July 2026 - Michlib-l - liblists.org

2026 State Librarian's Excellence Award is now open!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 06 Jul '26

06 Jul '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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Insignia ILS
by Library Director 06 Jul '26

06 Jul '26

Hello, I am looking for a library that utilizes Insignia as their ILS to be able to view it from a patron perspective beyond their marketing website. Also any feedback from the librarian side would also be appreciated. If anyone actively uses it, please reply! :) Best, CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipient named above. If you are not the designated recipient, an employee, or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of it or its contents is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please destroy all copies of this communication and any attachments and notify the sender immediately via phone, fax, or electronic mail. Thank you.

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Michigan Unclaimed Property
by Chelsey Boss 06 Jul '26

06 Jul '26

Hello all, One of my co-workers sent an email (below) reminding our staff about Michigan Unclaimed Property. When I checked for our library there were 5 pages of libraries that had claims out there. Go claim your money! The Michigan Department of Treasury has millions of dollars worth of lost or forgotten assets from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, and stock certificates. Because these properties were considered abandoned and unclaimed by the bank or company, they are turned over to the state. You can check their website here: Michigan Unclaimed Property <https://unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov/> to see if you or anyone you know has an outstanding claim. Thank you, *Chelsey Boss* Assistant Director Adrian District Library 143 E. Maumee St. Adrian, MI 49221 517.265.2265 (o) 517.759.3195 (f) *Adrian’s place to connect, explore, and learn.*

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Free Youth Furniture
by Alyson Lobert 06 Jul '26

06 Jul '26

Commerce Township Community Library recently upgraded our youth department and youth programming room. Our surplus furniture is available, free of charge, to any library that can use it. - green TMC Tables <https://commercetwp.com/media/l1vpsj5q/tmc-table.jpg> - 3 available - 29" table height, 36" depth, 48" length - purple TMC Table <https://commercetwp.com/media/tvzduqfj/tmctable2.jpg> - 1 available - 29" table height, 24" depth, 72" length - KI adjustable-height 6' folding tables <https://commercetwp.com/media/0kxfenil/folding-tables.jpg> - 10 available - Smith System Flavors <https://smithsystem.com/furniture/flavors-stack-chairs/> stack chairs (a mix of blue, green and purple <https://commercetwp.com/media/rh5dcaf4/smithsystemchairs.jpg>) - 15 chairs with 18-inch seat height - 48 chairs with 16-inch seat height The receiving library must arrange pickup. All items must be picked up by the end of the month. If your library is interested or would like more information, please reach out. Thank you! *Alyson Lobert* Library Director Commerce Township Community Library 180 E. Commerce Road Commerce Township, MI 48382 248.669.8108 ext. 101 commercetwp.com/library -- The information contained in this electronic message is intended only for the use of the designated recipient(s). If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, use, dissemination, forwarding or copying of this message is strictly prohibited, and we request that you delete the original message and all attachments.

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Patron Counting Sensor
by Peterson, Sydny 06 Jul '26

06 Jul '26

Hi everyone! Looking to upgrade our security/patron counter gates to another form (preferably something minimal). I have been looking at SenSource and Traf-Sys for patron counters. Looking for any tips and/or what you all currently have in place. Or possibly any reviews you have heard of the companies I listed. Thank you! -- *Sydny Peterson * Library Director Manistique School & Public Library (906)-252-4316 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachment, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information as defined by State and Federal laws. If you are not the intended recipient or an agent of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you received this message in error and any review, disclosure, copying, printing, distribution, dissemination, or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail message in error, please notify the sender by return e-mail, and immediately and permanently delete the original from your computer and destroy all copies of this communication. Thank you. PLEASE NOTE: This e-mail message, and any response to it may be archived for later retrieval and is subject to retention, disclosure, and disposal in accordance with Board Policy and State law.

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Gerald McBride Author Talk (1:00 Saturday, July 11)
by Amisha Harijan 06 Jul '26

06 Jul '26

Hello, Library Lovers! Gerald McBride, you know from Mix 92.3 FM, will be onsite Saturday, July 11th 1:00-3:00 to discuss his memoir *God and the DJ.* All are welcome to engage with McBride on his life and decades-long broadcasting career at the iconic Detroit radio station. Looking forward to seeing you all at the library this Saturday! In joy, *Amisha Harijan***, Director Leanna Hicks Public Library of Inkster 2500 Hamlin Drive Inkster, Michigan 48141 amisha(a)inksterlibrary.org (313) 563-2822 ext. 300 *Exposure ✨ Joyful Experiences* *✨ Opportunities*

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[REMINDER] Secure Your Tickets for Marjan Kamali This September + $1,000 Collection Grant Deadline Next Week!
by Kelly Bennett 05 Jul '26

