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Reminder: Library of Michigan - Grants Office Hour - Tuesday, May 20th
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 09 May '25

09 May '25

The next Library of Michigan Grants Office hour will be Tuesday, May 20th at 3:00 PM. The topic will be Assessment and Evaluation and Q & A. Feel free to send me questions to address at the Office Hour. Register for the Grants Office Hour at https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… See you on the 20th! Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021, www.michigan.gov/lsta<http://www.michigan.gov/lsta> [A logo for the Michigan School Meals program.] All public-school students have access to free breakfast and lunch again for School Year 2024-25! Don't forget to complete and turn in the application or form from your school district's food service department to ensure the funding for education and nutrition benefits continues.

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Millage Campaign Questions – Staff/Board Advocacy & Board Vote Requirements
by Jack Buck 09 May '25

09 May '25

Hi, Apologies for the flurry of questions on the listserv over the past 24 hours. I’ll take a long break after this one. I have a couple of questions related to millage campaigns and hope to learn from your experience: 1. Informational Campaigns and Personal Advocacy In an informational only campaign, without an official “Vote Yes” committee: * Can Board Trustees or staff express personal support from their own social media accounts (for example, posting “Vote Yes and here's why” in local Facebook groups)? * As the library director, can I provide staff and Board members with a unified FAQ to help them respond to common questions on their personal accounts? Or does that risk blurring the lines too much without an official advocacy group in place? I understand the clearest path under campaign finance laws is to establish a “Vote Yes” committee. Still, I’ve heard of libraries running successful informational campaigns without one, since it can take significant time and energy to set up such a group. 2. Board Vote Requirements for Ballot Proposals Does a library board need a unanimous vote to adopt the resolution to put the levy proposal on the ballot , or is a simple majority ( 6–1/5–2) sufficient? Thanks. TGIF. Jack -- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean.

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Program Recommendation-ASL Classes-Association for the Advancement of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
by Jessica Bostian 08 May '25

08 May '25

Good afternoon Michigan libraries! I wanted to share a program recommendation with everyone, as I have had fantastic turnout and experiences working with this organization: The Association for the Advancement of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing<https://aadhh.org/> has taught multiple Beginning American Sign Language classes here at the main branch of the Detroit Public Library, and it's been one of my most popular, successful, and requested programs. The staff and volunteers at AADHH are very kind and engaging, and their passion and dedication to their mission is so apparent in how they reach the public. I have their contact information below, but if you'd like any further details, please feel free to reply here or give me call! Thank you everyone! Toni Cannon-Mitchell, Cofounder Association for the Advancement of Deaf/ Hard-of-Hearing (AADHH) 9591 Ward Street Detroit, MI 48227 aadhhnonprofit(a)gmail.com<mailto:aadhhnonprofit@gmail.com> www.AADHH.org<http://www.aadhh.org/> Jessica Bostian Assistant Manager/Librarian III Patent and Trademark Resource Center Representative Detroit Public Library Social Science, Education & Religion Business, Science & Technology 5201 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48202 jbostian(a)detroitpubliclibrary.org 313-481-1403

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Request for Extra Rubber Bands for Houghton Lake zv667
by Erica Luck 08 May '25

08 May '25

The Houghton Lake Public Library needs rubber bands. We recently purchased a box of 1,000, but due to high usage, we're still running low. If any libraries have a surplus and are willing to share, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance! -- Erica Luck She/Her/Her's Library Assistant: Cataloging Houghton Lake Public Library 989.366.9230 eluck(a)hlpl.org *Currently Reading* <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/86718324?utm_med…> [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/86718324?utm_med…>

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Newsletter Mailing Process
by Jack Buck 08 May '25

08 May '25

Hello, Our library prints a quarterly newsletter and distribute it through outreach events, the local school district, and high-traffic businesses. We’re now wanting to mail the newsletter directly to township residents. If your library does this, how do you manage your distribution? Do you work directly with the post office for mailing, or does your printing company handle that process as part of an added service? For what it’s worth, we are located in Kalamazoo County. With a household number of 3,300 in our service area. Thanks for your assistance. -- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean.

