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MCLS Virtual Dialogue Next Week - Join Us!
by Jenny Kobiela-Mondor 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services will hold our first Virtual Dialogue of 2026 next week, on Thursday, January 22, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central). We will discuss how we can use our strengths and lessons we’ve learned, both as individuals and as a library community, to continue our work and help each other thrive in uncertain times. MCLS Virtual Dialogues are designed to provide those in the library industry opportunities to connect and engage around topics that impact the way we work. These dialogues are not workshops or webinars; they are a way to engage with others in the profession through facilitated dialogue. Please plan to have your microphone enabled and camera on to participate. Registration is open at https://www.mcls.org/training-events/events/virtual-dialogues. If you have any questions, please reach out to engagement(a)mcls.org<mailto:engagement@mcls.org>. We look forward to connecting with you! Jenny Kobiela-Mondor (she/her) Library Strategist 517-481-2013 kobielamondorj(a)mcls.org<mailto:kobielamondorj@mcls.org> [cid:86272b14-21dc-4df0-910f-6d7bf2f928b4] Website<https://www.mcls.org/> | Newsletter<https://www.mcls.org/news/enewsletter> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services>

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Fwd: Free Books for Libraries
by Steven K. Bowers 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

Hello friends, We still have a chance to get thousands of books for your library/school that are newer and in great condition (see more info in forwarded email below). They plan to have another browsing and pickup day this Saturday, January 17th from 10 am- 12 pm. You must RSVP if you are interested in attending Saturday. Please email the contact, Jill Engel, at this address to confirm you will attend: Jill Engel [ mailto:jillengel@campmirage.com | jillengel(a)campmirage.com ] Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Steven K. Bowers Executive Director The Library Network (248) 536-3100 x107 [ mailto:sbowers@tln.lib.mi.us | sbowers(a)tln.org ] [ https://www.tln.org/ | TLN.org ] (he/him/his) From: "Jill Engel" <jillengel(a)campmirage.com> To: "Steven Bowers" <sbowers(a)tln.org> Cc: "Cara Trost" <caratrost(a)campmirage.com> Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2026 11:55:35 AM Subject: Books for Libraries Good afternoon, Steven. Following up on our phone conversation, I wanted to let you know that Camp Mirage remains interested in donating all the books we currently have. As a reminder, we purchased a private school in Plymouth this past summer, which has since closed. This purchase included the land, the building, and all contents. The former New Morning School was a Pre-K through 8th-grade institution. We have a wide variety of books, including board books, chapter books, fiction, and non-fiction. You name it, and we have it! You mentioned that an evening time frame might work best for library staff to come and pick out books. I am happy to arrange two days with a two-hour window. However, we would like to complete this before the end of January, preferably by January 20th, as I am leaving for a work trip on the 21st. Please email or call me with your recommended dates and times. If there is no interest, we will consider other donation options, but given the excellent condition of these books, we believe libraries are the best fit. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Jill Jill Engel Director of Development Camp Mirage Franchises, LLC 734-209-9137 [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__campmiragefranchise.co… | https://campmiragefranchise.com/ ] [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__campmirage.com_&d=DwMF… | https://campmirage.com/ ]

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Program recommendation - 10 Slow and Steady Decluttering Strategy Tips For Seniors
by Kelly Rembert 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hi, I just did a great program - 10 Slow and Steady Decluttering Strategy Tips For Seniors with realtor Tricia Winborn. We had a nice crowd of 24 attendees and they had great feedback on the program. It's a very practical program with tips you can go home and employ right away. Mrs. Winborn is interested in doing this program at other metro Detroit libraries and the program is free. She can be reached at twinborn(a)kw.com. Thanks, Kelly Kelly Ireland Rembert Outreach Librarian Southfield Public Library 26300 Evergreen Rd. Southfield, MI 48076 (248) 796-4367 krembert(a)southfieldlibrary.org<mailto:krembert@southfieldlibrary.org> www.southfieldlibrary.org<http://www.southfieldlibrary.org/> she/her/hers

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Spine labels
by SBBDL Information 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Howdy! My library is starting to run low on our Demco printable spine labels and we are wondering if there is another option for restocking our stash. We need the sticker sheet to be able to feed through our printer (of course) and come with a digital template so we can make spine labels as needed. Does anyone use something from Avery or the like? Is this a thing or does Demco have a monopoly? Thanks in advance! Happy Wednesday! Autumn -- Autumn Anderson (she/her) Assistant Director Suttons Bay Bingham District Library PO Box 340 416 Front Street Suttons Bay, MI 49682 231-271-3512 *Currently reading 'Survival Is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde' <https://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb47555594__Ssurvival%20is%20a%…> by Alexis Pauline Gumbs*

