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Otsego County Library millage passes
by jskinner＠otsego.org 11 Aug '26

11 Aug '26

Good news everybody! The Otsego County Library millage passed 4,281 (67.8%) to 2,027 (32.1%). Have a wonderful rest of your day, Jackie Jacqueline Skinner Director Otsego County Library 989-732-5841 jskinner(a)otsego.org

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Van Buren District Library Position Posting: Bangor Branch Manager Full-Time
by Dan Hutchins 11 Aug '26

11 Aug '26

Position Title: Bangor Branch Manager. Hours & Compensation: Full-time hourly position at 40 hours per week including benefits. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Salary begins at $71,988 annually for candidates possessing a Master of Library and Information Science degree or $60,211 annually for candidates possessing a Bachelor’s degree. Benefits include health insurance (including vision and dental), a 401(a) retirement plan with employer match and optional 457 plan, long-term disability insurance, paid life insurance, and mobile phone reimbursement. PLEASE NOTE: Van Buren District Library does not pay or reimburse for moving or relocation expenses. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Preference will be given to candidates possessing a Master of Library and Information Science degree or currently enrolled in an accredited MLIS program. Preference will also be given to candidates with prior public library experience. Experience in Youth Services and previous supervisory experience are strongly preferred. Nature of Work: At Van Buren District Library, we believe that libraries connect people to the world around them and to each other. We seek leaders who share our commitment to outstanding public service, lifelong learning, and strong community partnerships. Van Buren District Library is seeking an enthusiastic, engaged, and community-oriented leader for its Bangor Branch Library, located in the City of Bangor, Michigan, approximately 10 miles southeast of South Haven, Michigan, and 30 miles west of Kalamazoo in Van Buren County. Bangor is a small city situated at the crossroads of the Lake Michigan coastline and rural Van Buren County, known for its agricultural heritage, small farms, and local farm markets. Van Buren District Library serves more than 44,000 residents through seven branch locations. The Bangor Branch Manager is a position of significant responsibility requiring a versatile leader capable of managing branch operations while providing exceptional public service and fostering strong community relationships. The successful candidate will become an active and visible member of the Bangor community, developing productive relationships with residents, schools, local government, civic organizations, and community partners. The Bangor Branch Manager serves on a full-time basis, including some evening and Saturday hours, with a schedule reflecting the needs of both the Bangor community and the Library District. The position reports directly to the Executive Director. Like many positions within Van Buren District Library, the Bangor Branch Manager will serve in multiple and sometimes unrelated roles as organizational needs evolve. Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed are essential characteristics for success. Responsibilities: • Supervise the Bangor Branch Library and oversee its daily operations. • Train, schedule, mentor, and supervise branch staff while fostering a positive workplace culture centered on exceptional customer service. • Maintain a welcoming, safe, and attractive library environment in collaboration with local government and library administration. Report building and grounds issues to local government staff and library administration as needed. • Assist patrons with technology, research, and information needs. • Perform routine troubleshooting and maintenance of public technology and library equipment, including copiers, printers, and related devices. • Develop children’s and adult programs in collaboration with the District Program Coordinator, fellow Branch Managers, and other library staff, consistent with Library District goals and best practices. • Serve as the Library’s primary representative to local government, schools, the Friends of the Bangor Branch Library, community organizations, and other local partners. • Attend Library District meetings, municipal meetings, and community events requiring personal transportation. • Under the guidance of the Collection Development Team, actively manage the branch collection through data- informed weeding, merchandising, rotation, and replacement of materials. • Oversee branch circulation services, including interlibrary loan and MeLCat. • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Administrative Team. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Desire to serve the public in a welcoming, professional, and inclusive manner. • Knowledge of managerial principles and practices related to public library operations. • Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. • Ability to motivate staff, manage change, and cultivate a positive workplace culture. • Intermediate technology skills, including Microsoft Office, Internet resources, eBooks and eReaders, hoopla, MeLCat, Kanopy, and other digital content platforms. • Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, local officials, community organizations, and the public. • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. • Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently while supporting district-wide initiatives. • Ability to work evening and weekend hours as needed. • Ability to read fine print with or without corrective lenses; lift up to 30 pounds; bend, twist, crouch, kneel; and shelve library materials up to 90 inches in height. The duties and responsibilities of this position supplement the Van Buren District Library Personnel Policies and applicable work rules and may evolve as organizational needs change. The Library reserves the right to assign work outside an employee’s regular job assignment and to modify work assignments, work locations, or job descriptions as necessary. To Apply: Please submit a resume, references, and a cover letter to: Chantelle Dowling, Operations Manager cdowling(a)vbdl.org <mailto:cdowling@vbdl.org>. Applications accepted until the position is filled. An online version of the position posting may be found here: https://www.vbdl.org/job/bangor-branch-manager/ Dan Hutchins Executive Director Van Buren District Library 200 North Phelps Street Decatur, MI 49045 dhutchins(a)vbdl.org <mailto:dhutchins@vbdl.org> Main: 269-423-4771 https://www.vbdl.org <https://www.vbdl.org/>

