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Fall Tween Craft Ideas
by Lorry Traver 21 Aug '25

21 Aug '25

Hello all, I have a monthly crafty kids club for ages 4-11 and I need a bit of help for my October craft. I generally try to have a kit for the younger kiddos (4-6) and a more difficult craft for the older kiddos. I am really struggling on this one for some reason though for my older kids. I am going to have the younger kids make pony bead pumpkins with orange pony beads and pipe cleaner. Do any of you have ideas for fall themed crafts I could make with the older kiddos? We have 45 minutes together. -- *"Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift." – Kate DiCamillo* *Lorry Traver (She/Her)* Public Services Librarian Brandon Township Library 248-627-1460

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Dress Code Inquiry
by Autumn Smith 21 Aug '25

21 Aug '25

Greetings, Library Friends! We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal. Thanks and have a great day! Autumn Smith Assistant Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) http://www.blissfieldlibrary.org/

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MeL Minute: Share the Joy of Reading
by Laura Warren-Gross 21 Aug '25

21 Aug '25

[cid:image005.png@01DC127B.4E739FB0]When The Atlantic Monthly<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> published “The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=964f2497-3107-325c-b8b0-6…>” in November of 2024, there was a lot of buzz. This, along with a recent study<https://corporate.harpercollins.co.uk/press-releases/new-research-reveals-t…> from Harper Collins Publishers (UK) which presents a bleak view of reading among young people and their parents, could be discouraging. However, libraries are in a perfect position to foster a love of reading and encourage it as a pleasurable activity. We are fortunate that the Michigan eLibrary<https://mel.org/welcome> (MeL) can help library staff improve their readers’ advisory skills as a part of this important work. NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus NoveList Plus <https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> and NoveList K-8 Plus <https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> offer read alike books, curated book lists, and educational articles to help library staff gain knowledge and provide excellent readers’ advisory. With features such as the ability to find books that have been mentioned in the media, check the order of titles in a series, and select tags to create custom lists, these eResources can help create displays, offer on-the-spot suggestions to patrons, and design reading challenges. Curated Lists Using “best of” lists to craft lists for what to read next or what to read while there is a long hold list for a popular book is one way to become familiar with a wide variety of genres. “RA Toolbox: ‘Best of’ and Award Lists<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=80ef085c-1c46-3a34-ac70-5…>” in RUSQ: A Journal of Reference & User Experience<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> by Craig Clark compares titles among several popular lists and offers suggestions about how to use those, along with other tools such as NoveList Plus<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…>, LibraryReads, and trade journals such as Library Journal<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> and Booklist<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…>, to improve your RA skills. Readers' Advisory Websites Another idea that may draw patrons in is to offer readers’ advisory via your website. “Designing an Effective Readers’ Advisory Website for Your Library<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=d8fa7bdb-4709-323d-b6ef-d…>” in Public Libraries<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> describes the process that one librarian uses to feature books online. The article also suggests creating an online quiz to help patrons find books. This is a great way to provide exposure for books and authors that might not be as well-known and to make the process of finding a book fun and interactive. Learn from the Experts Becoming better at readers’ advisory is an ongoing process. “Listening to Advisors: A Conversation About Readers’ Advisory Services, Practice, and Practicing<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=943a7d29-1af3-34da-b3b0-8…>” in Reference & User Services Quarterly<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> reminds us that even the most experienced library staff continue to hone the craft. No matter where you are on your journey, use MeL<https://mel.org/welcome> to find tips, tricks, and advice to help every patron discover the joy of reading. If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org> for help. Brought to you by Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team. Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Laura Warren-Gross MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries Midwest Collaborative for Library Services 517-481-2022 warren-grossl(a)mcls.org [cid:image003.png@01DC10EE.3CF1C250] mcls.org<https://www.mcls.org/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services> [cid:image004.png@01DC10EE.3CF1C250]

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Small boxes up for grabs
by Codi Eversole 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Hello! We have an abundance of small boxes (fits about 4 dvds each) that are up for grabs. Just send me your rides code and I'll send them to you. Thank you, Codi Eversole Library Assistant Houghton Lake Public Library 989-366-9230

