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Escape Velocity: How A Rural Library System Became a National Leader in Digital Access
by Dan Hutchins 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

I thought I would share that I was invited to present at Merit Network’s Michigan Broadband Summit about Van Buren District Library’s surprising status as Mobile Beacon’s number one library distributor of cellular broadband data nationwide. The presentation is entitled "Escape Velocity: How A Rural Library System Became a National Leader in Digital Access” and will be conducted the afternoon of October 14 at Huntington Place in Detroit. Please find the description and the conference agenda below; I hope to see some of my colleagues there: When the Van Buren District Library launched its hotspot lending program in 2022, it began as a modest experiment modeled after a neighboring library. Just three years later, VBDL has grown into Mobile Beacon’s largest library partner in the nation, with more than 420 hotspots in circulation and over 300 terabytes of data consumed in just six months of 2025. This presentation shares the story of how a rural Michigan library—serving communities where poverty and lack of broadband access remain daily challenges—leveraged partnerships, grant funding, and strong policy frameworks to transform digital access for its patrons. From unexpected opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic to a successful millage campaign, VBDL’s journey demonstrates how libraries can bridge the digital divide, innovate in times of scarcity, and deliver on the promise of equal access for all. https://web.cvent.com/event/449ea887-7323-4b94-8900-eee75fdc76a1/summary Dan Hutchins Executive Director Van Buren District Library 200 North Phelps Street Decatur, MI 49045 dhutchins(a)vbdl.org ph: 269-423-4771 www.vbdl.org

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B&T
by Jim Flury 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

All, I had a lengthy conversation with MI B&T rep Curt Leppert earlier. I wanted to share a synopsis of our talk while it was still fresh in my mind, as I've noticed that the hard drive that is my brain seems to have a tendency to not retain information for as long a period of time as used to be the case. Perhaps it is full. Or empty. Curt shared the following: On September 11 B&T employees got a "all hands on deck business call at 4:00 p.m. today" message from their CEO. During the call it was announced that B&T was being sold to a company called ReaderLink. Nobody at B&T had ever heard of ReaderLink, but some searching revealed that their market included the likes of Costco, Meijer, Kroger, etc. Following a two week period of discovery and due diligence, the sale was to close on Friday, September 26. That two week period included B&T employees, who would become ReaderLink employees, signing up for the ReaderLink healthcare plan, etc. Since ReaderLink was not in the library business the plan was for them to order the books from the publishers, then ship them to the two remaining B&T warehouses for processing (when applicable), followed by shipment to libraries. To me that sounds like a way to slow things down even further, but that's just my opinion. Most B&T employees would have been retained, including the sales team, although there probably would have been some degree of consolidation in areas where duplication of effort would have been taking place, such as HR, etc. The current B&T CEO would be retained and continue to run the library side of the operation. During that two week period the sales staff spent considerable time tracking down every contracted customer, and asking them to sign a document giving B&T permission to assign each customer's contract to ReaderLink. Curt did note that B&T discovered that many more of their customers were under contract than he realized (TLN Executive Director Steve Bowers signed said document, as we are the party of record for the MI statewide discounts contract with B&T). Most of the libraries that were under contract nationally did the same. During the rest of the two week due diligence period, the remaining t's were crossed and the i's were dotted. On Thursday, September 25 all was ready to go with the sale. The next day, Friday, September 26 B&T employees were told that the sale had been called off. No explanation was offered to B&T staff as to why the sale was called off or perhaps, no explanation was given that Curt was willing to share. Since then, nothing has been communicated to B&T staff or perhaps, nothing Curt was willing to share. For my part I told Curt that I was disappointed by the total lack of communication from B&T concerning this, and I asked him to convey our disappointment to the decision makers at B&T. Curt acknowledged our frustration and said that he would do so. He also noted that libraries need to go with the business decisions that currently make the most sense for them when it comes to their acquisition of materials and finally, that the B&T CEO, CFO and stakeholder investors were having frequent meetings and that this issue would be resolved, likely very soon, one way or the other. I don't want to read between the lines concerning either of those, but... Jim 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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DVD Locks
by Amy Houser 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

