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Mobile Hot Spots
by Bob Barringer 16 Feb '26

16 Feb '26

So, tell me about your experiences with mobile hot spots. Costs, initial and on-going. Vendors (with contact info). Ups and downs. Highs and lows. We're in a rural area with sometimes spotty internet coverage, so feedback from similar libraries is especially appreciated. But we like to hear from civilization as well around these parts. Thanks, Bob Bob Barringer, PhD Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 S. Lane St. Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 blissfieldlibrary.org Facebook: @blisslibrary

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Awesome Mitten Is Awesome For MAP!!!
by Jim Flury 16 Feb '26

16 Feb '26

All, Be sure to share this awesome Awesome Mitten Michigan Activity Pass article on your social media! [ https://www.awesomemitten.com/michigan-activity-pass/ | https://www.awesomemitten.com/michigan-activity-pass/ ] Jim Jim Flury Technical Services Manager The Library Network 41365 Vincenti Court Novi, MI 48375 248-536-3100, ext 133 Note New Fax Number: 248-716-5584 Note New Email Address:jflury@tln.org

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LM Monthly Director's Meeting for January 2026 cancelled
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Hello, Michigan, Public Library Directors- The LM Monthly Virtual Directors' meeting scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026 is cancelled. The next LM Monthly Virtual Directors' meetings will resume Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2pm ETA. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 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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Youth & Teen Services Updates
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Summer Reading Champion Just a reminder that Dan Santat<https://www.cslpreads.org/nationalsummerreadingchampion/> is the CSLP 2026 Summer Reading Champion! Dan Santat has published over 100 books for children. His most notable works include A First Time for Everything (A National Book Award winner), The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Caldecott Medal winner), Are We There Yet? (#1 New York Times bestseller), and After the Fall (New York Times bestseller). His artwork is also featured in the bestselling series The Misfts by Lisa Yee, Detective Duck by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, and Dav Pilkey’s Ricky Ricotta. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets. Thanks to CSLP's partner, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group<https://us.macmillan.com/mackids/>, Dan designed a special poster for Summer 2026. This large, full-color poster will provided at no cost to member libraries when they place an order in the CSLP store<https://shop.cslpreads.org/> starting in January (until supplies last). Libraries can also opt to download a copy below. * Discover the Fun of Reading – Dan Santat Poster<https://www.cslpreads.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Discover-the-Fun-of-Re…> * How To Draw a Dinosaur Activity Sheet<https://www.cslpreads.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SANTAT-CSLP-Handout.pdf> * Connect with Dan Santat on Social: @dsantat (IG); @dansantat.bsky.social (BlueSky); https://www.facebook.com/dan.santat/ (Facebook) Hey, fun idea for school outreach - print your library's SRP information flyer and on the back print out Dan's "How to Draw" activity sheet to give to students on your class visits! Resources Ready to Read Michigan Earlier this month we wrapped up a 2-part webinar series with The Reading League<https://www.thereadingleague.org/>. This series took a deeper dive into the Science of Reading and how libraries can help support best practices for early literacy development. Recordings and handouts are now available: * Foundations of the Science of Reading for Public Library Professionals (Part 1 of 2)<https://youtu.be/X_Q6GpOBAQA> (Recorded 1/27/26) * Foundations of the Science of Reading for Public Library Professionals (Part 2 of 2)<https://youtu.be/riT7iYlX4h0> (Recorded 2/3/26) * Handouts<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B17lQdp8do8Bka1vEtuoGpde3qRW2_vA?us…> - Note to registrants, there are now additional handouts included here from The Reading League. Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 Rise is accepting applications for ALA members interested in the 2027 committee. Applications are due by the end of day, Monday, February 16. The term begins on March 1, 2026, and runs through January 2027. Accepted applicants typically serve a 4-year term, although this is not required. You can get additional information about applying at Rise's website<https://risefeministbooks.wordpress.com/about/apply-to-join-rise/>. You can also explore this year's Top 10 list<https://risefeministbooks.wordpress.com/2026-rise-a-feminist-book-project-t…>, this year's full list<https://risefeministbooks.wordpress.com/current-booklist/>, and prior year lists<https://risefeministbooks.wordpress.com/previous-book-lists/>. Members of this committee read and nominate fiction and nonfiction across the 0-18 spectrum. You'll get lots of great books sent to you, use your favorite methods for tracking down other books that might off the beaten path, and have invigorating conversations with each other! 2026 Día Reading Lists for Free Download! Celebrate Día this year with engaging stories for children representing a variety of cultures and backgrounds. This year's Día reading lists are available in English AND Spanish and free to download and distribute to your patrons to share the #bookjoy! The lists are a great supplement to Día programming and stand on their own as a trusted guide for families looking for diverse books. Don't forget the National Día Program Registry<https://www.ala.org/alsc/initiatives/dia/national-dia-program-registry-form…>. Tell us about your programs and promote them on the registry. Check out the 2026 Día Reading Lists<https://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/Dia-2026?_zs=Fu5…>! LENAR LENA<https://www.lena.org/> <https://www.lena.org/> is a national nonprofit on a mission to  transform children’s futures  through  early talk technology  and  data-driven programs. What Is a Language Environment? Making Space for Every Child’s Voice Free Webinar — March 5 at 1:00 pm ET, A conversation about language isolation and creating spaces where every child is heard. Register here<https://www.lena.org/language-environment-webinar/>. LENA also has new 10‑Minute Mini‑Courses. They’re short, free, and easy to use — perfect for educators who want simple, actionable strategies for building stronger interactions throughout the day. Explore those mini-courses here<https://courses.lena.org/>. Prepare for Citizen Science Month (April!) Join an Acts of Science: Connected event on Zoom online, or join in-person at a local livestream gathering (host one at your library!). Together, we’ll: * Travel to Mars on April 2 * Preserve American history on April 10 * Play games on April 16 * Track animals on April 22 * And even catch comets on April 29 Registration is free but required. Save your spot!<https://pages.scistarter.org/connected/> Libraries, Museums, Schools and Community Organizations: time is running out to apply for a grant to host an Acts of Science: Connected event to livestream into your in-person gathering. Apply today!<https://pages.scistarter.org/connected-facilitators/> In the News... The Costs of Youth Attachment to AI Companions<https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/the-costs-of-yout…> - Screen Deep Podcast, 2/2026 Getting Creative -Summer Reading Programs<https://www.slj.com/story/newsfeatures/Getting-Creative-Summer-Reading-Prog…> - SLJ, 2/2/26 Library to Open New Experiential Gallery for Children and Teens This Spring<https://newsroom.loc.gov/news/library-to-open-new-experiential-gallery-for-…> - Library of Congress, 2/12/26 Enjoy the sunshine & warmer temps this weekend! 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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Free Filing Cabinet
by Jessica Sulecki 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