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One Seed, One State registration is now open
by Pam Quackenbush 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello Seed Librarians! The MI Seed Library Network is happy to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 One Seed, One State initiative. Our selection this year is 'Pacific Beauty' Calendula! 'Pacific Beauty' Calendula is a lovely flower in shades of yellow, gold, and orange and it grows well in cool weather. Not only is it a beautiful flower, the plant is also a healing herb. Seeds will ship beginning the first week of March. Each library will receive a bulk packet with enough calendula seeds for 60 packets. It is totally up to each library how many packets you want to distribute. Fewer packets = larger portions. You will receive digital files for the poster, brochure, seed packet labels, and instructions by email when the seeds ship. Libraries provide their own seed packets and print their own labels and materials for the program. The last day to register is February 28. This is a firm date as I have to have all the seeds on their way before my library closes for the move to our new location. Again this year you will have the option on the registration form to volunteer to become a co-op captain. Co-op captains will take responsibility for receiving a bulk packet of seeds for each participating library in their co-op and forwarding them to the registered libraries through their co-op’s library delivery. This speeds up the delivery process immensely since I can only send out a limited number each week working alone. I will reach out to volunteers when registration ends on February 28. Individual seed libraries please register for One Seed, One State using this registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH8GABRDqIWQrcHrEaY6ojoZki5DCyr5I… Some library systems prefer to receive and handle OSOS materials for their branch seed libraries at a central location. You will receive a bulk packet for each branch. If this works for you, please have one designated person apply for all the branches using the multiple library registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScCKibmRt9NdM1i1ma45IlfeYIybuQW2WP… It might be prudent to inform the branches that you are registering on their behalf. Every year we get a few people registering for themselves when they are already receiving seeds through the multiple branch registration, which creates extra work on our end. If you have multiple branches but you want each branch to handle their own One Seed, One State materials, please have each branch register as an individual seed library. Please forward this email to anyone you feel should have this information. As always, please direct your questions to info(a)miseedlibrarynetwork.org Our apologies for cross posting as we roll out this information to various listservs and mailing lists over the next few days in an effort to reach all interested parties. Thank you for your interest in the MI Seed Library Network's One Seed, One State! Pam Quackenbush MI Seed Library Network Lyon Township Public Library I'll have a table at the seed swap below for the MI Seed Library Network. Hope to see you there! [image: 5fd0516a-8ae6-4de0-8862-f1e0ea7b66d4.png] -- Pam Quackenbush Lyon Township Public Library 27005 Milford Road South Lyon, MI 48178 248-437-8800 ext 617 pquackenbush(a)ltpl.org

