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MiLEAP: Literacy Trainings and Family Events Expands Across Michigan Amid Growing Demand for Early Learning Support
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

MiFamily Engagement Center Region 7<https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/education-partnerships/family-partnerships/…> (Ingham ISD) is offering a 2-day workshop<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V9vbPZie2SLohPbXA-g_RA5oPnsnUpvg/view?usp=…> on Family Engagement, May 7th & 8th at Michigan State University. This event is for providers, teachers, coaches, and any other professionals supporting the literacy development of children from birth through age 10. Details and registration here<https://pd.inghamisd.org/catalog/eventdetails/2703>. Additional trainings on the MAISA Literacy Essentials<https://literacyessentials.org/> for educators, and some public family events, are listed in the press release below my signature line. I encourage libraries to reach out to their regional MiFamily Engagement Center<https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/education-partnerships/family-partnerships/…> to partner in engaging with families. Thank you, Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://liblists.org/postorius/lists/miyouth.liblists.org/> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [Michigan Seal of Biliteracy] Acknowledge the incredible strength of students’ multilingual abilities. Seek the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/flexible-learning/michigan-seal-of-bi…> for graduating seniors. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>. ________________________________ Subject: PRESS RELEASE: Next Round of Literacy Trainings and Family Events Expands Across Michigan Amid Growing Demand for Early Learning Support Events Planned in Marquette, Big Rapids, Jenison, Scottville, Clare, Metro Detroit and Northeast Michigan Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fa…>. [Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT: MiLEAP-Comms<mailto:MiLEAP-Comms@michigan.gov> Next Round of Literacy Trainings and Family Events Expands Across Michigan Amid Growing Demand for Early Learning Support Events Planned in Marquette, Big Rapids, Jenison, Scottville, Clare, Metro Detroit and Northeast Michigan LANSING, Mich. – A new round of literacy-focused training events and family engagement opportunities is taking place across Michigan in 2026, building on earlier sessions and continuing to bring hands-on strategies and resources to early educators, child care providers, and families in communities statewide. The Literacy Day of Learning events and related trainings, supported by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), are part of an ongoing series happening throughout the year in regions including the Upper Peninsula, West Michigan, Central Michigan, Metro Detroit, and Northeast Michigan. The expansion follows strong demand from educators and the value they provide to Michigan’s early childhood workforce—highlighted by a sold-out March session in Grand Rapids that reached 100 participants. “Every child deserves a strong start in literacy, and every provider deserves the resources to make that possible,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “These events help equip educators and families with practical strategies that support children’s language and literacy development from the earliest years.” In partnership with the state’s 10 regional MiFamily Engagement Centers – which connect families, educators, and community organizations to strengthen early learning and development – with additional collaboration from the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) and local partners, these events are designed to support early literacy development from birth through preschool. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore practical, research-based strategies that educators and families can use immediately. Sessions focus on building children’s language, communication, and early reading skills through everyday interactions, intentional use of books, and literacy-rich environments. Each training includes interactive, classroom-ready approaches and may offer up to six hours of instruction that count toward licensing professional development requirements. Trainings are grounded in MAISA’s Literacy Essentials, which outline evidence-based instructional practices for children starting at birth. "MAISA appreciates the partnership and collaboration opportunities with MiLEAP as we support the literacy and early initiatives across the state,” said Tonya Harrison, director of curriculum and instruction for MAISA. “Our shared goal is preparing young children for success in school and life, and these trainings give educators the opportunity to strengthen classroom literacy practices in meaningful ways.”  “Early educators play a critical role in how children learn and use language every day,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP overseeing the Office of Early Education. “These trainings are designed to support that work with simple, practical tools that can be used right away.” Upcoming events include: Upper Peninsula (Region 1) * Marquette – April 9, 2026 Literacy Day of Learning, held in partnership with the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children UP Conference. Western Michigan (Region 4) (all in partnership with the Great Start to Quality (GSQ) Western Resource Center) * Big Rapids – May 16, 2026 Literacy Essentials Training: “Educators: Point Out the Print!” * Jenison – July 25, 2026 Literacy Essentials Training: “Educators: Get in the Groove with Books and Stories!” * Scottville – Sept. 25–26, 2026 Literacy Essentials Training: “Writing & Sounds” and “Keep the Conversation Going – with Children and Families” Central Michigan (Region 5) * Clare – June 12, 2026 “Unplug and Play” family event featuring take-home literacy materials, held in partnership with the Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency Additional events in Metro Detroit and Northeast Michigan will be announced in the coming months as the series continues. “Attending a recent Literacy Day of Learning was an incredibly valuable experience,” said Judy Vitucci, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) teacher at Oxford Early Learning Center in Oakland County, who attended a recent Literacy Day of Learning in Grand Rapids. “The training offered practical strategies I could immediately bring into my classroom, and it reinforced how important intentional literacy practices are in the early years. I would strongly encourage other early educators and leaders to take part in these sessions—they’re meaningful, relevant, and truly support the work we do every day with young learners.” The expansion aligns with a broader strategy recently proposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to improve literacy outcomes statewide. MiLEAP, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education, recently released Every Child Reads: Next Steps Forward<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmileap%2…>, a plan focused on strengthening literacy from early childhood through graduation using proven, research-based approaches. View the Every Child Reads website<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmileap%2…>. Literacy is foundational to lifelong success, and MiLEAP remains committed to ensuring every child in Michigan has access to high-quality early learning experiences that build strong reading, writing, and communication skills. For more information about upcoming Literacy Day of Learning events or regional opportunities, individuals are encouraged to contact their local MiFamily Engagement Center<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmileap%2…>. ### About MiLEAP: Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from birth to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fmichigan.gov%2FMiLEAP/1/0101…>. Connect with us: [facebook icon]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMichigan…> [X icon] <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FMichiganLEAP/…> [youtube icon] <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F@Michigan…> [instagram icon] <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2FMichiga…> [linkedin icon] <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%…> [threads icon] <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.threads.net%2F@michigan…> Need further assistance? Contact Us<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmileap%2…> | Help<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsubscriberhelp.govdelivery.…> ________________________________ Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fvote/1/0…>. ________________________________ This email was sent to lancasterc5(a)michigan.gov using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential · 707 17th St, Suite 4000 · Denver, CO 80202 [GovDelivery logo]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsubscriberhelp.granicus.com…>

