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MiALA 2026 Annual Conference Call for Presentations Now Open
by Dickinson, Thad 11 Nov '25

11 Nov '25

The Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA) is now accepting presentation proposals for its annual conference, which will be held May 6-8, 2026, at the Park Place Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Traverse City, MI. This year's theme is Finding Our True North: Creating Connections to Light Our Way. Amid an era of rapid and often unsettling change in higher education, Michigan's academic libraries remain vital centers of integrity, inquiry, and connection. Committed to upholding intellectual freedom, access, inclusivity, privacy, and the pursuit of truth, our "True North" is the shared compass that guides our work and keeps us grounded. We invite the academic library community to reflect on how it can embody our profession's enduring core values, even when external pressures threaten to pull us off course. This year's conference seeks to illuminate how academic libraries across Michigan are building resilience, fostering collaboration, and staying true to our values. We welcome proposals on topics covering any aspect of academic libraries. We are especially interested in those proposals that explore how academic libraries are reaffirming their "True North"-the guiding principles that sustain and inspire our work. Proposals are currently being accepted for the following formats: * Presentations, panels, or moderated discussion sessions (45 min.) * Interactive workshops (105 min.) * Lightning Talks (10 min.) Note: Poster presentation proposals will open in early December. Participation from librarians, library staff, LIS students, and administrators from all types of academic libraries is encouraged. MiALA membership is not required to submit a proposal. Please submit your presentation proposal using the application form <https://www.memberleap.com/members/form.php?orgcode=MALA&fid=8090541> by January 12, 2026. There is also a Breakout Session Collaboration Sheet<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r18Q1Q55ykk2TIW-Xf5xfgfMd58566ztwb9…> available to find potential collaborators around a topic or idea. * Questions about proposals can be sent to Stephanie Swanberg, sswanberg(a)msp.edu<mailto:sswanberg@msp.edu>. * Questions about the conference in general can be sent to conference(a)miala.org<mailto:conference@miala.org>. Join us as we come together in Traverse City to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover our collective direction. Let's amplify the stories, strategies, and sparks of inspiration that remind us of who we are and why our work matters. Thad Dickinson (he/him) Distance Librarian Central Michigan University

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UofM Student Informal Survey of Perceptions of School Libraries/Librarians
by Lester, Kathy 11 Nov '25

11 Nov '25

A pair of University of Michigan School of Information students are conducting an *informal *survey of perceptions of school libraries/librarians. They have asked me to share. They want input from parents, community members, teachers, administrators, and librarians. Thus, will you please: 1) Take the survey 2) Share the survey within your networks Survey Info: Survey-Perceptions of School Libraries/Librarians <https://forms.gle/o1fgVER2YrCWcUFc8> Please ask everyone to respond by *November 19th*. Thank you! --Kathy Lester Kathy Lester, MLIS, MA Adjunct Faculty,* Wayne State University, School of Information Science* School Library Consultant, *Kent ISD* Advocacy Co-Chair, Past-President 2014, *Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL)* Past-President, 2022-2023, *American Association of School Librarians (AASL)* Retired School Library Media Specialist / Technology Coach, *Plymouth-Canton Community Schools* *SL21 Model Library, 2017-2018SL21 Exemplary Ranking - Michigan School Libraries for the 21st Century 2013-2022ISTE Making IT Happen Award Winner2017 MAME Michigan School Library Program of the Year2012 State Librarian's Excellence Award Winner* kathyL(a)mimasl.org twitter: @LibraryL <https://twitter.com/LibraryL> "Every school librarian is a leader; every learner has a school librarian" --American Association of School Librarians <https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/aasl/content/advocacy/statements/do…> (AASL)

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Question for Volunteer Coordinators
by Elisabeth Phou 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

Hi everyone, I’m looking to update our volunteer tracking system to make it completely paperless. Currently, our teen volunteers sign in and out on a paper log, and I manually enter their hours into a Google Sheet. I’m sure there’s a more efficient way to handle this process, and I’d love to hear how other libraries are managing volunteer hour tracking. Thanks so much for your help and any suggestions you can share! *Best Regards,* *Elisabeth Phou, MLIS* she/her/hers Adult & Teen Services Librarian II Baldwin Public Library 300 W. Merrill St. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-554-4653 www.baldwinlib.org Currently Reading <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/6887889?utm_medi…> [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/6887889?utm_medi…> [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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Error on Sierra Checkout
by Sarah Rick 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

