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2025 Children's Summer Reading Program
by Mike Censke 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

Hello Again! The cost of this program would be nice to know wouldn’t it? The cost for “Color’s of Our Natural World” is $250 plus mileage at the rate of 0.50 per mile. Due to the close proximity, libraries within St. Joseph County, MI will have mileage waved. For anyone having further questions, please feel free to reach out, thanks! Mike Censke Sigma Wild Nature Conservation Home | Sigma Wild Nature Conservation <https://www.sigmawild.com/>

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Libraries and the Summer Food Service Program (SUN Meals/SFSP): 2025 update
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

Cross-posted. Please excuse duplication. Does your library serve summer meals or snacks, or are you interested in being a meal site or supporting other meal sites in your area? Many libraries in Michigan and around the USA participate in the Summer Food Service Program<https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunmeals> (SFSP, now branded as SUN Meals), a USDA-funded program that provides free meals and snacks to children ages 0-18 in communities with high levels of need. Libraries and SFSP are a great fit.<https://www.cslpreads.org/libraries-and-summer-food/> The library is a trusted, accessible community center and very well experienced in providing free services. Libraries are also justly famous for drop-in enrichment programming, which increases the appeal and use of SFSP sites. SFSP is good for the library too. Besides the obvious benefits of addressing hunger and supporting vulnerable youth, participation gives libraries: * Access to new user groups, especially underserved and marginalized populations * Increased visibility of the library as a community asset * Opportunities for new partnerships * Positioning of the library as an important stakeholder in community well-being and positive child outcomes * Support for summer library programming through increased attendance Beginning in 2024, SUN Meals sites in low-income rural areas can distribute meals and snacks for offsite consumption (grab-and-go). This service model, called SUN Meals To-Go, is intended to reduce barriers for children, teens, and families in rural areas to access healthy meals and snacks. The USDA is using a broad definition of rural, so note that not all areas designated rural are SFSP-eligible; there remains an area income eligibility requirement. You may look up your locations on the USDA rural designation page<https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/rural-designation> and see the new rural definition overlaid with area eligibility on the No Kid Hungry Summer Eligibility Map.<https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/Summer-Meals-Eligibility-Map> Interested in serving summer meals or snacks in 2025? * If you are already a SUN Meals site (or have been a site in the past), work with your regular sponsor to prepare for summer 2025. If your location is designated rural by the USDA, ask your sponsor about the SUN Meals To-Go non-congregate option. * If you want to become a SUN Meals site*, first find out if you are in an eligible area. Eligibility is based on the economic conditions of a geographic area, measured by school data or census data. Use the USDA's Capacity Builder Map<https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/capacitybuilder> to see if you are in an eligible area. When the map loads, scroll down and select "FY2025 FNS SFSP CACFP Eligibility." Alternately, you may check your eligibility using the No Kid Hungry Summer Eligibility Map.<https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/Summer-Meals-Eligibility-Map> * If you are not in an eligible area, see the Libraries and Summer Food<https://www.cslpreads.org/libraries-and-summer-food/#alternatives> guide for alternatives to SFSP and other ways to help. If you are near eligible areas, contact the Michigan Department of Education Summer Food Service Program<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/food/summer/topics/contact-us> to find out if you may be eligible through Averaged Area Eligibility. * If you are in an eligible area, identify and contact a local SFSP sponsor* about becoming a site. The USDA Capacity Builder map can show you existing sites and their sponsors. * If there is no sponsor in your area to ask, you might contact your school district administrative office, to discuss the possibility of their becoming an SFSP sponsor and using your library as a site. Or contact the food bank that serves your area<https://www.fbcmich.org/ourmaps>. * * A note about SFSP sites and sponsors: * Sites are the locations where meals/snacks are served. Nearly all participating libraries are sites (not sponsors), or partner to bring enrichment activities to an existing site. * Sponsors handle the financial, administrative and food service responsibilities for SFSP in an area. Sponsors may contract with food service providers and do not have to prepare the food themselves. Sponsors are reimbursed for all expenses by the USDA. A few libraries are sponsors as well as sites. For further information, No Kid Hungry<https://www.nokidhungry.org/>'s Center for Best Practices<https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/> offers a Summer and Afterschool Meals resource just for libraries<https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/programs/summer-and-afterschool-meals…>. This webpage houses information for libraries nationwide on SFSP and the Child and Adult Care Food Program At-Risk Afterschool Meal Program (CACFP At-Risk, or Afterschool Meals). Planning and implementation resources are also available, along with training opportunities. The No Kid Hungry resource aligns with and links to the Collaborative Summer Library Program's Libraries & Summer Food<https://www.cslpreads.org/libraries-and-summer-food/> how-to guide, which is a thorough, clear step-by-step guide for libraries wishing to participate in or support summer meals. Feel free to contact the Michigan Department of Education Summer Food Service Program<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/food/summer/topics/contact-us> with any questions regarding eligibility, sponsorship, etc. Thank you for all you do for the youth in your communities, 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. "The thing I remember best about successful people I've met all through the years is their obvious delight in what they're doing ... and it seems to have very little to do with worldly success. They just love what they're doing, and they love it in front of others." ~ Fred Rogers

