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Storytime Bags - What Do You Use?
by Lorry Traver 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Hello everyone, My library has been using the clear stadium bags for our storytime bags because those are large enough to hold most picture books, but they do not hold up well long-term so we are searching for a better option. If you have circulating storytime kits at your library, could you send me a photo of one of the bags, possibly a link where you purchased the item from, and how long these bags/bins tend to hold up for you approximately? Thank you so much! -- *“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled is a spark.”* *—*Victor Hugo *Lorry Traver (She/Her)* Public Services Librarian Brandon Township Library 248-627-1460

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Vermiculture “Performers”
by Lindsey Kult 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Hi! Does anyone know of a vermiculture (worm farming) specialist/hobbyist in southeast Michigan that might be interested in sharing their experiences/hobby for a library program? We could gear it toward adults or children. Thank you! *Lindsey Kult* *She/Her* Youth Librarian; Library Supervisor Dearborn Public Library [image: Dearborn Public Library]

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New Documents for November and December 2025
by Bruce Sarjeant 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Good Morning and happy 2026. 2 months worth of new documents posted today--lots of Michigan ones including: - Diocese of Grand Rapids: A Complete Accounting. - Michigan Community Tree Species Selection Guide. - The Economic Contribution of Michigan's Vegetable Farming and Processing Sectors. - [Michigan] Winter Energy Appraisal for 2025-2026. - 2024 Report of the Great Lakes Regional Water Use Database. - Michigan Veterans: Population, Employment, and Earnings. - Report: Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. http://godortmi.pbworks.com/w/page/162917601/November%20and%20December%2020… -- Bruce Sarjeant (pronouns: *he, him, his*) Reference, Documents & Maps Librarian Lydia Olson Library, Harden Hall #209 Northern Michigan University 1401 Presque Isle Ave Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 227-1580 https://nmu.libguides.com/c.php?g=1418950 bsarjean(a)nmu.edu

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Program recommendation cookie decorating
by Julie Oparka 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Hi all, Our library hosted a cookie decorating program with Michelle Moore from Joy to-go Bakery. The patrons enjoyed the program and had a great time. After demonstrating the basics, each person had their own cookies to decorate and take home. Michelle is a great instructor and was very hands on and professional. I recommend her program, and we hope to have her back at LDL again this year. Michelle Moore joytogobakery.com joytogobakery(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Julie Oparka *Lapeer District Library* *Adult Services Department Head, deAngeli Branch* 921 W. Nepessing St. Lapeer, MI 48446 (810) 664-9521, ext. 3218 joparka(a)lib.lapeer.org

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Reminder: Library of Michigan - Grants Office Hour - January "Technology Needs and Grants"
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Resending with the correct subject heading. Sorry about that. >>> The next Library of Michigan Grants Office hour will be Tuesday, January 13th at 3:00 PM. The topic will be Technology Needs and Grants. 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 13th! Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta<http://www.mi.gov/lsta> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan]<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education…> [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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Reminder: Library of Michigan - Grants Office Hour - December Q & A / Grants Management Procedures
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

The next Library of Michigan Grants Office hour will be Tuesday, January 13th at 3:00 PM. The topic will be Technology Needs and Grants. 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 13th! Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta<http://www.mi.gov/lsta> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan]<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education…> [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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Youth & Teen Services Updates
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 02 Jan '26

