July 2026 - Michlib-l - liblists.org

MI PR Group upcoming meeting reminder - Tuesday, April 16
by Kelly Rembert 15 Oct '26

15 Oct '26

Hi Everyone, Here is your friendly reminder about an upcoming roundtable meeting of the MI PR Group on Tuesday, April 16 at 10am on Zoom. The MI PR Group was created to bring Michigan library marketers together to share successes, learn from non-successes and to tackle industry issues together. Whether your job title is "Marketing", or promotion is just one of many hats you wear, this group is here to support you! We will have a roundtable meeting so bring questions, concerns and successes to share! Southfield Public Library is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: MI PR Group meeting Time: Every month on the Third Tue, 5 occurrence(s) April 16, 2024 10:00 AM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tJAoceCsqT0rE93Q3ZNCTzdMrQlvVVQ1VL8Z/ics?ic… Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/94569476199?pwd=aVVBV2J5aXlEcDAxZk9vMkRjZ280Zz09 Meeting ID: 945 6947 6199 Passcode: 152088 One tap mobile +13017158592,,94569476199#,,,,*152088# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,94569476199#,,,,*152088# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 945 6947 6199 Passcode: 152088 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcEzRnEqCy Much 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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AADL Job Opportunity
by hr＠aadl.org 23 Sep '26

23 Sep '26

Hello, The Ann Arbor District Library currently has an open job posting for a Full-time Library Technician - Open Lab. We will be accepting applications until 8pm on November 25, 2025. Please visit: aadl.org/aboutus/employment for the posting and information on how to apply. Thank you! Heidi Pratt (she/her) 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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Michigan Reconnect Scholarship - information for your library community!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 09 Sep '26

09 Sep '26

Hello, MiLEAP is asking for Michigan libraries to ensure that Michiganders are aware of the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship opportunity so people in your communities can access affordable education, improve their career prospects, and contribute to the economic growth in both the state and your communities. The Michigan Reconnect Scholarship is an opportunity that provides a tuition-free pathway to community college for Michiganders who are 25 years or older and do not have an associate or bachelor’s degree. The scholarship allows individuals to earn an associate degree or skills certificate. MiLEAP would like to encourage you to access their Michigan Reconnect Scholarship Toolkit<https://www.michigan.gov/reconnect/toolkit> and here<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19IP2lHAF3xnhUWPDrKFPyf3jeVb1naNZ?us…> are some additional informational flyers and images to use for promoting this wonderful opportunity out to your community. Please contact Michelle Cyrus, CyrusM(a)Michigan.gov if you have any questions. Thank you, Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://liblists.org/postorius/lists/miyouth.liblists.org/> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [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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For Sale Donation Bin
by Sherri West 09 Sep '26

09 Sep '26

The Friends of the Westland Public Library are selling this donation bin. It is in great shape. It comes with a manufactured ramp, as shown. Suggested price is $650, but reasonable offers would be considered. Cash, check, or credit accepted. Must bring a trailer and an extra helper to load. Please contact Sherri West (sherri.west(a)westlandlibrary.org<mailto:sherri.west@westlandlibrary.org> or 734-326-6123 ext. 2827) for more details. [cid:image002.png@01DCCD6F.FCE3BE40][cid:image003.jpg@01DCCD6F.FCE3BE40]

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SUMMER READING SURVEY NOW OPEN!
by Williams, Barbara (MDE) 09 Sep '26

09 Sep '26

[cid:image001.jpg@01DD1826.CBB62A40] The Collaborative Summer Library Program's (CSLP) annual survey is now open and will close Friday, September 14, 2026. CSLP has created a survey so they can better assess the usefulness of the materials offered by the program on a national level to better serve you, the CSLP membership! All public libraries in Michigan are CSLP members thanks to the Library of Michigan with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/QKN5qduWz9QRV8nf8 If you would like to view the survey in PDF form before completing it, you can find that here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10eiU10iKoV2zapQmWj9HWHVbLfycnPSk/view FAQs Who should complete this survey? The audience for the survey is public library staff who played an active role in administering or running 2026 summer library programming. One person per library could fill it out, or multiple library staff from the same library could complete the sections of the survey most relevant to their work, e.g. children, teen, or adult programs. * Please coordinate with your colleagues on who will fill it out, especially if you are in a multi-branch system. * This does NOT need to be filled out by Directors. (Adult/YA/Children program overseers can complete their own portions.) * EVEN IF YOU DID NOT USE "UNEARTH A STORY" AS YOUR THEME, we invite you to complete the survey! Is this survey required? No, it is not required, but we would appreciate your input. Every library that responds helps us get a more accurate picture of overall satisfaction with the program. I want to be prepared. What info will I need to provide? * General feedback on using (or not) the 2026 program theme and materials; * Feedback and info about how/whether you tracked participation, as well as stats for participation and programming for children (ages 0-11), teens (12-18) and adults. You may skip some questions for which you don't have the answers. I suggest you wait until your summer program has ended to complete the survey. When does the survey close? The survey is open from now until Friday, September 14, 2026. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for sharing your input! 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:image002.png@01DD1826.CBB62A40] [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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Practical Puppetry for Powerful Programs workshop registration is now open!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 02 Sep '26

