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Library Director Job Posting
by Matt Weston 26 Mar '25

26 Mar '25

Dowagiac District Library- Director Search -Job Description Located in rural Southwest Michigan, the Dowagiac District Library is a Class IV library serving the lively communities of the City of Dowagiac and surrounding townships. The seven-member Board of Trustees is seeking a director who can ensure that the library and its nine staff continue to provide excellent customer service, while keeping abreast of current issues related to the library field. The building had a comprehensive renovation and expansion, doubling in size in 2021, providing an excellent opportunity for continued collection development and expansion of programming. A perpetual millage, along with investments, provides the library with very stable sources of revenue. -Nature of Work The Library Director is the chief administrative office of the Dowagiac District Library. With direction from the Library Board, the Library Director has overall responsibility for all management, administrative, and professional functions. The Library Director reports to the Board. -Responsibilities Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the library, within the framework of the library Board’s adopted policies and budget; recommends and drafts policies for Board consideration, implements policies and decisions approved by the Board; drafts an annual budget and presents it to the Board for approval; administers library budget and submits monthly updates to Board; employs library personnel, subject to approval by Board, provides appropriate job descriptions and evaluations for all staff; serves as primary spokesperson in communicating library policies and procedures to the staff and public; promotes utilization and support of the library and publicizes library services, informs the Board of current library and information trends; manages the library system’s development activities aimed at securing gifts, endowments, bequests, and grants; represents the library at professional meetings and community functions; encourages the Board to keep informed of developments in the library related field; provides library employees with continuing education opportunities; serves as liaison for the Board with all outside boards and friends organizations; maintains safe and organized public workspaces; manages operations for payroll, taxation, accounting systems using third party agencies as appropriate; manages library investment portfolio based upon direction/counsel of Board, reports to and consults with board regard to changes, planning and investment strategies; supervises and maintains staff scheduling; in conjunction with Board direction and consultation, pursues all available opportunities for funding sources including grants, endowment funds and special programs; participates in materials selection and collection development programs; provides direction and input regarding library programs, displays & exhibits, and library pathfinders and bibliographies; participates in providing customer services including weekend rotation duty; other duties as needed and/or assigned by the Board. -Desired Qualifications •Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program in library science (MLA) or information science (MLIS). •3 years of public library experience in a supervisory role. •Ability to maintain effective working relationships with community leaders, public officials, and leaders of educational and civic organizations. •Ability to analyze, evaluate and articulate library needs and services. •Strong personal leadership skills and the ability to represent the library at all levels within the community. •Demonstrates ability to recruit, train, motivate, and supervise employees. -Compensation Starting at $55,000-$60,000 depending on experience and educational qualifications. Includes 80% Blue Cross health/dental/vision insurance, MERS defined benefit retirement, life insurance, and paid time off. To Apply: please send a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Kathryn Hayes, Library Director Search Committee, at kathrynseyah(a)aol.com

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FW: [NEWS RELEASE] Michigan Treasury Reminds Seniors About Tax Credits and Other Benefits
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 26 Mar '25