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Library Law Office Hours THURSDAY 1/15 @ 3:00pm
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello! Are you a Michigan library director, board member or friends group member? Have you ever faced questions involving the law and how it relates to Michigan libraries? Questions like: On a snowy day, a patron cross-country skis to the library’s drive-up book drop. While the patron is pulling books out of a backpack to place into the book drop, a car drives up behind them. The driver doesn’t see the skier until the last minute and makes a sudden stop. The car slides a bit and ends up running over the back end of the skiing patron’s expensive skis, which causes the skiing patron to fall. The books in the patron’s hand fall to the ground landing in a pile of slush. The skiing patron is not seriously harmed. The skiing patron sues the driver and the library for replacement of the ski equipment, and emotional distress. The driver countersues the skier and the library for negligence for improper use of the drive-up book return, and the library’s failure to deter improper use by not posting signage notifying users that the drive- in book drop was for cars only- and for the library’s failure to clear the driveway of snow. Does the library have any liability here? Can the library hold either or both parties responsible for the damage to the books that landed in the slush? For information on these and other questions, please join us for The January Library Law Office Hours TOMORROW, Thursday January 15, 2026 at 3:00 pm Registration is required. To register, please click this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqdO6uqD8pEt31yRiFFRZkHDc96mWbdi… I hope to see you there! 😊 Clare 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/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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Correction: Library Director Position at Alger
by Janelle Thomas 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello all, A quick correction regarding the Library Director position at Alger that was shared yesterday. The contact email address in the original posting has been updated. For convenience, the full corrected job posting is included below. Thank you. *Cross-posted. Please excuse duplication.* The Alger Public Library of the Upper Scioto Valley School District Board of Trustees is currently accepting resumes and seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Director. We are seeking "an energetic" candidate to serve a multiethnic, multi-cultural community. The director will assume responsibilities to include managing library facilities, preparing budgets and grants, overseeing a staff of 2-3 employees, selecting library resources, and serving as an advocate and community liaison. We are seeking a candidate with strong communication skills and progressively responsible library service. A degree in Library Science and Information Science or equivalent experience is preferred. The Board of Trustees is interested in a candidate who has proven success in supervision and administration. The ideal candidate will likewise have the creativity and communication skills necessary to develop programs and partnerships which will further enhance the role of the library in the community. The director will assist in children and adult programing as deemed necessary and may occasionally need to cover the front desk Travel will be required regularly throughout the service area and as needed, county and state-wide, for library business, events, or training. Evening and weekend work hours are a requirement of the position; overtime may be required. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Flexible scheduling can be built into a 40-hour work week; with paid holidays, vacation time, and personal hours included. Retirement benefits are through the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). Resumes will be reviewed until the position is filled, with interviews beginning in early January of 2026. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Library Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations to efficiently and effectively serve the public needs. Interested persons should apply by submitting a resume, cover letter and three references to algerlibrarytrustees(a)gmail.com. Questions may be directed to the email address as library staff will not be able to answer questions. If mailing resume and cover letter please send to: Alger Public Library Attn: Stacey Hensley Director PO Box 18 Alger, OH 45812 *Physical Demands* - Ability to sit and use computer for extended periods and operate standard office equipment, daily - Ability to lift and move up to fifty (50) pounds, daily - Ability to push book trucks with up to 150 pounds of materials on them, daily - Ability to stand for extended periods, daily - Ability to perform repeated reaching, bending, climbing and squatting, daily - Travel by automobile is required occasionally *Janelle Thomas (she/her/hers) **| *Executive Director *| *The Northwest Regional Library System (NORWELD) *| *Phone: 419-352-2903 | jthomas(a)norweld.org *This message and any response to it may constitute a public record and thus may be publicly available to anyone who requests it.*

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Muskegon Area District Library - NOW HIRING - District Manager
by Mariel Chandler-Nash 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello, We are excited to post a full-time position at MADL! Become a District Manager to help others find information and learn, create community spaces, promote literacy and equity, and support the preservation of knowledge. This position will be most rewarding for those with a passion for learning, helping others, and creating community relationships, offering diverse opportunities in various library settings and a positive community impact. Job Type: Full-time, Non-Union Job Status: Exempt Salary Range: $62,000 - $87,000 Education/ Experience preferred: Master's Degree in Library Science & minimum 3-5 years in library services Benefits: * Medical Insurance * Health Savings Account * Employer paid Dental Insurance * Employer paid Vision Insurance * Employee assistance program * Flexible schedule * Employer paid AD&D, STD, LTD, Life Insurance * Additional voluntary Critical Illness and Accident Insurance * Starting 4 weeks Paid Time Off * Parental leave * Relocation Reimbursement * Professional development assistance * MERS Defined Benefit (Pension) * MERS Health Care Savings Program * MERS 457 Plan * Mission Square 457 Plan * 12 Paid Holidays * Awesome coworkers! Full posting available until January 27th on Indeed! https://www.indeed.com/job/library-district-manager-12229f02fa80dc3b Mariel Chandler-Nash HR & Payroll Manager 231-737-6248 x112 | madl.org<http://www.madl.org> 4845 Airline Rd. Suite 5 | Muskegon, MI 49444 [cid:facebook_32x32_dedd724a-4c66-4e4c-bef6-56fb353e6bd1.png]<https://www.facebook.com/MuskegonAreaDistrictLibrary> [cid:youtube_32x32_303e5b6d-3b36-482c-9076-bb586baaec50.png] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3p73nXZ_UJBCLvmNkns5gQ> [cid:linkedin_32x32_3606df07-7193-459b-90a0-01d81d1f6ddf.png] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/muskegon-area-district-library> [cid:instagram_32x32_98913835-3927-4878-8296-2901ab43dbb9.png] <https://www.instagram.com/madl_pics/> <https://plus.google.com/+MuskegonAreaDistrictLibraryAdministrationLBPH> [cid:madllogooutline_4963ef8f-540a-4e1b-a4ee-13464ed6d8a1.png] <https://www.madl.org/>