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Free Ink Cartridge
by JC Wheeler Public Library 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Hi! I have one cartridge of Epson 748 standard capacity ink in the color of cyan. Please send me your zv number and I'll send it to you via RIDES. 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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Job Posting: Full-Time Technology Manager, Saline District Library
by Karrie Waarala 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Due to retirement, we have an exciting opportunity to join the Management Team of the Saline District Library <https://salinelibrary.org/>, which recently completed extensive renovations. Full posting attached. POSITION: Technology Manager WAGE: Grade 16 $62,000 - $68,800 to start STATUS: Full-Time BENEFITS: Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time; health, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance; employer-funded FSA; retirement GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS POSITION: Manages and supports the network, operation, integration, and enhancement of core library information systems and applications; provides user and operational support for all library systems; actively participates as a member of the library’s Management Team.

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Job Posting: Vicksburg District Library, Youth Services Librarian, 30-35 hours per week, $21-23/hr.
by Eric Hansen 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Hello, The Vicksburg District Library is accepting applications for the role of Youth Services Librarian. Please see the attached .pdf for details. Eric Hansen Director Vicksburg District Library (269) 649-1648 EHansen(a)VicksburgLibrary.org

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Free Vietnamese books up for grabs
by Jenny Rasmussen 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Hello all, We have 23 Vietnamese books available. Please let me know which title(s) (attached) you would like and your RIDES code and we can send them to you :) They're all in excellent condition! Samantha Loree (she/her) Adult Services Librarian Northville District Library (248)349-3020 ext. 235 *NOTE new email: sloree(a)northvillelibrary.org <sloree(a)northvillelibrary.org>* Currently Reading <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/14426081?utm_med…> [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/14426081?utm_med…> [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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Register for September 18 Virtual Dialogue from MCLS!
by Jenny Kobiela-Mondor 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

Registration is open for the final MCLS Virtual Dialogue of 2025, on Thursday, September 18, from 10:30 am to noon Eastern (9:30-11 am Central)! This month, we will connect and engage around the topic of The Future of Access to Information. Please plan to join us and let others know who might be interested in this topic! MCLS Virtual Dialogues are not courses or webinars, but are opportunities to engage with others in the profession. Please plan to have your microphone enabled and camera on to participate. Register now at https://www.mcls.org/training-events/events/virtual-dialogues. If you have any questions, reach out to engagement(a)mcls.org<mailto:engagement@mcls.org>. We look forward to connecting with you! Jenny Kobiela- Mondor Library Strategist 517-481-2013 kobielamondorj(a)mcls.org<mailto:kobielamondorj@mcls.org> [cid:1976e746-c851-40e1-8511-aedd82d1cddb] [cid:fa9f265f-284c-45ff-ae56-d5bdd617fa15] 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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REMINDER: Library of Michigan Public Library Financial Management - 4th Cohort application open!
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 20 Aug '25

20 Aug '25

The 4th round of the Public Library Financial Management Cohort is open! We are pleased to be able to bring back the cohort for 2025/2026. If you have managerial financial responsibilities and want to learn more about public library financial management, please review the information below and sign up! The Library of Michigan works to provide library specific administrative training for public library staff. As part of this goal, LM is working with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government to provide a public library financial management certificate program for a cohort of up to 30 public library staff members. Recommended participants may be public library directors, budget administrators, or other public library staff with managerial financial management responsibilities. This 4th round of the cohort is a 9-month series of classes focused on governmental financial accounting and policy development. The cohort does NOT include software or basic accounting instruction. The Library Financial Management Certification Program includes 6 online courses noted below and 16 instructor sessions and topical LM presentations. Participants are expected to complete all classes and attend all sessions/presentations. Courses * Budgeting for Libraries * Purchasing * Governmental Accounting for Libraries * Internal Control for Libraries * Payroll Administration * Writing Financial Policies The Library of Michigan is underwriting the program costs. You can find more information on the cohort and classes as well as the application link and agreement form here<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/financialmanagement…>. The application deadline is Monday, September 8th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta<http://www.mi.gov/lsta> [cid:image002.png@01DC0BA8.9EFCA140] Nourishing Michigan's Future during the summer! Find a Summer Food Service Program site nearest you and encourage Michigan's children to Meet Up and Eat Up! Michigan.gov/MeetUpEatUp<http://www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup>. [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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