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Book Ends: ALL CLAIMED
by Tracy Logan 08 May '25

08 May '25

The race is done. All the spoils have been claimed. -- Tracy Logan Library Director Cadillac Wexford Public Library 411 S. Lake Street Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-6541 logant(a)cadillaclibrary.org

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IMLS Article in today's Slate
by Kristen Valyi-Hax 08 May '25

08 May '25

Here's another article regarding the IMLS lawsuits: https://slate.com/life/2025/05/trump-news-doge-library-funding-cuts-legal-b… -- *Kristen Valyi-Hax* *Director* MacDonald Public Library 36480 Main St, New Baltimore, MI 48047 (586) 725-0273 *she/her*

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Job Opportunity: Manager - User Services at WMU
by Mary K O'Kelly 08 May '25

08 May '25

To apply: https://www.wmujobs.org/postings/3775 Western Michigan University library seeks a manager specializing in loan fulfillment for our User Services Department. Major duties: * Provides customer service and support to library users. Monitors service expectations at the services desk. * Leads and provides program oversight for one or more of the following areas within the User Services Department: loan fulfillment, stacks maintenance, patron records and billing, or staff and student onboarding and training. * Coordinates department activities and programs with the library. * Collaborates with library staff to implement library policies. Provides clarification and interpretation of library policies and procedures. * Offers technical assistant for patrons. * Monitors and reports the maintenance environment of the library. * Hires, trains, evaluates and supervises staff and student employees. Minimum qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Three years' relevant experience. * Supervisory or lead experience. * Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. * Experience in a public or customer service role in a library. * Strong computer and technical skills. * Demonstrated ability to respond to emergencies and ensure a safe library environment. * Working knowledge of library search terminology, library databases, and an integrated library system. * Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation For questions, please contact User Services Librarian Jon Scherger (jonathan.scherger(a)wmich.edu<mailto:jonathan.scherger@wmich.edu>) or Associate Dean Mary O'Kelly (mary.okelly(a)wmich.edu<mailto:mary.okelly@wmich.edu>).

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Sensory Room Policies
by Zac Larson 08 May '25

08 May '25

Hello Michlib, We will be adding a sensory room to our library. I assume most of the libraries out there with sensory rooms have policies for those rooms as well. If you are willing to share your policies, please send them to me. It would help me get a starting point and see what's needed for a room like this. Thank you so much! Zac Larson Pronouns: He/Him Administration Collection Development Librarian Staffing and Scheduling Devereaux Memorial Library 201 Plum Street[http://www.crawfordco.lib.mi.us/dnn/portals/0/devsm.jpg] Grayling, Michigan 49738 Phone: 989-348-9214 Ext. 203 Fax: 989-348-9294 [cid:5b181eb8-9de1-4653-9cc7-e5070caf9918]

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Re: [Michlib-l] FW: ARSL Grant Opportunities Digest - May
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 08 May '25

