July 2026 - Michlib-l - liblists.org

Youth & Teen Services Updates
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 24 Jul '26

24 Jul '26

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. 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… This program is made possible by the Library of Michigan and supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Resources Grade-Level Reading (GRL) Week GLR Week 2026 is the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading’s seventh annual virtual gathering. Over five days from July 27-31, we’ll host a week of learning, conversation, and collaboration focused on the urgent issues shaping children’s prospects for early school success. GLR Week 2026 will bring together some of the nation’s most compelling thought leaders, leading practitioners, and lived experience experts to explore timely challenges, emerging opportunities, and practical solutions that can help more children succeed in school and thrive beyond the classroom. Throughout the week, we’ll remain mindful of the theme we’ve followed over the last two years – Focus on the Gaps – while highlighting that progress is not only possible, it’s already happening. Details and registration can be found here: https://glrweek2026.gradelevelreading.net/. ALSC Toolkits Support Your Work Free resources for practitioners by practitioners. ALSC's Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers committee recently updated a host of toolkits<https://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/professional-tools> <https://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/professional-tools> that provide fresh resources for library practitioners working with populations that are marginalized. Each toolkit offers professional and leisure reading recommendations, support for programming, and materials for families, covering the following topics: * Access to Technology * Autism & Sensory Processing Disorder * Childhood Trauma * Children with Print Disabilities * Financial & Housing Insecurity Resources * New Americans * Spanish-Speaking Populations * Supporting Children, Teens, and Their Caregivers Impacted by Carceral Systems (NEW) Created by the 2025-26 School-Age Programs and Services committee, Navigating Through Tough Times: A Toolkit for Library Workers Serving School-Age Children & their Caregivers<https://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/professional-tools?_zs=Fu5v…> is designed to support library workers in helping school-age children and their caregivers navigate challenging circumstances. Whether responding to community-wide crises, family instability, or everyday stressors, this resource offers developmentally appropriate websites, videos, book recommendations, and activity ideas to foster resilience, connection, and emotional well-being. The toolkit equips library staff with tools to create safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for the children and families they serve. Talking Teen Services: Preparing Teens for College Through Academic Library Collaboration Thanks to my colleagues at the Colorado State Library, Michigan public library staff are invited to participate! Registration now OPEN!<https://costatelibrary.libcal.com/event/17228796> Have you ever wondered how you could encourage the young people you see in your library every day to understand the value of using academic libraries at their future college campuses? How can we help them understand the resources they will find there, and how getting to know their academic librarians will support their personal and professional success? Come explore today's academic libraries for yourself and begin considering how you could help build this bridge for high schoolers in your community whether or not there's a community college or university campus in your town. Participants will learn about: * What a visit to an academic library can look like for high schoolers * How to talk about why academic library visits are helpful * Example lesson plans and activities provided by academic libraries for visiting high schoolers * Programs ideas for preparing teens for college whether or not you can help them visit an academic library This Talking Teen Services session will include interactive components. Please bring your knowledge and experience to the discussion in the chat, as well as, any questions you many have for our presenter. The session will also be recorded. All registered participants will receive a link to the recording as well as any additional materials shared by the presenter. Caitlin Cooke, is a Teaching and Learning Librarian at Auraria Library; her focus is on library instruction to first-year students. Caitlin received her MLIS from Rutgers University and her MA in History from Goldsmiths University of London. In the News... ALSC, YALSA Reunification Update<https://www.slj.com/story/ALSC-YALSA-Reunification-Update-ALA-Annual-2026> - SLJ Extra Helping, 7/1/26 Escanaba library joins statewide reading initiative<https://www.dailypress.net/news/local-news/2026/06/escanaba-library-joins-s…> - Daily Press, 6/29/26 Finally... I've had a sneak peek at 2027's Mysteries Await At Your LibraryTM theme and I think you are really going to enjoy it! Manual codes will be emailed to directors later this Fall. If you'd like a copy of the manual code sent directly to you this Fall, please complete this form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeXo5E0M_2M3r1Rw7Sxr_wnyLwFU2XELP…> using your official work email. [cid:6c576a59-a7fc-4c31-80c6-c80f6603f6cb] Hope you all are surviving the last few weeks of summer library programming! YOU'VE GOT THIS!!! Sending you my best, 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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free online astronomy program: The Beauty of Planetary Lineups
by Jennifer Dye 24 Jul '26