Hello, Has anyone else gotten the following message when checking out items on MeL? We were able to check out the item, but do not know why we got the message in the first place and if there is something we need to do on our end. [cid:89d3d193-b073-470c-aeec-65274e63f2a6] Sarah Rick Library Director [cid:7aaadf62-732f-4863-8e90-ea35497315bc]

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PBS Books Caregiving Webinar: Exploring Compassion, Connection & Community
by DJ Bond 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

[ https://tln.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2006816&group= ] Hey Michlib-l, We have a fun webinar for you to attend! Join PBS Books and The Library Network (TLN) for a special Caregiving Webinar that explores the heart of caregiving—compassion, connection, and community. This live session, hosted by Heather-Marie Montilla, will guide libraries and community partners through a robust suite of free PBS Books resources designed to support conversations and programming around caregiving. [ https://tln.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2006816&group= | Register today! ] DJ Bond Communications and Member Engagement Manager The Library Network (248) 536-3100 x116 dbond(a)tln.org TLN.org (he/him)

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Youth & Teen Services Updates
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

Resources Lost Opportunity: Afterschool in Demand, But Out of Reach for Many The new America After 3PM survey shows that parents of nearly 30 million children — more than half of all school-age youth — want afterschool programs. Yet more than 77% of these children are not enrolled in a program due to cost, transportation or lack of availability. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gAkqbzX8. Afterschool Alliance Survey As the 2025-2026 school year is underway, the Afterschool Alliance is conducting this survey<https://edge.surveyresearchfeedback.com/mrIWeb/mrIWeb.dll> to understand the supports afterschool and summer learning programs are currently providing, the challenges they face, and what their needs are to better help the children and families they serve. Your answers will provide valuable information to share with funders, policymakers, education leaders, and the public when discussing the importance of increasing investment in afterschool and summer programs that foster learning, connection, and belonging. Applying Early Literacy in Storytime Settings<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> A PCI Webinar from the Library of Michigan with support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Wednesday, November 12 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET Storytime isn’t just fun—it’s foundational. In this session, we’ll explore how to intentionally apply early literacy practices to storytime sessions in meaningful, engaging, and developmentally supportive ways. Learn how to align your book choices, songs, activities, and interactions with the five early literacy practices (talk, sing, read, write, play), and better understand the “why” behind what we do. We'll explore how to share early literacy concepts with caregivers in ways that feel approachable and encouraging, making storytime a shared journey toward lifelong learning. Whether you’re refreshing your approach or looking to build more intentionality into your storytimes, this session will help connect the dots between storytime fun and meaningful impact. In the News... Housing Diversity in Picture Books<https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2025/11/housing-diversity-in-picture-books> - ALSC Blog, 11/1/25 AI Literacy and Media Literacy: You Can’t Have One Without the Other<https://medialiteracynow.org/ai-literacy-and-media-literacy-you-cant-have-o…> - Media Literacy Now, accessed 11/7/25 Shut Out: Inequitable Access to After School Programs Grows<https://www.the74million.org/article/shut-out-inequitable-access-to-after-s…> - The 74 Million, 10/28/25 Michigan food pantries overwhelmed as SNAP benefits cease despite judges' rulings<https://www.michiganpublic.org/politics-government/2025-11-02/michigan-food…> - (mentions GCFPL's Food Pantry) Michigan Public, 11/2/25 Collaborative Summer Library Program Updates Universal Design: Inclusive Approaches to Public Librarianship Free CSLP webinar! - November 13, 2025 2:00 pm ET Presenter: Rachel C. Hawkins Register: https://www.cslpreads.org/professional-development/<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cslpreads.org%2Fprofession…> This webinar will address the Universal Design for Learning framework, how to use it, and why it matters. It will cover how to proactively utilize UDL principles when developing inclusive library programming. Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to: ✓ Understand the concept of Universal Design for Learning and its principles in the context of your library’s instructional programs. ✓ Apply Universal Design for Learning to programs in your library. ✓ Develop library materials that are accessible and inclusive. Summer Symposium Thursday, December 4, 2025 11:00 am - 4:30 pm EDT Attend the virtual symposium live from your own desk, at your library. Registration to attend live is open!<https://www.cslpreads.org/professional-development/> Can't attend live? Save seats for those wishing to attend live by completing this request for recording form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8Vcp2Yq9UGNMd32GCmV8dfKxQ66_xiQx…> which allows you to view sessions in your own time, at your own pace, if you cannot attend live. New this year - you can register to join us in-person at the Library of Michigan as we connect & collaborate together as we watch the symposium: Unearth A Story™: Connect & Collaborate Thursday, December 4, 2025 10:00 am - 4:30 pm ET* Library of Michigan - Lake Erie Meeting Room (2nd Floor) The dinosaurs are coming in 2026! Join us as we gather to view the Collaborative Summer Library Program's annual virtual Summer Symposium all about Unearth a Story™. We will start the day with a conversation around summer library programming best practices, before tuning into the opening Keynote Speaker (announcement coming soon). Between sessions we will "unearth" ideas on programming, so feel free to bring craft supplies, materials, or stories to share. This event will be limited to 50 participants. Details & Registration for this IN-PERSON Network Event<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> <https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> (Please note, if you register to attend in-person at LM, do not register for the virtual symposium via CSLP) *Limited snacks will be provided, lunch will not be served. Please plan to pack your own lunch and beverages for the day. We do have water bottle refill stations on site. The Unearth A Story(TM) 2026 Product Catalog<https://www.cslpreads.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CSLP-2026-Product-Cata…> is now available and the CLSP online store<https://shop.cslpreads.org/> is open. The 2026 manual codes to access the online manual was emailed to library directors via LibPass. Directors, please share those codes with your summer library program planning staff. If you wish to receive the manual code directly from me, and are not a director, you can complete this form<https://forms.gle/j5a7SGncwmJDUCy3A> to request the code using your official library email. CSLP Membership is provided to MI libraries by the Library of Michigan and supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 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/> [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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Celebrating MeLCat!
by Lisa Waskin 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

