July 2026 - Michlib-l - liblists.org

Michigan Library Appreciation Month in October - Call for Pics
by kate ro 29 Jul '26

29 Jul '26

Hey everyone! Would you be willing to share any pictures of your library (school, public, special, academic, etc), and maybe a short story connected to the picture(s), for *MLA to use in social media this October* for Michigan Library Appreciation Month? MI Right to Read Week is also in October as well, so you're welcome to share anything with that theme in mind too. Can be pictures of: - The library itself - Library staff (optional) - Library volunteers (optional) - Library Friends (optional) - Patrons in the library, using the library, attending programs (optional) - Library outreach - Collections - Technology - Services Images with people are always preferred but I acknowledge that people sometimes don't want their picture taken or shared and that is totally okay! If you would like to be featured on MLA's social media channels please share your images with me. :) If you have time, please name the images with your library's name and the name of the program or whatever you've snapped so I can tag you (unless your library doesn't have social media, which is also okay!). Don't feel pressured to share a lot of pictures either; even just one is perfect! Thank you very much! Katie Rothley

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Marquette Regional History Center open position: Cataloging Librarian/Archives Specialist
by Emily Tinder 29 Jul '26

29 Jul '26

Come join a vibrant community of history lovers in the Upper Peninsula! The Marquette Regional History Center is accepting applications for our Cataloging Librarian position until August 7th. The right candidate will work alongside our Research Librarian by processing donated archival materials while maintaining our busy non-circulating research library. This position leads our local history book club, works with library patrons, guides volunteers, and works with our exhibit & artifact curator. See attached for a full description. Submit a resume with three references and a cover letter to Marquette Regional History Center, Att: Cris Osier, Executive Director at 145 W. Spring Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or by email, mrhc(a)marquettehistory.org. Emi Tinder Cataloging Librarian John M. Longyear Research Library Marquette Regional History Center 145 W. Spring St. Marquette, MI 49855 | (906) 226-3571

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question
by director＠pidl.org 29 Jul '26

29 Jul '26

Does everyone in library world get a call from MIWAM, every month, asking how many employees we have? How many are women? This has been going on for years. I do not recollect this at my past job, nor any other businesses that I have worked for. Amber Alexander Library Director - MLIS Presque Isle District Library 181 E. Erie Street Rogers City, MI 49779

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Inquiry about Non-Librarian Staff Mentoring Programs
by visnawj＠cantonpl.org 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

Hello, I am exploring in-house mentoring programs for non-librarian staff to gain insights into librarian careers. Do you provide any kind of an exploratory program for non-librarian staff? (I’m not thinking of internships for current library school students. Rather, I’m interested in programs designed for staff who are curious about learning more about librarianship but are neither enrolled in nor ready to commit to a degree program.) If you have a program or experience like that, I’d love to hear about it! Specifically, I’d like to learn about the following: • Parameters/outcomes (What does your program/experience involve? What are the goals or outcomes that you try to achieve?) • Timelines (Do you have a set time period for the experience or a checklist to be completed?) • Mentors (Who provides the mentorship? What kind of time/effort commitment is involved?) • Challenges/benefits (What has been challenging about implementing this type of experience? What positives have you noticed?) • Feedback (What have staff who have completed this experience had to say?) I have found only one library local to me that does this, so I'm casting a wider net with Michlib-l to see what else, if anything, exists out there. Thank you for your time, Jack Visnaw Experiences Librarian Manager Canton Public Library 1200 S. Canton Center Road Canton, MI 48188 (734) 397-0999 visnawj(a)cantonpl.org

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[E-rate] Webinar: A Closer Look at the FCC's E-Rate Review and the New Bidding Portal
by Quick, Shauna (MDE) 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