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2025 Children's Summer Reading Program
by Mike Censke 03 Mar '25

03 Mar '25

Hello Everyone! I’m Michael Censke from Sigma Wild Nature Conservation. This summer, we’re offering a Children’s Summer Reading Program called "Colors of Our Natural World." It’s an engaging mix of stories, activities, and live animal experiences that connect young readers to the vibrant colors of nature. It’s a fantastic way to blend literacy with environmental awareness. I’d love to bring this program to your library’s Summer Reading event. For more details, please take a look at our website and the attached flyer. Best, Michael Censke SigmaWild Nature Conservation Home | Sigma Wild Nature Conservation <https://www.sigmawild.com/>

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Bluey Character for Hire?
by Melissa Adkins 01 Mar '25

01 Mar '25

Hi All, I wanted to host a Bluey Bash as part of my summer reading events, and reached out to a couple places to see about pricing for hiring a Bluey. The only one who got back to me so far (Fairytale Playbook) wants $405 for one hour, which seems a little high to me, but it's been awhile since I've hired this kind of entertainer so perhaps that's the going rate now. Does anybody have any recommendations for this? I know Bluey is amazingly popular with the Pre-K set so maybe somebody has done this recently. You can contact me off-list for any thoughts you have! Thanks, Melissa Adkins Assistant Manager/Youth Services Librarian Bowen Branch 3648 W. Vernor Detroit, MI 48216 313-481-1540 Mon/Wed/ Sat 10am-6pm Tues/Thurs 12pm-8pm

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FW: Special Collections Update - February 28, 2025
by Oster, Adam (MDE) 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

