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Device Purchasing Purchase Window Now OPEN!
by Norris, Sonya (MDE) 22 Apr '20

22 Apr '20

Did you know that libraries are eligible to purchase devices such as laptops, desktops, and peripherals, often at prices below market? The Awarded Device spreadsheet<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.goo…> has been updated and put on Google Drive. Please go there for the most recent version. All purchases must be made through SPOT (go to remcsave.org<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fremcsave.o…> below and follow the instructions) As many of you probably already suspect, due to anticipated delays on some processors and with COVID-19 thrown into the mix, delivery time tables will be affected. We've asked the vendors to keep the delivery timeframes as up to date as possible in the item descriptions in the catalog. However, we strongly recommend that you contact the vendor directly before placing your order if the timing of the delivery of devices is critical for your situation. To view the Device Purchasing catalog: 1. Go to remcsave.org<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fremcsave.o…>. 2. Click on Technology on the home page. 3. Click on the Device Purchasing box. 4. Use the categories on the left under Device Purchasing to navigate through the catalog. 5. Change the number of items per page that you can see by updating the number at the bottom of the list of devices and clicking enter. To access SPOT to upload a PO, you must have an account and log in. Once you're in SPOT, use the Purchase Order icon at the top to jump down to the Purchase Order section or scroll down to the bottom. Frequently Asked Questions about the bid and SPOT, such as how to log in and how to make a purchase, can be found in the Help section on the REMC SAVE website<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelp.remc…> and the PDF version is attached. PDFs with all of the awarded devices and the options available for each awarded device are available in the Buying Guide section at the bottom of the Help page. I've also attached an Excel version of the awarded device document for those who like to sort and filter and a PDF of all of the options and accessories for the awarded devices. (In Adobe Acrobat, click on the bookmark icon on the left side of the PDF to open up a linked TOC with item numbers and device names. In Chrome click on the bookmark icon in the upper right of the PDF viewer.) Public libraries are also eligible to purchase off of this bid. Several of the vendors are also offering the opportunity to purchase the awarded devices for personal use. Information on this program will be sent out as soon as we have the info. (Personal purchases are not made through SPOT.) As always, if you have any questions, email Karen Hairston, Project Manager, at karen(a)remc.org<mailto:karen@remc.org> or spot(a)remc.org<mailto:spot@remc.org>. Also, fun fact, Karen was on the MeL team not so long ago! Sonya Schryer Norris Library Consultant Library of Michigan Michigan Department of Education 517-335-1498 Norriss2(a)michigan.gov<mailto:Norriss2@michigan.gov> https://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan https://mel.org<https://mel.org/> http://michlibrary.org<http://michlibrary.org/> You have the power to shape your future, and the future of all children, by counting everyone in your home in the 2020 Census<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmy2020cen…>. [A close up of a sign Description automatically generated]

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Outstanding Librarian Award Winner 2020: Fran Hotchkiss
by Angela Semifero 22 Apr '20

22 Apr '20

As a member of the RLC Awards committee, I'm delighted to have the chance to highlight our Outstanding Librarian of the Conference, Fran Hotchkiss. Not every librarian can say they started shelving books at their hometown library before they finished kindergarten but Fran Hotchkiss did just that. Her lifelong commitment to her local library, her community, and her profession make her our Outstanding Librarian of the Conference. Having grown up across the street from Brandon Township Library, Fran was an avid visitor there since she was a small child. At age 11, library staff started paying her $1.00 an hour to complete small tasks at the library and at age 14, with a work permit, she was hired part-time. In 1979, right after she graduated from high school, she was made Head of Children's services and continued in that role for many years, helping to raise generations of children with her "Frantastic" storytimes and programs. In addition to running literacy programs at Brandon Township Library like Baby Rhyme Time, Reading and Rhythm, "1,000 Books before Kindergarten," and "Battle of the Books," Fran has truly extended library services to meet her community wherever they are. Now serving as Community Outreach Liaison Librarian, Fran spends her time and tireless energy providing more than 30 outreach programs each month. These include providing school lunchtime programming, contacting adult foster care and senior centers, working with local homeschool populations, and participating in community events. Fran developed weekly programs at the Sashabaw Hills Mobile Home Park. This included seeking grant funding to support initiatives such as building bookshelves for more than 40 children, donating books to each child’s collection, and partnering with local individuals such as yoga instructors, dentists, and Spanish teachers to help teach children new skills. She also developed Health and Wellness initiatives such as “Stories and Steps” and takes the library’s “Meet Up and Eat Up” program on the road with her programs. Another initiative Fran developed to get books into the hands of children is the “Books in Businesses” program, in which children’s books are given to local spaces where children may have to wait with their parents such as auto repair service shops, doctor’s offices, and fitness centers. She even took her new-found interest in learning to play the dulcimer to develop a “Do-Re-Mi” dulcimer program for children. The Outstanding Librarian of the Conference not only makes significant contributions to her library, but invests herself in efforts to bring about positive change in the library community. Fran has been active in the Michigan library community for years, serving on Michigan Library Association committees and serving as a leader in planning the annual Spring Institute conference. Fran has developed workshops and presentations on storytelling and programming that have been put on throughout the State of Michigan. Fran was honored by the Michigan Library Association as Children’s Librarian of the Year in 2004 and by her alma mater, Wayne State University, with the Professional Services Award in 2016. Fran is active in her community, supporting youth through a variety of initiatives outside of her library work. As a member of the Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance Committee for more than a decade, Fran has taught and supported free parenting classes and presented at anti-bullying events, youth recognition nights, a suicide prevention program. She has done everything from directing children’s plays at church to acting as a judge for the VFW Patriot Pens Competition. Her nominator, Robin Loughlin, stated in her nomination “I am reminded of the closing scenes of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” when George Bailey’s brother calls him the richest man in town. Fran is the richest woman in town through the relationships she has built and the lives she has impacted. This community would not be what it is today without the caring, compassionate, encouraging Miss Fran!” AWARD COMMITTEE: Sonya Schryer Norris, Library of Michigan Carol Dawe, director, Lakeland Library Cooperative Angela Semifero, director, Marshall District Library Dion Mindykowski, director, Tahquamenon Area Library Martin Gibbs, Library of Michigan Foundation Board Member