Hello all, Charlotte Community Library has an available filing cabinet! The drawers do not lock, but they all work. It is free, but it is very heavy, so we ask that you come pick it up if you'd like it. Thanks! Jessica Sulecki Library Director Charlotte Community Library 226 South Bostwick Charlotte, MI 48813 (517) 543-8859 suleckij(a)charlottelibrary.org<mailto:bigelowj@charlottelibrary.org>

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MI PR Group upcoming meeting reminder - Tuesday, April 16
by Kelly Rembert 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '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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Program Recommendation - Maurice Imhoff author of The 1st Colored Regiment: Free Men Who Fought Slavery
by Kelly Rembert 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

Hi, I wanted to recommend author Maurice Imhoff. He is the author of The 1st Colored Regiment: Free Men Who Fought Slavery<https://www.amazon.com/1st-Michigan-Colored-Regiment-Slavery/dp/146715878X/…>. We posted a few photos from the presentation at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BEGmrSaY4/. He is based out of Jackson and you can contact him at imhoff.maurice(a)gmail.com. 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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LM's CE Stipend still available for PLA
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

Hi! From Building Babies' Brains to Inclusive Youth Programming, I see quite a number of intriguing youth services programs at PLA's Annual Conference<https://www.placonference.org/> this year. And don't forget MLA's Spring Institute<https://www.milibraries.org/spring-institute> is also coming up fast! To take advantage of attending these great opportunities for networking and ideas on expanding your library's reach, you can still apply for the Library of Michigan CE Stipend<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/scholarships/librar…> through the end of February for reimbursment on qualified<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/-/media/Project/Websites/library…> <https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/-/media/Project/Websites/library…> PLA and MLA SI expenses. Applicants can also request an additional $150.00 if your library is more than 150 miles from the event location. Please visit our CE Stipend site for more information: https://www.mi.gov/cestipend. I will be attending both these conferences myself, so I hope to see you there! 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. [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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Calling all Poets & Parodists
by Janet O'Keefe 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