MyHeritage Program, Night for Notables, Michigan Poet Laureate, 2025 MNB Author Tour, "Children in Peril" Exhibit. [Library of Michigan logo] Special Collections Update - February 28, 2025 MyHeritage Program, Night for Notables, Michigan Poet Laureate, 2025 MNB Author Tour, "Children in Peril" Exhibit. [Mindy Virtual Presenting]Virtual Program - MyHeritage Library Edition Thursday, March 6, 2025 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Zoom Register For This Program<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fus06web.zoom.us%2Fmeeting%2…> MyHeritage Library Edition is a family history database available through the Michigan eLibrary with access to a wide range of historical documents, images, and public records. Go beyond the basics of navigating MyHeritage and learn advanced strategies for discovering records within its collections. Find a complete listing of virtual programs, descriptions, and registration information at Michigan.gov/LMPublicPrograms<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…>. ________________________________ [2025 Night for Notables Curtis Chin]Save the Date: Night for Notables on Saturday, April 26, 2025 Join the Library of Michigan and Library of Michigan Foundation in celebrating the 2025 Michigan Notable Books<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…> at the annual Night for Notables Reception on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Library of Michigan with past Michigan Notable Books honoree Curtis Chin<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.curtisfromdetroit.com%2…> as the keynote speaker. See more details on the Library of Michigan Foundation website<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.libraryofmichiganfounda…>. It is also important to note that Curtis Chin's book Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant has been selected as the featured title for the 2025-26 Great Michigan Read<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michiganhumanities.org%…> by Michigan Humanities<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michiganhumanities.org%…>. The Great Michigan Read creates a statewide discussion around a Michigan-themed book by offering free books and materials for libraries, schools, book clubs, and a wide range of other non-profit organizations. The Great Michigan Read facilitates statewide reading, programs, and author events to bridge communities around a common conversation. Learn more about this program at MichiganHumanities.org<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michiganhumanities.org%…>. ________________________________ Next Michigan Poet Laureate: Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd has been selected to be the third poet laureate<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…> in the state's history. She succeeds outgoing Michigan poet laureate Ms. Nandi Comer, who served as poet laureate from 2023 to the end of 2024. Dr. Boyd is a recently retired professor in African American Studies at Wayne State University<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwayne.edu%2F/1/010101954e8a…> and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Michigan in the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies. Her poetry, essays, and creative nonfiction have appeared in anthologies, academic journals, cultural periodicals and newspapers in the United States and Europe. The Kresge Foundation honored her as the 2023 Kresge Eminent Artist. She has a doctor of arts in English from the University of Michigan and master's and bachelor's degrees in English from Western Michigan University. The role of the Michigan Poet Laureate to serve as an "Ambassador for Poetry" throughout the state, working to promote poetry as an art form, expand access to the literary arts, and promote poetry as a literary voice that contributes to a sense of place. Learn more about Dr. Boyd's selection and the Michigan Poet Laureate program by visiting Michigan.gov/PoetLaureate<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…>. [Melba Joyce Boyd Michigan Poet Laureate] Michigan Poet Laureate Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd ________________________________ Coming Soon: 2025 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour Library of Michigan staff are currently working with authors from the 2025 Michigan Notable Books list and host locations throughout the state to solidify the 2025 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour. 50 locations across Michigan will host programs during the April, May, and June months. Dates, locations, and times will soon be announced on the Michigan Notable Books page: Michigan.gov/NotableBooks<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…>. [2025 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour] 2025 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour. ________________________________ Coming Soon: "Children in Peril" Photography and Poetry Exhibit The Lake Erie Room at the Library of Michigan will soon host a joint exhibit called "Children in Peril" featuring the images of photographer Taro Yamasaki and poetry of author Anne-Marie Oomen. Born in Detroit, Yamasaki won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography while working for the Detroit Free Press. His photography has also been used in publications such as Time, Life, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Fortune, Money, Men's Journal and People. Equally as talented, Oomen was recently awarded the 2023-24 Michigan Author Award. Several of her books were honored as Michigan Notable Books selections. The exhibit will feature Yamasaki's images documenting refugee camps and conflict areas across the world paired with poetry composed by Oomen. Opening and closing dates for the exhibit are pending. Look for more information soon on Michigan.gov/LibraryExhibits<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…>. [Taro Yamasaki Anne-Marie Oomen Children in Perirl] "Children in Peril" exhibit by Taro Yamasaki and Anne-Marie Oomen coming soon to the Library of Michigan. [Library Card 2023]Library of Michigan Library Card Harness the resources of your state library with a Library of Michigan Library Card. Apply online at www.Michigan.gov/LibraryCard<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FLibraryC…>. Donate to the Collections of the Library of Michigan The Library of Michigan actively accepts additions to its collections and holdings. Find more information on the types of items accepted at www.Michigan.gov/LibraryGift<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FLibraryG…>. Sign-Up for the Special Collections Update Go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/signup/24046<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Fac…> [Bookmark and Share]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fa…> Issue URL: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/bulletins/3d4ad8e ________________________________ [https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/-/media/Project/Websites/library…]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.Michigan.gov%2FLibraryo…> Questions? Contact Us<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flibraryo…> Your generous tax-deductible gift today will help assure The Library of Michigan Foundation<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.libraryofmichiganfoundat…> continues to support the Library of Michigan in improving crucial services and ensuring a rich literary culture. STAY CONNECTED: [Visit us on Facebook]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FL…> [https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MILOM/2019/01/2362…]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FLibraryofMich…> [Sign up for email updates]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Facc…> [Instagram Icon]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flibrary…> SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Facc…> | Help<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsubscriberhelp.govdelivery.…> ________________________________ This email was sent using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Library of Michigan * 702 W. Kalamazoo St * P.O. Box 30007 * Lansing, MI 48909-7507 * 1-877-479-0021