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ALA News: National Library Workers Day, ALA Virtual - Community Through Connection, June 24-26, 2020
by Jennifer L. Dean 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

The following message is sent on behalf of American Library Association President Wanda Brown. CHICAGO – Today, in honor of National Library Workers Day, a celebration during National Library Week, the American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board issued the following statement: "The American Library Association stands in solidarity and support of library workers. As we said last month when we recommended and urged<http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2020/03/ala-executive-board-recommen…> all libraries to close to the public, ‘The health of our library workers and the communities we serve is of utmost and equal importance.’ “Since that time, we have been buoyed by the resilience and innovation our profession has demonstrated in unprecedented circumstances. We know that while library buildings may be physically closed, librarians and library workers are busier than ever continuing to safely deliver vital services to their communities, such as digital access, resource guides, research inquiry responses, online instruction to learners, teacher and faculty support, virtual storytimes and other content, including ebooks, movies, music, video games, and virtual programs and events. “Each of these takes effort, care, and thought to be uniquely attuned to the needs of each local community, and we applaud the library workers who have stepped up to address needs. We celebrate those who have turned on their Wi-Fi signals to supply internet access at a safe physical distance in library parking lots, partnered with local health organizations to print 3D face shields, supported teachers transitioning to distance learning, transformed bookmobiles into emergency food banks, and safely delivered so many other instances of outstanding public service. “National Library Workers Day<https://ala-apa.org/nlwd/> is an occasion to both praise their work and advocate for their continued safety. Library staff should not be asked to do nonessential work in closed library buildings and should be permitted to work remotely where feasible. In alignment with our companion organization, the ALA Allied Professional Association (APA), we advocate that library workers are paid fully during this time and continue to receive benefits such as health insurance. In municipalities where budgets are being slashed and library workers are being furloughed or laid off, ALA strongly urges<http://www.ala.org/advocacy/contact-congress> the federal government to step in and provide relief for the second responders who are getting communities through this crisis and will enable our nation’s workforce to get back on its feet during the recovery. ”Libraries and library workers have vital roles to play during and after the pandemic. We remain committed to supporting them during this challenging time.” http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2020/04/national-library-workers-day… https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/ala-national-library-… ALA News... Mark your calendar, ALA Virtual - Community Through Connection, June 24-26, 2020<https://bit.ly/2yu1o9c> American Library Association (ALA) will host ALA Virtual - Community Through Connection, an online event that will offer educational programming, special author events, and social networking on June 24-26, 2020. ALA looks forward to this unique opportunity for members and library supporters to stay connected as we move forward to empower our profession and support our communities. Read more<https://bit.ly/2yu1o9c> National Library Week, April 19-25, 2020, celebrates libraries’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic<https://bit.ly/3cxwjzS> The novel Coronavirus crisis has dramatically and quickly changed American life. Most libraries have closed their physical buildings on the recommendation of public health officials and the American Library Association (ALA), but remain open for business online and continue to support their communities with resources, services and programs. As the impact of the current public health crisis continues to evolve and change the work of libraries and library workers, libraries are proving resourceful and resilient, serving as a rich pipeline for content, delivering access to ebooks, movies, music, video games, virtual storytimes and activities, and so much more. Just as libraries are pivoting in response to the current situation, the ALA is changing the focus of its annual National Library Week celebration, April 19-25, 2020. The theme for National Library Week (NLW) 2020, “Find your place at the library,” was chosen before the emergence of the global pandemic. To acknowledge our altered landscape, ALA flipped the script a bit on the theme. “Find the library at your place” highlights how libraries are offering virtual services and digital content their communities need now more than ever. Read more<https://bit.ly/3cxwjzS> ALA releases 2020 State of America’s Libraries report<https://bit.ly/34T8EHL> The American Library Association (ALA) has released its 2020 State of America’s Libraries report, an annual summary of library trends released during National Library Week, April 19 – 25, that outlines statistics and issues affecting all types of libraries during the previous calendar year. Read more<https://bit.ly/34T8EHL> AWARDS AND GRANTS Martha Hickson receives AASL Intellectual Freedom Award<https://bit.ly/34Uyfjr> University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign announced as 2020 Student Chapter of the Year Award Winner<https://bit.ly/350CoT1> Stefanie Throndson receives AASL Innovative Reading Grant<https://bit.ly/3ePLdUm> 'The Power Project' receives AASL Roald Dahl's Miss Honey Social Justice Award<https://bit.ly/2xEf7dx> Samantha Grabus wins 2020 LITA/Ex Libris Student Writing Award<http://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2020/04/samantha-grabus-wins-2020-litae…> WEBINARS Unlocking the Library of Congress<https://bit.ly/2xNlKKr> LLAMA webinars while you work from home<https://bit.ly/34WeUOX> Jennifer L. Dean - PhD, MLIS - she, her, hers MLA Board of Directors & ALA Councilor Dean of Libraries and Instructional Technology University of Detroit Mercy deanjl(a)udmercy.edu Sent using Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/ghei36>