02 Sep '26

Ready to Read Michigan Presents... Practical Puppetry for Powerful Programs! Adding puppetry to library programs can engage learners, promote inclusive environments, breathe life into timeless classics, lift up diverse stories, and ignite imaginations. But who has time for memorizing lines, the budget for exotic supplies, or the opportunity to implement long-term lesson plans? You can do it all without complicated puppet stages, formal scripts, expensive materials, or midnight oil! Experience practical puppetry activities in action. Learn what makes puppetry well-suited to library learning and which types of puppets are best-suited to different activities. Adapt a story, song, or game to include puppets. Practice your crafting and performing skills. Return to your own library inspired and prepared to add puppetry to your own programs. Participants will learn to: * Define puppetry and list five basic styles of puppetry. * Summarize the benefits of incorporating puppetry into library learning. * Consider the role of puppetry to create engaging and inclusive experiences. * Employ frameworks to match the type of puppet best suited to a given opportunity and adapt existing stories, songs, and content to puppetry. * Interpret and present an existing story, song, or fingerplay using puppetry. * Apply examples of practical puppetry in programs. Registration Details: This in-person workshop runs from 9:30 - 5:00 pm EST, with lunch provided. Space is limited and there is a $35.00 fee to attend, payment for either workshop location is due by September 7th. * Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Delta Township District Library<https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Lk3hPuKGboAsqBc6>, register here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… * Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library<https://maps.app.goo.gl/FedCQNFqQzGn1Zcv6>, register here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… Instructor: Katie George (she/her) has been working in public libraries for over 20 years. She is currently the Professional Development Instructor at Howard County Library System in suburban Maryland, but she began her library career in the children's department. Katie has incorporated puppetry into library programs and events for children, teens, and adults. Before moving to library land, Katie performed with puppets at Walt Disney World and constructed puppets at VEE Corporation in MInneapolis. For two years she was the Resident Puppet Builder at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. Katie earned her MA from the University of Connecticut's Puppet Arts Program and her MLS from the University of Maryland's College of Library and Information Studies. Katie has presented puppetry workshops for the Puppeteers of America, the Maryland Library Association, the American Library Association, and in other venues. This program is made possible by the Library of Michigan and supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://liblists.org/postorius/lists/miyouth.liblists.org/> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [cid:9b6c60ff-92bb-4e53-ad1d-f191b9fd0c4e] Nourishing Michigan’s Future during the summer! Find a Summer Food Service Program site nearest you and encourage Michigan’s children to Meet Up and Eat Up! Michigan.gov/MeetUpEatUp<http://www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup>. [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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2026 State Librarian's Excellence Award is now open!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 26 Aug '26

26 Aug '26

The application period for the 2026 State Librarian's Excellence Award is now open<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/about/state-librarian/slea>. Application Information The Library of Michigan Foundation's State Librarian's Excellence Award will be awarded to a library of any type (public, academic, school, special, tribal, etc.), including branch libraries, that exemplifies excellence in customer service. One (1) library in the state of Michigan will receive this prestigious award each year. The recipient library will receive a $3,000 cash prize and a trophy for display in its public area. Two (2) Library of Michigan Foundation Citations of Excellence will be presented and the recipient libraries will each receive $1,000 and a small trophy for display. Deadline The deadline to apply<https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/346894f2-cf1f-4842-aa…> <https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/346894f2-cf1f-4842-aa…> is Friday, August 28, 2026. There will be no extensions. Submissions will be accepted online only. Award recipients will be notified in September. Application details and additional information and critera can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/about/state-librarian/slea The award recipients will be recognized by the State Librarian at the Michigan Library Association Annual Conference awards event on Wednesday, October 28 at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Contact Person Lori Poznanski-Mason, Administrative Assistant to the State Librarian Library of Michigan Email: Poznanskil(a)Michigan.gov<mailto:> Phone: 517-335-1518 ### Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://liblists.org/postorius/lists/miyouth.liblists.org/> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [Michigan Seal of Biliteracy] Acknowledge the incredible strength of students’ multilingual abilities. Seek the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/flexible-learning/michigan-seal-of-bi…> for graduating seniors. [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
by Mick Howey 17 Aug '26

