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Seeking Benchmark Data on Library Material Losses
by Scott Morey 13 Feb '25

13 Feb '25

Greetings, Like many other libraries, we strive to balance increasing access with protecting our community's investment in our collection. Today, I had a conversation with our circulation manager about the expected amount of lost or stolen materials as a routine part of library operations. I was hoping to find an established benchmark (e.g., libraries typically lose *X%* of their collection value annually), but so far, I haven’t come across anything definitive. Has anyone else looked into this or found useful data on this topic? Having a benchmark would help us assess whether our current loss levels are within a reasonable range or if they indicate a need to adjust our policies or security measures. Any insights or resources you can share would be greatly appreciated. Cheers! Scott W. Morey he/him/his Assistant Director for Technology Traverse Area District Library smorey(a)tadl.org (231) 932-8531

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Adult Advisory Board
by Kristin Skinner 13 Feb '25

13 Feb '25

Hello, I'm looking for feedback from any libraries that have an Adult Advisory Board, similar to a Teen Advisory Board, consisting of volunteers that recommend programming, materials, etc. Do you specify an age range for the group? Do you have active volunteers and how often do you meet? Also what kind of activities do you do with them? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you, Kristin -- Kristin Skinner (she/her/hers) Adult Services & Programming Specialist Flat River Community Library 200 W Judd St Greenville MI 48838 Phone: (616)754-6359 Email: kristin(a)flatriverlibrary.org

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Usage of small appliances in childrens library programs
by Elissa Zimmer 13 Feb '25

13 Feb '25

Hello! If you run programs for children or teens that use small appliances such as sewing machines, irons, or any other thing that could potentially cause injury, do you have any age restrictions at your programs? For example, 13 years and older can use the appliance independently, whereas anyone younger needs adult supervision? Furthermore, do you require adults to sign a liability waiver for their child under 18 to use any of these small appliances? Thanks, Elissa -- Elissa Zimmer (she/they) Assistant Director Van Buren District Library 200 N Phelps St Decatur, MI 49045 269-423-4771

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Attn podcast lovers: Please give ours a listen! (And share widely!)
by Rachel Ash 13 Feb '25

13 Feb '25

Hi everyone! Wanted to share the latest episode of Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks and ask for help promoting this far and wide! With this podcast, we aim to spread good news, highlight inspirational stories of library workers and spotlight some of the many wonderful things libraries do in Michigan communities. Please give it a listen and help us spread the word! We would love if you could link to it in your library newsletter or share it on your social media channels. If you have any questions about sharing or helping us to get the word out, please let me know! If you are willing to share it in your member newsletter, here is a graphic and some copy you can use! (Feel free to tweak but be sure to include a thanks to our sponsor: Midwest Tape | hoopla Digital!) [Chapter & Verse Trailer] Hosted by the Michigan Library Association and the Library Cooperatives of Michigan, Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks features dedicated Michigan library workers and their inspiring stories. Each episode welcomes a library worker from one of Michigan's 11 cooperative regions to share their most interesting and inspiring experiences. New episodes will premiere on the second Thursday of each month. Chapter & Verse is sponsored by Midwest Tape | hoopla<https://www.midwesttape.com/>. Listen to the podcast and subscribe on Podbean<https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/z7919Rc85TV2>, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, just search "Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks". A new episode just dropped this morning! In this episode, hosts Debbie Mikula and Steven K. Bowers sit down with Azita Frattarelli, director and youth librarian at the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library in Riverview, Michigan. Azita shares her journey from journalism to librarianship, her earliest library memory, and the meaningful relationships she’s built with patrons. The discussion explores how libraries have evolved into vital community hubs and emphasizes the power of kindness and connection in serving the public. Give it a listen and don't forget to share this podcast with your fellow library enthusiasts! https://michiganlibrarypodcast.podbean.com/e/how-libraries-serve-as-communi… [cidimage002.png(a)01D73C4D.ABEAD040] Rachel Ash Membership and Communications Director Michigan Library Association PO Box 27337 Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: (517) 394-2774 ext. 2 Direct: (517) 881-6652 milibraries.org rfash(a)milibraries.org<mailto:%0bmilibraries.org%0brfash@milibraries.org> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganLibraryAssociation> and Twitter<https://twitter.com/mlaoffice>!