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Join us Friday for a dialogue about the post-pandemic library
by Pam Seabolt 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

We invite you to join MCLS staff for the next dialogue and discussion in our weekly series of conversations around the environment we find ourselves working in right now and what opportunities might exist as we move forward. This week we continue our discussion by focusing on the topic you chose last week: Removing barriers to library service. Part support group, part visioning, let’s share our thoughts and ideas as we innovate ways to create our post-pandemic future. Join us this week on Friday, April 24 at 11:00 EDT (10:00 am CDT) on Zoom. Please login using this link for the Virtual Dialogue<https://zoom.us/j/172695113?pwd=dnpuUVBudFR5MHZaTHl4bTN6UjZWdz09>. You can view the recordings and chat logs from the previous dialogues by visiting https://www.mcls.org/training-events/presentation-slides/. We look forward to seeing you Friday! *********************** Pamela Seabolt Library Strategist Engagement, Consulting, and Training Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) (800) 530-9019 ext 123 seaboltp(a)mcls.org<mailto:seaboltp@mcls.org> [signature_1435974576]<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> [signature_1604315773] <https://twitter.com/mclsorg> [signature_1195429618] <http://www.mcls.org/>

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Fw: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: KALAMAZOO PUBLIC LIBRARY PROVIDING ONLINE RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND SERVICES DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING/ISOLATION
by Farrell Howe 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, April 21, 2020 CONTACT: Farrell Howe | Marketing & Communications Manager Kalamazoo Public Library | CEN 269-553-7879 Kalamazoo Public Library is Providing Online Resources, Information, and Services During Social Distancing/Isolation for the Kalamazoo Community Kalamazoo, MI, Tuesday, April 21, 2020. While all Kalamazoo Public Library locations are closed through April 30th to help slow the spread of COVID-19, KPL staff are working remotely to provide our patrons with online services, information, and resources. * Covid-19 Local Information & Resources<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/covid-19-self-isolation-information-and-reso…>: This page provides regularly updated links for reliable resources for COVID-19 information, including how to explain the virus to children. It also includes information for food resources, financial support resources, mental health and domestic resources, community needs, and volunteer opportunities, resources for students, teachers, and homeschoolers and much more. * At-Home Fun for Kids and Families<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/at-home-fun-for-kids-and-families/>: Looking for something to entertain your kids or some fun for the whole family? Check out these free options to escape social distancing boredom including online storytimes, eBooks, online games, virtual zoo and museum tours and much more. * Ask a Librarian<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/ask-a-librarian/>: Do you have questions about your account, how to navigate our website or need recommendations for something to read, listen to, or watch? Then Ask a Librarian via online, live chat! * Online KPL Card Sign-up<https://www.kpl.gov/category/patron-support/become-a-patron/sign-up/>: Need a KPL Library Card? Sign-up today to get immediate access to our digital collection. * Browse our Digital Collection<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/lets-get-digital/>: KPL offers a large variety of digital options including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eVideos, eMusic, and eMagazines. Our website, kpl.gov is our online branch and it never closes! * Enjoy Free, Online Services including: * Learn a New Language at home with Rocket Languages<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/learn-a-new-language/> * Research your ancestry remotely with AncestryLibrary.com<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/free-remote-access-to-ancestrylibrary-com/> * Enjoy 24-Hour Streaming Music with Freegal<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/enjoy-free-24-hour-streaming-music-with-free…> * Add KPL TV to your binge-watching schedule<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/kpl-tv/> * Law students and researchers can now access WestlawNext online<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/westlawnext-is-now-available-online/> * Join us For Online Program including: * Play Animal Crossing Online with KPL Staff<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/play-animal-crossing-online-with-kpl-staff> * KPL Storytime Live<https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/kpl-storytime-live> * More online programming including book clubs are being planned and will be announced soon! We miss you Kalamazoo. Please know that our staff is thinking of you and will continue to work to serve you in any way we can. Stay safe! #### For the Media: Kalamazoo Public Library is requesting our local media outlets to please share our resources with the Kalamazoo Community. KPL staff are available for remote interviews.

