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MeLCat is 20! Join the Virtual Party and Enter the Prize Drawing!
by Bradley, Michelle (MDE) 12 Nov '25

12 Nov '25

Celebrate 20 years of MeLCat! If you couldn't join us in-person at the MLA Conference reception, please join us virtually as we continue to celebrate this remarkable milestone! Join the MeL team staff from the Library of Michigan and MCLS on Zoom<https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87180144825?pwd=8hl4aux57IvsnfM6vncRzCNLNEdIh9.1>, November 20th from 3-4pm. We'll share some MeLCat stories, follow the travels of Mittens, the MeLCat Kitten, throughout the state, and give away MeLCat prizes. We'll have a prize drawing for 20th Anniversary logo hats, mittens, tote bags, and blankets, as well as the coveted Mittens pins! To enter to win, fill out this form<https://forms.gle/R6WVRNxTreoX6uVN8> by November 16th. We'll see you on Zoom<https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87180144825?pwd=8hl4aux57IvsnfM6vncRzCNLNEdIh9.1> on November 20th! MeLCat was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Michelle Bradley Library Development Manager Library of Michigan 517-335-1507 [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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Presentation on Indigenous Perspectives of our National Parks at Chelsea District Library
by Shannon Powers 12 Nov '25

12 Nov '25

Hello Michigan Library Staff, Excuse any cross-posting, but I'd like to share an event we are having at the Chelsea District Library (221 S Main St, Chelsea, MI, about 20 minutes west of Ann Arbor) next week. On Wednesday, November 19 from 6:30-7:30pm we are hosting Professor Kyle Whyte from the University of Michigan for a presentation on the history of our national parks and wilderness areas. Dr. Whyte will discuss how the formation of these areas impacted indigenous peoples, as well as how native stewardship practices and local, state, and federal government partnerships with Tribal Nations can improve our parklands. This event has no charge and is open to the public. Interested parties can register here: https://chelseadistrictlibrary.libnet.info/event/14623617 Attached is a flyer as well. Thank you! <https://chelseadistrictlibrary.org/> *Shannon Powers* *Head of Information Services* Chelsea District Library p: <http://goog_1831993167/> 734.475.8732 x217 <17344758732> a: <https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVVjBg9R2kYyHxWp8> 221 S. Main Street | Chelsea | MI | 48118 <https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVVjBg9R2kYyHxWp8> w: chelseadistrictlibrary.org e: spowers(a)chelseadistrictlibrary.org

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Job Postings - Baldwin (Birmingham) Public Library, 2 PT positions
by Jaclyn Miller 11 Nov '25

11 Nov '25

Good afternoon! We are currently accepting applications for 2 part time positions at BPL - an Operations Assistant and a Library Assistant in Access Services. Applications are due Sunday, November 23 for the Library Assistant position. Applications will be accepted for the Operations Assistant position until the role is filled, but preference will be given to applications received by November 23. Both positions and application information have been posted on our website: https://www.baldwinlib.org/about/employment/ Have a great day, Jaclyn -- *Jaclyn Miller* (she/her) *Associate Director* Baldwin Public Library 300 W. Merrill St. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-554-4682 www.baldwinlib.org

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MLA Spring Institute Call for Proposals is Open!
by Amber Sheerin 11 Nov '25

11 Nov '25

Are you interested in sharing your brilliant ideas for youth services with colleagues around the state? We want to hear from you! The call for conference proposals for MLA Spring Institute is now open. Spring Institute 2026 is scheduled for Thursday and Friday March 19-20 in Grand Rapids. Submissions are welcome through December 5, and details can be found here: https://www.milibraries.org/call-for-proposals [A picture containing text, clipart Description automatically generated] Amber Sheerin, CMP, DES (She/Her) Program Director Michigan Library Association PO Box 27337 Lansing, MI 48909 Direct: 517-881-3194 Office: 517-394-2774 asheerin(a)milibraries.org<mailto:asheerin@milibraries.org> www.milibraries.org<http://www.milibraries.org/> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganLibraryAssociation> and Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/milibraries.bsky.social>!