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Bulk book boxes
by Amber Hughey 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

I remember (years ago?), reading about a website or two that have bulk boxes of books for sale. Can anyone recommend one? For use as prizes & giveaways, so not looking for anything expensive. Thanks! Amber L Hughey, MLIS She/Hers Director Bridgeport Public Library zv041 3399 Williamson Saginaw MI 48601 989-777-6030 ext 4

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Job Posting: Temporary Circulation Specialist (Substitute)
by Melissa Moore 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

Hello all! Due to some upcoming leaves, the Ferndale Area District Library is hiring a Temporary Substitute Circulation Specialist. This is a temporary position that will likely span 5-6 months with the potential to stay on as an occasional circulation substitute after 6 months. The ideal candidate should have excellent interpersonal skills, a passion for customer service, and be committed to equity and inclusion while serving a diverse community. Reports to: Head of Access Services Hours: Temporary: 5-6 months at 15-20 hours per week. Potential to stay on as an occasional substitute after 6 months. Days/Afternoons; Occasional Evenings/Weekends Hours Vary Start Date: To begin June 2026 Wages: $17.00 per hour Benefits: Accrued paid leave as provided under Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act How to Apply / Contact Please submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references and a completed employment application <https://www.fadl.org/about-us/employment-opportunities> as a single PDF document to melissa(a)fadl.org by end of day on Sunday, April 26th. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Incomplete application packets or those submitted after the closing date/time will not be reviewed. Please see attached PDF for full job description or at FADL Employment Opportunities <https://www.fadl.org/about-us/employment-opportunities> Best, Melissa Moore MA/MLIS (she/her) Head of Access Services Ferndale Area District Library 248-546-2504 x697 Currently Reading <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/174506180?utm_me…> [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/174506180?utm_me…> [image: Goodreads Logo] <https://www.goodreads.com/?utm_medium=gr_logo&utm_source=email_signature>Get your own email signature <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_instructions?utm_medium=gyo_…>

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GoLM - Save the Date: GoLMCon 2026
by Matt Grayvin 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