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FW: Earth Day, Arbor Day & More from the DNR Get Involved (from home)
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

Please see the resources from Michigan's DNR below! Lots of great ideas for celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day this week. (excuse any cross-posting) Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 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/> You have the power to shape your future, and the future of all children, by counting everyone in your home in the 2020 Census<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmy2020cen…>. [A close up of a sign Description automatically generated] There are a lot of great, easy ways to do do your part to support the environment and celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day. Share or view as webpage<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> | Update preferences<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> [https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MIDNR/2017/12/1711…]<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> DNR Get Involved - Earth Day/Arbor Day 2020 [young girl planting tree seedling] Earth Day<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> is April 22, and Arbor Day<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> is April 24. While in-person gatherings to mark these annual celebrations and other volunteer stewardship events have been canceled to help slow the spread of COVID-19, there are ways you can support conservation and get involved in taking care of Michigan's natural resources from home. Be sure to maintain social distancing while outside by staying 6 feet away from anyone not in your household. Follow our DNR COVID-19 response page<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> for FAQs<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> and updates on facilities and closures/cancellations, and stay up to date on the latest public health guidelines and news at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> and CDC.gov/Coronavirus<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. * Celebrate Earth Day from home * Thank a tree this Arbor Day * Plan to plant native trees to help wildlife * Prepare for spring tree planting by making a sun map * Help monarchs, bees and other pollinators * Make your city a Tree City USA (with video) ________________________________ Celebrate Earth Day from home [Earth Day 2020 first grade poster contest winner]In-person Earth Day events may be canceled, but we still can get into the spirit of the annual environmental observance - marking its 50th anniversary this year - by taking action and celebrating at home. Consider the following suggestions for how you and your family can contribute to a healthier and cleaner planet: * Take a family walk and observe nature. * Plant some trees or native wildflower seeds or put in a rain or butterfly garden. See the stories below for more information on tree planting and gardening for pollinators. * Ride a bike or take a hike. See 11 actions for the planet during a pandemic<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> for more ideas, or find a digital Earth Day event<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. And check out Five Days of Earth Day<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>, a series of short videos from the DNR's education team that highlight many aspects of what it means to enjoy, share and take care of the world around us. A new video drops every morning this week at 9 a.m. on Facebook at @MiNatureDNR<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. The photo above shows one of the winners of the 2020 Earth Day Poster Contest, created by first grader Juliana Gjokaj of Monfort Elementary in Shelby Township. See all poster contest winners<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. ________________________________ Thank a tree this Arbor Day [runners on an urban trail with trees]Michigan's 20 million acres of forests and abundant urban trees do a lot for us: trees clean our air and water, make homes for wildlife, create forests for us to hike and bike through, absorb carbon, keep us cool, supply renewable materials for the things we need and provide natural beauty. Arbor Day, celebrated the last Friday in April, is a holiday dedicated to all the great things trees do for us. It's especially important for Michigan. Did you know Arbor Day, first held in 1872, was championed by Michigan native J. Sterling Morton? He envisioned it as a way to spread awareness about the importance of trees and encourage tree planting. We can keep that vision thriving by finding ways to celebrate Arbor Day locally as we observe social distancing guidelines. Here are some fun ideas: * Challenge your family to a tree ID contest using the "What Tree Is That?<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>" guide. * Create works of art with tree-themed coloring pages<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> or make nature crafts from pine cones, leaves and twigs. * Learn about the importance of trees and sustainable forest management<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. * Learn how to plant a tree<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. * Hike at your local park or nature trail and record the wildlife that live in the forest. Visit the Arbor Day Foundation website for more ways to observe Arbor Day while social distancing<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> this year. Find more information about Arbor Day on the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> website or the DNR's Urban and Community Forestry<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> webpage. ________________________________ Plan to plant native trees to help wildlife [Chickadee on a redbud branch]Jump-start a connection to nature this Arbor Day by planning to plant a native tree. While some nurseries are closed due to COVID-19 mitigation, you can plan now for the trees you want to plant when nurseries reopen. Check out online tree-buying options like the Arbor Day Foundation<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> or check with your local conservation district<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> - many have arranged opportunities to buy trees while maintaining proper distance from others. Trees native to Michigan are easy to care for and provide many benefits to wildlife, including food and shelter, as well as the environment. Learn more about the benefits of trees<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. While landscape trees from other parts of the world may be pretty, they don't provide as many ecological benefits (like wildlife food) as native trees. Picks for native trees that wildlife will flock to include eastern redbud, American elderberry, white oak, serviceberry (juneberry) and mountain ash. Learn more on our webpage about native trees to plant to attract backyard wildlife<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. You can get native plant recommendations based on zip code<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> from the