17 Aug '26

Hello Michlib! Last night BPL hosted the Soo Locks Chief Park Ranger Michelle Briggs' presentation The Illustrated History of the Soo Locks. The presentation was fantastic! Michelle was knowledgeable, lively, personable, and engaging. She also went above and beyond to make sure her appearance even happened. The presentation was well attended with many folks staying after to chat. Michelle's contact info is below. There was not a fee. Michelle Briggs Chief Park Ranger, Soo Locks U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Michelle.L.Briggs(a)usace.army.mil 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/ Currently Reading <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/72296780?utm_med…> [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/72296780?utm_med…> [image: Goodreads Logo] <https://www.goodreads.com/?utm_medium=gr_logo&utm_source=email_signature>Get your own email signature <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_instructions?utm_medium=gyo_…>

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REGISTER TODAY for Preserving Michigan Voices: An Oral History Workshop!
by Gallo, Biz (MDE) 13 Aug '26

13 Aug '26

There are limited spots remaining for the Traverse City and Marquette workshop locations, so register today for one of the full day workshop opportunities around the state presented by the Library of Michigan and Michigan Oral History Association<https://michiganoha.org/>! We encourage library staff, local history practitioners, archivists, museum professionals, and community partners to attend. Preserving Michigan Voices: An Oral History Workshop Interested in documenting and preserving community stories? This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to plan and conduct a successful oral history project. Whether you are representing a library, historical society, museum, archive, community organization, or simply have an interest in collecting personal narratives, this workshop will guide you through the entire oral history process. Participants will explore the foundational steps of developing an oral history project, including defining goals, identifying interviewees, and creating a project plan. The workshop will introduce affordable and effective recording equipment and discuss best practices for capturing high-quality audio and video interviews. Attendees will review essential forms and documentation, including consent and release forms, and learn how to develop thoughtful interview questions that encourage meaningful storytelling. The session will also address legal and ethical considerations related to oral history projects, including copyright, privacy, permissions, and the responsibilities of interviewers and organizations. Finally, participants will learn what happens after the interview, including file management, preservation, transcription, metadata creation, access considerations, and sharing oral histories with the public. Participants will learn to: * Develop a plan for launching and managing an oral history project. * Select appropriate equipment and documentation practices for conducting oral history interviews. * Apply legal, ethical, and preservation best practices to ensure long-term access to oral history collections. Registration Details: Each in-person workshop runs from 10:00 - 4:00 pm, with lunch provided. All workshop participants receive a one-year individual membership to MOHA, which includes MOHA's Guide to Oral History Booklet and quarterly newsletters. Space is limited and there is a $35.00 fee to attend, payment for workshops is due one week before event date. * Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Traverse Area District Library<https://www.tadl.org/>, register here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… * Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Peter White Public Library<https://pwpl.info/>, register here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… Instructors: * Brittany Bayless-Fremion, Central Michigan University * Jim Cameron, President, Michigan Oral History Association * Matt Jones, Eastern Michigan University * Zach Lanciani, Northern Michigan University * Dr. Jennifer Vanette, Castle Museum * Billy Wall-Winkel, Detroit Historical Museum This program is made possible by the Library of Michigan and supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Biz Gallo Statewide Digitization Initiatives Coordinator Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915 GalloB(a)michigan.gov<mailto:GalloB@michigan.gov> | mi.gov/LMdigitization<http://mi.gov/LMdigitization> | 517-335-1402 she/her/hers [A picture containing logo Description automatically generated] Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The Michigan Teacher of the Year Program is accepting nominations through September 23. Nominate an educator using the online form<https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VO6y33yPJYG0t0>. For more information, visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy.<https://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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Apply to join a Building Community-Based Summers virtual cohort this Fall!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 10 Aug '26

10 Aug '26

The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is excited to launch the fourth national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers<https://www.cslpreads.org/community-based-summers/#aboutbcbs> (BCBS) in Fall 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 library workers say about BCBS “I'm so impressed by the amount of thought and care that has gone into creating this curriculum. The resources provided were new to me, unique, engaging, and very helpful.” “We have been looking to make changes to almost all aspects of our summer services, from registration to logging, and prizes/completion. This series and the materials shared will be providing the framework to get us started in the process.” “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 is encouraged to send a team of two staff members from across departments including youth services, adult services, programming, outreach, and administrators. Participation in the BCBS initiative will require, of all team members: * Consistent attendance and active 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. An optional discussion session will also be scheduled. * 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, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 and November 10 and 17, 2026. An optional open discussion session will be scheduled on November 3. * 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/community-based-summers/#aboutbcbs> and apply by 8:00 am ET on Monday, August 17, 2026<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-jeTMXuHoGTfB3G40jWG5puw87T73HEe…> to be considered for the Fall cohort. Accepted participants will be notified in early September. Questions? Contact bcbs(a)cslpreads.org<mailto:bcbs@cslpreads.org> All Michigan Public Libraries are members of CSLP through the Library of Michigan, thanks in part to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://liblists.org/postorius/lists/miyouth.liblists.org/> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [A picture containing logo Description automatically generated] Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The Michigan Teacher of the Year Program is accepting nominations through September 23. Nominate an educator using the online form<https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VO6y33yPJYG0t0>. For more information, visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy.<https://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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