Hello E-Rate Libraries! Join us on July 30 for an informative webinar explaining the FCC’s major new review of the program and how it may impact your library. ------ The FCC recently adopted one of the most sweeping reviews of the E-Rate program in its nearly 30-year history. If you have questions about what it means for your district/library or what you should be doing, this webinar is for you. To help applicants understand what's being proposed and what it means in practice, led by Julia Legg, Manager of Process Compliance & Education at E-Rate Central, with Joe Polasek, Michigan Department of Education's State E-Rate Coordinator for Schools, and Shauna Quick, Library of Michigan's Technology Access Consultant assisting with E-Rate for Libraries, joining to provide additional school and library perspectives. Thursday, July 30 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. ET | [Register here<https://centraled.zoom.us/meeting/register/yF8-D_xGSjeYCkSdBXnygQ>] Our team will walk you through: * What's in the NPRM: the key proposals under consideration, and what they could mean for funding, compliance obligations, and program eligibility going forward * How to participate: the upcoming public comment period, and why individual district comments carry particular weight in the FCC's record * What's ahead operationally: a look at the new USAC Competitive Bidding Portal, adopted under a separate Report and Order (FCC 26-30), and what applicants should know before it becomes mandatory in FY2028 The goal is a clear, practical picture of where things stand and what it means for day-to-day E-Rate participation. Bring your questions, or send them to us in advance, and we'll address them live. Always, Shauna Quick Library Technology Access Consultant Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915 quicks1(a)michigan.gov<mailto:quicks1@michigan.gov> | 517-335-0126 she/her/hers [cid:843873ab-5265-408e-b209-45ecd0561215]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/05de81e9d972497b8f56a791b405b02e…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/05de81e9d972497b8f56a791b405b02e…> [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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tonight and tomorrow: Great Michigan Read author Curtis Chin in SE MI
by Katie Wittenauer 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

Good afternoon, Michigan libraries! If you're in Southeast Michigan, don't miss an opportunity to see Great Michigan Read author Curtis Chin at partner-hosted events in Dearborn Heights (tonight) and Southfield (tomorrow): * July 28, 7 p.m.: Partner event at the Caroline Kennedy Library<https://us.list-manage.com/1Bjj7K7Ls0Q?e=5000ea4f01&c2id=57edfa0cfe3ba6a036…> in Dearborn Heights * July 29, 6 p.m.: Partner event at the Southfield Public Library<https://us.list-manage.com/ZGne2TKxZ04?e=5000ea4f01&c2id=57edfa0cfe3ba6a036…> Also, if you're still interested in receiving Great Michigan Read books and materials, let me know; we have a very limited supply remaining and the program ends soon! Looking forward to talking with you soon, Katie Katie Wittenauer (she/her) Director of Programs | kwittenauer(a)mihumanities.org<mailto:kwittenauer@mihumanities.org> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiewittenauer/> Connecting, Sharing, Growing [A blue and white badge with gold ribbon Description automatically generated] Michigan Humanities PO Box 91 Marshall, MI 49068 517-372-7770, ext. 294 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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Self-Published Book Question
by Michelle Parker 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

Hi All, What do you do with books local authors drop off that may be of questionable quality? There's a local author who has dropped off their book a couple times to put in our collection, but it looks very poorly put together and I read a little and it seems like there was no editor. I looked over our Collection Development Policy and one of the criteria is "effectiveness of the format in conveying information" (which feels like it falls short on). They had dropped off two copies last time that just went in our book sale, but they came in again and dropped off another and I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to be like: "sorry, your book is poorly formatted and doesn't meet our collection development criteria"... Any suggestions on how to let them down gently? Thank you for your help! Michelle Parker Librarian North Adams Community Memorial Library 517-287-4426 Library Website <https://www.northadamscml.michlibrary.org/> Library Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/NorthAdamsCommunityMemorialLibrary> [image: Logo]

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Community Event Survey
by White Pine District Library 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

If you have not had a chance to complete this survey, please take a moment to do so! I would greatly appreciate your time! I will begin compiling responses to send back out in the next week! I am looking for feedback regarding community event involvement from your library. Please take a moment to click through this brief survey! I will share the results when complete! Survey Link: https://forms.gle/NS63mTznUZFHBDTEA Thank you in advance, Jessica Hansen Director White Pine District Library 514 N. New St. Stanton, Mi 48888 989-831-4327 www.whitepinelibrary.org<http://www.whitepinelibrary.org/> [cid:f6dc7454-c19a-42d1-bcb5-9a970e49cc1a]

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Closing Sunday! Director search - Sioux City Public Library (IA)
by Beth Barker 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