Hello, I have 2 manila envelopes of dvd magnet locks up for grabs. If you would like these for your library, please send me your zv code and I will send them in Rides delivery to you. Thanks Amy Houser Genesee District Library Clio Area Librarian 810-686-7130 810-686-0071 Fax www.the<http://www.the> gdl.org [cid:827dc20c-d9e7-40da-b5b4-44883383bb9d] *Views Expressed here are my own and do not represent Genesee District Library*

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Fw: Michigan Author recommendation
by Lynne Wiercinski 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

While I recommend books to patrons every day, I do not usually do so to other libraries via our listservs. BUT...I am making an exception. I highly recommend adding Bring One Home by local author Thomas Pelissero if you are looking to enhance your Michigan Authors collection or simply looking for a great read. While the setting is the Upper Peninsula town of Bessemer's 1960s basketball scene, this memoir has an appeal that extends far beyond Bessemer and the U.P. It is a beautifully written memoir that perfectly captures: * Nostalgia for Days Gone By: A heartfelt tale of a simpler time, living in a tight-knit community. * The Universal Boyhood Journey: The story of an adolescent trying to meet the expectations of the adults in his life. * Excellent Writing: Although this is his first book, Tom writes with the confidence of a seasoned author, and the professional production quality of the book itself is exceptional. * Attached is an introductory letter from the author and a book sheet. Tom will be giving a presentation at the Bessemer Public Library on November 1st in case anyone wants to do a road trip to the beautiful far western end of the U.P. to meet him! Lynne Wiercinski, Director Ironwood Carnegie Library 235 East Aurora Ironwood, MI 49938 906.932.4789

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Application Form For Library Assistant
by Tahquamenon Library Director 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

Hello Librarians, Does anyone have a template for Application Forms for their entry level Library Assistant sort of positions? Historically, we have only required a resume and letter of interest, but it would be nice to observe what others are using to see whether we may want to modify our procedure in the future. Thanks, Ross Wine Director

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Book Vendors: Status and Contact Info
by Jim Flury 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

All, As you know every three years TLN issues an RFP to library materials vendors, seeking proposals for discounts on book/AV materials. The current set of signed contracts covers the period October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2027. Baker and Taylor is one of the vendors covered by this contract. That company's current/apparent financial challenges have been well documented in our professional literature as of late, and since B&T is such a significant presence in the library materials market, their troubles have caused disruption throughout the MI library world in terms of non-fulfillment of orders and thus, service to our patrons. As the above is the case, and in an effort to try to furnish libraries with the most accurate and up to date information that we can, I decided to reach out to our reps at "The Big Three" (Baker and Taylor, Brodart, Ingram) and ask them about their current status. Our B&T rep Curt Leppert has yet to respond. Given what we have been reading/hearing about Baker & Taylor, it is possible/understandable that Curt may be limited in terms of what and how much he can say at this time. Below are the copied/pasted replies from Brandy Cain at Ingram and Kim Langenderfer at Brodart. Please feel free to reach out to these reps directly, or contact me off-list if you have any questions. Thank you, Jim Flury Hi Jim, Thank you for your email! We are currently working through a high volume of communications helping libraries during this time. We are actively onboarding new library accounts. We are not turning libraries away. Due to moving to a new cataloging system, and due to volume, full shelf ready services do have a queue. Each library is different, and we have options for some shelf ready items now like mylar jackets, laminate, and a few other options now. We are excited for the new cataloging system we hope to be working fully in by first part of 2026 which will allow our libraries more flexibility in their set ups and options, faster set ups, and change requests to profiles going forward. Please feel free to share mine and Lisa’s contact with anyone who has questions, and we can work with them for their unique needs. Have a great evening, Brandy Brandy Cain Senior Inside Sales Representative | Ingram Library Services LLC p | 615.213.5786 e | [ mailto:brandy.cain@ingramcontent.com | brandy.cain(a)ingramcontent.com ] Lisa Deka Senior Sales Representative | Ingram Library Services LLC p | 440.665.5977 e | [ mailto:lisa.deka@ingramcontent.com | lisa.deka(a)ingramcontent.com ] Ingram Content Group | [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ingramcontent.com_… | ingramcontent.com ] Ingram Content Group’s operating units include Ingram Book Group LLC, Ingram Publisher Services LLC, Lightning Source LLC., Ingram Library Services LLC, Ingram Content Group UK Ltd., Ingram Content Group AU, and Tennessee Book Company LLC . Hi Jim~ Apologies for the delay. I had myself scheduled for sales calls today . In hindsight I should have cancelled since my email is blowing up. The short answer is, yes. We are onboarding customers. The complicated answer is we cannot make any guarantees for set up time since we’ve had hundreds of profiles come in since last week. In the interest of time, we are suggesting customers wanting items only look to Ingram or Amazon to bridge the time gap, which could be several weeks if not months. If a library wants cataloging and processing, they will go in the queue to be set up after a profile is completed. The inquiries I’ve been getting from Michigan are libraries only wanting items. I’ve only had one who said they would be willing to wait. Let me know if you have any questions. Best regards, Kim Kim Langenderfer | Library Services Consultant Brodart Co. | Books & Library Services 800-233-8467 , ext. 6377 | M: 570-772-2474 [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.brodart.com_&d=DwMF… | www.brodart.com ] 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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Clarke Speaker Series: Classic Michigan Food and Drink
by Whitledge, Bryan R 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

