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Reminder: Evaluation of the Library of Michigan's LSTA activities!
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 14 Aug '26

14 Aug '26

Just a reminder that the survey will close on August 23rd. We appreciate it if you have a few minutes to fill it out. Thank you! Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan Good afternoon everyone! Every five years, the Library of Michigan (LM) is required to complete an evaluation of its programs funded through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). LSTA provides federal funding for many LM programs, including MeLCat and MeL Databases, Continuing Education, Community Literacy/Summer Reading Program support, PLOUD, E-Rate, digitized local history collections, some grants, and more. Our evaluator (Carson Block Consulting) has prepared a survey to help inform the evaluation. The survey has been designed to be as brief and easy as possible for you to fill out! The time required to take this survey will depend on the number of LSTA programs that you have experience with. Each section should take about 5 minutes or less to complete. Survey Link: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/qyu3a4pf If you would like to familiarize yourself with or refresh your knowledge of LM's Programs and Goals, please review pages 5-8 of LM's Five-Year LSTA plan here: https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/-/media/Project/Websites/library… Your opinion matters! Please complete the survey by Monday, August 24. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta<http://www.mi.gov/lsta> [A picture containing logo Description automatically generated] Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The Michigan Teacher of the Year Program is accepting nominations through September 23. Nominate an educator using the online form<https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VO6y33yPJYG0t0>. For more information, visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy.<https://www.michigan.gov/mtoy> [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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[REMINDER] Marjan Kamali Author Event – Early Bird Pricing Ends Monday, August 17!
by Kelly Bennett 14 Aug '26

14 Aug '26

Happy Friday, Library Folks! Just a quick reminder that Early Bird pricing for the Book & Author Society's fall author event featuring New York Times bestselling novelist Marjan Kamali ends this Monday, August 17 ! Be sure to lock in your seats at the discounted $30 rate before general admission increases to $35. 📅 Event Details at a Glance * Featured Author: Marjan Kamali ( The Lion Women of Tehran , The Stationery Shop ) * When: Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM * Where: Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College (Livonia, MI) * What to Expect: Live "In Conversation" discussion hosted by Cathy Russ, followed by an audience Q&A and an in-person book signing. * Pricing: $30 Early Bird through August 17 ($35 after). Gather your colleagues, spread the word to your patrons, or organize a library book club outing! 👉 Purchase tickets online at: [ http://www.bookandauthor.org/ | www.bookandauthor.org ] Warm regards, The Book & Author Society Committee Generously sponsored by Hoopla Digital and The Library Network. Kelly Bennett (she/her/hers) Contract Services Coordinator The Library Network kbennett(a)tln.org (248) 536-3100 ext.147

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Re Mahjongg at the Library
by aldenlib＠torchlake.com 14 Aug '26

14 Aug '26

Hello, Our library has offered a weekly Mah Jongg program since 2010. I talked to the organizer, a former staff member, about how they began. It initially had an official teacher for a few weeks; after that, the more experienced players taught newcomers. They play the American version and recommend that all players purchase the official rule card annually from the National Mah Jongg League so there is "no arguing". Not everyone owns sets, but the group itself doesn't own any; some people have more than one set and will share for awhile. Each set should have 152 tiles. They use racks and pushers. A recommended table size is 36 inches square, for elbow room. A typical card table is 32 inches. The group pooled finances to buy that size of tables a few at a time; we keep them in our storage closet. Yesterday, there were five tables full! They also bought quilted material for the table tops, and someone in the group put elastic on the corners so they'd attach under the tabletop, to quiet the clacking of the tiles. Our organizer recommends weekly meetings if possible, so players better remember how to play, especially at the beginning. The first week of every month, they bring in snacks. One person quit a few years ago because talking was allowed during play; she was looking for a more serious group. The rest enjoy the banter. So each group will probably settle into its own style. Those are our two cents. Good luck on a successful program! --- _Susan Riegler_ Susan Riegler, Director Alden District Library 231/331-4318 Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 15:39:47 -0400 From: Laura Orlowski <info(a)jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org> Subject: [Michlib-l] Mahjongg at the Library To: Michlib-l <michlib-l(a)liblists.org> Message-ID: <CAAQ6p_aQ_c=J-hL9G7wxMroUf7OReoXVVVV0cMaWv5Ucn2vK+w(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="0000000000008a168106587a2bda" Hi everyone; Recently, we have had requests to start a Mahjongg group at our library. I know nothing about the actual tile game (only the online matching version). If your library offers Mahjongg, I would love to hear from you. What supplies did your library purchase? Did/do you have an instructor come teach everyone how to play? What advice can you give for a beginner library thinking about doing a Mahjongg program? Thank you for all your input! -Laura Orlowski, Library Director Jonesville District Library 517-849-9701 info(a)jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org

