations, tools and weapons observed, and the time and location of the incident. Michiganders are encouraged to provide a link to a video of what was witnessed, or a link to your social live video if available. Photo submissions can be submitted via email. Instructions will be provided in your confirmation email following the submission of the form. Residents are asked to not post unverified reports on social media. The form may be submitted anonymously, and contact information provided will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. The Department of Attorney General may use the information to share with third parties, like local law enforcement, for other lawful reasons. Use of this form is not meant to replace reporting emergencies or crimes in your area to local law enforcement. Victims, witnesses to a crime, or those experiencing an emergency should contact their local police department or call 911. Filing a report does not generate a complaint or start a lawsuit on your behalf. The Attorney General cannot give legal advice or represent individuals in court. ### [AG logo]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fag/1/010…> Media Inquiries<mailto:agpress@michigan.gov> Latest Releases<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fag%2Fnew…> File a Complaint<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fagcompla…> 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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Presenter Recommendation - Wellness Program
by Aubrey Franklin 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

Hi Library Land, This past Saturday, we hosted Janet Joiner, PhD, MSW, from the University of Detroit Mercy for a Qigong and Sound Bath combination program. Janet was absolutely wonderful to work with. She was professional, poised, and kind. Our patrons loved her and relished the experience. We've gotten several requests to have her back already. The cost was reasonable for us, and Janet prefers to offer both programs side by side for maximum benefit. The fee is the same whether you decide to offer both programs or just one, plus the cost of mileage. Janet is based in Southfield. Janet brings a variety of equipment for the sound bath, including crystal bowls, rain stick, etc. She also brought several exercise mats which we supplemented with the library's stock for patrons to borrow if they didn't bring their own. We encouraged patrons to bring their own mat, water bottle, and pillow/blanket for the sound bath. The Qigong program requires minimal equipment, and she was very accommodating for different abilities. We had a few chairs set up in the back of the room. Qigong is similar to Tai Chi and helps participants improve physical balance/stability, memory/cognition, circulation in the body, reduce stress and physical pain, while enhancing overall physical and emotional well being. For our program, patrons could decide to come to one program or both. Most attended both. Saturday morning worked well for us attendance-wise. At one point I heard "this was such a great way to start the weekend!" I attached some photos if you'd like to take a look. Please feel free to contact me off list if you have any additional questions. Best, [A logo for a library Description automatically generated] Aubrey Franklin (she/her/hers) Adult Services Librarian (734) 326-6123 ext 2846 6123 Central City Parkway, Westland, MI 48185 westlandlibrary.org<http://westlandlibrary.org/>

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University Archivist Position Posted, Northern Michigan University
by Bruce Sarjeant 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

Hello Everyone. We have just posted our University Archivist position at Northern Michigan University. The job description and application information is here https://jobs.nmu.edu/jobs/library-assistant-professor-archivist-tenure-trac… If you have any questions, please contact me. Thank you. -- Bruce Sarjeant (pronouns: *he, him, his*) Reference, Documents & Maps Librarian (and chair of this search committee) Lydia Olson Library, Harden Hall #209 Northern Michigan University 1401 Presque Isle Ave Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 227-1580 https://nmu.libguides.com/c.php?g=1418950 bsarjean(a)nmu.edu

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U.P. Notable Book Club 🚢 Shipwreck expert Frederick Stonehouse shares unique insights on Edmund Fitzgerald
by Victor R. Volkman 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