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Advanced cataloging workshop from MCLS!
by Gwen Haviland 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

There is still time to register for this workshop from MCLS! Assigning Library of Congress Call Numbers: Advanced<https://mcls.corsizio.com/event/673f8e7aaa4a191770eb60f5> 3-day class, March 11-13, 10am-12pm Eastern (9-11am Central) Qualifies for 6 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! For this and other great workshops please visit our Training Store here store.mcls.org<https://store.mcls.org/> To learn about our Essential Workplace Skills and Cataloging Certificate programs, click here mcls.org/training-events/certification<https://www.mcls.org/training-events/certification/> ************************************* Gwen Haviland Membership & Training Coordinator/Project Specialist Midwest Collaborative for Library Services 517-220-9950 training(a)mcls.org<mailto:training@mcls.org>

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Open Invitation to all Michigan Librarians
by Isabella Rowan 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

Dear Fellow Librarians, To quote Evelyn Carnahan from "The Mummy" — ". . .I am proud of what I am. [And what is that?] I am a librarian." Fowlerville District Library is thrilled to host one of 250 free screenings nationwide (and the only one in mid-Michigan) of a forthcoming documentary entitled "Free for All: The Public Library" (Runtime: 60 mins., Not Rated) on Wednesday, April 9 @ 7 pm at the Historic Howell Theater, 315 E Grand River, Howell. The film will premiere on Independent Lens on Monday, April 29 at 10/9c, but this is your chance to see it first and in good company. https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/free-for-all/ [https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/nypl.digital…]<https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/free-for-all/> Free for All: The Public Library - Independent Lens - PBS<https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/free-for-all/> About the Documentary. Free for All: Inside the Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library ... www.pbs.org With the current political climate, the anti-library nonsense and accusations of grooming (I don't recall "Grooming for Librarians 101" as an option in the course catalog when I attended Wayne State), this film explores the history of public libraries in America and reinforces why we do what we do. This film will make you mad, make you laugh, make you cry, and also make you cheer — for us. So grab your librarian friends and colleagues, put on your library shirts, and let's take over the Historic Howell Theater on Wednesday, April 9 — this is National Library Week, by the way. The theater seats 212. How awesome would it be for 200 librarians to converge on Howell! Grab some dinner, do a little shopping, and come to my free screening. Doors open at 6 pm and the film starts at 7 pm. Show your library card at the concession stand and get a small popcorn and pop combo for a discounted price of only $6 (reg. $7.75). Some of us Livingston County libraries will have info tables in the lobby. If you have a story you want to share about why you became a librarian or an uplifting story about a life that was changed because of your library, please email me. We will share some of them before and after the screening. Here is the trailer: https://youtu.be/OD45tDYf6qU?si=4KeTsLrQCEtaxpHp Here is your official invitation: [cid:46efd017-dd67-4c73-98c7-77962c452cd4] Yes, this event is open to the public, too, if you want to share it out. Hope to see you there! Cheers, Isabella Rowan, MLIS Executive Director Phone: 517-223-9089, Ext. 111 130 S. Grand Ave. Fowlerville, MI 48836 https://www.fowlervillelibrary.net/ [cid:54a54f48-7ef8-4d57-bd5c-c87726df42d3] This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable laws. If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or reply to this e-mail message. Thank you.