You are invited to a virtual 20 Years of MeLCat celebration! [Mittens the MeL mascot stands next to the MeLCat 20th Anniversary logo]<https://www.mcls.org/news/?p=10047> MeLCat is 20! For those of you who were unable to join us at MLA last month to mark this milestone anniversary, we invite you to join us for an online celebration. Join the MeL team staff from the Library of Michigan and MCLS on Zoom, Thursday, Nov. 20 from 3-4 p.m. Eastern (2-3 p.m. Central). We'll share some MeLCat stories, follow the travels of Mittens the MeLCat Mascot throughout the state, and give away MeLCat prizes. [Join on Zoom] The MeL project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services<https://mcls.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=70f5d96e1d549a56752300142&id…> through the Library of Michigan<https://mcls.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=70f5d96e1d549a56752300142&id…>. As most of you know, I wear many hats for many organizations in Michigan. This past year it has been my pleasure to serve as the MCLS Board President. As I near the end of the year in this role, I want to share a couple of events that we have coming up. The first is the 20th Anniversary of MeLCaT. Many of you helped us kick off the celebration at the MLA Annual Conference Reception on October 30th at the Library of Michigan. We will be holding another virtual party on November 20th to continue to celebrate this most important resource for Michigan libraries. We hope you will join us. In addition, I ask that you Save the Date for our Annual Meeting, which will be held virtually on December 2nd. More information to come. This year's meeting will feature some interactive engagement with attendees and help prepare the way for our first in-person Annual Meeting in a very long time, which will be held next year! Thank you, and I hope to see you online! 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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Job Posting - Children's Coordinator
by Jolene Faber 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

We currently have an open job posting for Children's Coordinator. The job description and posting are attached. If you would like to apply, please send your resume and cover letter by 5pm Thursday November 20th. If there are any questions please feel free to reach out. Jolene Faber Administrative Assistant Bay County Library System 500 Center Ave. Bay City, MI 48708 (989)894-2837 ext. 2225