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MeL Minute: Try Something New in 2025
by Laura Warren-Gross 13 Feb '25

13 Feb '25

[cid:image005.png@01DB7DF6.2AA9F5D0]In January people make New Year’s Resolutions that involve abstaining from something. Instead, what if we made resolutions in February that are about trying something new? The Michigan eLibrary<https://mel.org/welcome> (MeL) can help you start a new hobby, gain the skills to maintain small engines, or make upgrades to your home. Start a New Hobby Hobbies & Crafts Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> can help you start a new hobby for 2025 such as knitting. "Knitting School<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=98051c24-59c9-38d9-8872-1…>" in Creative Knitting<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> includes diagrams and instructions to help with basic techniques, as well as information about yarn weight and reading patterns. Using this guide you might knit a temperature afghan—a special blanket that includes one row per day of the year featuring a color for each temperature range. Once you’ve become proficient, you might even knit a hat and mittens set<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=5ced4280-4594-3ecf-9a65-f…> to keep warm outdoors. Speaking of getting outside, make 2025 your “Big Year”—the year you begin birdwatching and keep track of every type of bird you see. Bird Watcher’s Digest<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> suggests that you don’t have to travel far and can instead modify this challenge to your own parameters in "A Local BIG YEAR<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=4aaa21f9-3d99-3920-9e97-d…>" or perhaps narrow your watching even further into a category of birds such as birds of a particular color or size according to "A List of Lists<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=01b65489-42ef-3344-9311-d…>." Do It Yourself Maybe you are more of a do-it-yourselfer. Small Engine Repair Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> can help you tune up and repair more than 80 makes of snowmobiles. Those who like to tinker will find information about ATVs, generators, outdoor power equipment, and even tractors. There are diagrams of various parts of many models as well as user manuals. Fix Up Your Home Gaining new skills to fix up your home and yard is another great way to spend 2025. Home Improvement Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> can help us understand the pros and cons of "Off-Grid Heating Solutions<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=9b83f365-bbba-31ce-8cba-b…>" and what to consider when we want to find out "How to Create Your Dream Kitchen Extension<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=e3874ac3-718a-3376-94ae-3…>" in Homebuilding & Renovating<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…>. Winter might be the perfect time to start planning a garden to provide both a hobby and healthy food all summer long. In the February 2025 issue of Log & Timber Home Living<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> you'll find "Growing Up<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=ef66eb42-67c1-3fce-afd3-c…>," an article with ideas for gardening in smaller spaces. No matter what you decide to do with it, 2025 is a brand-new year and you are in charge of how you enjoy it. We hope you will continue to make the MeL eResources<https://mel.org/az.php> part of your journey. 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@01DB7DF2.001E6070] mcls.org<https://www.mcls.org/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | X<https://twitter.com/mclsorg> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services> [cid:image004.png@01DB7DF2.001E6070]

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another of our monthly Repair Cafés at DPL Knapp Branch
by Jennifer Dye 12 Feb '25

12 Feb '25

Wanted to remind people that our Repair Cafés are continuing through May. Our next one is this coming Saturday, February 15. We run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get more information by following the Eventbrite link, or by calling 313-481-1771 during our hours, listed in the sig below. https://dpl-repair-cafe.eventbrite.com [https://cdn.evbuc.com/images/867557149/138776901512/1/logo.20241005-211505]<https://dpl-repair-cafe.eventbrite.com/> DPL Repair Café<https://dpl-repair-cafe.eventbrite.com/> The Repair Café movement comes to Michigan! Bring your things to repair, or your skills to repair things. dpl-repair-cafe.eventbrite.com Registration not required, but is helpful for estimating numbers. And in case we have to reschedule. Jennifer Jennifer Dye Manager Detroit Public Library jdye(a)detroitpubliclibrary.org Knapp Branch 13330 Conant 313-481-1771 M, W, S 10-6 Tu, Th 12-8 Detroit, Michigan 48212

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CHANGE IN DATE Upcoming Program of Interest Dearborn Library
by Daniel Lodge 12 Feb '25

12 Feb '25

Everyone - We had to change the date of this program due to a previous commitment by the author. - On Wednesday, April 9th at 6:30pm, We will be talking virtually with the *New Yorker* Articles Editor Susan Morrison regarding her new book *Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live. * I hope you can join us either virtually or in-person. Please visit our Events page at our website dearbornlibrary.org to register. Dan Lodge Library Supervisor Dearborn Public Library Dearborn, MI

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Technology Plan for small libraries
by Jeffrey Babbitt 12 Feb '25

12 Feb '25

Hello All, I am beginning work on a Technology Plan for Dorr Township Library, a Class 3 library. I have a template, but am wondering what is really essential for a smaller library to have in the plan? If you are a Class 1, 2, or 3 library AND you have a Technology Plan, would you mind sharing it with me or advising me? Thank you. Jeffrey Babbitt, MLIS Director Dorr Township Library 1804 Sunset Dr Dorr, MI 49323 (616) 681-9678

