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Sharing Sad News from the Library of Michigan
by Bradley, Michelle (MDE) 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Dear Michigan Library Community, We are greatly saddened to share that we received news over the weekend of the passing of State Librarian Randy Riley. Randy was well-known and respected around the state for his advocacy for libraries, books and reading. He became state librarian in 2014 and was a Library of Michigan staff member since 1989. Before being named state librarian, he was a key member of the team responsible for oversight of the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and promoting its resources to school and public libraries and government agencies statewide. He helped coordinate outreach to educators, state employees, and librarians to ensure that they have easy access to information. Under his leadership the Library of Michigan redesigned the MeL website and installed discovery search capabilities for MeL. He oversaw statewide database contracts and vendor relations, coordinated the Michigan Notable Books program. He was integral in creation of the SeekingMichigan website and was the editor of the Michigan Genealogist e-newsletter. Randy worked as a reference librarian, Michigan Selector, Michigan, and Genealogy Special Collections coordinator and as Special Collections supervisor at the Library of Michigan. He was an influential leader in statewide and national library organizations, including Chief Officers of State Library Agencies. Randy earned a bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University with a dual major in history and political science and a master's degree of Information and Library Studies in the Archives and Records Management Program at the University of Michigan. We will share the obituary and information about any funeral arrangements as they become available. Randy is survived by his wife, Lori, a son, Sam, a daughter, Madeline, and his dog, Louie. Randy will truly be missed. Please keep his family, friends, and Library of Michigan staff in your thoughts. Michelle Bradley Library Development Manager Library of Michigan 517-335-1507 [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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MiALA Conference: Call for Presentation Proposals ends Jan. 12
by Dickinson, Thad 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

A gentle reminder from the MiALA Conference Planning Committee that the deadline to submit presentation proposals for the upcoming conference is right around the corner, and you don't want to miss it! This year's conference seeks to illuminate how academic libraries across Michigan are building resilience, fostering collaboration, and staying true to our values during an era of rapid and often unsettling change in higher education. We welcome proposals on topics covering any aspect of academic libraries, and we're especially interested in those that explore how academic libraries are reaffirming their "True North," the guiding principles that sustain and inspire our work. Let's amplify the stories, strategies, and sparks of inspiration that remind us of who we are and why our work matters. Presentation proposals include the following formats: * Presentations, panels, or moderated discussion sessions (45 min.) * Interactive workshops (105 min.) * Lightning Talks (10 min.) Please submit your presentation proposal using the application form (https://tinyurl.com/49rpczhv) by Monday, January 12, 2026. There is also a Breakout Session Collaboration Sheet (https://tinyurl.com/mr3d6n7e) 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>. Don't miss out - submit your proposal soon! [cid:image001.jpg@01DC7E4F.FC41A930] Thad Dickinson, MSLIS, MALDT (he/him) Distance & MSA Librarian | Library Research & Instruction Services 900 Tower Dr., Suite 100 | Central Michigan University | Troy, MI. 48098-2834 E: dicki1te(a)cmich.edu | P: 248-526-2638 | F: 248-526-1585 | Webex<https://cmich.webex.com/meet/dicki1te>

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AADL Job Opportunity
by hr＠aadl.org 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Hello, The Ann Arbor District Library currently has an open job posting for a Full-time Library Technician - Open Lab. We will be accepting applications until 8pm on November 25, 2025. Please visit: aadl.org/aboutus/employment for the posting and information on how to apply. Thank you! Heidi Pratt (she/her) HR Staffing Coordinator | Ann Arbor District Library [ mailto:hr@aadl.org | hr(a)aadl.org ] | 734-327-4273 | [ mailto:pratth@aadl.org | pratth(a)aadl.org ]