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level reader books
by Zac Larson 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

Good morning everyone, What does your library do with the JE level readers? Do you sperate them by the level? If so, what are the parameters you went by other than the "level." How are they labeled? I'd love all the details if you have the time to share with me. Thank you! Zac Larson Pronouns: He/Him Administration Collection Development Librarian Staffing and Scheduling Devereaux Memorial Library 201 Plum Street[http://www.crawfordco.lib.mi.us/dnn/portals/0/devsm.jpg] Grayling, Michigan 49738 Phone: 989-348-9214 Ext. 203 Fax: 989-348-9294 [cid:2d3b6097-4c66-41e6-a97f-f738a8933eef]

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Great Michigan Read: there's still time to register!
by Katie Wittenauer 10 Nov '25

10 Nov '25

Good morning, Michigan libraries, If you haven't already registered for the tenth Great Michigan Read featuring Curtis Chin's memoir, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, now is the time! Registration opened in late August, and last month we launched the program with distribution of books and materials across the state, and Curtis' first set of author events in four communities. You can see photos from the events on our Michigan Humanities Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHumanities/>. About this year's program The Great Michigan Read<https://www.michiganhumanities.org/great-michigan-read/> is one of Michigan Humanities' signature programs, and has been in motion as a statewide reading and conversation program since 2007. We work with partners across the state to distribute free copies of the selected book and supplementary educational materials to support local programming, and to provide grant and author event opportunities. About the book: From publisher Little, Brown: "Nineteen eighties Detroit was a volatile place to live, but above the fray stood a safe haven: Chung's Cantonese Cuisine, where anyone-from the city's first Black mayor to the local drag queens, from a big-time Hollywood star to elderly Jewish couples-could sit down for a warm, home-cooked meal. Here was where, beneath a bright-red awning and surrounded by his multigenerational family, filmmaker and activist Curtis Chin came of age; where he learned to embrace his identity as a gay ABC, or American-born Chinese; where he navigated the divided city's spiraling misfortunes; and where-between helpings of almond boneless chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, and some of his own, less-savory culinary concoctions-he realized just how much he had to offer to the world, to his beloved family, and to himself. Served up by the cofounder of the Asian American Writers' Workshop and structured around the very menu that graced the tables of Chung's, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant is both a memoir and an invitation: to step inside one boy's childhood oasis, scoot into a vinyl booth, and grow up with him-and perhaps even share something off the secret menu." Important dates: Late Summer 2025: Registration opens September 18, 2025: Fall grant application for partner programming opens Late October 2025: Books and resources distributed to lending partners; fall author tour with Curtis Chin Mid-November 2025: Grant application for partner programming in 2026 opens November 24, 2025: Virtual event with Curtis Chin (registration will be available this week) April & May 2026: Spring author tour with Curtis Chin Late summer 2026: Program concludes Information session & Frequently Asked Questions: Earlier this fall, I hosted an information session that you can view here<https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/4PIxhc_Dgy5T1tAzYxbq0NyIWpubHTcM5iQgHUPM6…> as a recording. I answered a wide range of great questions about this year's new partnership structure and timeline, and also received messages afterward about the program's audience and resources. Here are a few FAQs: * How can I be a Great Michigan Read partner? There are two ways to be a 2025-26 GMR partner organization: * Lending organizations will receive a book kit beginning in late October. Each kit will come in a GMR tote bag and include copies of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, conversation starters, promotional materials, and a partner guide with links to digital resources. The materials will be yours to use for programming and distribute throughout the program period-late October 2025 through late August 2026. During that time frame, kits should largely be available for check-out by local participating partners. We are leaning on our lending partners to help us make the most of the printed books we have access to this year and build community awareness for the program. * If you are interested in reading Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant in your local community and prefer not to serve as a lending partner, we invite you to register as a participating partner. Participating partners will not receive book kits directly from Michigan Humanities. Once lending partner locations are established, you will receive information about locations in your part of the state where you can check out a book kit. It is our goal to establish lending partnerships in every county to ensure continued statewide access to the GMR program. * Do I need to pay for the books? No, we will distribute