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FW: 2024 PPT Reimbursement Correction Process
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 12 Feb '25

12 Feb '25

Hello: Below please find a notice from Treasury regarding PPT payments and calculations. Take care! 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.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/>. From: Michigan Department of Treasury <MITreasury(a)govsubscriptions.michigan.gov> Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 11:33 AM To: Membiela, Clare (MDE) <MembielaC(a)michigan.gov> Subject: 2024 PPT Reimbursement Correction Process [Local government Update] 2024 PPT Reimbursement Correction Process February 12, 2025 Intended Audience: Municipalities that receive Personal Property Tax (PPT) Reimbursements from the Local Community Stabilization Authority. The Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) reminds municipalities that, although not required, they can correct errors in the 2024 Personal Property Tax (PPT) reimbursements distributed in October 2024 and February 2025. The Local Community Stabilization Authority (LCSA) Act provides municipalities an opportunity to review the PPT reimbursement calculations and data used in the calculations to ensure accurate PPT reimbursement distributions. To determine if an error has occurred in the PPT reimbursement calculations or data used, the municipality must review the applicable reports on Treasury's 2024 Personal Property Tax (PPT) Reimbursements website<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…>. Links to the 2024 PPT reimbursement calculations and most common data used: * School District & ISD - 2024 PPT Calculation by Millage - October 2024 and February 2025<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> * Other Municipalities - 2024 PPT Calculation by Millage - October 2024 and February 2025<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> * 2013 and 2024 Personal Property Taxable Values Reported in Calendar Year 2024<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> * 2013 and 2024 Personal Property Taxable Values of Renaissance Zones<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> When NO Errors are Identified: If a municipality does not identify an error, the municipality should not file a form or take any further action to notify Treasury. IF Errors are Identified: If a municipality does identify an error, the municipality will need to complete the appropriate correction form to notify Treasury of the error(s). In addition to the correction form(s), municipalities must provide substantiating documentation to support a correction. The correction forms (along with the associated deadlines) are available on Treasury's Forms for Calculation of PPT Reimbursements website<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…>. * Form 5651<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> - Correction of 2024 Personal Property Taxable Values Used for the 2024 Personal Property Tax Reimbursement Calculations * Municipality submission deadline to County Equalization Director: February 28, 2025 * County Equalization Director submission deadline to Treasury: March 31, 2025 * Note: Per the LCSA Act, only the 2024 personal property taxable values may be corrected. The 2024 personal property taxable values must be the taxable value on May 10, 2024. * Form 5654<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> - Correction of School Millage Rates or Other Errors for the 2024 Personal Property Tax Reimbursement Calculations * Municipality submission deadline to Treasury: March 31, 2025 * Note: Only debt and hold harmless millage rates for school districts may be corrected at this time. The LCSA Act does not allow any other millage rate errors to be corrected after August 1, 2024. * Form 5658<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftaxes%2F…> - Modification of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Personal Property Taxable Values Used for the 2024 Personal Property Tax Reimbursement Calculations * Municipality submission deadline to Treasury: March 31, 2025 * Note: Per the LCSA Act, the 2013, 2014, and 2015 personal property taxable values may only be modified for personal property reclassifications or municipal boundary changes. The corrections reported on Form 5651, Form 5654, and Form 5658 will be used in the calculation of the May 2025 distribution of the 2024 PPT reimbursements. Please direct any questions regarding the PPT reimbursement correction process to TreasORTAPPT(a)michigan.gov<mailto:TreasORTAPPT@michigan.gov> or 517-335-7484. ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ This service is provided to you at no charge by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Lansing, Michigan 48922 | 517-335-7508 | Contact Us<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Ftreasury…> Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fa…>. [Bookmark and Share]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fa…> Manage your Subscriptions or Unsubscribe<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Fac…> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmvic.sos.state.mi.us%2F/1/0…>. ________________________________ This email was sent to membielac(a)michigan.gov<mailto:membielac@michigan.gov> using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Treasury * Lansing, MI 48922 * 517-335-7508

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Library Cleaning
by White Pine District Library 12 Feb '25

12 Feb '25

What does your library pay for cleaning each month? Do you pay your staff or outside source? Hourly or a set amount? Looking at options. Thanks for your input! Jessica Hansen Director White Pine District Library 514 N. New St. Stanton, Mi 48888 989-831-4327 www.whitepinelibrary.org<http://www.whitepinelibrary.org>

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