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Council Member Conflict on Board
by Sharon Crotser 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Greetings to you all! We are a City library, and as such are a department of the City of St. Ignace. We have had a City council member recently join our board as a non-voting member of the library's board of trustees. We've since had a library board opening, and the individual in question has requested to be the replacement. The rest of the library board has been under the impression that this occurrence will create a conflict of interest. The City's attorney however has ok'd it. I would dearly love more information. If you have any knowledge of the legalities of our situation, please respond. I'd love to hear from you. Many thanks in advance, -Sharon Sharon Crotser Director St. Ignace Public Library 110 West Spruce Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 (906) 643-8318

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Storytime Bags - What Do You Use?
by Lorry Traver 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Hello everyone, My library has been using the clear stadium bags for our storytime bags because those are large enough to hold most picture books, but they do not hold up well long-term so we are searching for a better option. If you have circulating storytime kits at your library, could you send me a photo of one of the bags, possibly a link where you purchased the item from, and how long these bags/bins tend to hold up for you approximately? Thank you so much! -- *“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled is a spark.”* *—*Victor Hugo *Lorry Traver (She/Her)* Public Services Librarian Brandon Township Library 248-627-1460

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Vermiculture “Performers”
by Lindsey Kult 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Hi! Does anyone know of a vermiculture (worm farming) specialist/hobbyist in southeast Michigan that might be interested in sharing their experiences/hobby for a library program? We could gear it toward adults or children. Thank you! *Lindsey Kult* *She/Her* Youth Librarian; Library Supervisor Dearborn Public Library [image: Dearborn Public Library]

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New Documents for November and December 2025
by Bruce Sarjeant 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Good Morning and happy 2026. 2 months worth of new documents posted today--lots of Michigan ones including: - Diocese of Grand Rapids: A Complete Accounting. - Michigan Community Tree Species Selection Guide. - The Economic Contribution of Michigan's Vegetable Farming and Processing Sectors. - [Michigan] Winter Energy Appraisal for 2025-2026. - 2024 Report of the Great Lakes Regional Water Use Database. - Michigan Veterans: Population, Employment, and Earnings. - Report: Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. http://godortmi.pbworks.com/w/page/162917601/November%20and%20December%2020… -- Bruce Sarjeant (pronouns: *he, him, his*) Reference, Documents & Maps Librarian Lydia Olson Library, Harden Hall #209 Northern Michigan University 1401 Presque Isle Ave Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 227-1580 https://nmu.libguides.com/c.php?g=1418950 bsarjean(a)nmu.edu

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Program recommendation cookie decorating
by Julie Oparka 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Hi all, Our library hosted a cookie decorating program with Michelle Moore from Joy to-go Bakery. The patrons enjoyed the program and had a great time. After demonstrating the basics, each person had their own cookies to decorate and take home. Michelle is a great instructor and was very hands on and professional. I recommend her program, and we hope to have her back at LDL again this year. Michelle Moore joytogobakery.com joytogobakery(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Julie Oparka *Lapeer District Library* *Adult Services Department Head, deAngeli Branch* 921 W. Nepessing St. Lapeer, MI 48446 (810) 664-9521, ext. 3218 joparka(a)lib.lapeer.org

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Reminder: Library of Michigan - Grants Office Hour - January "Technology Needs and Grants"
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Resending with the correct subject heading. Sorry about that. >>> The next Library of Michigan Grants Office hour will be Tuesday, January 13th at 3:00 PM. The topic will be Technology Needs and Grants. Feel free to send me questions to address at the Office Hour. Register for the Grants Office Hour at https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… See you on the 13th! Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta<http://www.mi.gov/lsta> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan]<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education…> [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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Reminder: Library of Michigan - Grants Office Hour - December Q & A / Grants Management Procedures
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

The next Library of Michigan Grants Office hour will be Tuesday, January 13th at 3:00 PM. The topic will be Technology Needs and Grants. Feel free to send me questions to address at the Office Hour. Register for the Grants Office Hour at https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even… See you on the 13th! Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 / www.mi.gov/lsta<http://www.mi.gov/lsta> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan]<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education…> [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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