copies of the book to lending partners free of charge. * Will I receive grant funds after I register for the program? No funds are granted through the Great Michigan Read partner registration process. However, applications for the fall portion of our Great Michigan Read Action Grants opened on Sept. 18. In mid-November, we will open applications for funding to support 2026 GMR programming. You can find additional details on the Great Michigan Read website<https://www.michiganhumanities.org/great-michigan-read/>. * What is the age range for the Great Michigan Read? Since our Great Michigan Read books vary in their content and genre, it is difficult to define a universal age group. The program isn't an early literacy or children's reading program, so past audiences have included high school students and older. Specifically for this year, we can note that Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant describes some violent acts and sexual experiences, and Curtis includes his insight into and memories of anti-Asian discrimination and hate crimes, homophobia, and challenging cultural norms. * Will there be e-books/audiobooks available like previous years? At this time, we cannot provide free e-book and audiobook access, but we will stay in touch with partners as we continue to pursue additional funding to support digital versions of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. * How do I host Curtis Chin in my community? When you register as a partner, you can indicate interest in co-hosting Curtis as part of our Great Michigan Read author tours. If you'd like to work on scheduling an event with Curtis independent of those tours, you can find booking information on Curtis' website<https://www.curtisfromdetroit.com/book-curtis>. Fall tour events are now complete, and spring tour events will be announced in late 2025. * How have federal cuts impacted Michigan Humanities? As many of you likely know, Michigan Humanities' NEH funding was cut by DOGE in April. Due to this termination of critical funds, several of our grant opportunities and programs have been paused. Thanks to ongoing private support, the 2025-26 Great Michigan Read program is moving forward. You can learn more about recent Michigan Humanities developments on our resource page<https://www.michiganhumanities.org/toolkit/neh-advocacy-resources/>. What's next? Lending partner interest: If you are interested in registering as a lending partner, please complete our online Google form<https://forms.gle/KDszTiCRFA5K2LDu9> ASAP, but no later than Dec. 1, 2025. After reviewing your information, I will be in touch to share instructions and an access code for registration, which is due by Dec. 12, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: The lending partner registration form is not publicly viewable in our online portal and requires the access code I will send. Please do not fill out the participating partner form. Remember, if you are serving as a lending partner, the materials will be your organization's to use and distribute throughout the program period. Kits should be publicly available for a minimum of approximately eight months during that time frame so that any nearby GMR participating partner can access the resources. Participating partner registration: If you are interested in registering as a participating partner, please follow the instructions below. Participating partner registration is available now through summer 2026. * Login or create a new user account on the Michigan Humanities grant and program portal, located here<https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=mihumanities>. * From your user dashboard, click "APPLY" to see the available program options. * Click on "APPLY" in the Great Michigan Read Participating Partner block, then fill out the required details. * After you have submitted the form, you will receive an automated "registration received" email. Remember, participating partners will not receive book kits directly from Michigan Humanities. Once lending partner locations are established this month, you will receive information about locations in your part of the state where you can check out a book kit. It is our goal to establish lending partnerships in every county to ensure continued statewide access to the program. Author tour opportunities: An opportunity to share your interest in co-hosting Curtis Chin for a spring author event is included in both partner registration types. Register soon to indicate your interest; review will begin next week for spring events. If you have any questions, please reach out to me via email<mailto:kwittenauer@mihumanities.org?subject=Great%20Michigan%20Read> or phone (517-372-7770, ext. 294). We look forward to working with you this year! Katie Katie Wittenauer (she/her) Director of Programs | kwittenauer(a)mihumanities.org<mailto:kwittenauer@mihumanities.org> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiewittenauer/> Connecting, Sharing, Growing [A blue and white badge with gold ribbon Description automatically generated] Michigan Humanities PO Box 91 Marshall, MI 49068 517-372-7770, ext. 294 Website<http://michiganhumanities.org/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHumanities> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/mihumanities/?hl=en> Mission: Bringing people together through stories, histories, cultures, and conversations.

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