Hey all, The Guild of Library Makers (GoLM) invites you to our annual gathering of library makers and professionals (GoLMCon 2026). Join us for a full day of mutual aid, hands-on learning, and community building. Our mission is to provide a professional network where we share our collective knowledge, ensuring that no library professional has to navigate the complexities of a Makerspace alone. When: Friday, September 18, 2026 Where: Southfield Public Library Cost: Free Stay Updated Registration is free. To stay in the loop, join our Discord, visit our website, or reach out to us directly via email. We will also keep the community posted via Michlib-l. - Website: guildoflibrarymakers.com - Discord: discord.gg/9vRYyXKPrf - Email: guildoflibrarymakers(a)gmail.com Details and schedule to come! Matt Grayvin (he/him) Makerspace Manager Rochester Hills Public Library (248) 650-7170 Executive Director, The Guild of Library Makers

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Children's room
by EMAIL TEAM 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

Dear Librarians, Do you ever have parents bring their children to the children's room to play and they just visit with the adults and let the children tear apart the room and then leave. How can you suggest that it is a learning process to return the toys to their place. Stephanie Daniels, Director Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library 12 Church Street Hartford, MI 49057(269)588-5103http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org/

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Clinton-Macomb Public Library is hiring! FT Digital Services Librarian
by Lisa Hernandez 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

Clinton-Macomb Public Library is seeking a dynamic full-time Digital Services Librarian. This person oversees or contributes to the districtwide acquisition, integration, maintenance, troubleshooting, evaluation, and training related to the library's digital services. This includes databases, digital platforms, and digital content. This person will primarily be based at one location but expected to work at all three library locations and occasionally out in the community. For full details about this position please visit our website<https://cmpl.org/about/employment.php>.

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MeL Training: Gale Resources
by Teft, Sandra (MDE) 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

Good Afternoon, Please see below for a list of upcoming Gale webinars. The second offering in the series is coming up soon on Tuesday, April 14th. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there are specific trainings you would be interested in! MeL Training - Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints Supporting Projects and Papers Date and Time: Tuesday, April 14th at 2:00-2:30pm Learn how Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, available through the Michigan eLibrary, can strengthen argumentative, persuasive, and research-based assignments. This session highlights how the resource supports civics instruction, debate projects, and evidence-based writing by providing balanced viewpoints, reliable articles, statistics, primary sources, and multimedia content. Explore key features including topic pages, citation tools, tools to support accessibility, and content organization to help students build critical thinking skills and develop well‑supported arguments. Perfect for educators, librarians, and anyone guiding research or debate-focused learning. This session will be recorded for those unable to attend. Registration Link: https://cengage-gale.zoom.us/webinar/register/7117709028807/WN_eWN3rpl4Sga9…<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cengage-gale.zoom.us/webinar/register/71…> MeL Training - Explore New Gale eBook Titles: Library Science, America250, and Digital Literacy Date and Time: Thursday, May 21st at 2:00-2:30pm Discover the newest Gale eBook titles in Library Science, America250, and Digital Literacy available through the Michigan eLibrary. This session highlights key content within these collections and demonstrates how to navigate eBooks plus utilize both the Book View and Text View tools. Learn how to download and save chapters, save content, and use highlights and notes to capture important information for future reference. Ideal for educators, librarians, and support staff looking to enhance instruction, research assistance, and digital learning with Gale’s powerful tools and MeL’s updated Gale eBook offerings. The training will be recorded for those unable to attend. Registration Link: https://cengage-gale.zoom.us/webinar/register/7517709063945/WN_I_8OXEjqQoWk…<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cengage-gale.zoom.us/webinar/register/75…> MeL Training - Homeschool Help with Gale Resources for Secondary Students from MeL Date and Time: Tuesday, August 18th at 2:00-2:30pm Discover how Gale resources from the Michigan eLibrary can support homeschooling families with secondary students. This session highlights key databases that strengthen learning in language arts, science, social studies, and research skills. Participants will explore tools that simplify assignments, enhance independent study, and provide reliable, student‑friendly content. Learn to navigate topic pages, use reading supports, access primary sources, and incorporate multimedia to enrich instruction. Perfect for homeschool educators seeking high‑quality, Michigan‑provided digital resources to guide academic projects, strengthen critical thinking, and support curriculum needs. This session will be recorded for those unable to attend. Registration Link: https://cengage-gale.zoom.us/webinar/register/8917709070711/WN_zRSsKhfZSRmO…<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cengage-gale.zoom.us/webinar/register/89…> You can find a full listing of Continuing Education opportunities provided by the Library of Michigan, including trainings on other MeL resources here<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing…>. To find additional information on the Gale trainings listed above, as well as support tools for MeL resources, click here<https://support.gale.com/mel>. Thanks! Sandra Teft Michigan eLibrary Coordinator | Library Development Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48915 TeftS(a)michigan.gov | 517-241-0104 https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan [Michigan Seal of Biliteracy] Acknowledge the incredible strength of students’ multilingual abilities. Seek the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/flexible-learning/michigan-seal-of-bi…> for graduating seniors. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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Internship opportunity - Delta College
by Whittaker, Carol - Staff 06 Apr '26

