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Permanent Story Walks
by Laura Orlowski 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

Hi everyone; We are working with our city to install a permanent Story Walk in one of our local parks. If your library has been part of the installation of a Story Walk, I would love to get your recommendations. We are looking at the kind that are installed on posts with displays that open to change stories. 1. What company did you use to purchase the Story Walk? 2. How many stations did you install? 3. How long was the walk that the Story Walk was installed at? 4. Any other recommendations, comments, etc. (The good, the bad, and the ugly!) Thanks for your help! -Laura Orlowski, Library Director Jonesville District Library 517-849-9701 info(a)jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org

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Michigan Reconnect Scholarship - information for your library community!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

Hello, MiLEAP is asking for Michigan libraries to ensure that Michiganders are aware of the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship opportunity so people in your communities can access affordable education, improve their career prospects, and contribute to the economic growth in both the state and your communities. The Michigan Reconnect Scholarship is an opportunity that provides a tuition-free pathway to community college for Michiganders who are 25 years or older and do not have an associate or bachelor’s degree. The scholarship allows individuals to earn an associate degree or skills certificate. MiLEAP would like to encourage you to access their Michigan Reconnect Scholarship Toolkit<https://www.michigan.gov/reconnect/toolkit> and here<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19IP2lHAF3xnhUWPDrKFPyf3jeVb1naNZ?us…> are some additional informational flyers and images to use for promoting this wonderful opportunity out to your community. Please contact Michelle Cyrus, CyrusM(a)Michigan.gov if you have any questions. Thank you, 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://liblists.org/postorius/lists/miyouth.liblists.org/> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [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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Job Posting - Richland Community Library - Technical Services Specialist, Part-Time
by Anne Richards 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

Richland Community Library, a mid-size public library about 10 miles northeast of Kalamazoo, is hiring a Technical Services Specialist. Pay Range: $18-$22 depending on experience and qualifications Status: Part-Time (Up to 24 hours/week) Hours vary (will include evenings & Saturdays) If you love the behind-the-scenes work that makes excellent public service possible, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact. This position plays a key role in: * Cataloging and processing new materials * Maintaining accurate, discoverable collections * Supporting interlibrary loan (MelCat) * Ordering materials for assigned collections and tracking expenditures We're looking for someone detail-oriented, collaborative, and highly organized. Library experience and familiarity with cataloging standards are preferred. Please see the attached job description. Send resume, cover letter and references to arichards(a)richlandlibrary.org<mailto:arichards@richlandlibrary.org> Anne Richards, MLIS Library Director Richland Community Library 8951 Park St. Richland, MI 49083 269-629-9085 www.richlandlibrary.org -- This message has been scanned by E.F.A. Project and is believed to be clean.

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LM 2026 LSTA Public Library Services Grant Program - Application are now open!
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

The Library of Michigan Public Library Services grant program is back! LM is pleased to announce the 2026 grant application is open. Applications are due March 25th at 5:00 PM. Detailed information on the grant program, including timeline, applicant eligibility, and the application is available at www.michigan.gov/lsta<http://www.michigan.gov/lsta> in Public Library Services Grant program section. Highlights are below. We recommend reading the documentation thoroughly before applying as there are significant changes from the previous years. Public Library Services 2026 Grant program This LSTA grant program is designed to support public library programming in the areas of literacy, digital access, and/or local history. For 2026, the grant program will fund kits that circulate to the public. Some examples are family literacy outreach backpacks, robotics or electronics kits, digital conversion kits, laptops or family oral history kits. Materials are for circulating to the public but may be used in demonstrations when not in circulation. Sample ideas are available here<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CahbnKjwoHBZQh6FAWgu_Ea9EqxxpVOptdtrGiW…>. You may request multiple sets of the same kit or multiple types of kits. Grant Details: * Applications are due Wednesday, March 25th by 5:00 PM EST. * Branch locations are eligible for grants, however, ALL branch applications must be submitted and managed by the main or administrative branch. * A UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number from SAM.gov is REQUIRED on the application. * Funding will be from $500 to $1,500 per location. * Funding is by reimbursement only. * Eligible applicants are Michigan public libraries that are legally established and currently eligible for state aid. * The grant period is from mid-April to August, with expenditures complete by July. An application webinar will be held Monday, March 9th at 2:00 PM. Registration is on the Public Library Services grants page. The grant program is lightly competitive. Applications and all accompanying documents are submitted online. If you have not applied for a grant or stipend since July 2025, please be aware the application system has changed, and you will need to set up a new login. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services<https://www.imls.gov/>. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta<http://www.mi.gov/lsta> [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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Fwd: Reminder, The Librarians Movie Screening Tonight
by Steven K. Bowers 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