If you are a poet, or know any who might be interested, please consider submitting a work! We know there are funny people out in library land and we'd love to celebrate you. Gloria Coles Flint Public Library Celebrating 175 Years with the Return of the Julia Moore Poetry Contest To honor its 175th Anniversary, the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library is excited to announce the return of one of its most unique and beloved historic programs: The Julia Moore Poetry Contest. This contest is part of a yearlong celebration of the Library’s impact, service, and commitment to the Flint community since 1851. It’s good to be bad! Julia Moore (1847–1920), known as “The Sweet Singer of Michigan,” became famous not because her poetry was praised, but because it was joyfully bad. Audiences came to laugh at her work, not with it. But Moore always kept her sense of humor and once said, “You have come here and paid twenty-five cents to see a fool; I receive seventy-five dollars and see a whole houseful of fools.” Her poems were sentimental, dramatic, and often centered around disasters, tragedies, and death. Nothing was off limits. And now the Library invites the public to embrace that same spirit in celebration of creativity, humor, and community. Do you love a rhyme that barely rhymes? Do you feel a collapsed bridge is absolutely poem-worthy? Do you think an awkward metaphor is sometimes exactly the right choice? If so, this contest is for you. This contest is one of many opportunities throughout 2026 where the Library will uplift our history, our roots, and the voices that have shaped Flint for 175 years. For nearly two centuries, people have come through our doors to learn, laugh, imagine, and create. This contest invites the community to celebrate that joyful legacy and to add their own voice to the story. Come all good people, far and near, Oh, come and see what you can hear! Entries will be accepted: January 1, 2026 through March 18, 2026 Winners’ celebration: Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Location: Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503 Winners may read their poem during the event, but it is not required. Full contest details and online submissions are available at https://www.fpl.info/julia-moore-contest Janet T. O'Keefe Lead Librarian Gloria Coles Flint Public Library 1026 E. Kearsley Flint MI 48503 810-249-2579 She/Her/Hers

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GoLM - Summer Reading Button Exchange
by matt.grayvin＠rhpl.org 12 Feb '26

12 Feb '26

It’s time for the first ever Summer Reading Button Exchange! What is a button exchange? The Guild of Library Makers is inviting libraries and partner organizations to create buttons and send them in to be mixed into mystery boxes that will be mailed back out to participants. Show off your creativity and receive a box of buttons from libraries across the state. To participate, make 50 buttons with a summer reading theme and send them to us. We will mix all submitted buttons, sort them into mystery boxes, and return one box to each participating group. The exchange is open to libraries, schools, library co-ops, and other organizations that partner with their local library to promote and support summer reading. If you participate in RIDES and invite a group that does not, please have them use your library as the receiving location for their mystery box to help reduce shipping costs. What you do with the buttons is up to you. Display them, wear them, give them to patrons, or trade them with other libraries. We encourage you to share photos and send thank-yous or shout-outs to the groups whose buttons you receive. How to sign up Email guildoflibrarymakers(a)gmail.com Your email must: * Include “2026 Button Exchange” in the subject line * Include the name of your library, institution, or organization * Include your RIDES code, if applicable (RIDES codes can be found at members.mcls.org/w/melcatforms/melcontacts-rides.cfm) * Include your physical mailing address * Include a primary contact name, phone number, and email address Make 50 buttons Be creative. Buttons can be made using a button press, illustrated by students, 3D printed, crocheted, or made by any other method. Use any fastening style (pin back, magnet clasp, etc.), but please ensure sharp components are secured for shipping and keep overall weight reasonable. Your buttons must: * Have a summer reading theme * Include your organization’s name or logo so recipients know where they came from If you need help making buttons, contact the Guild of Library Makers at guildoflibrarymakers(a)gmail.com and we will connect you with support or local resources. Prepare and ship your buttons Place all buttons in a box. Please do not ship in an envelope. Clearly label the outside of the box with “2026 Summer Reading Button Exchange.” Include a sheet inside the box with: * Your organization’s name * Your RIDES code (if applicable) * Your mailing address * A contact name, phone number, and email address Buttons must be received no later than March 31, 2026. Shipping options: Send through the RIDES network to: Dearborn Heights Library, John F. Kennedy, Jr. Branch Attn: Carolyn Smith RIDES code: 500-ZV370_28 Or mail/drop off at: Wilder Branch Library Attn: Sarah Mills / Justine Cucchi-Dietlin 7140 E 7 Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48234 After that, relax and wait for your mystery box. We will begin processing submissions during the first week of April and ship all boxes by the end of the month so they arrive in time for summer reading. We encourage participants to take photos of their designs, staff, volunteers, and creative process. Share them on your website or social media using #SummerReading and #MIButtonExchange. You may also email photos to guildoflibrarymakers(a)gmail.com or share them in our Discord community at https://discord.gg/9vRYyXKPrf Thank you to the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Branch of the Dearborn Heights Library, the Wilder Branch of the Detroit Public Library, and the Deliveries team at The Library Network for helping make this exchange possible. Questions, suggestions, or interested in helping? Connect with the Guild of Library Makers. Website: guildoflibrarymakers.com Email: guildoflibrarymakers(a)gmail.com Discord: https://discord.gg/9vRYyXKPrf Happy making! GoLM

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