Director – Sioux City Public Library (IA) The Sioux City Public Library<https://www.siouxcitylibrary.org/> (IA) is seeking a strategic, innovative, and relationship-driven leader to serve as its next Director. A modern, community-centered library system with three vibrant locations, the library blends trusted public service with creativity, technology, access, and connection. Serving as a destination for learning, discovery, cultural engagement, and community gathering, the library plays an essential role in the civic life of Sioux City. With nearly 240,000 annual visitors and hundreds of programs and events each year, the library reaches residents through dynamic youth services, digital resources, public technology, workforce support, and strong community partnerships. The organization continues to invest in responsive services, welcoming spaces, and innovative programming that reflect the evolving needs and interests of Sioux City’s diverse and growing community. Reporting to the seven-member Library Board of Trustees, the Director provides strategic vision, administrative leadership, and fiscal oversight for all library operations. The ideal candidate is an innovative, collaborative, and service-oriented leader who champions intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and clear communication while fostering a supportive, accountable, and future-focused workplace culture. Success in this role will require political acumen and the ability to communicate the library’s value, demonstrate its impact on the community, and advocate effectively for the resources needed to sustain and expand services including facility assessment and planning. The next leader will be a skilled negotiator and relationship-builder who can work strategically with the library’s Foundation to advance long-term organizational goals. The Director must also be prepared to navigate evolving fiscal realities while maintaining high-quality services and ensuring the library remains responsive to the changing needs of the community. Sioux City, designated as a Blue Zones community and recognized with multiple “5-Star Community” quality-of-life awards, is known for its strong sense of community, focus on wellness and livability, reasonable cost of living, affordable housing, minimal traffic, and excellent educational opportunities, including several highly regarded colleges and universities in the region. Its walkable downtown features local coffee shops, a seasonal farmers’ market, and diverse dining options, while venues such as the Orpheum Theatre, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Tyson Events Center support a vibrant cultural scene. In nearby Loess Hills, a rare and scenic landform ideal for hiking and outdoor recreation awaits exploration. The city also offers museums, art centers, sports facilities, nature areas, bike trails, a BMX course, a tubing hill, and a new water park opening this year. With four distinct seasons and convenient access to larger metro areas, Sioux City is a welcoming, family-friendly community with an exceptional quality of life. Key Responsibilities include providing overall direction, leadership, and management for all Library operations, services, and staff; develop and implement strategic plans, goals, and policies in collaboration with the Library Board of Trustees; prepare and administer the library’s annual budget and ensure responsible fiscal management; lead staff development and maintain a supportive, team-oriented workplace culture; advocate for the library with city officials, community partners, and state and regional library organizations; oversee facilities management, technology innovation, and capital improvement initiatives; work closely with the library’s two separate organizations: Friends of the Sioux City Public Library and the Sioux City Public Library Foundation; serve as the public face of the library—promoting its mission, vision, and value throughout the community. For a full list of responsibilities, see the links in the job posting on the Bradbury Miller Associate website<https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/> (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/) Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association-accredited program is required. Preferred qualifications include: five years of progressively responsible public library management experience, including supervision, budgeting, and strategic planning. Residency within the city limits of Sioux City is required within six months of hire.  Compensation & Benefits: The hiring salary range is $125,000 – $140,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications). A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid leave, participation in the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS), and a $5,000 relocation stipend. Interested candidates should submit their resume through the application portal<https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/> (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/) by selecting the position and then the “Apply” button. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates<https://bradburymiller.com/contact/> (https://bradburymiller.com/contact/) This position closes on Sunday, August 2, 2026.  Visit our website<https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/> (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/) to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links. — Beth Barker (she/her) Director of Finance and Communication Bradbury Miller Associates 330-340-7115 | Dover, OH | bradburymiller.com<http://bradburymiller.com/> Sign up for our newsletter<https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=myy6mkoab&p=oi&m=11148931…> for updates on available positions!

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Board members volunteering?
by Deb Hemmye 28 Jul '26

28 Jul '26

We have a library advisory board and one of my board members is interested in also volunteering for us. My thinking is that there is no conflict of interest since our board is only advisory. Is that correct? Do any of you have board members who also volunteer at your library? Thanks! Deb Hemmye Library Director Huntington Woods Public Library 26415 Scotia Road Huntington Woods, MI 48070 248-543-9720, ext. 686 Currently listening to Less, by Andrew Sean Greer.

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