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Youth & Teen Services Updates
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

A quick note to start this week's updates. Every year as I pour through the suggestions for summer library programming, I see "food" requested over and over as a "theme." So, for years I've kept my eyes out for a food literacy training program for library staff that work with tweens & teens that will have a true impact in your communities and be used in outreach efforts year-round. I think I finally found it! Looking forward to seeing many of you at an upcoming workshop: Gather 'Round the Table with Teens: A Food Literacy Workshop Food literacy is essential for teens to understand and learn about food in a positive way, including food skills and best food practices. Library staff who work with tweens & teens 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. Food Education Consultant Rebecca Antill will provide in-person workshops on how to plan and deliver nutrition & cooking programs for teens, featuring how to do so with minimal kitchen access. As a former librarian, Rebecca will offer a tailored learning experience that will equip library staff to offer food programming of all levels at their libraries. Basic health and safety information, kitchen classroom management, culinary skills and community partners will all be discussed as participants cook and share time together. Bring your own apron as this cooking workshop is hands-on and very interactive! Workshops will be offered in three locations across the state and registration is very limited<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…>: Monday, May 5, 2025 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET Jackson District Library's Meijer Branch 4699 Airport Road, Jackson, 49202 Registration & Details: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET Traverse Area District Library's Woodmere Library 610 Woodmere Ave., TC 49686 Registration & Details: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… Friday, May 9, 2025 *9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET Gloria Coles Flint Public Library 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint, 48503 *Please note the earlier start time for this workshop, due to a special GCFPL event following the workshop at 4pm - details on this event TBA to registrants. Registration & Details: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… These workshops are supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. LM Webinar Color Our World(tm): Animal Prints and Patterns with the Detroit Zoo Wednesday, March 12, 2025 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST Our friends at the Detroit Zoo are back to bring us engaging STEM programming using colorful animal patterns. Spots, stripes, and more! Animal patterns are all around us, so this is a great opportunity to learn how to engage youth in your community with science activities created just for libraries by the Detroit Zoo. Register: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… Additional training & CE opportunities from the Library of Michigan can be found here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… and you'll find self-paced courses on LM's Niche Academy platform: https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills. And don't forget to catch-up on additional webinar recordings for summer programming from CSLP at https://www.cslpreads.org/summer-symposium/. This is provided by the Library of Michigan with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Resources BCALA, SLJ Announce 2025 Winners of the Children & Youth Literary Awards The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc.<https://www.bcala.org/> (BCALA) and School Library Journal<http://slj.com/> have revealed the winners of the 2025 Children & Youth Literary Awards, which celebrate the diversity of the Black experience. Check out the full release of award winners<https://www.slj.com/story/BCALA-Black-Caucus-SLJ-Announce-2025-Winners-of-t…>. Severe Weather & Climate Engagement Toolkit Thanks to funding from NASA<https://science.nasa.gov/learn/> through the Learning Ecosystems Northeast<https://www.learningecosystemsnortheast.org/> project, the Maine State Library<https://www.maine.gov/msl/> is proud to present the Severe Weather & Climate Engagement Toolkit<https://maine-msl.libguides.com/severeweather>.