05 Jul '26

Dear Library Folks, This is a quick reminder to secure your spots for an extraordinary evening with New York Times bestselling author Marjan Kamali on Monday, September 14, 2026 . Following the incredible success of our 2025 event, the Book & Author Society (BAS) and The Library Network are returning to Schoolcraft College's Vistatech Center for another captivating "In Conversation" evening. Kamali—author of the instant national bestseller The Lion Women of Tehran and the internationally acclaimed The Stationery Shop —will sit down with Cathy Russ (Director of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library and Chair of the BAS Committee) for a candid discussion about her brilliant literary career, followed by an audience Q&A and an in-person book signing. 📅 Event Details at a Glance * Who: Award-winning novelist Marjan Kamali. * When: Monday, September 14, 2026. * Where: Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College (Livonia, MI). * Tickets: Registration is open! Take advantage of Early Bird tickets for $30 through August 17, after which general admission will be $35. * Where to Buy: Secure your seats online at [ http://www.bookandauthor.org/ | www.bookandauthor.org ] . 📚 Host a Library Book Club Outing We invite area public libraries to feature one of Marjan Kamali’s deeply moving novels as a late summer or early fall book club selection. Many local library book clubs used last year's event as a fun, memorable group outing, and we encourage you to gather your readers to join us for an inspiring night out! 🚨 DEADLINE NEXT WEEK: $1,000 BAS Collection Grant Don't forget that ticket sales directly help fund the return of the BAS $1,000 Collection Grant , open to public libraries across Michigan. This grant is designed to help a library launch or enhance a circulating collection that meets diverse community needs (such as world language materials, graphic novels, or digital resources). The application window closes next week on Monday, July 13, 2026 . The winning library will be formally recognized during the September 14 event. Review the evaluation rubric and submit your application today at [ https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.bookandauthor.org/grants | www.bookandauthor.org/grants ] . Thank you for your incredible support in helping us foster a vibrant reading community across Michigan. We look forward to seeing you and your patrons this September! Warm regards, The Book & Author Society Committee The September event is generously sponsored by Hoopla Digital. Kelly Bennett (she/her/hers) Contract Services Coordinator The Library Network kbennett(a)tln.org (248) 536-3100 ext.147

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BH water crisis documentary
by Jill Rauh 03 Jul '26

03 Jul '26

We hope you will be able to publicize, share with friends, and attend this special event on Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. at the Benton Harbor Public Library, 213 E. Wall St., Benton Harbor MI. Dr. Cedric Taylor of Central Michigan University will be debuting his documentary film, A Benton Harbor Story, detailing events surrounding the city’s water crisis. A Benton Harbor Story is a feature-length documentary examining how racism, infrastructural neglect, and the erosion of local democracy converged to create a water crisis in Benton Harbor and how a poor, majority-Black community organized and fought to save itself. The film draws on interviews with residents, community organizers, elected officials, environmental attorneys, and scholars to tell a story rooted in Benton Harbor's history, with resonance far beyond it. The screening is free and open to the public. A question and answer session will follow. Contact Dr. Taylor for more information on the film at taylo506(a)gmail.com Jill Rauh, Public Services Librarian Benton Harbor Public Library 213 E. Wall St. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269-926-6139 www.bentonharborlibrary.com The information and views presented do not necessarily represent those of the Benton Harbor Public Library.

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Michigan Notable Book Tour with Author Rob Miller - Tues. 7/21 at 7 PM
by Katie Rothley 03 Jul '26

03 Jul '26

Happy Friday everyone! Please join 2026 Michigan Notable Books author Rob Miller in conversation with Craig Maki about his book, *The Hours Are Long, But the Pay is Low, *at the Northville District Library (212 W Cady St, Northville 48167) on Tuesday, July 21 at 7 PM. This author visit will be held in the Carlo Meeting Room on the main level of the library, just across from the check out desk. Books will be available to purchase from Elephant Ear Books <https://www.elephantearbooks.com/> and Rob Miller will be happy to sign them! *Registration is required.* <https://northvillelibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/hold-for-as-es-10/> Parking is free. A Detroit native and co-founder of Chicago’s acclaimed Bloodshot Records, Miller shares stories from the front lines of Americana and alt-country music. Learn more: robmillerwriting.com <https://www.robmillerwriting.com/> and carcitycountry.com <https://northvillelibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/hold-for-as-es-10…> . If you would like to read the book before attending, copies are available to borrow from NDL by placing a hold here <https://catalog.northvillelibrary.org/Record/288138>. From MeLCat <https://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb53415998__Orightresult?lang=e…> to request. And from a TLN shared system library <https://catalog.tln.lib.mi.us/?section=resource&resourceid=6030308800&curre…>. I'd link Download Destination too, but all of the copies are checked out. *The Michigan Notable Books program <https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/public/mnb> is sponsored in part by the Library of Michigan Foundation <https://www.libraryofmichiganfoundation.com/>, Michigan Center for the Book <https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/mcfb>, and Michigan Humanities <https://www.michiganhumanities.org/>.* [image: MI Notable Book Tour With Rob Miller.png] *Photo description:* Join Author Rob Miller from Bloodshot Records on Tuesday, July 21 at 7 PM. An image of Rob Miller is included; author of the book *The Hours Are Long But the Pay is Low.* Book cover is featured, along with the logos of Michigan Notable Books, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Humanities, Library of Michigan Foundation, and the Northville District Library. [image: Northville District Library.jpeg] *Photo description:* Picture of the main entrance and facade of the Northville District Library from the parking lot, on a day with clouds and blue sky. -- Katie Rothley *(pronounced: kay-tee rawth-lee)* Currently Reading <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/32729040?utm_med…> [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/32729040?utm_med…> My working day may not be your working day. Please do not feel obligated to reply to this email outside of your normal working hours.

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The 1st Michigan Colored Regiment Author Talk
by Jessica Keeler 02 Jul '26

02 Jul '26

Hello library friends, Join us for an engaging evening with historian and author Maurice Imhoff as he discusses his compelling work, The 1st Michigan Colored Regiment. This session offers a deep dive into the often-overlooked history of the courageous men who formed Michigan's first African American regiment during the American Civil War. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the program. Registration can be found on Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-1st-michigan-colored-regiment-with-maurice…> or by scanning the QR code below. We hope to see you! Please share as you see fit! [cid:3af3513a-9e98-43a6-84ca-cf1732772401] Jessica Keeler (she/her<https://pronouns.org/what-and-why>) Branch Manager | Youth Services Detroit Public Library, Lincoln Branch<https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations/lincoln> 1221 E. Seven Mile | Detroit, MI 48203 313.481.1783

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