02 Jan '26

Resources El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) - April 30, 2026 Is 2026 your year to host a Día event and connect children and families in your community with diverse stories and languages? We would be delighted to see your library among those hosting Día-inspired activities for 2026. ALSC offers various resources to support libraries in promoting literacy for all. National Día Program Registry 2026<https://www.ala.org/alsc/initiatives/dia/national-dia-program-registry-form>. Share your programs and get inspired! The Día Program Registry allows you to showcase your diversity programming and discover new ideas from library colleagues nationwide. By adding your events to the database, you will contribute to growing the 2026 Día program map and data table. Complete the program submission form. Social media graphics<https://www.ala.org/alsc/initiatives/dia/free-resources-0>. Download free eye-catching graphics to promote your Día events on social media. Recommended reading lists<https://www.ala.org/alsc/initiatives/dia/free-resources-0>. Stay tuned. The 2026 Día reading lists, highlighting engaging stories that feature diverse cultures, will be available in February! Talk Story 2026 Grant: Apply Now<https://www.apalaweb.org/talkstorytogether/grant/>! This grant supports library and community organizations in their efforts to highlight Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) stories through programs, services, and collection materials. The aim is to support family literacy, intergenerational programming and service, cultural literacy, and representation of AANHPI and AIAN identities and communities. The grant details are available below, in the attached flyer, and on the APALA Talk Story Grant<https://www.apalaweb.org/talkstorytogether/grant/> webpage. Please feel free to share this opportunity widely with your networks! Upcoming LM Youth Services Trainings MiYouth Tuesday, January 13th 2:00 pm ET Public library staff that work with youth are invited to join LM’s Youth Services Advisory Council (YSAC) for networking and guided discussion. MiYouth meets quarterly (months vary) on the 2nd Tuesday at 2pm. Looking forward to seeing you at the next “MiYouth TWOsday!” No need to register, just join us at 2pm ET! (This meeting is not recorded, but shared notes will be sent out) Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/506813991?pwd=Z2NBMTFES1BlRlNVc2lhbzV1eTJ0QT09 Password: 454345 Ready to Read Michigan Presents: Foundations of the Science of Reading for Public Library Professionals<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> (a two-part webinar series) Tuesday, January 27, 2026 and Tuesday, February 3, 2026 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET The Reading League advances the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction. This two-part webinar series* will be taking a deeper dive into the "Science of Reading" and how libraries can help support best practices for early literacy development. The Science of Reading embodies over 40 years of research findings from multiple fields of study that shine a light on key fundamental principles of reading instruction. In the Foundations of the Science of Reading session, participants will learn about three "anchors" that have emerged from this research. These include: * The Simple View of Reading (Gough & Tunmer, 1986) * Scarborough's Reading Rope (Scarborough, 2001) * Four-Part Processing Model for Word Recognition (Seidenberg & McClelland, 1989) *This webinar will be recorded for registrants<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…>, but live attendance is encouraged for an engaging conversation. When you register for part 1 you will automatically be enrolled in part 2! This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Gather 'Round the Table with Teens - a food literacy workshop (rescheduled) In-person workshops, 10:00 am ET - 5:00 pm ET for the following dates/locations: * Monday, April 20, 2026 - Register for this session<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> at Jackson District Library's Meijer Branch, 4699 Airport Road, Jackson, 49202. * Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - Register for this session<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> at Traverse Area District Library's Woodmere Library, 610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City 49686. * Friday, April 24, 2026 - Register for this session<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> at Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint, 48503. Food literacy is essential for teens to understand and learn about food in a positive way, including food skills and best food practices. Young Adult library library staff will benefit from this workshop designed to guide libraries to in turn support teens as they explore the impact of food on so many levels of their lives. This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Happy 2026! 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/> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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Re: Digital Conversion Center/Memory Lab
by Dennis Jameson 02 Jan '26