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Invitation to Attending Interactive Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, August 15 at the Pinckney Library
by Hope Siasoco 13 Aug '26

13 Aug '26

Dear Michlib-L Members and Your Community, (NOTE: Please excuse the cross-duplication of this post) There's still space to attend an upcoming interactive genealogy workshop on *Saturday, August 15th from 11am - 1pm* at the Pinckney Community Public Library (125 Putnam St., Pinckney, MI, 48169). The workshop is titled: "America’s Story Across 250 Years by Katherine R. Willson". *America’s Story: Opportunity, Diversity, and Belonging Across 250 Years* America’s story is one of families seeking opportunity while facing exclusion and hardship. This interactive presentation follows that story across many communities, including Native Americans, early colonial settlers, African Americans, and European immigrants of the 19th and 20th centuries. It explores how people moved through a rapidly changing country, sometimes by choice and sometimes under pressure, and how immigrants and other marginalized groups navigated questions of rights, identity, and belonging. Guided reflection encourages attendees to consider how opportunity, resilience, and exclusion shaped these communities, with practical ideas for preserving those stories for future generations. This 2-hour workshop, expands on the lecture with step-by-step guidance for writing ancestral stories of opportunity, exclusion, and resilience, along with a demonstration of how to preserve those stories on major genealogy websites. This is a free, in person, interactive workshop, but registration is required: *Registration link:* https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJneL2Pt_krK6jsVoy11bx7hq3H3bt4db… For details or more information, please call the Pinckney Library at 734-878-3888. We hope very much to see you then! Sincerely, Hope Siasoco Library Director ------------------------------ She/Her Pinckney Community Public Library 125 Putnam St. Pinckney, MI 48169 Tel: 734-878-2952 Fax: 734-878-2907 Email: hsiasoco(a)pinckneylibrary.org

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UPRLC Conference Information Packet
by Lisa Waskin 13 Aug '26

13 Aug '26

Good Afternoon Michigander Library People! Again, we are so excited about this year's UPRLC Annual Conference in September. After my last post I received so much interest, and so many questions. I have attempted to pull everything together here for those of you who have already registered, and for those of you who haven't registered yet. Registration information can be found at: https://uprlc.org/uprlc-annual-conference-committee/ Hotel information is located at: https://uprlc.org/uprlc-annual-conference-committee/ as well. Please note that there is a deadline to reserve your hotel room of at least two weeks prior to the conference for the discounted rate. This year we have two options, the Ramada, and Holiday Inn. We are also offering t-shirts for this year's conference at an additional cost of $25.00 each. You still have 15 days from now (08/13/26) to order your shirts to be able to pick them up at the conference. A fully updated conference schedule which includes information on the two Wednesday sessions available at Peter White Public Library in Marquette is included. You do not have to attend the conference to attend the workshops, and vice versa, you can attend the conference and not attend either workshop. When you register for the conference, you will be given a payment option. If you choose Invoice, an invoice will be sent to you. If you need the invoice sooner than September, please contact Finance Director, Pam Malmsten, at pmalmsten(a)superiorlandlibrary.org<mailto:pmalmsten@superiorlandlibrary.org>. I have included a map of the Northern Michigan University Campus. The Northern Center is located near the bottom of the map, and is adjacent to parking lots #1 and #8. These lots are free to park in, and no passes are needed for the conference. Registration for the two Wednesday events is separate from the conference registration. To register for the Preserving Michigan Voices: An Oral History Workshop - please go to the link listed on the attached document. There is a $35.00 cost for this event that must be paid at least one week prior to the workshop. It will be held in the Shiras Room at Peter White Public Library from 10:00am-4:00pm, and lunch is included. To register for A Yooper Beginner's Guide to Human-Centered AI and Libraries with Kristin Fontichiaro, please email me (Lisa Waskin) at lwaskin(a)superiordistrictlibrary.org<mailto:lwaskin@superiordistrictlibrary.org>. There is no cost for this event. It will be held in the Heritage Room at Peter White Public Library from 10:00am - 1:00pm, and snacks and beverages will be included. We only have room for 24 attendees at this event, so priority is being given to UPRLC members who register by September 14th. After that, it will be open to everyone. If you are not a member, but would like to be placed on a waiting list, please contact me. If you are presenting at the conference, please remember that you also need to register for the conference and get a room if you are staying overnight. If you have any additional questions I have not covered, please feel free to reach out to me at lwaskin(a)superiordistrictlibrary.org<mailto:lwaskin@superiordistrictlibrary.org> Again, we are so excited by the interest in this year's conference and I hope to see you all there. Warmest Regards, 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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REGISTER TODAY for Preserving Michigan Voices: An Oral History Workshop!
by Gallo, Biz (MDE) 13 Aug '26

