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Mi KidLib Unconference
by Julie Moore 31 Jul '26

31 Jul '26

Welcome to MI KidLib, an annual FREE unconference for youth services staff (current, aspiring, retired) in Michigan. Registration is currently open! Unconference is here and it is returning September 16, 2026! Register for your spot at the 2026 Mi KidLib Unconference. This years' unconference will be held at: Kent District Library Cascade Township Library at 2870 Jacksmith Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Register here.<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxv6Xs8jRhb7mqnNX7D28jtrV_-tYP0xA…> MI KidLib is run by Dena Moscheck (Saline District Library), Julie Moore (Clinton Macomb Public Library), and Leigh Verburg (Kent District Library). MI KidLib was started in 2014 by Lisa Mulvenna, Andrea Vernola, and Anne Clark. Please feel free to reach out with any questions at mikidlib(a)gmail.com<mailto:mikidlib@gmail.com> Julie Moore Clinton Macomb Public Library Outreach Manager - Children and Teen Services 40900 Romeo Plank Rd. Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-226-5033 Check out CMPL's services for teachers and students at https://cmpl.org/services_specialties/children/students_and_teachers.php

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Youth & Teen Services Updates
by Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) 31 Jul '26

31 Jul '26

CSLP Updates Summer Programming Survey To support CSLP’s vision to ensure vibrant summer reading programs are available to everyone through their library, the Statistics Committee is requesting your library’s data on your summer reading program. All public libraries that do summer programming are welcome to complete our survey, regardless of whether you used CSLP’s theme. Survey closes September 11th. Learn more and complete the survey here: https://www.cslpreads.org/stats/. Theme & Slogan Listening Sessions Help determine the Slogan for 2029's nature theme, and the Theme for 2030! Listening Session Option #1 Thursday, August 13 at 1pm EST/12pm CST/11am MST/10 am PST Join us on Zoom<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87115329143?pwd=V6XfiL3HS1TU4YzkTzsNcWjXgmh36N.1> - no need to register Listening Session Option #2 Tuesday, August 18 at 4pm EST/3pm CST/2 pm MST/1 pm PST Join us on Zoom<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82435533498?pwd=MaltrF2Qi9WnXyG6ETDsX9RVadOayw.1> - no need to register Save the date: CSLP's Summer Symposium will be Thursday, December 3rd. We'll host an in-person watch party or you will be able to register individually to join virtually. All public libraries in MI are members of CSLP thanks to the Library of Michigan, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Resources PLA releases “Family Engagement for Spanish-Speaking Community Members” Workbook<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjQyMTU0NiZwPT…> PLA announced the availability of a new practical guide for engaging Spanish-speaking community members<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjQyMTU0NiZwPT…>. Just in time for use in planning Library Card Sign-Up Month<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjQyMTU0NiZwPT…> activities and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in September, the workbook provides case studies and planning tools to help library workers better engage Spanish-speaking families. The guide is available for free download in English<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjQyMTU0NiZwPT…> and Spanish<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjQyMTU0NiZwPT…>. Empowering Creativity: Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries<https://elearning.ala.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=1284&_zs…> With Ellyssa Kroski. A 90-minute webinar. New date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 2:30 pm Eastern Makerspaces are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. While some libraries have long-established makerspaces, others are just getting started. In this webinar, aimed at those who are relatively new to makerspaces, we’ll look at how we can put these spaces to work in a practical way. Even if you don’t have a dedicated physical makerspace in your library, you can learn the theory behind makerspaces and programming that will work for you. MiLEAP's 2026 Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference September 29-30, 2026, Mount Pleasant In the first of its kind in Michigan, The Michigan Community Schools Coalition and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential are co-hosting a statewide event to spotlight both the work of the 10 Regional MiFamily Engagement Centers and 155 community schools dedicated to building, growing, and sustaining key family engagement and partnership practices across the state. Details and registration here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L54k75DQP2n6Xo9sWzrIlNg40706I4yG/view MiLEAP 2026-2027 Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant Information On July 21, 2026, Michigan Public Act (P.A.) 25 of 2026, Section 32n<https://legislature.mi.gov/documents/2025-2026/publicact/pdf/2026-PA-0025.p…> was signed into law with $135 million budgeted to provide in-person before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school, or during the summer programming to children in grades K-12. The new legislation defines the eligible applicants, the type of programming, and the priorities that the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) must use in a competitive grant process to award the funds across the state. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply<https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/education-partnerships/out-of-school-time-a…>. Questions? Contact MiLEAP-OST(a)michigan.gov. Children & Screens - Parenting Tip Sheet Before You Post: Tips for Sharing Your Child's Life Online: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/before-you-post-t… In the News... Working with Teens at tthe Library<https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/07/working-with-teens-at-the-library/> <https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/07/working-with-teens-at-the-library/> - ALSC Blog, 7/28/26 SLJ Survey: Cell Phone Bans Boost Reading, Library Use<https://www.slj.com/story/SLJ-Survey-Cell-Phone-Bans-Boost-Reading-Library-…> - SLJ, 7/23/26 ALA Just Released Its First Comprehensive AI Guidance for Libraries. Here's What Every School Librarian Needs to Know<https://aischoollibrarian.substack.com/p/ala-just-released-its-first-compre…> - The AI School Librarian Substack, 7/30/26 Ready to Read Michigan Presents... Practical Puppetry for Powerful Programs! Adding puppetry to library programs can engage learners, promote inclusive environments, breathe life into timeless classics, lift up diverse stories, and ignite imaginations. But who has time for memorizing lines, the budget for exotic supplies, or the opportunity to implement long-term lesson plans? You can do it all without complicated puppet stages, formal scripts, expensive materials, or midnight oil! Experience practical puppetry activities in action. Learn what makes puppetry well-suited to library learning and which types of puppets are best-suited to different activities. Adapt a story, song, or game to include puppets. Practice your crafting and performing skills. Return to your own library inspired and prepared to add puppetry to your own programs. Participants will learn to: * Define puppetry and list five basic styles of puppetry. * Summarize the benefits of incorporating puppetry into library learning. * Consider the role of puppetry to create engaging and inclusive experiences. * Employ frameworks to match the type of puppet best suited to a given opportunity and adapt existing stories, songs, and content to puppetry. * Interpret and present an existing story, song, or fingerplay using puppetry. * Apply examples of practical puppetry in programs. Registration Details: This in-person workshop runs from 9:30 - 5:00 pm EST, with lunch provided. Space is limited and there is a $35.00 fee to attend, payment for either workshop location is due by September 7th. * Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Delta Township District Library<https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Lk3hPuKGboAsqBc6>, register here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… * Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library<https://maps.app.goo.gl/FedCQNFqQzGn1Zcv6>, register here: https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… Enjoy the start of August! 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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The Anxious Generation Community Read
by Andrus, Miriam 31 Jul '26