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Presentation Recommendation: A Leap from the Clouds: Michigan's Early Aeronauts
by Mick Howey 11 Aug '26

11 Aug '26

Hello Michlib! Last night BPL hosted Jillian Reese for her presentation A Leap from the Clouds: Michigan's Early Aeronauts. The presentation details Michigan's early aeronautic pioneers who daringly, some may say crazily, mixed entertainment and engineering. This was Jillian's first time doing a presentation at a library and she was fantastic! She was knowledgeable and entertaining, speaking with excitement and passion. Her slideshow was well put together. The program was hybrid with 23 attending. Jillian did not charge a fee. Her contact info is below: Jillian Reese (she/her) curator of exhibits Michigan History Center 517-388-9579 reesej2(a)michigan.gov Please let me know if you have any questions. Best, Mick Howey, MLIS Adult Services Librarian II Baldwin Public Library 300 West Merrill Street Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 554-4649 https://www.baldwinlib.org/ Currently Reading <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/72296780?utm_med…> [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/72296780?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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MeL Training - Homeschool Help with Gale Resources for Secondary Students from MeL
by Teft, Sandra (MDE) 11 Aug '26

11 Aug '26

Good Afternoon, Please see below for an upcoming MeL training from Gale on homeschool resources. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there are specific trainings you would be interested in! MeL Training - Homeschool Help with Gale Resources for Secondary Students from MeL Date and Time: Tuesday, August 18th at 2:00-2:30pm Discover how Gale resources from the Michigan eLibrary can support homeschooling families with secondary students. This session highlights key databases that strengthen learning in language arts, science, social studies, and research skills. Participants will explore tools that simplify assignments, enhance independent study, and provide reliable, student‑friendly content. Learn to navigate topic pages, use reading supports, access primary sources, and incorporate multimedia to enrich instruction. Perfect for homeschool educators seeking high‑quality, Michigan‑provided digital resources to guide academic projects, strengthen critical thinking, and support curriculum needs. This session will be recorded for those unable to attend. Registration Link: https://cengage-gale.zoom.us/webinar/register/8917709070711/WN_zRSsKhfZSRmO…<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/cengage-gale.zoom.us/webinar/register/89…> You can find a full listing of Continuing Education opportunities<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing…> provided by the Library of Michigan, including trainings on other MeL resources on our website. You can also find additional information on the Gale trainings listed above, as well as support tools for MeL resources on the Gale MeL Support website<https://support.gale.com/mel>. Thanks! Sandra Teft Michigan eLibrary Coordinator | Library Development Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48915 TeftS(a)michigan.gov | 517-241-0104 https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan [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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Attendance Policy
by Chelsey Boss 10 Aug '26

10 Aug '26

Hello all, We currently do not have an attendance policy and we are looking to create one. If you are willing to share yours we would appreciate it. Thank you, *Chelsey Boss* Assistant Director Adrian District Library 143 E. Maumee St. Adrian, MI 49221 517.265.2265 (o) 517.759.3195 (f) *Adrian’s place to connect, explore, and learn.*

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PT Administrative Assistant (2 open positions) closes Aug. 21
by MCLS Marketing 10 Aug '26

10 Aug '26

Please excuse cross-posting. [cid:01db2eb8-29e2-49bd-b4da-73d2506a3363] 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/mclsorg> Part-time Administrative Assistant (2 positions<https://www.mcls.org/index.php/download_file/2793/>) About MCLS The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 consortium serving more than 600 member libraries across Indiana and Michigan. Governed by a member board and staffed by highly trained professionals, MCLS’s mission is to collaborate and share resources that libraries of all types to better serve their communities. MCLS empowers libraries to achieve the extraordinary through a variety of services such as eLicensing and collection resources, consulting, training, and technology solutions. About the position The Part-Time Administrative Assistant serves as a primary point of contact for general inquiries and provides responsive, reliable administrative support across MCLS’s daily operations. This fully-remote role supports communications, scheduling, record keeping, membership administration, and customer service functions in a hybrid organizational environment. The position ensures smooth coordination among staff, members, and external partners by maintaining accurate information, facilitating meetings, and assisting with organizational projects as needed. Primary responsibilities 1. Answer the main MCLS phone line and administrative emails, responding professionally and routing calls appropriately. 2. Process and route RIDES help desk tickets in a timely and accurate manner. 3. Support online meetings, including scheduling, communication, preparation, starting, hosting, and basic troubleshooting. 4. Assist with membership administration, including processing new, renewed, and canceled memberships. 5. Send welcome communications to new MCLS member libraries and library directors. 6. Maintain MCLS member and organizational data as directed, including contact management and record updates. 7. Order supplies for the MCLS office and individual staff as needed or directed. 8. Schedule organization-wide meetings, events, and internal staff gatherings. 9. Assist with special projects and administrative tasks as assigned. 10. Attend MCLS online staff meetings and contribute to a collaborative remote work environment when schedule permits. 11. Provide general administrative and clerical support to MCLS staff as directed. Compensation Minimum starting salary: $18/hour To apply *Please read the complete position details<https://www.mcls.org/index.php/download_file/2793/> with duties and qualifications. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to jobs(a)mcls.org<mailto:jobs@mcls.org> by Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 at 5 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. Central). We look forward to hearing from those who are eager to join our dynamic team and help MCLS achieve excellence in service to libraries.