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NEW: Director search - Avon Lake Public Library (OH)
by Beth Barker 11 Nov '25

11 Nov '25

Director – Avon Lake Public Library (OH) The Avon Lake Public Library<https://alpl.org/> Board of Trustees seeks an experienced and innovative library leader to foster and enrich the community through collaboration, services, and resources, as its next Director. Avon Lake Public Library (ALPL) serves a population of over 24,000 residents and has achieved the rare feat of having more registered cardholders—over 26,000—than residents served. The library has one vibrant and busy location, which includes the recently renovated DiscoveryWorks space—designed to include hands-on interactive experiences for children of all ages. With an engaged and experienced staff of 29 FTE, an annual budget of approximately $3.6 million, and the support of the library’s Friends group, ALPL is known for its strong programming, a vibrant social media presence, and modern library services. It is a thriving and well-supported community hub that continues to attract and inspire people of all ages. Key initiatives for the next Director include building on the library’s existing strengths, strengthening external partnerships, deepening community engagement, and ensuring the library’s continued fiscal stewardship and innovation. Avon Lake, Ohio, sits along the shores of Lake Erie about 25 miles west of Cleveland and consistently ranks among the region’s most desirable suburbs for quality of life and offers a blend of small-town friendliness with access to metropolitan amenities. The local economy is supported by strong industries including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and professional services—major employers include Lubrizol, Avient, and a range of civic services and small businesses. Avon Lake features extensive parklands, a well-developed trail system, and abundant opportunities for water recreation along Lake Erie. Residents enjoy access to cultural, educational, and entertainment venues in nearby Cleveland, as well as community festivals, farmers markets, and local arts programming. The Avon Lake City School District is widely recognized for academic excellence, and residents benefit from accessible healthcare, efficient transportation options, and short commutes. Responsibilities: The Director serves as the chief administrator of the Avon Lake Public Library, reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. The Director will provide leadership in vision, policy, funding strategies, budgeting, capital planning, services, facilities, technology, staff development, and community representation. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic goals; managing fiscal resources in partnership with the Fiscal Officer; ensuring compliance, innovation, and service excellence; and representing ALPL to civic organizations, businesses, nonprofits, schools, government, and legislators. The Director will oversee hiring, labor relations (including upcoming union negotiations), training, and performance management, and will maintain effective communication with the Board and community. For a full listing of responsibilities, please see the complete job description linked below. Qualifications: Qualifications include An MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) or MLS (Master of Library Science) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution or equivalent advanced degree, eight or more years of progressively responsible work in a public library or similar entity, plus at least four years of administrative level experience. Experience with public entity budget, collective bargaining, successful levy campaigns, strategic planning, and community engagement is highly desirable. Compensation: The hiring salary range is $100,000 – $125,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.  Interested candidates should submit their resume through the application portal<https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/> (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) by selecting the position and then the “Apply” button. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates<https://bradburymiller.com/> (https://bradburymiller.com/).This position closes on Sunday, December 14, 2025.  Visit our website<https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/> (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links. — Beth Barker (she/her) Director of Finance and Communication Bradbury Miller Associates 330-340-7115 | Dover, OH | bradburymiller.com<http://bradburymiller.com/> Sign up for our newsletter<https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=myy6mkoab&p=oi&m=11148931…> for updates on available positions!

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MiALA 2026 Annual Conference Call for Presentations Now Open
by Dickinson, Thad 11 Nov '25

11 Nov '25

The Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA) is now accepting presentation proposals for its annual conference, which will be held May 6-8, 2026, at the Park Place Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Traverse City, MI. This year's theme is Finding Our True North: Creating Connections to Light Our Way. Amid an era of rapid and often unsettling change in higher education, Michigan's academic libraries remain vital centers of integrity, inquiry, and connection. Committed to upholding intellectual freedom, access, inclusivity, privacy, and the pursuit of truth, our "True North" is the shared compass that guides our work and keeps us grounded. We invite the academic library community to reflect on how it can embody our profession's enduring core values, even when external pressures threaten to pull us off course. This year's conference seeks to illuminate how academic libraries across Michigan are building resilience, fostering collaboration, and staying true to our values. We welcome proposals on topics covering any aspect of academic libraries. We are especially interested in those proposals that explore how academic libraries are reaffirming their "True North"-the guiding principles that sustain and inspire our work. Proposals are currently being accepted for the following formats: * Presentations, panels, or moderated discussion sessions (45 min.) * Interactive workshops (105 min.) * Lightning Talks (10 min.) Note: Poster presentation proposals will open in early December. Participation from librarians, library staff, LIS students, and administrators from all types of academic libraries is encouraged. MiALA membership is not required to submit a proposal. Please submit your presentation proposal using the application form <https://www.memberleap.com/members/form.php?orgcode=MALA&fid=8090541> by January 12, 2026. There is also a Breakout Session Collaboration Sheet<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r18Q1Q55ykk2TIW-Xf5xfgfMd58566ztwb9…> available to find potential collaborators around a topic or idea. * Questions about proposals can be sent to Stephanie Swanberg, sswanberg(a)msp.edu<mailto:sswanberg@msp.edu>. * Questions about the conference in general can be sent to conference(a)miala.org<mailto:conference@miala.org>. Join us as we come together in Traverse City to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover our collective direction. Let's amplify the stories, strategies, and sparks of inspiration that remind us of who we are and why our work matters. Thad Dickinson (he/him) Distance Librarian Central Michigan University