31 Jul '26

Hello Wonderful Library Folks, The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library is planning to focus on community mental health during the 26-27 school year by doing a community read focused on "The Anxious Generation" and other similar books. If your library has done a community read surrounding the same topic or book, I would love to hear how it went, what worked, and if you had any great programs that really helped drive home the themes of the book. Please send me an email of your ideas and resources, and "Thank you" in advance!! Miriam Andrus, Director Grace A. Dow Memorial Library

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Employment Opportunity: FT Youth Services Manager - Williams County Public Library, Bryan OH
by Janelle Thomas 31 Jul '26

31 Jul '26

*Cross-posted. Please excuse duplication.* Youth Services Manager Williams County Public Library 107 E. High Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506 Pay Range: $21.73–$28.75 per hour ($45,198–$59,800 annually) Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week Application Deadline: August 24, 2026 Williams County Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative Youth Services Manager to lead our Youth Services Department at the Bryan Main Library. As a member of the Library’s management team, the Youth Services Manager oversees youth programming, services, collections, outreach, and departmental operations. This position supervises Youth Services staff and works closely with schools, daycare providers, homeschool organizations, and other community partners to provide meaningful library experiences for children, teens, and families. Key Responsibilities: ● Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Youth Services staff, substitutes, and volunteers. ● Organize departmental workflows and provide leadership in the delivery of library services. ● Develop departmental goals, priorities, and service initiatives. ● Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs for children, teens, and families. ● Oversee the selection, maintenance, and weeding of children’s and young adult collections. ● Supervise the Teen Services & Makerspace Coordinator and provide direction for teen services. ● Coordinate displays, exhibits, promotional materials, and program marketing. ● Build and maintain relationships with schools, daycare providers, homeschool organizations, and other community partners. ● Compile departmental reports and statistics. ● Assist with budgeting, strategic planning, grants, fundraising efforts, and special projects. ● Represent the Library at community events, professional organizations, workshops, and conferences. ● Identify opportunities to strengthen youth services, programming, collections, and outreach. Qualifications: ● Bachelor’s degree required. ● Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution preferred. ● At least two years of youth services experience, preferably in a public library. ● Supervisory experience preferred. ● Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and customer service skills. ● Demonstrated commitment to excellent public service. ● Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as necessary. ● Access to transportation for performing job responsibilities. ● Ability to successfully complete a criminal background check. Starting pay will be based on the candidate’s education and relevant experience. Benefits: Williams County Public Library offers eligible full-time employees a benefits package that includes: ● Medical and prescription drug coverage ● Dental insurance ● Vision insurance ● Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage ● Employee assistance and counseling services ● Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System ● Paid leave and holidays About Williams County Public Library: Williams County Public Library has served the community for more than 140 years, beginning with a collection of 600 books in 1882. Today, WCPL serves residents throughout Williams County through the Bryan Main Library, five branch libraries, and the Local History & Genealogy Center. The Youth Services Department is located in the Rachel & Elwood Donohue Children’s Library, a newly renovated space dedicated in 2022. We are proud of our longstanding community roots and our continued commitment to providing welcoming spaces, engaging programs, and meaningful services for children, teens, and families. How to Apply: Mail or email your cover letter, resumé, and references to: Dylan Wagner Williams County Public Library 107 E. High Street Bryan, OH 43506 dylan(a)mywcpl.org <dylan(a)mywcpl.org> Applications must be received by August 24, 2026. *Janelle Thomas (she/her/hers) **| *Executive Director *| *The Northwest Regional Library System (NORWELD) *| *Phone: 419-352-2903 | jthomas(a)norweld.org *My work day may look different than your work day. Please do not feel obligated to respond outside your normal working hours.* *This message and any response to it may constitute a public record and thus may be publicly available to anyone who requests it.*

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NEW: State Librarian search - Colorado State Library
by Beth Barker 31 Jul '26

31 Jul '26

