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Fw: Michigan Department of Treasury Web Accessibility Announcement
by Quick, Shauna (MDE) 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

Hello! Below is a notice from the Michigan Department of Treasury discussing the new web accessibility requirements. As you are no doubt aware, the Justice Department has issued regulations requiring State and Local Government entities to comply with specific ADA accessibility requirements for websites and mobile applications by April 24, 2026 (if the population served is 50,000 or more), or by April 27, 2027 ( for special districts or if the population served is under 50,000). (See Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments | ADA.gov<https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/> ). Please note the highlighted portion at the end of the notice. Documents , forms and other materials submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury (such as Audit reports, Audit packages, and any Audit finding responses, forms- such as L-4029 forms, and any other document or form submitted to treasury by or on behalf of a public library will have to comply with the new accessibility requirements. The Department of Treasury will issue additional guidance as the deadlines draw closer. As a reminder, here are a few resources you can use to get started with Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web & Mobile Application Accessibility Rule<https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/>, WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance on your library websites. * First Steps from ADA.gov<https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-rule-first-steps/> * Justice Department Webinar<https://youtu.be/hkhIGSvJC2o> (1 Hour) * Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools List<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/tools/list/#top> * Selecting Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/tools/selecting/> * Easy Checks – A First Review of Web Accessibility<https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/easy-checks/> The Library of Michigan has a Niche Academy Course that is very helpful! * The Modern eAccessibility Landscape in Public Libraries<https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills/course/63945> * If you don’t have a Niche Academy Account, it is free to sign up! You're always welcome to reach out if you need anything or have questions! Shauna Quick and Clare Membiela Libraries are urged to consult their library attorneys and/or financial professionals for further information and assistance on determining how Treasury’s announcement below will affect their library’s operations. Shauna Quick, MLIS 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:2e853c1d-781a-43d0-99df-a711214739af]<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/>. [Local government Update] ADA Compliance Update: New Web Accessibility Rules for State and Local Governments January 7, 2026 The U.S. Department of Justice has finalized new ADA Title II regulations requiring state and local governments to make their websites, mobile applications and digital services accessible to people with disabilities. These rules formally adopt the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) as the standard for federal compliance. WCAG 2.1 Level AA outlines how digital content must be structured, labeled and presented so it can be used by individuals with visual, auditory, mobility and cognitive disabilities. The regulations apply to new content as well as some existing digital materials that remain available to the public that is required in order to apply for, gain access to, or participate in the public entity’s services, programs or activities. Compliance deadlines vary by jurisdiction size: * Large jurisdictions (50,000+ population): April 24, 2026 * Smaller jurisdictions and special districts: April 26, 2027 What This Means for Local Governments Local units will be required to ensure all public-facing digital content meets WCAG 2.1 AA, including websites, PDFs, forms and mobile applications. Meeting these requirements often involves reviewing existing materials, updating workflows and coordinating across departments. Because compliance involves both technical changes and content updates, preparation needs to begin well before the federal deadlines. Treasury Submission Requirement Beginning April 24, 2026, all documents and digital content submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury must comply with the updated ADA Title II rules and meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This applies to reports such as audited financial statements, forms and other digital materials provided by or on behalf of state and local governments. Treasury will share additional information and implementation details as federal timelines move closer. For more information, please refer to the ADA Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ada.gov%2Fresources%2F2…> 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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Invitation to Library Hop 2026
by John MacLellan 12 Jan '26