06 Apr '26

Delta College is seeking applications for the position of Archives Intern. The paid internship will engage graduate students looking to develop professional skills in archival work including evaluation, arrangement, description, conservation, and digitization. The archives intern will assist in making collections available for use by Delta College faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community. Delta College is committed to providing students pursuing a graduate degree with a concentration in archives an excellent opportunity to participate in a comprehensive internship program. For more information and to apply please visit the full posting<https://delta.peopleadmin.com/postings/7142> Carol Whittaker, MSI (she/her) Librarian/Archivist Liaison to Health & Wellness and History Delta College Library<https://library.delta.edu/home> | (989) 686-9874 1961 Delta Road | University Center, MI 48710

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Program Recommendation - French Detroit by Charlie Bird
by Daniel Kelly 06 Apr '26

06 Apr '26

Hello Everyone! To any of you librarians out there looking for programing, I would like to highly recommend Charlie Bird and his program "The French History of Detroit 1701-1832". I have twice set up programs with Charlie at the Southfield Public Library, and both times, the presentation and Charlie's presence were great. Charlie is very friendly, and very professional, he is easy to work with, is very knowledgeable, is great with patrons and gives a great presentation. Charlie programs at SPL were both in person, but we have also live-streamed his discussion over Zoom. Both programs were also well attended, with the December program drawing around 30 patrons, and the March program drawing nearly 40. Here are the links to our past programming with Charlie at SPL: https://southfieldlibrary.org/calendar-of-events/#/events/mkAxPJSFJP/instan… https://southfieldlibrary.org/calendar-of-events/#/events/O4UZP2dfXz/instan… Here is a link to Charlie's Amazon page: Amazon.com: Charles G. Bird: books, biography, latest update<https://www.amazon.com/stores/Charles-G.-Bird/author/B0CFRCCJV9?ref=ap_rdr&…> Charlie is best contacted via email: cbird(a)wowway.com Thanks! Dan Kelly

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Storytime Survey for iSchool at University of KY
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 06 Apr '26

06 Apr '26

Hello! My name is Sarah Barriage and I am an Associate Professor in the School of Information Science at the University of Kentucky. If you are a children’s librarian or other staff member involved in children’s services, you are invited to complete an online survey for a research study exploring if and how public library staff members have incorporated content related to community, diversity, and belonging into their children’s storytimes, as well as the reasons why (or why not) they have done so. Both virtual and in-person storytimes are of interest. We are interested in hearing from library staff who have experience with this type of children’s programming, as well as library staff who do not have experience with this type of children’s programming. The survey will take about 30 minutes to complete. If you agree to participate, please complete the survey at: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ihWIS34KAMeQho You will have the opportunity to enter your name in a draw for 1 of 5 $25 gift cards. If you are not involved in children’s services at your library, we would appreciate your help in forwarding this information on to the appropriate staff member(s). With appreciation for your time, Sarah Barriage, Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Information Science College of Communication & Information University of Kentucky Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://liblists.org/postorius/lists/miyouth.liblists.org/> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [Michigan Seal of Biliteracy] Acknowledge the incredible strength of students’ multilingual abilities. Seek the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/flexible-learning/michigan-seal-of-bi…> for graduating seniors. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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