State Librarian - Colorado State Library (CO) Colorado seeks an experienced, collaborative, and forward-looking library leader to serve as State Librarian, guiding statewide library development, resource sharing, accessible library services, institutional library support, state publications, grants, research, and partnerships that strengthen library service for communities across the state. The State Librarian leads the Colorado State Library, a unit of the Colorado Department of Education, and oversees approximately 40 employees and an annual budget of approximately $10 million in state, federal, and other funds. The Colorado State Library (CSL) supports libraries and library-related services across Colorado through statewide leadership, consultation, professional development, resource sharing, and programs that expand access to information and learning. Guided by strategic priorities focused on learning for all, resource sharing, professional development for library staff, and services to underserved populations, CSL works in collaboration with library staff in all 64 counties to support equitable service for Coloradans. The next State Librarian will join CSL at a time of opportunity, with responsibility for sustaining essential statewide services, strengthening partnerships across Colorado's library ecosystem, stewarding state and federal resources, and supporting libraries in their response to changing community, educational, technological, and access needs. Recent CSL impact includes: * Distributing more than $2.9 million in State Grants to Libraries funding to support collections and technology; * Funding and supporting the SWIFT resource sharing platform used by 123 small, rural, and institutional libraries to borrow and lend over 110,000 items annually; * Reaching 97% of all types of libraries through grants, and supporting nearly 40 state-run institutional libraries; * Offering more than 9.0+ million pages through the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection; * Providing access to 54,144 titles and 184,781 items in the State Publications Collection; * and circulating more than 765,000 items through the Colorado Talking Book Library. Colorado offers a dynamic and varied statewide service landscape, from growing Front Range communities to rural, mountain, agricultural, Tribal, and plains communities with distinct needs and strengths. For a library leader committed to access, collaboration, and responsive service, the state offers meaningful opportunities to support libraries that serve as essential educational, cultural, and civic resources across all 64 counties. Responsibilities include providing statewide leadership, support, and vision for libraries and library-related institutions across Colorado; fostering a cooperative and team-based environment for staff; overseeing resource sharing, grants, research, and other statewide services; creating and implementing the Library's budget in cooperation with fiscal leaders; and advising the Commissioner, Chief External Relations Officer, leadership teams, and others on library matters. For a full list of responsibilities, see the links in the job posting on the Bradbury Miller Associate website<https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/> (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/) Qualifications include an ALA-accredited master's degree in library science; seven years of progressively responsible library experience, including five years of administrative experience in a library or library-related organization; the ability to work in Colorado and travel statewide; the ability to successfully pass a background check; and hold a valid driver's license. Experience with fiscal management, strategic planning, budgets, and grants; leading managers or direct reports who supervise others; and administering public-sector, state, and/or federal funding streams is highly preferred. This position may be eligible for hybrid or remote work within Colorado, subject to business needs, supervisor approval, annual agreements, performance expectations, secure work practices, and the ability to report to the CDE work location when requested. The successful candidate must perform work within Colorado, maintain a remote/home office, and travel statewide up to 25%, including some overnight travel; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for national library meetings and conferences. Compensation: The hiring salary range is $135,000 - $175,000, with placement negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. An excellent fringe benefits package is included. Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and online application on the State of Colorado Job Opportunities web site<https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/5407002/colorado-state…>. Applications close Friday, August 28, 2026, 11:59 pm MDT. Visit our website<https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/> (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/) to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links. - Beth Barker (she/her) Director of Finance and Communication Bradbury Miller Associates 330-340-7115 | Dover, OH | bradburymiller.com<http://bradburymiller.com/> Sign up for our newsletter<https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=myy6mkoab&p=oi&m=11148931…> for updates on available positions!