12 Jan '26

Hello, The Vicksburg District Library is running the third annual Library Hop this April. We are looking for other libraries in the general southwestern Michigan region that would like to participate in this fun, month-long event. Library Hop is a one-month event throughout April that encourages individuals to visit other libraries by giving them a “passport” to fill out and allows libraries to promote themselves and their services. Each interested person receives a passport booklet of participating libraries with blank spaces for stamps. The booklet contains a page of contact information, location, hours, and April events for each library. People visit other libraries, have their passports stamped, and bring them back to their home library at the end of April. Some libraries give out small prizes for returned passports, and there’s also a grand prize drawing among all libraries. Each participating library must submit contact information, library hours, a photo of their library’s exterior, and a selection of two or three April programs/displays to be included in the passport booklet. During April, library staff will be responsible for giving out passports and stamping passports from visiting patrons. Last year’s Library Hop was a collaboration of 15 libraries and library systems. This year I’m continuing to broaden my reach throughout more of southwest Michigan (last year I had participants as far north as Allegan, west as Bridgman, south as Burr Oak, and east as Colon) with the hope that more libraries will participate to give everyone more opportunities in their area. Please let me know if you’re interested or if you’d like more information. Best, John -- John MacLellan, MLISCirculation and Reference LibrarianVicksburg District Libraryjmaclellan(a)vicksburglibrary.org(269) 649-1648

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Smelly books
by Cindy Persic 10 Jan '26

10 Jan '26

We have several patrons who return books smelling heavily of cigarette smoke as well as marijuana. We do not have a process in place to remove the odors. I was thinking of an air-tight plastic bin with maybe baking soda or activated charcoal. Does anyone have suggestions on how to best deal with the smell? We don't want to just mask it with a dryer sheet. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! *Cindy Persic* *Cataloging/Collections* *"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."*

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Upcoming cataloging workshops from MCLS!
by Gwen Haviland 09 Jan '26

09 Jan '26

Register soon for the following workshops from MCLS! MARC: An Introduction<https://mcls.corsizio.com/event/6914aea3e5df27d0b0b7dade> 3-day class, January 20-22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Eastern (9-11 a.m. Central) Qualifies for 6 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! Conceptual Models Underlying RDA (Updated and expanded!)<https://mcls.corsizio.com/event/682ccaf6df7c71eadd5f2c52> 1-day class, January 22, 1-4 p.m. Eastern (12 noon - 3 p.m. Central) Qualifies for 3 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! For these 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 (MCLS) 517-455-7612 havilandg(a)mcls.org<mailto:havilandg@mcls.org> Connect with MCLS 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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Animal Programs at the library
by JC Wheeler Public Library 09 Jan '26

09 Jan '26

I am curious to know if any libraries have ever partnered with local animal shelters for events that bring animals into the library, such as puppy yoga, cat yoga, or cat and canvas. I am very interested in organizing something like this but am aware that bringing animals into a public space might not be feasible due to allergies and other sensitivities. If you have any experiences or stories to share about similar events, I would love to hear them. Thank you 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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Loaning Stand Up Paddle Boards, etc
by Jordan Wright 09 Jan '26

09 Jan '26

Hello, If your library loans stand up paddle boards, bikes, scooters, saws, or other items that could potentially kill you, I would love to know whether you have any special procedures or waivers in place and what those look like. Happy Holidays, jordan -- Jordan Wright Library Director Tecumseh District Library 215 N Ottawa St, Tecumseh, MI 49286 jwright(a)tecumsehlibrary.org | 517-423-2238 x. 11 www.tecumsehlibrary.org

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Free books from former Book Clubs in a Bag!
by Jenny Rasmussen 09 Jan '26

09 Jan '26

Please respond with the number you want, your name, library, and TLN mailer and we'll get them out as soon as we can! Title Author ISBN Type Count Scarlet in Blue Jennifer Murphy 9780593183465 Hardcover 11 *one is a signed copy The Power Naomi Alderman 9780316547604 Paperback 10 Nothing to See Here Tayari Jones 9780062913494 Paperback 9 The Happiness Project Kevin Wilson 9780062414854 Paperback 10 An American Marriage Gretchen Rubin 9781616208684 Paperback 9 Thanks, Jenny Rasmussen Technical Services Clerk Northville District Library 212 W. Cady St. Northville, MI 48167 she/her

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Fantastic Michigan programming coming up--join us!
by Betsy Myers 08 Jan '26