26 Mar '25

Hello! FYI- Some information on tax preparation assistance and tax breaks from Michigan Dept. of Treasury that may be of interest to older patrons seeking tax assistance. 💰😊 [Treasury Logo] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [DATE] Contact: Ron Leix<mailto:leixr@michigan.gov>, Treasury, 517-335-2167 Michigan Treasury Reminds Seniors About Tax Credits and Other Benefits Tax Professionals Can Help Connect Eligible Individuals with Tax Programs. LANSING, Mich. – Older Michiganders have important tax credits and subtractions they can use this tax season to lower their tax bill or provide a refund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. These eligible benefits include the Homestead Property Tax Credit, the Home Heating Credit and the Retirement and Pension Benefits Subtraction. Often, uninformed individuals may miss permitted tax deductions. “I encourage seniors to seek out a qualified tax professional and investigate the Michigan tax benefits they may be eligible to receive,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “You may qualify for low to no cost tax assistance from IRS-trained and certified volunteers. Taking advantage of tax programs and available resources can lead to more income for groceries, prescriptions, housing costs and other needs on a fixed income.” Homestead Property Tax Credit The Homestead Property Tax Credit is a benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters, helping to pay some of the property taxes billed. This credit can be filed up to four years from the year it could be claimed and the maximum credit amount may be adjusted annually. Details about your income, property and living situation impact the allowable credit amount. For guidance, visit Treasury’s new Homestead Property Tax Credit<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> webpages. Home Heating Credit The Home Heating Credit is a tax benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters with low to moderate income, helping to pay some of their heating expenses. The maximum credit a taxpayer can claim may change each year. For qualifications and guidance, visit Treasury’s Home Heating Credit<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> webpages. Individuals who do not qualify for the Home Heating Credit may qualify for other assistance through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmdhhs%2F…> helps households with high energy bills, shut off notices and home energy repairs. Retirement and Pension Benefits Subtraction For retirees, the Retirement and Pension Benefits Subtraction is a reduction of all eligible retirement income from your Michigan taxable income. Retirement income is reported on Form 1099-R<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fforms-pubs%2F…> for federal tax purposes and includes defined benefit pensions, IRA distributions and most payments from defined contribution plans.  Tax Year 2024 is the second year of the retirement tax rollback phase-in. This new law allows you to choose the most advantageous subtraction for your retirement and pension benefits. For qualifications and guidance, visit Treasury’s refreshed Retirement and Pension Benefits<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> webpages. These pages include a Retirement and Pension Estimator<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> that can help individuals determine the eligible deduction and subtraction with the greatest value. Need Filing Assistance? For assistance filing a tax return, seniors are encouraged to visit michiganfreetaxhelp.org<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.…>, irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Firs.treasury.gov%2Ffreetaxp…> or dial 2-1-1. Connect with your local Area Agency on Aging<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmdhhs%2F…> to learn about tax support and services available in your area. In addition, electronic filing and direct deposit is fast, convenient, and safe. Details are available at mifastfile.org<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…>. Allow at least 4 weeks from the date you receive your e-filed state tax return confirmation to receive your refund. Last year, of the approximately 5 million returns received by Treasury, Michigan taxpayers e-filed more than 91% of those returns. For more information about e-filing, go to mifastfile.org<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…>. # # # Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC(a)michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. “the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/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/>.

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Library Marketing Makeover (still openings for tomorrow's session)
by Eric Palmer 26 Mar '25

26 Mar '25

Hi Everyone The Library Cooperative of Michigan and Midwest Tapes/Hoopla are proud to announce the opening of the registration for the Library Marketing Makeover with the links below. Libraries can sign up for one, two or all three sessions to learn about marketing in libraries. Trenton Smiley, Director of Communication Messaging for Midwest Tapes/Hoopla and his team have helped 7 libraries in Michigan with a Marketing Makeover. Of the 7 libraries there is at least one library from each class. Trenton will use these libraries to create the different sessions. Libraries can attend the sessions and get many different takeaways that they can bring back to their libraries. We are planning on recording the sessions and putting them up on the LCM website. If you have any questions, please contact your Cooperative Director. *We still have openings for tomorrow's session and they will be recorded* *Class 1-3 session Thursday, March 27 @ 2pm* March session: https://woodlands.zoom.us/meeting/register/TG-MKmIORLO8tmHcefLg_g#/registra… *General Library Marketing session Thursday April 17 @ 2pm* April Session https://woodlands.zoom.us/meeting/register/wZ_36NcCTu-ho3L8GmVaFg#/registra… *Class 4-6 session Thursday, May 8 @ 2pm* May session - https://woodlands.zoom.us/meeting/register/4LAV_fEwSByxFI6b9Qv0rA#/registra…

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Looking for a Michigan author on Gardening...
by Jolene Faber 26 Mar '25

26 Mar '25

Looking for any leads or lists of authors from Michigan that specialize in gardening or related topic. Our library is partnering with the local Garden Club and would like to host an event with an author. Our goal is to keep the author local to Michigan so if you know of any Michigan authors that have written on gardening or anything related we would love their name and contact info if possible. Thank you in advance! Jolene Faber Administrative Assistant Bay County Library System 500 Center Ave. Bay City, MI 48708 (989)894-2837 ext. 2225

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Revised- Looking for a Michigan author on Gardening...
by Jolene Faber 26 Mar '25

26 Mar '25

Thank you to all the responses so far on a Michigan author on gardening! I would like to update my posting by adding any recommendations that are not Bevin Cohen. We agree with everyone that he is a phenomenal author and speaker as we have had him at our library several times. We are looking to expand to other authors besides him. Thank you all! Jolene From: Michlib-l [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Jolene Faber via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 8:21 AM To: michlib-l(a)mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Looking for a Michigan author on Gardening... Looking for any leads or lists of authors from Michigan that specialize in gardening or related topic. Our library is partnering with the local Garden Club and would like to host an event with an author. Our goal is to keep the author local to Michigan so if you know of any Michigan authors that have written on gardening or anything related we would love their name and contact info if possible. Thank you in advance! Jolene Faber Administrative Assistant Bay County Library System 500 Center Ave. Bay City, MI 48708 (989)894-2837 ext. 2225