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UofM Student Informal Survey of Perceptions of School Libraries/Librarians
by Lester, Kathy 11 Nov '25

11 Nov '25

A pair of University of Michigan School of Information students are conducting an *informal *survey of perceptions of school libraries/librarians. They have asked me to share. They want input from parents, community members, teachers, administrators, and librarians. Thus, will you please: 1) Take the survey 2) Share the survey within your networks Survey Info: Survey-Perceptions of School Libraries/Librarians <https://forms.gle/o1fgVER2YrCWcUFc8> Please ask everyone to respond by *November 19th*. Thank you! --Kathy Lester Kathy Lester, MLIS, MA Adjunct Faculty,* Wayne State University, School of Information Science* School Library Consultant, *Kent ISD* Advocacy Co-Chair, Past-President 2014, *Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL)* Past-President, 2022-2023, *American Association of School Librarians (AASL)* Retired School Library Media Specialist / Technology Coach, *Plymouth-Canton Community Schools* *SL21 Model Library, 2017-2018SL21 Exemplary Ranking - Michigan School Libraries for the 21st Century 2013-2022ISTE Making IT Happen Award Winner2017 MAME Michigan School Library Program of the Year2012 State Librarian's Excellence Award Winner* kathyL(a)mimasl.org twitter: @LibraryL <https://twitter.com/LibraryL> "Every school librarian is a leader; every learner has a school librarian" --American Association of School Librarians <https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/aasl/content/advocacy/statements/do…> (AASL)

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Question for Volunteer Coordinators
by Elisabeth Phou 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

Hi everyone, I’m looking to update our volunteer tracking system to make it completely paperless. Currently, our teen volunteers sign in and out on a paper log, and I manually enter their hours into a Google Sheet. I’m sure there’s a more efficient way to handle this process, and I’d love to hear how other libraries are managing volunteer hour tracking. Thanks so much for your help and any suggestions you can share! *Best Regards,* *Elisabeth Phou, MLIS* she/her/hers Adult & Teen Services Librarian II Baldwin Public Library 300 W. Merrill St. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-554-4653 www.baldwinlib.org Currently Reading <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/6887889?utm_medi…> [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/6887889?utm_medi…> [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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Error on Sierra Checkout
by Sarah Rick 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

Hello, Has anyone else gotten the following message when checking out items on MeL? We were able to check out the item, but do not know why we got the message in the first place and if there is something we need to do on our end. [cid:89d3d193-b073-470c-aeec-65274e63f2a6] Sarah Rick Library Director [cid:7aaadf62-732f-4863-8e90-ea35497315bc]

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PBS Books Caregiving Webinar: Exploring Compassion, Connection & Community
by DJ Bond 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

[ https://tln.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2006816&group= ] Hey Michlib-l, We have a fun webinar for you to attend! Join PBS Books and The Library Network (TLN) for a special Caregiving Webinar that explores the heart of caregiving—compassion, connection, and community. This live session, hosted by Heather-Marie Montilla, will guide libraries and community partners through a robust suite of free PBS Books resources designed to support conversations and programming around caregiving. [ https://tln.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2006816&group= | Register today! ] DJ Bond Communications and Member Engagement Manager The Library Network (248) 536-3100 x116 dbond(a)tln.org TLN.org (he/him)

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