08 Jan '26

You don't have to join us in person, join us from the comfort of your home (or work)--at your leisure! Learn about How Michigan Became Michigan...how the Upper Peninsula got its unusual shape, became a part of Michigan and what does the Toledo War have to do with it all? Here is the event on our website: tadl.org/toledowar OR below is the registration link if you just want to me to get to the point: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ys5Z_7TmQ0qf3p06OXk6Gg#/registr… We hope to see you there and join us as part of our yearlong celebration of America's 250th! Share all you like. Thank you. -- *Betsy Myers* Reference Department *Traverse Area District Library* 610 Woodmere Ave Traverse City, MI 49686 231 932-8502

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A remembrance of Randy Riley from MCLS
by Scott Garrison 08 Jan '26

08 Jan '26

Please excuse cross-posting MCLS is mourning the sudden and untimely passing of Randy Riley, State Librarian of Michigan, on January 3, 2026. Over his 36-year career at the Library of Michigan, Randy supported and led many important initiatives for libraries and fostered and promoted excellent access to a wide variety of information to citizens throughout Michigan. He was a singular and exemplary colleague and friend to libraries in many ways that others including the Library of Michigan<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/about/library-press-releases/sta…>, Library of Michigan Foundation<https://www.libraryofmichiganfoundation.com/randyriley>, Michigan Library Association<https://www.milibraries.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18…>, University of Michigan School of Information<https://www.si.umich.edu/about-umsi/news/honoring-randy-rileys-life-and-leg…>, and others have highlighted this week. I encourage you to read Randy's touching obituary<https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/east-lansing-mi/randy-riley-1269…> to learn more about his rich life beyond his work. We at MCLS are profoundly appreciative of Randy's countless contributions to libraries and the library field statewide, regionally, and nationally. Many of our staff had the great fortune to work with and know him, and we treasure the long relationships and deep connections we built with him. Randy served as a member of the MCLS Board of Directors since becoming State Librarian in 2014, and we will always remember his articulate, incisive, thoughtful, and passionate voice around the Board table. Randy urged us all to stay strong and lean into collaboration in difficult times, and MCLS will continue taking his advice to heart in how we support libraries and continue working with the Library of Michigan and our other partners. Randy's staunch support for MeLCat, the DPLA Michigan Service Hub, the Michigan Digital Preservation Network, and so many other projects and programs made an incalculable difference, and we join the library community in remembering him with great fondness, sadness, and also the humor for which he was known to so many. We extend our sincerest condolences to Randy's family, his Library of Michigan and many other colleagues across Michigan and nationwide, and to all who knew and loved Randy like we did. MCLS is in the process of making a contribution to the Randy Riley Memorial Fund at the Library of Michigan Foundation<https://www.libraryofmichiganfoundation.com/>. I hope you'll share a memory of Randy<https://www.libraryofmichiganfoundation.com/randyrileymemorial/Blog%20Post%…> via the Foundation website. May great memories of Randy support us all. Scott Scott Garrison (he/him) Executive Director 517-489-4071 garrisons(a)mcls.org<mailto:garrisons@mcls.org> Schedule a meeting with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/94d03907fb274c71b46ba951e176d978…> [Image] 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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Banned Books/Censorship "Expert"
by Anna Merritt 08 Jan '26

08 Jan '26

Hello All, My library is partnering with our local community center for a program in May. I have been tasked with finding a presenter to speak as part of the event. Because the program centers around Banned Books and Censorship, I need to get someone who is an ‘expert’ on the subject. While I, as a librarian, can certainly spout on and on about it, I would love to have someone who has more experience hosting an engaging conversation about the topic. The problem is, I am at a loss for who might fit into that category. Does anyone have any suggestions as to who (general or specific) I can reach out too who may feel comfortable speaking on censorship? My library is located in Richland Michigan, just north of Kalamazoo. Ideally we would have someone who can be their in person, rather than on Zoom. 😊 This event is for adults, some of whom may not have children and, thus, may be removed from the debate all together. Thanks! Anna Merritt (she/her) Assistant Director / Adult Programmer / Interloan Specialist Richland Community Library 8951 Park Street Richland, MI 49083 (269) 629-9085 ZV283 https://www.richlandlibrary.org/ [1] -- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean.

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