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Last Day to Register for Preserving Michigan Voices: An Oral History Workshop!
by Gallo, Biz (MDE) 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Today is the last day to register for the upcoming Preserving Michigan Voices: An Oral History Workshop in Traverse City on August 5, 2026, 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… 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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Free Label Protectors
by Brenna Wade 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Hello All, I have 2 boxes of Demco non-glare label protectors, 1 ½" h and 2" w, 250/roll, with lines. I will send 1 box to the first 2 libraries that respond with their RIDES code, as I can only send these through RIDES. Best, Brenna Brenna Wade | Public Services Librarian | Hillsdale College, Mossey Library 33 E College St, Hillsdale, MI 49242 | (517) 607-2606 | bwade(a)hillsdale.edu<mailto:bwade@hillsdale.edu>

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St. Joseph Public Library open position: Children & Tween Services Supervisor
by Zackery North 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

The Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library in St. Joseph, MI is hiring a Children & Tween Services Supervisor. The Children & Tween Services Supervisor is in charge of the Children’s department of the library. You would oversee departmental collections, staff members and pages, and programs. You can find the job description on our website: https://www.librarybythelake.org/careers/children-tween-services-supervisor Please send resumes and cover letters to Paula Stakley at pstakley(a)sjcity.com. Zack North (He/They), MLIS Assistant Director St. Joseph / Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library 500 Market Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085 Main #: 269-983-7167 Direct #: 269-408-4560 librarybythelake.org<http://librarybythelake.org>

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MeL.com
by Library Director 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Hello, Is anyone else having issues with MeL ordering right now? Even on personal devices it doesn't load after hitting search for something. Best, [sigemail] CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipient named above. If you are not the designated recipient, an employee, or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of it or its contents is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please destroy all copies of this communication and any attachments and notify the sender immediately via phone, fax, or electronic mail. Thank you.

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MeLCat search at mel.org - restored
by Jackie Licalzi 30 Jul '26

30 Jul '26

Hi all, MeLCat searching/requesting at mel.org, or search.mel.org, is restored. If you are still unable to access mel.org, please open at ticket at melcathelp(a)mcls.org. You can also use https://elibrary.mel.org (Classic MeLCat) to search and place MeLCat requests. That you for your patience while we work to address this issue. Funding for MeL is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Thanks - Jackie Jackie Licalzi MeLCat System Administrator 517-481-2000 licalzij(a)mcls.org<mailto:licalzij@mcls.org> [cid:613bf1d8-26ff-4231-91bd-d5c5f05d312e] 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>

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