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Canton Public Library Job Opening - IT Specialist I
by Sean Bewick 10 Aug '26

10 Aug '26

Under the management of the Information Technology Department Head, the IT Specialist provides technical support for library staff and patron use of technology. The IT Specialist also engages in the design and implementation of technology projects focused on enhancing the library's use of technology. The nature of the work requires evening and weekend hours. This is a regular part-time position and is non-exempt from overtime under FLSA guidelines. SCHEDULED HOURS AND COMPENSATION * Twenty-four (24) hours per week * $19.85-$23.79 per hour * Paid vacation accrual with one week of vacation available upon hire * Annual sick leave allowance * Paid holidays: nine official holidays, plus three discretionary holidays and your birthday * Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Stellar Staff Award program, Longevity Awards and an active Social Committee APPLICATION INFORMATION: Only complete application packets (that include a current CPL application form<https://www.cantonpl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/08/CPL_Employmen…>, resume and cover letter) received or postmarked by 6:00 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, will be considered. Incomplete application packets will not be reviewed. Submit complete application packets to: Marian Nicholson – Business Services Canton Public Library 1200 S. Canton Center Road Canton, MI 48188 jobs(a)cantonpl.org<mailto:jobs@cantonpl.org> For more information, please see the attached job posting or visit the CPL Jobs and Volunteering page<https://www.cantonpl.org/jobs/>. Thank you, [cid:d7748d16-97f1-4787-b4fd-620d8089e74c] Sean Bewick HR Specialist bewicks(a)cantonpl.org<mailto:bewicks@cantonpl.org> Canton Public Library 1200 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI 48188 734-394-1068

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Room Rentals
by Shannon Powers 10 Aug '26

10 Aug '26

Hi all, Do you rent/allow community members to use your large programming spaces? If you do, who is in charge of overseeing this? Who sets up the furniture and the AV for the rentals? Thanks! Shannon <https://chelseadistrictlibrary.org/> *Shannon Powers* *Head of Information Services* Chelsea District Library p: <http://goog_1831993167/> 734.475.8732 x217 <17344758732> a: <https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVVjBg9R2kYyHxWp8> 221 S. Main Street | Chelsea | MI | 48118 <https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVVjBg9R2kYyHxWp8> w: chelseadistrictlibrary.org e: spowers(a)chelseadistrictlibrary.org

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Apply to join a Building Community-Based Summers virtual cohort this Fall!
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 10 Aug '26

10 Aug '26

The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is excited to launch the fourth national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers<https://www.cslpreads.org/community-based-summers/#aboutbcbs> (BCBS) in Fall 2026! BCBS is designed to help member libraries identify the “whys” behind their summer services, build strategies to engage community voices, and create and provide inclusive summer services for all members of their communities. The discussions and activities will focus on how to connect with communities experiencing marginalization to design and implement summer library services. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage with a nationwide cohort of library staff to dig deeply into inclusive summer services. What library workers say about BCBS “I'm so impressed by the amount of thought and care that has gone into creating this curriculum. The resources provided were new to me, unique, engaging, and very helpful.” “We have been looking to make changes to almost all aspects of our summer services, from registration to logging, and prizes/completion. This series and the materials shared will be providing the framework to get us started in the process.” “Thank you for the experience! I enjoyed talking to other people from different libraries! It has expanded my knowledge and has changed my point of view on libraries and communities.” Participation Each participating library is encouraged to send a team of two staff members from across departments including youth services, adult services, programming, outreach, and administrators. Participation in the BCBS initiative will require, of all team members: * Consistent attendance and active participation using cameras, shared whiteboards, and breakout rooms. * Participation in six sessions including an introductory orientation, four learning sessions, and a wrap-up/review session. An optional discussion session will also be scheduled. * Additional work will be required within your library and community to begin to consider and assess your existing and planned summer programs and services through an equity lens. Expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours/week doing this work, in addition to the virtual sessions. Dates/Times * Sessions take place Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 and November 10 and 17, 2026. An optional open discussion session will be scheduled on November 3. * Sessions are 2 hours long: 1:00-3:00 pm ET / Noon-2:00 pm CT / 11:00 am-1:00 pm MT / 10:00am-Noon PT Learn More and Apply CSLP member libraries are invited to learn more about BCBS and the upcoming cohort<https://www.cslpreads.org/community-based-summers/#aboutbcbs> and apply by 8:00 am ET on Monday, August 17, 2026<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-jeTMXuHoGTfB3G40jWG5puw87T73HEe…> to be considered for the Fall cohort. Accepted participants will be notified in early September. Questions? Contact bcbs(a)cslpreads.org<mailto:bcbs@cslpreads.org> All Michigan Public Libraries are members of CSLP through the Library of Michigan, thanks in part to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 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. [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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Mahjongg at the Library
by Laura Orlowski 10 Aug '26

10 Aug '26

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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