13 Aug '26

There are limited spots remaining for the Traverse City and Marquette workshop locations, so register today for one of the full day workshop opportunities around the state presented by the Library of Michigan and Michigan Oral History Association<https://michiganoha.org/>! We encourage library staff, local history practitioners, archivists, museum professionals, and community partners to attend. Preserving Michigan Voices: An Oral History Workshop Interested in documenting and preserving community stories? This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to plan and conduct a successful oral history project. Whether you are representing a library, historical society, museum, archive, community organization, or simply have an interest in collecting personal narratives, this workshop will guide you through the entire oral history process. Participants will explore the foundational steps of developing an oral history project, including defining goals, identifying interviewees, and creating a project plan. The workshop will introduce affordable and effective recording equipment and discuss best practices for capturing high-quality audio and video interviews. Attendees will review essential forms and documentation, including consent and release forms, and learn how to develop thoughtful interview questions that encourage meaningful storytelling. The session will also address legal and ethical considerations related to oral history projects, including copyright, privacy, permissions, and the responsibilities of interviewers and organizations. Finally, participants will learn what happens after the interview, including file management, preservation, transcription, metadata creation, access considerations, and sharing oral histories with the public. Participants will learn to: * Develop a plan for launching and managing an oral history project. * Select appropriate equipment and documentation practices for conducting oral history interviews. * Apply legal, ethical, and preservation best practices to ensure long-term access to oral history collections. Registration Details: Each in-person workshop runs from 10:00 - 4:00 pm, with lunch provided. All workshop participants receive a one-year individual membership to MOHA, which includes MOHA's Guide to Oral History Booklet and quarterly newsletters. Space is limited and there is a $35.00 fee to attend, payment for workshops is due one week before event date. * Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Traverse Area District Library<https://www.tadl.org/>, register here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… * Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Peter White Public Library<https://pwpl.info/>, register here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… Instructors: * Brittany Bayless-Fremion, Central Michigan University * Jim Cameron, President, Michigan Oral History Association * Matt Jones, Eastern Michigan University * Zach Lanciani, Northern Michigan University * Dr. Jennifer Vanette, Castle Museum * Billy Wall-Winkel, Detroit Historical Museum This program is made possible by the Library of Michigan and supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Biz Gallo Statewide Digitization Initiatives Coordinator Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915 GalloB(a)michigan.gov<mailto:GalloB@michigan.gov> | mi.gov/LMdigitization<http://mi.gov/LMdigitization> | 517-335-1402 she/her/hers [A picture containing logo Description automatically generated] Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The Michigan Teacher of the Year Program is accepting nominations through September 23. Nominate an educator using the online form<https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VO6y33yPJYG0t0>. For more information, visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy.<https://www.michigan.gov/mtoy> [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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More youth Chinese Books
by Suzanne Tison 13 Aug '26

13 Aug '26

We received a large donation of youth Chinese books. It is more than we can enjoy. This is the second and final list of available titles. If you are interested in any title, then please respond off list with the letter designation/title and your library name and RIDES code. -Suzanne [cid:80c9dc41-5abb-4800-aa04-df617c2b76c4] Suzanne Tison Youth Services Librarian Orion Township Public Library 825 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48362 Phone: (248) 693-3000 ext 424 orionlibrary.org

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Seeking recommendations: yard signs
by Isabella Rowan 13 Aug '26

13 Aug '26

Hello library land, If you have had yard signs made for your library, where did you have them printed? Thank you, Isabella Rowan, MLIS Library Director Phone: 517-223-9089, Ext. 111 130 S. Grand Ave. Fowlerville, MI 48836 https://www.fowlervillelibrary.net/ [cid:231cfa26-0086-4b4c-ab0f-7abaf293af00] This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable laws. If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and/or reply to this e-mail message. Thank you.