This event will be held at the Southfield Public Library. There is still room if you would like to attend. Free movie and popcorn! Info and Registration at: [ https://tln.org/specialevents | https://tln.org/specialevents ] Sincerely, 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: "The Library Network" <info(a)tln.lib.mi.us> To: "Steven Bowers" <sbowers(a)tln.org> Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2026 9:04:01 AM Subject: Reminder, The Librarians Movie Screening Tonight Reminder, The Librarians Movie Screening Tonight The Librarians (Documentary Movie Screening) The Librarians Film Screening at Southfield Public Library. Event Reminder information is below. We will see you there! When: Thursday, February 26 6:00 p.m. Where: Southfield Public Library, Meeting Room 26300 Evergreen Rd Southfield, Michigan 48076 United States

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Food Pantries and Community Fridges feedback
by Lisa Waskin 26 Feb '26

26 Feb '26

I have gotten a wonderful response from my email asking about food pantries and community fridges. I am going to continue to collect responses next week while I am on vacation out of the UP-snow globe and then will compile and share to the whole list when I get back the following week. Please keep the information coming, even if you are still in the planning phase like us. One thing I am particularly interested in is where are your pantries located, are you partnering with outside organizations, using volunteers, etc., and all of your best practices you have learned through trial and error. Again, thank you to everyone who has responded so far! All My Best, Lisa Lisa Waskin, District Director Superior District Library 541 Library Drive Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783 Ph. (906) 632-9331 lwaskin(a)superiordistrictlibrary.org<mailto:lwaskin@superiordistrictlibrary.org>

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One Seed, One State registration is ending soon!
by Pam Quackenbush 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

Hello Seed Librarians! This is a friendly reminder from the MI Seed Library Network that registration will close on February 28 for the 2026 One Seed, One State initiative. This has to be 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. 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. 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… Please inform your branches that you are registering on their behalf. 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 Thank you for your interest in the MI Seed Library Network's One Seed, One State! Pam Quackenbush MI Seed Library Network -- 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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Operating Reserves
by Ann Manko 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

All, Our Board Finance Committee is exploring our current operating reserve levels and would like to understand what is typical among similar libraries (Class 6 public library, 4.0 millage rate, service population of approximately 80,000, new building). For context, our library currently has about 22 months of operating reserves, and we are considering the possibility of reallocating some of those funds to capital projects and community programming. Specifically, we would like to know: * How many months of operating reserves does your library currently maintain? * Do you have a target range for operating reserves? I realize each library's financial situation is different and many factors come into play when determining how much to allocate to a reserve fund, but any information and guidance you're willing to share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your insight. _____________________________ Ann Manko Interim Executive Director Gloria Coles Flint Public Library 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48503 810-249-2038 amanko(a)fpl.info<mailto:amanko@fpl.info>

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Mount Clemens Public Library - Full-Time Young Adult Librarian
by Brandon Bowman 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

The Mount Clemens Public Library is looking to hire a Full-Time Young Adult Librarian. The Mount Clemens Public Library services a population of 22,000 people, is one of the oldest libraries in the state, and is housed in the county seat of Macomb County. We recently renovated our building and created a new Young Adult space with gaming, teen-oriented seating, an area for collection growth, and easy access to the Tech Lab. All it needs now is you! If you are teen-oriented, creative, innovative, and love having an opportunity to make a huge impact in our community, we’d love to hear from you. Directions for submittal can be found on the bottom of the job posting. Salary: $40,000 to $50,000. Benefits include Generous and pro-rated PTO, Sick Leave, Paid Employee Insurance, including Vision and Dental. Includes some evenings. Mount Clemens is an Equal-Opportunity employer. -- Brandon Bowman Library Director Mount Clemens Public Library 150 Cass Avenue Mount Clemens, Michigan 48043 Office - 586.469.6200 ext. 101 Cell - 810.790.8530

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Apply by Feb 11th: Branch Manager Opening at JDL
by Fenningsdorf, Rachel 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

I’m excited to share that the Jackson District Library is hiring a full-time Branch Manager for our Springport and Henrietta branches. This role is a great opportunity to join a mission-driven library system and a collaborative cohort of branch managers who are deeply engaged in strategy, innovation, and community impact. We’re an organization that values growth—both professional and personal—and supports leaders who want to bring their whole selves to work while shaping meaningful library experiences for their communities. If you’re looking for a leadership role where your ideas matter and your work makes a difference, I encourage you to apply. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about the position. The posting closes February 11. Apply at: 6140061:Career Search<https://secure6.entertimeonline.com/ta/6140061.careers?CareersSearch=&lang=…> Warmly, Rachel Rachel Fenningsdorf Assistant Director Jackson District Library O: 517-905-1307 C: 517-358-4563 fenningsdorfr(a)myjdl.com<mailto:fenningsdorfr@myjdl.com> [Email Logo]

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