Audubon Society. Spring and fall are the best times of the year to plant trees. See tree planting guidelines at ArborDay.org<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. ________________________________ Prepare for spring tree planting by making a sun map [person's hand holding ruler over sun map]Arbor Day is the perfect time start thinking about the benefits and natural beauty of trees and plants. Before you grab a shovel, make sure to pick the perfect spot for a tree to grow. Creating a sun map to track sun exposure in your growing space can help. You can make a sun map for a backyard, a garden plot or even a porch or balcony. To create a sun map, make a diagram of your yard and divide it into quadrants. It may help to visually mark the lines in your yard with string, a garden hose or chalk. Each hour after sunrise, make a tally mark on each area of your diagram that receives full sun. At the end of the day, add up the marks to determine the hours of sun exposure each area gets. Once you know your sun situation, it's easy to pick the appropriate trees and plants for your growing space. Plants and trees labeled "full sun" need six or more hours of sunlight per day. "Part-sun" or "part-shade" labels indicate that the plant needs three to six hours of sunlight, and those labeled "shade" require three hours or less of sunlight each day. In addition to sun exposure, moisture, wind and soil conditions also will affect the success of trees and plants. ________________________________ Help monarchs, bees and other pollinators [monarch butterfly on green leaf]Monarch butterflies, bees and other insects - despite their small size - play a very large role in humans' lives as they travel to flowering plants, drinking nectar and transporting pollen. Pollinators like butterflies and bees are responsible for approximately one-third of the world's food source. Due to a loss of habitat, the eastern monarch butterfly population has declined by 90% over the last 20 years, and bees have declined 50% in recent decades. These alarming drops have sparked conservation programs across the nation to take action, and thanks to efforts to protect pollinators and restore habitat, monarch populations have increased steadily over the last few years. There are a variety of ways you can help monarchs and other important pollinators in Michigan, including becoming aware of and participating in ongoing conservation efforts. Some ideas for how you can get involved: * Make your garden a great place for pollinators. See Michigan pollinator gardening tips<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> (accessible version of Michigan pollinator gardening tips<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>). * Learn about creating monarch habitat and planting native milkweed. <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> * Learn how to help and stay up to date with the latest pollinator information from Michigan State University Extension<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. * Report your monarch sightings through <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> Journey North<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> and Monarch Joint Venture.<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> * Report your bee sightings through the Bee spotter<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> and Bumble Bee Watch<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. * Become a citizen scientist and take part in one of many opportunities to study monarchs<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. * Check out more resources on the DNR's monarch butterfly page<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. ________________________________ Make your city a Tree City USA (with video) [DNR Tree City USA video thumbnail]<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> The tallies are in, and the DNR and Arbor Day Foundation are announcing that 122 Michigan communities, eight campuses, one healthcare institution and one utility have received "Tree City USA" awards, including those enrolled in associated Tree Campus, Tree Campus Healthcare and Tree Line programs. Tree USA programs promote care and management of community trees and call attention to the benefits they provide. Not familiar with the program? Watch our Tree City video<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> to learn more. Our state comes in eighth nationally in number of certified communiites, as this year the cities of Ferrysburg and Wyandotte joined the ranks of Michigan's Tree Cities. See which other Michigan cities earned Tree City USA status<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. Additionally, Spectrum Healthcare's Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids is one of the first institutions in the country to achieve Tree Campus Healthcare status. "Tree City USA helps communities set goals, raise awareness and reinforce the importance of trees," said DNR Urban Forestry coordinator Kevin Sayers. To be recognized as a Tree City, a community must meet four standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. Learn more about the programs at ArborDay.org/Programs<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. Contact Kevin Sayers, <mailto:SayersK@Michigan.gov> 517-284-5898, or visit Michigan.gov/UCF<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> for more about the DNR's Urban and Community Forestry program. ________________________________ Report invasive species to help prevent spread As you're enjoying Michigan's outdoors - while staying close to home - you can help prevent the spread of invasive species that threaten our land and water resources by reporting invasive species sightings<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. Early detection and timely reporting of these species are crucial for decreasing the chances of them taking hold, which is key to limiting potential ecological, social and economic effects. Complete census to benefit Michigan Federal money provided for many important activities - from wildlife restoration, hunter education and wildland fire preparation to disaster relief, water pollution control and so many others - is distributed to states based on census results. Take 10 minutes to complete the 2020 census<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>, if you haven't already, and help ensure Michigan gets its fair share of federal funding for vital programs and projects for the next 10 years. DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>. [facebook icon]<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>[twitter]<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>[youtube icon]<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>[Instagram_icon]<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>[pinterest icon]<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>[govdelivery icon]<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> Need further assistance? Contact Us<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…> | Provide Feedback<mailto:DNR-Bulletins@michigan.gov> Visit us on our website: Michigan.gov/DNR<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2…>