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Michigan Renaissnace Festival: Michigan Activity Pass!
by Jim Flury 13 Aug '26

13 Aug '26

All, Once again TLN is pleased to welcome the Michigan Renaissance Festival as a destination partner in the Michigan Activity Pass program for 2026! Non-discounted admission to MI Ren Fes is as follows: Adult: $28.95 Child 5-12 (free for 4 and under): $18.95 However, using the promotional code at the Michigan Activity Pass [ https://miactivitypass.org/ | https://miactivitypass.org/ ] your patrons can purchase discounted tickets: Adult: $20.95 Child: $11.45 Go to https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/76287081/2026-renaissance-festival-general-ad… Select the number of tickets you want from the dropdown menu Enter Lib26 in the promotion code field Click Add Tickets Click Continue One caveat to this. There does exist a Senior Discount field in the above. However, there is a glitch in the Senior Discount field which is preventing said discount from working when our Lib26 code is entered. I've reported this to our contact at MI Ren Fes. Since they don't own the ticketing platform, when a glitch is reported all they can do is pass it along to their contact at the software vendor and wait. Truth be told there is a glitch every year that we find via testing. As a rule said glitch gets fixed before we share the info with libraries. However, MI Ren Fes gets underway on August 22. As that is the case we wanted to share the MI Ren Fes discount info somewhat in advance, as we are already getting questions from libraries and patrons. I'm much too young to be eligible to partake of anything resembling a senior discount (yeah, right) but I know via anecdotal evidence that many seniors appreciate them when available. Our suggestion for a (hopefully temporary) workaround is for seniors to just buy Adult Discount tickets, which are still a good deal. Hopefully MI Ren Fes will fix this glitch with the Senior Discount sooner rather than later. Thank you for your continued support and promotion of the Michigan Activity Pass program! Sincerely, Jim Flury Jim Flury Technical Services Manager The Library Network 41365 Vincenti Court Novi, MI 48375 248-536-3100, ext 133 Note New Fax Number: 248-716-5584 Note New Email Address:jflury@tln.org

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Join us TODAY for Digital Collections Office Hours!
by Gallo, Biz (MDE) 13 Aug '26

13 Aug '26

Please join us for Digital Collections Office Hours Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 10:30-11:30 am ET. Do you have questions about creating digital collections? Do you have material that you want to digitize and share with your community, but don't know where to start? Are you interested in preserving your digital content and need tool recommendations? Join experts from the Library of Michigan<https://cms.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/digitization/>, DPLA Michigan Service Hub<https://michmemories.org/>, and the Michigan Digital Preservation Network<http://mipres.org/> for free advice during new monthly open office hours! Come with questions, like... * What grants are available to support digitization of my collections? * What file format should I be scanning to for long-term preservation? * What platforms can I use to publish digital collections? * How do I work with volunteers to create a scanning program? * And much, much more! Office Hours will be held virtually the second Thursday of every month from 10:30-11:30 am and are open to any staff or volunteers at libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, or other cultural memory organizations! Use the link below to register for office hours and receive the Zoom link. Come for a question, stay to join the discussion! Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lce-upj8oG9XI77qeMfLkRc_04ehDFp… Biz Gallo Statewide Digitization Initiatives Coordinator Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915 GalloB(a)michigan.gov<mailto:GalloB@michigan.gov> | mi.gov/LMdigitization<http://mi.gov/LMdigitization> | 517-335-1402 she/her/hers [A picture containing logo Description automatically generated] Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The Michigan Teacher of the Year Program is accepting nominations through September 23. Nominate an educator using the online form<https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VO6y33yPJYG0t0>. For more information, visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy.<https://www.michigan.gov/mtoy> [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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