24 Jul '26

Adrian Bradley, a fine astronomical photogapher who has presented for us many times, explains the wonderful illusion of planetary lineups. He will share some of his images, and give hints on how to take your own pictures of planetary lineups. Tuesday, July 28 6:00-7:30 p.m. Please register: https://dpl-planetary-lineups.eventbrite.com The program will be recorded, and should be available on the Detroit Public Library YouTube channel within a few weeks. We now have a virtual channel just for the astronomy programs: https://bit.ly/DPLAstronomy Jennifer Jennifer Dye Cataloger Detroit Public Library Main Branch 5201 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48202 313-481-1392

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[REMINDER] Marjan Kamali Author Event – Early Bird Pricing Ends Aug 17!
by Kelly Bennett 24 Jul '26

24 Jul '26

Hi Library Friends, Just a quick reminder to lock in your tickets for an inspiring evening with New York Times bestselling author Marjan Kamali ! Join us as she sits down in conversation with Cathy Russ to discuss her acclaimed literary career and national bestseller, The Lion Women of Tehran , followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. 📅 When: Monday, September 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM 📍 Where: Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College (Livonia, MI) 🎟️ Tickets: $30 Early Bird through August 17 ($35 after) Gather your colleagues, plan a library book club outing, and secure your seats today! 👉 Get tickets online at: [ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/an-evening-with-marjan-kamali | https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/an-evening-with-marjan-kamali ] Warmly, The Book & Author Society Committee Generously sponsored by Hoopla Digital and The Library Network. Kelly Bennett (she/her/hers) Contract Services Coordinator The Library Network kbennett(a)tln.org (248) 536-3100 ext.147

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MeL down?
by Samantha Ingerson 24 Jul '26

24 Jul '26

Is anyone else having issues with MeL? I can pull up the website but if I try to search for a book, it errors out. We can use MeL Classic but I just want to know if this is isolated to our library. (sorry for crossposting!) Thank you, [cid:214d9cac-d632-4d2a-92d1-fe42d91fb7b6] Samantha Ingerson Technology Librarian Orion Township Public Library 825 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48362 Phone: (248) 693-3000 ext 442 orionlibrary.org

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Blackstone Unlimited Compiled Responses
by Director 24 Jul '26

24 Jul '26

Good morning, Thank you to those that responded to my inquiry the other day! There was interest in the responses, so I have them compiled here. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Best, Kelsey Rutkowski *--------------------------------------* *Library Director* *Indian River Area Library* 3546 S Straits Hwy PO Box 160 Indian River, MI 49749 (231) 238-8581 indianriverlibrary.org

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After Hours Community Room Usage
by Michelle 23 Jul '26

23 Jul '26

Hello! We are going to begin after hours community room usage at our library, and I am working on the policy. For those of you who allow this - do you require the organization has liability insurance? We don't require that for when we are open, but someone recommended we do for when we are closed? Do you allow anyone to utilize the room after hours? We currently have a usage policy for during our open hours, and you just need to be a member of our community. Is there anything else I should be concerned about? Mostly the room is utilized by local civic organizations or scout troops and want to have meetings in the room. We will have our policy reviewed by our lawyers, I just want to collect information from others who may do this. Thanks for any insights that you have. Michelle Duclos, Director Frankenmuth Wickson District Library 359 S. Franklin Street Frankenmuth, MI 48734 989-652-8323 www.wicksonlibrary.org<http://www.wicksonlibrary.org/> Never Underestimate The Big Importance of Small Things ~ Matt Haig, The Midnight Library [cid:image001.png@01DD1AAE.F17596F0]

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Sad News - John MacDonald
by Jody Wolak 23 Jul '26