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MiYouth Virtual Meeting Reminder
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

Just a reminder we meet Wednesday, 4/22, at 10am. This week we'll be crowdsourcing summer reading ideas and alternatives, so come prepared to share! MiYouth Meetings will be weekly, at 10am on Wednesdays. Please note the added PASSWORD protection: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://michigan-host.zoom.us/j/506813991<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmichigan-…> Password: 454345 Or Telephone: Dial: USA 215 446 3657 USA 8883634735 (US Toll Free) Conference code: 519921 Find local AT&T Numbers<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telec…> Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 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/> You have the power to shape your future, and the future of all children, by counting everyone in your home in the 2020 Census<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmy2020cen…>. [A close up of a sign Description automatically generated]

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Voice-over IP
by Joe Gross 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

Good Morning! I received some very helpful responses to my questions about VOiP for libraries-thanks again to all of you who sent your thoughts and experiences! It would seem that a number of libraries have had good experience with VOiP, and Ring Central (through TLN) is a common suggestion for provider, along with some caveats. I also had a number of requests to share the information. The comments are attached and are all pasted below, let me know if formatting messes things up enough that you need something sent directly: Locally you may want to speak with CTS, Bloomingdale or Moss in GR https://www.mosstele.com/ for ideas, prices. TLN uses a voip solution called RingCentral. It's entirely cloud based - no on premise equipment. Only the desk phones would need to be purchased if you wish or if no one is at the library, you could use your cell phones with the app installed so you can save on paying for desk phones at this time. The cost is approximately $30/month per user on the TLN contract. A user is defined as a person that has a desk phone or the application installed on their cell phone. When the application is installed on your cell phone, when someone calls the library or your extension, it will ring on your cell phone. The caller will not know you're not physically at the library since the call is going through the app. When you make a call for library business, you can make it through the RingCentral app and the library phone number will appear on their caller id rather than your cell#. RingCentral also has a meetings application that's included that you can use for videoconferencing. It's similar to Zoom. RingCentral is easy to use. There is a web portal to setup all the features for your library. You are able to support your own library as an admin. RingCentral would assign an implementation manager to walk you through the settings and recording greetings, etc. Analog systems normally require on premise equipment which requires a maintenance contract and replacement within ten years. In addition, depending upon the phone system, you may have to be onsite to make any changes. In the event of a power outage, your library has no phone access. RingCentral is up 24/7 and if there's a power outage, it has no effect because it's hosted in the cloud. You can change the library greeting remotely from your cell phone to let patrons know your library is closed. Happy to reply. We are a class V public library with one building. We implemented VOIP in 2016, and I think we learned a lot from our experience since then. * Make sure you have adequate resources. VOIP doesn't use a lot of bandwidth, so it doesn't eat up a lot of your inbound internet. Hopefully your connection is reliable though. Ethernet infrastructure within your building is important of course. Often the phone itself can accommodate sharing a single ethernet cable with a computer if that is a necessity, but then you get into VLANs if you want to separate the traffic. It's my preference for the phones to have their own physical ethernet cables. We use POE switches to power the phones, which are Polycom. * We have our phone system on its own segment of IP space, and have gone a step further and physically placed it on its own little basic firewall. Owing to this, there is no interconnection between the phone network and the computer network all the way back to the WAN router. We had some initial reluctance from our provider to firewall our phone system because it denies them the ability to easily get in to troubleshoot and reprogram equipment. If the phones are on their own firewall, you could conceivably grant the phone tech a remote connection to the network without opening up anything else. I haven't had to do this, because our phone tech can talk me through things over the phone. Putting the phones on their own firewall can also help you troubleshoot your own network. If you've lost internet access on your computers, but the phones are still working, it gives you a big jump on solving the problem. * In our experience, VOIP is not as reliable as our prior landline system. Before, we had a Lucent Merlin system that hung on the wall for 20 years, requiring practically zero maintenance, and the local Ma Bell phone exchange is 300 feet from our front door. We had rock solid uptime, but higher prices for the lines and calls; so that's a trade-off. We have had some issues with our VOIP services that have required an on-site visit from a tech. It should be clear up front when you sign up how in-depth your support is, and what the expectations are for the local tech to troubleshoot and work through problems. Your relationship with your phone provider is now something you will