<https://maine-msl.libguides.com/severeweather> As the frequency of severe weather events increases around our world and we're all trying to figure out how to prepare for and recover from these events, those of us who work with younger children have seen a lack of resources to help share this topic with them. With funding from a NASA grant through the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Learning Ecosystems Northeast project, The Maine State Library has partnered with The Healing Library to create a brand-new toolkit for younger children and their caregivers to talk about severe weather events. The toolkit includes before, during and after sections. While this kit cannot make all the worries and experiences of severe storms go away, it can help families down a path to healing by: * Offering books to share and empathize with, * Guiding discussions to ensure everyone feels heard and understood, * Providing activities of emotional exploration for families, * Suggesting acts of kindness to take away the powerless feelings, * Sharing community helpers so families know where to start reaching out for continued help. Together, all these pieces start families down a path of healing of their own design, a path that will be different for everyone. The toolkit is available for FREE to download<https://maine-msl.libguides.com/severeweather> and the kits to circulate can be created at your library or purchased from The Healing Library<https://www.thehealinglibraryus.com/>. Any questions can be directed to Kara Reiman<mailto:kara.reiman@maine.gov?subject=Severe%20Weather%20&%20Climate%20Engagement%20Toolkit>, Youth Services Specialist at the Maine State Library. In the News... Accessibility, Privacy, Dignity: How Libraries Are Addressing Hygiene Needs<https://programminglibrarian.org/articles/accessibility-privacy-dignity-how…> - Programming Librarian, 2/12/25 Sold A Story<https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/>: 3 NEW episodes - APM Reports Podcast, February 2025 ReadSquared Available to all MI Public Libraries through the Library of Michigan<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/youth/addtl> thanks to support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services The 2025 CSLP summer reading program is available to import into your ReadSquared site! How to import the full programs: In the administrative control room site (yoursitename.readsquared/controlroom) go to Programs > Add Program. Select Learn More next to the program you would like to add and select Import on the next screen. You will then find the program in your list of editable programs. Email support(a)r2stg.zohosupport.com<mailto:support@r2stg.zohosupport.com?subject=Question> if you need assistance with program imports or wrap up. ReadSquared Training Dates: You and your staff can attend training sessions at your convenience. Onboarding covers all the basics of setting up your ReadSquared site and is designed for those new to ReadSquared. Onboarding schedule: - March 6, Thursday, 10 a.m. EST - April 8, Tuesday, 2 p.m. EST - May 14, Wednesday, 11 a.m. EST Refresher training is best for those who have used ReadSquared in the past and want to prepare for upcoming summer programs and possibly add more features to their site. These sessions will cover the new theme, site updates, optional features, and promotion. Refresher schedule: - March 25, Tuesday, 10 a.m. EST - April 17, Thursday, 2 p.m. EST - May 7, Wednesday, 11 a.m. EST No registration is required, and all training is free. You can choose from any of the above sessions and use this link to join: https://join.me/ReadSquaredTraining<https://wtye-zgpm.maillist-manage.com/click/127503db2093dc08/127503db209208…> This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Take care, 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.

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MelCat Celebrates 20 Years of Resource Sharing!
by Bradley, Michelle (MDE) 28 Feb '25

28 Feb '25

2025 marks 20 years of MeLCat! Please see the press release announcing this impressive milestone: MeLCat, Michigan's eLibrary Catalog, Celebrates 20 Years of Sharing Resources<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2025/02/27…> We have also attached a press release template for you to use highlighting your own library's participation in MeLCat, that you can send out to your local media outlets and use in your own communications. The template is also available to download<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z74kCL9--JlgjbtY9vrjsI8AGcGWWXiN/edit?u…>. Please note that both press releases include a link for libraries and community members to submit their MeLCat stories. We will use these stories throughout the year as we continue to highlight MeLCat's 20 years of impact in Michigan and the importance of continuing this valuable service. Thank you! 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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Sad news: Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative Director from the 80's passes
by Irene Bancroft 27 Feb '25

27 Feb '25

It is with sadness that we share that Eugene Griffel, director of MMLC from 1967 -1992 passed away yesterday. https://www.sharpfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/eugene-griffel Irene Bancroft MMLC Administrative Specialist

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