23 Jul '26

I am so sorry to share the news that long-time library employee John MacDonald passed away last weekend. Many of you knew John. He worked at the current Wayne Public Library since it opened in 1996, and before that at the Wayne-Westland Library. He was well loved by co-workers and patrons alike, and will be sorely missed. A memorial for John will be held at the Harry J. Will funeral home in Wayne on Saturday, August 1. [ https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wayne-mi/john-macdonald-12975148 | https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wayne-mi/john-macdonald-12975148 ] ------- Jody Wolak Library Director Wayne Public Library 3737 S. Wayne Rd, Wayne, MI 48184 jwolak(a)wayne.lib.mi.us 734-641-4627

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New director at Richmond Township LIbrary
by Jan St. Germain 23 Jul '26

23 Jul '26

Hello, There is a new Director at Richmond Township Library PO Box 339/304 Snyder Street, Palmer Michigan 49871, could you please update all emails, mailings and business to Chrystal Harless, Director PO Box 339/ 334 Snyder Street Palmer, Michigan 49871 906-401-0316 Thank You, Jan St.Germain Richmond Township Library PO Box 339 / 304 Snyder Street Palmer, MI 49871 906-401-0316

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Fwd: Don't Delay: Register Today for LMCC26!
by Katie Rothley 22 Jul '26

22 Jul '26

Hi everyone, Just in case you were not aware, an annual conference dedicated specifically to library marketing, communications, PR, graphic design, market research, videography, social media, etc., is held every November. It's called the Library Marketing and Communications Conference (LMCC) <https://www.librarymarketingconference.org>. Renowned marketing professionals such as Angela Hursh, Mark Aaron Polger and Cordelia Anderson generally attend annually. If your role focuses on any or all of these responsibilities, you may find this 2-day conference incredibly beneficial. Library staff from all over the US (and from Canada)—including those from public, school, special, and academic libraries -- submit presentation proposals for peer-led sessions sharing their experiences, knowledge, projects, research, and recommendations. The conference also features two inspiring keynotes to begin each day, and a pre-conference workshop on the Tuesday before, which requires separate registration. Attending involves costs for registration, hotel accommodations and travel, but LMCC accepts applications to receive a scholarship for registration - email notice is coming soon. You can sign up to receive the LMCC newsletter on our website at the bottom: https://www.librarymarketingconference.org/. Please let me know if you have any questions! I am part of the Library Marketing Conference Group Board (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), have volunteered with other library staff who plan and manage the conference, and have attended a few of the conferences. Library staff of all types—from graphic designers to social media specialists, website staff, managers, and professors—attend every year. Lastly, there is also a room, aptly called the "Swag Swap," where libraries are invited to share their pamphlets, newsletters, bookmarks, brochures, and swag so attendees can leave inspired by concrete samples of our peers' work. I've seen some of our awesome library marketing staff at the conference and hope to see more! Katie ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Library Marketing and Communications Conference < libmarcomconf(a)43775221.mailchimpapp.com> Date: Mon, Jul 20, 2026 at 7:55 PM Subject: Don't Delay: Register Today for LMCC26! To: Katie Rothley <krothley(a)northvillelibrary.org> Claim your spot at the premier library marketing conference of the year! View this email in your browser <https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?e=4cbf43360e&u=29f1ba1c0f714205dd223c822…> <https://us.list-manage.com/uXNGu4sUsIF?e=4cbf43360e&c2id=fbeb58768c778023eb…> *Registration for the Library Marketing & Communication Conference is now open! * November 11-12, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch The Library Marketing and Communications Conference (LMCC), the only event of its type for this library specialty, is designed for library employees of any level who are involved in marketing, communications, public relations, social media, and outreach in academic, public, and special libraries. Conference sessions will explore issues important to this niche of library work, and the event will include time for attendees to network and discuss mutual challenges. *This conference has sold out in the past, so don't wait to register!* *Registration Rates* Full registration: $550.00 Speaker Registration: $400.00 (special code required) Volunteer Registration $500.00 (special code required) Registration Deadline: October 23, 2026 All payments for registration must be received and processed by the registration deadline for the registration to be complete REGISTER TODAY <https://us.list-manage.com/16qKBIOIBfV?e=4cbf43360e&c2id=fbeb58768c778023eb…> Hear what past attendees say "I love this conference! I learn so much and meet so many like-minded people. I hope I can return again next year; it's a great value and return on investment." "The conference is always an amazing chance to connect with others working in the library field. I always leave with a lot of great ideas and increased motivation." "This was the best conference I’ve ever attended. Every session was relevant and interesting, and every conversation I had was beneficial." "LMCC abounds with networking opportunities, high-quality speakers from public and academic libraries, and practical and applicable content! It’s well-organized and not only that, a delicious breakfast and lunch are provided, and this year they offered a visit from therapy dogs!" [image: Facebook] <https://us.list-manage.com/gnVBJEX7ycg?e=4cbf43360e&c2id=fbeb58768c778023eb…> [image: Link] <https://us.list-manage.com/gU_zC77o_nZ?e=4cbf43360e&c2id=fbeb58768c778023eb…> [image: LinkedIn] <https://us.list-manage.com/n2Y__VX3E4M?e=4cbf43360e&c2id=fbeb58768c778023eb…> *librarymarketingconference.org* <https://us.list-manage.com/ZW_MiGgebvM?e=4cbf43360e&c2id=fbeb58768c778023eb…> *Copyright © 2026 Library Marketing and Communications Conference, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you indicated you were interested in hearing from the Library Marketing and Communications Conference planning committee by signing up on our website, or attending one of our events.* *Our mailing address is:* Library Marketing and Communications Conference 4006 Belt Line Rd., Suite 125 Addison, Texas 75001 unsubscribe from this list <https://librarymarketingconference.us11.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=29f1b…> update subscription preferences <https://librarymarketingconference.us11.list-manage.com/profile?u=29f1ba1c0…>