probably have to manage more than you used to. * An advantage with VOIP is that it's easier to program equipment, such as changing the name of an extension when you hire someone new, adding speed-dials, etc. * We have been thankful for our VOIP system during this time, as it makes working remotely much easier. This includes call forwarding, voice and web access to our voicemail and call history. For an additional fee, we can get an app to install on our cell phones to replicate our desk phones (make/receive calls, access to contacts, and easier access to voicemail). Also, inside the library, we can move our phones around (as long as they are routed to a POE switch) without having to reprogram the phone, whereas on our old system the physical line dictated the phone extension and settings. * We went with a phone company that serves customers in our region (the UP). They now offer unlimited calling in the continental US as part of the base pricing structure, and we found that was hard to beat. We have each phone set up with a real 10-digit inbound number. It's also possible to cut costs by using the menu system to route incoming calls to certain phones instead of giving them all real numbers. Some providers will try to cut costs by doing "buddy phones" where one real phone number is shared between two or more physical phones (which all ring when that number is called). There are so many options that you have for configuration and call management, that I can't even begin to scratch the surface. Your RFP should be clear on expectations for real phone numbers for extensions, etc. * Our fiber connection is through Merit. If I were looking to move to another provider, I would definitely want a new bid/quote from Merit's VOIP partner, Telnet. * We still have two traditional landline numbers. One is for our elevator only. The other is shared between our fax and credit card machines. There's probably a way to eliminate those in favor of VOIP, but as of now we've decided to keep them for convenience and redundancy, and the fax service revenue helps pay that bill. ___________________________________________________________________ We actually use the RingCentral service, which has an app that we can download onto our cell phones. You go into the app and it links to our phone system at the library. So when we make outgoing calls, we don't have to be at the library, we can do it from our personal cell phones, but we are using the RingCentral app that uses the library's numbers instead. RingCentral is a Voice over IP service that we use in house, but which also has a cloud based app that can be used on a cell phone it requires a subscription, which we have through our consortia TLN We moved from a 20 year old analog system to VoIP and couldn't be happier!! We worked with Technology Solutions (see https://nrr.ninja/) based on two library director's recommendations prior to the No Reservation Recommendations website and we would also highly recommend them. We have had downtime for a few minutes from time to time, but nothing noticeable at all. We are a Class IV library in a rural setting. I hope this helps. We moved from an analog phone system to a VOIP system roughly two years ago. We replaced an Avaya system that was about 10 - 12 years old with a Mitel MiVoice Business Express system with BSB Communications as our vendor. Our RFP specifically limited the proposals to locally hosted VOIP systems. Our initial research in preparing the RFP led us to believe that cloud hosted VOIP systems would be much more expensive. We did receive one response to our RFP that included a cloud solution and that quote aligned with that expectation. While we ultimately went with BSB / Mitel, the Zultys MX solution quoted by Technology Solutions was an extremely close 2nd. Mitel appeared a bit more polished but the features were nearly identical to Mitel from what I remember. We've had issues since the migration, the biggest being periodic issues with call quality. Before moving to VOIP: * Check with your Internet provider to see if they can tag and prioritize incoming voice packets. With our current TLN / AT&T Internet connection, we're not able to do this and it limits our ability to enable Quality of Service and prioritize voice packets to ensure good call quality during times of peak network activity. * If your provider can't tag and prioritize, make sure you have plenty of bandwidth or create a plan to throttle it. When we began noticing call quality issues when our bandwidth was maxing out due to online gaming in the Teen Room, we had to begin throttling our Teen computers. We also became more diligent about making sure software updates were pushed out before or after public hours. It took months of logging issues and troubleshooting with TLN, our SIP trunk provider (TelNet World Wide), and BSB to figure this out. Other issues involved kinks and bugs with some of the extra features like the desktop app and mobile app. These were heavily pushed during the sales pitch but by the time we got them working the way we expected, most staff had lost interest in using them. Admittedly, these features were more intriguing to the IT department than the rest of the staff anyway. They're especially useful now that staff is working remotely though. The softphone option allows staff members to remotely receive work calls and to place calls and have the call appear to be coming from a desk phone extension / direct dial number. We have used VOIP for several years now. We got it from our IT people. We just recently switched to a company called Pulsar 360. Under our old company, Skytalk Plus (which was bought out by S-Net), it could take an unacceptably long time to get fax confirmations and, sometimes, the voice quality wasn't good. Joe Gross Director Ransom District Library www.ransomlibrary.org<http://www.ransomlibrary.org> -- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean.