08 May '25

Apologies all, it appears all the links were stripped out in the email Karren shared - try the ones below. If they get stripped out again, you are able to find the grant information with an online search. 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://lists.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/miyouth> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigan-top-10-strategic-education-…> provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners. [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/>. ARSL Home<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/088b5546-b9e5-469a-b412-73ea2d7c…> | About<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/088b5546-b9e5-469a-b412-73ea2d7c…> | Join<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/088b5546-b9e5-469a-b412-73ea2d7c…> | Support<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/088b5546-b9e5-469a-b412-73ea2d7c…> | ARSL Store<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/088b5546-b9e5-469a-b412-73ea2d7c…> [Image] ARSL Grant Opportunities Digest Disclaimer: These grants have been reviewed by ARSL for applicability for rural and small libraries. Information is provided by 3rd party organizations and subject to change without notice. Always review the grantor's website to ensure full understanding of grant requirements, obligations, and deadlines before applying. Available Grants Rural Technology Education & Assistive Technology (AT) Grants Important Dates: Open year-round, decisions are made in 4-6 weeks. Geographic Scope: Grants to schools and organizations operating in the United States Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis: Grants are typically $500 - $2,500 for staff and student-led projects in public schools and libraries. The projects funded are designed to help spark student interest in technology-based careers like computer science, computer engineering, information technology, programming, cyber security, robotics, or similar areas. In some cases, these project donations may include a few smaller items like a Raspberry Pi microcomputer or a robotics kit or entire Maker Spaces equipped with things like circuit development kits, 3-D printers, robotics kits, and classroom sets of individual microcomputers to build upon. Other projects include early-stage robotics classes, teams, and clubs interested in project-based learning that culminates in competitive events like FIRST. The focus is on funding libraries and schools in rural or high-poverty areas that are designed to reach multiple students equitably and help establish ongoing student interest groups like maker spaces and coding clubs. Student Scholarship Programs<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/088b5546-b9e5-469a-b412-73ea2d7c…> are also available for students living in rural areas. Application Requirements: A short-form application includes contact information, information about the student population, a budget, a narrative about the project, and the necessary materials. Reporting Requirements: Periodic updates are preferred but not required. [Grant Information] [Rural Tech Grant Application] Believe in Reading - Grants for Literacy Program Important Dates: Grant applications are considered as they are received. There are no specific deadlines. Geographic Scope: United States Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis: Grants are made to organizations with 501(c)(3) status or its equivalent for educational institutions, including public libraries. Believe in Reading will consider funding programs that serve any age or aspect of supporting reading and literacy, including adult literacy, English as a second language projects, or Braille projects for the blind or visually impaired. Believe in Reading will supply funds only if they are earmarked for literacy, not just a general campaign. Reading must be the prime activity. Because addressing literacy is not a short-term process, Believe in Reading's grants are renewable for up to a maximum of three years, but a first-year award does not guarantee any subsequent awards. Currently, the maximum grant amount is $10,000; however, the vast majority of grants are for $3,000 or less. First-time applicants will not be funded for more than $3,000. Application Requirements: Application, proof of tax-exempt status, history of the organization, stats of success, population demographics, and programmatic details. Reporting Requirements: Outcome-based reports are required from the grantee at the end of the project, and interim reports are very welcome. Reports include the amount of the grant and how it was spent, the number of readers served, the number of hours spent by staff, and other simple figures to give a snapshot of how your program is progressing. Photos are appreciated as well. [Grant Information] [Believe in Reading Grant Application] T-Mobile Hometown Grants Important Dates: Next round closes June 30th. Applications will be open quarterly with the following schedule: Spring Applications open January-March; Summer Applications open April-June; Fall Applications open July-September; and Winter Applications open October-December. Geographic Scope: Small U.S. Towns. The project must be located in towns with less than 50,000 people and should provide a community benefit where it might otherwise be difficult to secure funding. Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis: T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through 2026 to support small towns, villages, and territories across America by funding community projects to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program funds projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. Projects should be shovel-ready, physical builds or improvements that can be completed within 12 months of receiving Hometown Grants funding. Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to adaptive uses of older and historic buildings into community gathering spaces, improvements to outdoor parks or trails, and technology projects for the public library. Funds may not be used for engineering and architectural plans or fees, salaries or annual operating expenses, or reimbursement for projects that have already been completed. Application Requirements: 3-5 page proposal must include plans, budget, timeline, anticipated impact, and up to five letters of support. Reporting Requirements: Selected winners will provide status updates on their projects at 6 and 12 months. Plans must be able to be executed within 12 months of receiving funds. [Grant Information] [T-Mobile Grant Application] Tocker Foundation Library Grants Important Dates: June grant cycle application deadline is June 1st with notifications typically going out in early-mid August. January grant cycle application deadline is January 15th with notifications going out in mid-late March. Geographic Scope: Rural libraries in Texas Opportunity Criteria/Synopsis: The Tocker Foundation is dedicated to the support of rural, public libraries in Texas serving populations of 12,000 or less. The Foundation's biannual General Library Grant program focuses on enhancing public library services. Past grants have supported collection development, technology and equipment upgrades, new programming, and other projects initiated by the community's patrons. The Transformation Grant program helps libraries rethink and recreate space for today's uses by pairing the library's staff and leadership with an architect. Interested applicants for both programs must first contact the Foundation staff. (Automation Grant and Newspaper Digitization Grant applications are accepted throughout the year.) Application Requirements: Brief application which includes contact Information, specific library information, budget and narrative of the grant funding need. Reporting Requirements: One grant project report due one year from the date the grant was awarded. [Grant Information] [Tocker Foundation Grant Application] External Grant Resources Book Recommendation Winning Grants, Third Edition (2024) offers a straightforward five-step process to help libraries secure funding. Packed with practical examples, 18 worksheets, and inspiring success stories from nine grant-winning libraries, this guide is an essential resource for grant seekers. Written by Stephanie Gerding-an experienced grant writer, reviewer, funder, evaluator, and project manager-this edition emphasizes strategic planning and community-centered approaches to maximize funding success. [Purchase Winning Grants, 3rd Edition] Online Community Recommendation Library Support Network-Designed as a space for collaboration and support, this network fosters peer-to-peer sharing, strengthens advocacy efforts, and amplifies fundraising initiatives for collective impact. By building a sustainable community, the Library Support Network empowers libraries to secure the resources they need to thrive. Raising money for libraries comes with unique challenges, and the Library Support Network is here to help navigate them. [More About Library Support Network] [Image] Contact Info: The Association for Rural & Small Libraries PO BOX 33731, Seattle, WA, 98133 (206) 453-3579 info(a)arsl.org<http://arsl.memberclicks.net/message2/link/088b5546-b9e5-469a-b412-73ea2d7c…> Connect with Us! [Facebook] [Instagram] [LinkedIn] ________________________________ The Association for Rural & Small Libraries * PO Box 33731, Seattle, Washington 98133, United States * 206-453-3579<tel:206-453-3579> [Powered by MemberClicks]<http://www.memberclicks.com/>

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