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(no subject)
by Hope Siasoco 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Dear Library Colleagues, Interested in ghost hunts and paranormal investigations? The Tri-City Ghost Hunters Society is excited to host an exclusive ghost hunt fundraiser at the Pinckney Community Public Library (125 Putnam St., Pinckney, MI 48169) on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. This unique event offers paranormal enthusiasts the opportunity to explore haunted hotspots and investigate supernatural activity alongside experienced ghost hunters—all while supporting a great cause. *Haunted History Tour and Paranormal Investigation Fundraiser! <https://pinckneylibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Haunted-History-Tour…> * ( https://pinckneylibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Haunted-History-Tour… ) *Saturday, April 12, 2025* *Session 1 - 4:30 - 7:30 pm* *Session 2 - 7:30 - 10:30 pm* Each session is limited to 20 participants. (Note: This event is for those 16 years and older. Please remember to arrive at least 10 minutes before your session starts. An email reminder will be sent to registered and paid participants by April 11, 2025, along with a detailed schedule.) Each session will have two groups of 10 to make for a more intimate and focused experience. Register and pay $65 per person with credit card online at: https://pinckneylibrary.org/haunted-tour-and-paranormal-investigation-onlin… After registration, use the payment link to finish. Registration will not be complete until payment is finalized. To register and pay with cash, check or credit card in person, visit the library at 125 Putnam St., Pinckney, MI 48169. For more details or for questions, please call 734-878-3888 or email Hope Siasoco at hsiasoco(a)pinckneylibrary.org Sincerely, Hope Siasoco Library Director ------------------------------ She/Her Pinckney Community Public Library 125 Putnam St. Pinckney, MI 48169 Tel: 734-878-2952 Fax: 734-878-2907 Email: hsiasoco(a)pinckneylibrary.org

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Re: [Michlib-l] Unfortunate News on a Longtime Member of the Library Community
by Jody Helme-Day 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

I am so very sorry to hear about Rob. He was a great mentor when I did my internship at the JFK Jr. location. He was such a kind man, and we had many great discussions about sci-fi books, and his beloved dogs. He will be dearly missed. Jody Helme-Day

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New MAP Partner Destination: Leslie Science & Nature Center in Ann Arbor
by Jim Flury 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

All, We are pleased to welcome Leslie Science & Nature Center in Ann Arbor as our newest MAP partner destination [ https://discoverscienceandnature.org/leslie-center | https://discoverscienceandnature.org/leslie-center ] This brings the current number of active MAP partner destinations to 470. If you are aware of a venue in your library's service area that would be a good fit for MAP, please feel free to recruit them, or direct them our way so that we may do so. Thank you for your support and promotion of the Michigan Activity Pass program. Sincerely, Jim Flury Jim Flury Technical Services Manager The Library Network 41365 Vincenti Court Novi, MI 48375 248-536-3100, ext 133 Note New Fax Number: 248-716-5584 Note New Email Address:jflury@tln.org

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Program Recommendation: Dave Birkett
by Mick Howey 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Hello Michlib! Last night Baldwin hosted Detroit Free Press Lions beat writer and author of *The Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline *Dave Birkett. The program went great! It was well attended, attendees asked a lot of questions, and Dave was super easy to work with. It was a hybrid program and Dave made sure those on Zoom felt included. His email is dbirkett(a)freepress.com. His fee was $100 + mileage, which for us came to $135.00. Please let me know if you have any questions. Mick Howey, MLIS Adult Services Librarian II Baldwin Public Library 300 West Merrill Street Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 554-4649 https://www.baldwinlib.org/

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Small Libraries & Kanopy
by Justine Peterson 25 Mar '25

25 Mar '25

Hello Libraryland! I was wondering if there are any small (Class I and II) libraries that use Kanopy? What subscription option did you choose? Do you like the service? How do patrons feel about it? I want to float the idea by my board, but I wanted to see what other libraries our size are feeling first! Thank you in advance, *Justine Peterson* (she/her) Library Director Seville Township Library Riverdale, MI 48877 P: 989.833.7776 seville.michlibrary.org

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