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You're invited! Join the MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Library Advocacy - tomorrow at 10am!
by Rachel Ash 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Library Advocacy Grab a mug of your favorite beverage and join MLA, Megan Cusick, American Library Association (ALA) and Bob Devries, Governmental Consultant Services Inc. as we discuss COVID-19 relief legislation and the impact of both Federal and State legislative action on Michigan libraries during this week's MLA Connect Coffee Hour. Each the week we provide a platform for you to ask questions, share ideas, and provide input to other library professionals struggling with the global health crisis, remote work, and how to prepare for the future. This coffee hour is free to attend to anyone interested in joining the conversation! A maximum of 500 attendees can join the live event. Registered attendees will receive information and a link to access the meeting on the Zoom platform. A recording of the event will be available on the MLA website for those unable to attend the live event. Fill out this short form to register, no login required! https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAude2trD0pH9e4qrvdm10Q5OmKAYR4y3at Coffee Hour Agenda 10:00 – 10:05am Welcome and Introductions 10:05 – 10:25am: Federal Legislation in Response to COVID-19 10:25 – 10:45am Megan Cusick Q&A 10:45 – 11:10am State Legislative Impacts on Michigan Libraries 11:10 – 11:30am Bob Devries Q&A Federal Legislation in Response to COVID-19 Megan Cusick, American Library Association Librarians, library workers, volunteers and trustees are operating in unchartered territory, largely working remotely while adapting the delivery of services and resources to meet community needs. At the same time, the strain on state and local budgets is clear. Congress, too, is navigating new terrain. The CARES Act was the third coronavirus response bill passed and the first to address the unprecedented impact and reach of COVID-19. The $2 trillion bill includes provisions specifically for libraries as well as other provisions that may impact libraries, nonprofits, and our communities overall. Now Congress is back at work on a fourth bill. Throughout this time, ALA has worked with our legislative champions, our coalition partners, affinity organizations, elected officials at all levels of government, our member leaders, and others to ensure that libraries are recognized as essential to the response, recovery and resilience of our communities. State Legislative Impacts on Michigan Libraries Due to COVID-19 Bob Devries, Governmental Consultant Services Inc. Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ seems to be having the desired effect of flattening the curve of COVID-19 in Michigan, but it’s impact on the economy is substantial and Michigan is likely to see the largest budget deficit in the state’s history. Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic stretch into nearly every facet of life including a dramatic impact on the state legislative calendar and upcoming elections, as well as the budget. Many of the impacts are yet to be seen but join us as we talk through some of the ways this will change the state, our communities, and our libraries in the weeks and months ahead. [Web Icon resized] Rachel Ash Membership and Communications Director Michigan Library Association 3410 Belle Chase Way, Suite 100 Lansing, MI 48911 Phone: (517) 394-2774 ext. 225 milibraries.org rfash(a)milibraries.org<mailto:rfash@milibraries.org> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganLibraryAssociation> and Twitter<https://twitter.com/mlaoffice>!

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State of America's Libraries, 2020: American Library Association
by Jim Flury 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

Good Morning, Below is a link to the ALA State of America's Libraries report for 2020. As is noted in the report, at press time Covid-19 was making its presence felt in and on all types of libraries. The result is that libraries are now more important, relevant and necessary than ever before. [ http://www.ala.org/news/sites/ala.org.news/files/content/State-of-Americas-… | http://www.ala.org/news/sites/ala.org.news/files/content/State-of-Americas-… ] Jim Jim Flury Technical Services Manager The Library Network 41365 Vincenti Court Novi, MI 48375 248-536-3100, ext 133 Fax 248-536-3098 jflury(a)tln.lib.mi.us

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