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Upskill: Cybersecurity Training Opportunity for Library Staff
by Quick, Shauna (MDE) 14 Jan '26

14 Jan '26

Hello, I wanted to share a professional development opportunity I came across that looks really valuable for libraries. ByWater Solutions and Novare Library Services are offering a Digital Defense: Strengthening Library Cybersecurity<https://bywatersolutions.com/news/bywater-solutions-announces-cybersecurity…> Webinar Series this spring. It’s a six-part series featuring expert presenters on practical cybersecurity topics for libraries. All sessions are free, open to anyone, and will be recorded, so you can watch live or later. Here’s what’s coming up: 1. Jan 28 | 2:00 PM EST Practical Cybersecurity & Data Privacy for Library Staff with Tracy Z. Maleeff (InfoSecSherpa) 2. Feb 18 | 2:00 PM EST A Beginner's Guide to Routers and WiFi for Libraries with Scott Lipkowitz 3. Mar 18 | 2:00 PM EST Best Practices for Securing Public PCs with David Daghita 4. Apr 18 | 2:00 PM EST Small Budget, Big Defense: Free and Low-Cost Tools That Protect Your Library with Justin Denton 5. May 13 | 2:00 PM EST Love, Lies, and Loss: A Librarian’s Guide to Romance Scams with Tracy Z. Maleeff (InfoSecSherpa) 6. Jun 10 | 2:00 PM EST Backups and Beyond: Disaster Recovery Planning for Libraries with Justin Denton For more information and to register visit: https://bywatersolutions.com/news/bywater-solutions-announces-cybersecurity… Based on the session descriptions, this series looks like a great way to get clear, practical advice on improving your library’s cybersecurity. The research and resources in this email 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 Library of Michigan cannot endorse specific vendors or brands. Libraries should contact vendors and other experts for advice and to ensure that their choice reflects the unique needs of that library. Always, Shauna Quick Library Technology Access Consultant Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915 quicks1(a)michigan.gov<mailto:quicks1@michigan.gov> | 517-335-0126 she/her/hers [cid:90c00cd0-f506-4140-b3d0-cbc51d208f61]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/05de81e9d972497b8f56a791b405b02e…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/05de81e9d972497b8f56a791b405b02e…> [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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Join a Building Community-Based Summers virtual cohort this Spring!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 13 Jan '26

13 Jan '26

The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch a third national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> (BCBS) in Spring 2026! BCBS is designed to help member libraries identify the “whys” behind their summer services, build strategies to engage community voices, and create and provide inclusive summer services for all members of their communities. The discussions and activities will focus on how to connect with communities experiencing marginalization to design and implement summer library services. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage with a nationwide cohort of library staff to dig deeply into inclusive summer services. What librarians say about BCBS “I found BCBS very insightful and helpful. We are changing things up! It was great to do the training with co-workers so we could rethink the way we do our summer programming.” “Thank you for the experience! I enjoyed talking to other people from different libraries! It has expanded my knowledge and has changed my point of view on libraries and communities.” Participation Each participating library should be represented by a team of at least two staff members. Libraries are encouraged to send staff from across departments including youth services, adult services, programming, outreach, and administrators. Participation in the BCBS initiative will require, of all team members: * Active attendance and participation using cameras, shared whiteboards, and breakout rooms. * Participation in six sessions including an introductory orientation, four learning sessions, and a wrap-up/review session. * Additional work will be required within your library and community to begin to consider and assess your existing and planned summer programs and services through an equity lens. Expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours/week doing this work, in addition to the virtual sessions. Dates/Times * Sessions take place Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, and 30 and April 7 and 14, 2026 * Sessions are 2 hours long: 1:00-3:00 pm ET / Noon-2:00 pm CT / 11:00 am-1:00 pm MT / 10:00am-Noon PT Learn More and Apply CSLP member libraries are invited to learn more about BCBS and the upcoming cohort<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> and apply<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> by the end of business on Monday, January 26, 2026, to be considered for the Spring cohort. Accepted participants will be notified in February. Questions? Contact bcbs(a)cslpreads.org<mailto:bcbs@cslpreads.org> 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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