For you to share with your patrons, all are welcome and it is free for everyone. Thanks Victor R. Volkman, President, U.P. Publishers & Authors Association (UPPAA) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *UP Notable Book Club:* The Crystal Falls Community District Library in partnership with the U.P. Publishers & Authors Association (UPPAA) has scheduled author events with winners of the /UP Notable Book List/. The 55th event features Frederick Stonehouse, author of /T//he Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald – 50th Anniversary Edition/. The /Edmund Fitzgerald/, a 729-foot freighter and one of the largest ships on the Great Lakes of its era, departed from Superior, Wisconsin, on November 9, 1975. As the ship entered Lake Superior, a powerful late-autumn storm developed, producing hurricane-force winds and waves over 25 feet high. Despite the captain’s experience and the vessel’s reputation for strength, the storm battered the /Fitzgerald/, causing navigation and handling problems. On the evening of November 10, the ship transmitted a final distress message, reporting flooding in unspecified areas and a significant listing, before disappearing from radar. The /Edmund Fitzgerald/ sank with all 29 crew members, became one of the most infamous maritime disasters in Great Lakes history. . /*When: */Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 7 pm Eastern / 6 pm Central /*Where: */on the Zoom platform -- please contact Evelyn Gathu in advance at egathu(a)crystalfallslibrary.org <mailto:egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org?subject=UPNotableBooks&body=Please-send-me-the-zoom-link>, or by phone at (906) 875-3344. We recommend you borrow a copy of these books from your local library or purchase them from your local bookseller in advance to get the most out of these events. *Portrait of Frederick Stonehouse <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&i…>FREDERICK STONEHOUSE* has authored over thirty books on maritime history, many of them focusing on the Great Lakes and contributed to several others, including /Great Lakes Lighthouse Tales/, /Wreck Ashore: U.S. Life-Saving Service, Legendary Heroes of the Great Lakes/, and /Haunted Lakes: Great Lakes Maritime Ghost Stories, Superstitions and Sea Serpents/, His book, /Final Passage/, is the first Great Lakes shipwreck book for children. He has been a consultant for both the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada and has been an “on-air” expert for /National Geographic/, /History/ /Channel,/ and /Fox Family/, as well as many regional media productions. Fred teaches maritime history at Northern Michigan University and is an active consultant for numerous maritime-oriented projects and programs.. Cover of Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald 50th Edition <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&i…>"As the original chronicler of the Fitzgerald tragedy, his work has become the definitive account, shaping public understanding of the disaster and preserving its memory for new generations on the 50th anniversary of the sinking. Stonehouse has a meticulous eye for detail and is constantly revising the text to keep up with the latest technological advances in underwater archaeology, computer modeling, and so on so as to present 'just the facts' surrounding the tragedy of November 1975. Unlike many of the other 30 or 40 authors who have written about the wreck, he keeps an open mind on the accident 'without taking an advocacy position'. Subsequent events are much in speculation and Stonehouse’s methodical analysis develops timelines based on several competing theories. Were the hatches defective or did a deadhead log or small boat fetch up over the railing and knock one loose? Certainly any wall of water isn’t going to break a steel railing cable designed to flex within tolerance of the ship. Once the radar units were gone, the Fitzgerald had nothing more than dead reckoning available for navigation, although the Anderson followed and tried to provide guidance from 16 miles back. Did the boat bottom out on one of several shoals in the area, given that navigation was dicey and wave troughs brought the hull closer than normal to the bottom? " -- Victor R. Volkman, /Marquette Monthly/ More information about the U.P. Notable Book list, /U.P. Book Review, /and UPPAA can be found on www.UPNotable.com <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&i…> *<https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&i…>About the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA)* Established in 1998 to support authors and publishers who live in or write about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, UPPAA is a Michigan nonprofit association with over 180 members, many of whose books are featured on the organization’s website at www.uppaa.org <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&i…>. UPPAA welcomes membership and participation from anyone with a UP connection who is interested in writing. -- Regards, Victor R. Volkman, President L H Press Inc. www.LHPress.com

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Hello from GoLM: GoLMCon 2026 Is Coming
by Michael McEvoy 04 Feb '26

04 Feb '26

Hello from the Guild of Library Makers! We’re hard at work planning The Guild of Library Makers Convention - GoLMCon 2026, our second annual gathering focused on library Makerspaces, shared documentation, and practical, on-the-ground learning. This message is a pre–save the date. We don’t have dates set yet, but we want to make libraries aware that GoLMCon will be happening in the Fall of 2026 and begin conversations early. We’re also using this time to gauge interest from libraries that may be open to hosting GoLMCon this year or in the future. What is GoLMCon? GoLM is about libraries helping libraries serve their communities through making, crafting, and hands-on learning. GoLMCon is our annual conference supporting library Makerspaces and maker-style programming and services. Session topics include administrative advice, funding streams, tool use, staffing and training, documentation, and maker programming. We took your suggestions from last year and we’re working to make them a part of GoLM and GoLMCon. We’re excited to share what we’ve been up to! About hosting Last year’s GoLMCon was attended by around 100 people from over 60 local library systems. GoLMCon offers multiple time slots each with 3 breakout sessions in addition to our full conference opening and keynote, so we will likely need 3 distinct spaces capable of holding 30+ people and a space large enough to accommodate everyone at once. At this stage, we’re simply identifying potential hosts and starting exploratory conversations - there is no commitment required to express interest. Stay in the loop! If you’d like to: - Receive updates as planning continues, and/or - Let us know your library may be interested in hosting …please email guildoflibrarymakers(a)gmail.com, and we’ll follow up with more details once dates and scope are better defined. We will also be sure to update y’all through michlib-l. As always, you can find us on our website at guildoflibrarymakers.com or by joining our Discord server at https://discord.gg/9vRYyXKPrf We’re excited to begin shaping GoLMCon 2026 and look forward to collaborating with libraries across the library Makerspace community. Thank you, The Guild of Library Makers (GoLM)

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