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PT Circ Assistant
by Cierra Bakovka 22 Jul '26

22 Jul '26

JOB DESCRIPTION: Do you love talking to people? Do you delight in engaging adults in creative and interesting opportunities? Do you get excited when you recommend a book to someone you know they will enjoy? If you answered yes to these questions, Henika District Library is looking for you! Job Type: Part-Time SCHEDULE: 20-25 hrs/wk. Every other Saturday (Friday off when working Sat). Opportunity to pick up extra hours as needed by the library. Sample Schedule below. M 10AM - 4PM Tu 2PM - 6PM W 4PM - 8PM Th 2PM - 6PM F (every other) 1PM - 5PM S (every other) 9:30AM-2PM PAY RATE: Starting at $13.73/hr EXPECTED START: ASAP BENEFITS: PTO GENERAL DUTIES: Provides circulation services as operations require. Duties include, but are not limited to: Serves the public at the circulation desk by checking in and out library materials and issuing/updating library cards. Collects money for overdue fines and lost and damaged materials. Assists Circulation Supervisor with collection maintenance duties. Ensures circulation policies and procedures are followed for the proper handling of patron and materials records for an accurate library database. Sorts, packs, unpacks, and inspects library materials received from or being delivered to other libraries. Runs reports and lists for item hold information and interlibrary loan requests. Searches shelves for requests, retrieves items requested, and routes items appropriately, as well as for overdue items prior to sending overdue notices. Contact patrons or other libraries as necessary. Provides assistance to patrons and staff in the use of library equipment and machines. Familiarizes self with general library policies and enforces them as necessary. Places and fills item hold requests. Provides library and directional information to patrons in person or over the telephone. Assists Adult and Youth Librarians with programs, program prep, and creating displays Other duties as assigned REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Exceptional customer service skills. Proficient computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Drive Ability to work with general supervision and adhere to established policies and procedures. Interpersonal and communication skills for interaction with staff and patrons in an effective and courteous manner. Ability to retrieve materials from shelves upon patron or staff request. Ability to push/pull fully loaded book carts, retrieve or place materials above shoulder or below knee level, and transport materials and delivery bags weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to operate a variety of equipment including cash register, fax, and copy machines. Valid MI driver’s license and/or available transportation for travel to workshops and library-related meetings Possession of or ability to obtain at least a Level 4 Library Staff Certification from the Library of Michigan High School Diploma required, Bachelor’s degree preferred Related experience orchestrating programs and events for adults preferred Experience working in a library preferred https://www.indeed.com/job/circulation-assistant-40623d325bc69cfc Cierra Bakovka, MLIS She/Her Director Henika District Library 149 South Main St. Wayland, MI 49348 269-792-2891 ext. 309 mailto:cierra@henikalibrary.org

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