02 Jan '26

Nicole/Jill-- The Dearborn Public Library has had a Digitization Lab since 2018. I am the staff member that coordinated setting up our D-Lab and choosing equipment to order, software to use, etc. While originally envisioned as a self-service lab with a technician available to show the patrons how to use our equipment for their digitization projects, over time it has become a drop off service. This happened shortly before/after COVID, as our main library (Henry Ford Centennial Library) was also undergoing a major HVAC renovation from May 2019 - August 2020. After reopening to the public in late 2020 or mid 2021, it became fully drop off. When we did have people coming in and working on their projects themselves, it was mostly using our flatbed Canon scanner to scan slides, photos, negatives after showing them how to use the software to change settings, scan multiple images, etc. Once they get a workflow going, if the patron is fairly tech savvy, it's easy enough for them to do a significant amount in a 1-3 hour session. Regarding conversion of video and audio formats, since the playback has to be done in real time, it's not conducive to have patrons waiting around 2 to 4 or 6 hours for a VHS tape to be recorded (depending on whether it was recorded in SP, LP, or SLP), or an hour or two for a camcorder tape to be recorded. That's why we (relatively) quickly went to a drop off only format. Our technician has 4 computers in the lab (1 iMac, 1 more powerful tower desktop Windows PC, and a couple regular staff/public desktop PCs), and he's usually running all 4 concurrently so that he can covert multiple tapes, audiocassettes, vinyl records, etc. We have several VHS/DVD combo units attached to these computers, using an ElGato capture device to connect to the VCRs via composite (Yellow, White, Red) cables. The ElGato capture software is simple and easy to use. Once the recording is completed, there is a slider bar that lets you adjust the end of the recording so that the file stops near where the actual video recording stopped. This file can then either be copied to a patrons USB flash drive or external hard drive, or for those who prefer, burnt to DVD-R so that patrons can play it back in their DVD players. We use Roxio (Windows) and Toast (Mac) for disc burning. For audio recording, we use Audacity (Windows & Mac, open source) to record, and have a dual cassette deck and a vinyl turntable that both have L/R RCA outputs. Using a RCA to 1/8" headphone cable, these are plugged into the Line In on the PC. After recording a side of the tape/record, the technician pauses Audacity, flips the tape/record, and unpauses and continues recording. After recording is done, he uses a feature in Audacity to mark the beginning of each track so that it can be split in multiple tracks for the folder that album will be copied to. After an initial consultation with the new patron, our technician will usually have them drop off 5-10 VHS/camcorder tapes or cassettes or vinyl records for conversion, then email them in a week or two when the job is complete so they can pick up their original materials and the converted project files/discs. At that point, they can drop off their next small batch. He usually has a small-medium handful of patrons' batches/jobs that he's working on at any given time. If you need any more detailed information, feel free to contact me and I'll attempt to answer your questions. Here's the page on our library's website giving some details about our D-Lab: https://dearbornlibrary.org/digitization-lab/ City of Dearborn Dennis Jameson Library System Administrator Automation Henry Ford Centennial Library 313-943-2846 djameson(a)dearborn.gov From: Jill Rauh via Michlib-l <michlib-l(a)liblists.org> Date: Fri, Dec 19, 2025, 2:38 PM Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Digital Conversion Center/Memory Lab To: michlib-l(a)liblists.org <michlib-l(a)liblists.org>, Nicole Johnson < njohnson(a)ishpeminglibrary.info> I would also be interested in what other libraries have done. Jill Rauh, Public Services Librarian Benton Harbor Public Library 213 E. Wall St. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/213+E.+Wall+St.%0D%0A+Benton+Harbor,+MI+…> 269-926-6139 www.bentonharborlibrary.com The information and views presented do not necessarily represent those of the Benton Harbor Public Library. On Friday, December 19, 2025 at 02:24:12 PM EST, Nicole Johnson via Michlib-l <michlib-l(a)liblists.org> wrote: Hello! Our library is looking into the possibility of purchasing equipment to create a digital conversion center within our library for people to come in and digitize old photos, slides, tapes, etc. For libraries that already have this setup in place, what equipment do you recommend that works well and is easy to use? Open to any suggestions and tips for creating a space like this! Enjoy the holiday season! Thanks, Nicole Nicole Johnson Librarian Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library 906-486-4381

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Rubber Bands Needed
by JC Wheeler Public Library 02 Jan '26

02 Jan '26

Hi! If you find that you have a surplus of rubber bands, zv219 could use some. Thanks in advance! Abbie LaFountaine JC Wheeler Library PO Box 226 1576 S. Main Martin, MI 49070 269-672-7875 “This week I've been reading a lot and doing little work. That's the way things ought to be. That's surely the road to success.” ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl<https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3532896>

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Podcasting
by Terri Hebert 31 Dec '25

31 Dec '25

Hello. I am the new Director with the Bridgman Public Library. We will be celebrating our 60th birthday next year and are already brainstorming ways to get our patrons involved in the event. One suggestion was setting up a space for them to come in and share stories about the library with us...maybe how they came in as children and now as adults, or how they participated in the gardening group and learned much about growing veggies, etc. We were thinking a podcasting space might be useful for this - and for other opportunities, too. Does anyone have a space like this in their library, and if so, what helpful hints and ideas might you share? Thank you, Terri

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