e are pleased to welcome Gail Offen and Jon Milan to discuss their latest book, 'Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories Behind the Brands' [Clarke Historical Library] CLARKE SPEAKER SERIES Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind the Brands [https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/list/img/pic?t=HTML_IMAGE&j=251001B&i=1zf879…] Gail Offen, Lawrence Technological University Jon Milan, Writer and Photographer Did you know Vernors is the oldest soft drink in America? The Ritz Cracker was invented in Jackson? Join authors Gail Offen and Jon Milan as they reveal secrets and surprises from their latest book, Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories Behind the Brands (History Press, 2024). It's full of amazing history, stories, and photos about the Michigan food and drink brands we know and love. Sure, Michigan invented ready-to-eat cereal (Kellogg's) and baby food (Gerber). Still, there are many stories most Michiganders don't know, such as Better Made uses Michigan potatoes; Jiffy was the first commercial baking mix in America; and we are the pickle-growing capital of the US. Join the pair as they "dish" on Michigan pop, chocolate, jams, cookies--and of course, fudge and pasties. You'll be proud of our state's delicious bounty. Join Us for This In-Person Event: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 14 Opperman Auditorium, Park Library A reception and book signing in the Clarke will follow this event. Clarke Speaker Series events are free of charge and open to everyone. For more information, call (989) 774-3864, email clarke(a)cmich.edu<mailto:clarke@cmich.edu>, or visit clarke.cmich.edu/SpeakerSeries See All Clarke Events<https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x397x057> [Facebook]<https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x398x057> [Twitter] <https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x399x057> [Instagram] <https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x39ax057> Clarke Historical Library 250 East Preston Street Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859 clarke(a)cmich.edu<https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x39bx057> | 989-774-3864<https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x39cx057> Copyright<https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x31cx057> (c) Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Mich. 48859 | Phone 989-774-4000<https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x31dx057> Nondiscrimination Statement<https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x31ex057> | Privacy Policy<https://cmichmaestro.cmich.edu/trk/click?ref=z17eiuqa67_1-95_0_0x31fx057>

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Amazon Webinar Recording Link: October 1, 2025
by Jim Flury 02 Oct '25

02 Oct '25

All, Below is a link to use to access the recording of the Wednesday, October 1, 2025 TLN sponsored Amazon webinar. When you click the link you will need to complete all of the required * fields, check the "I am not a robot" box, and then click Access On-Demand to begin viewing the webinar. Library cooperative directors, please feel free to share this with your member libraries. TLN is following up with Amazon regarding the cataloging and EDI questions that were raised/discussed at yesterday's webinar. [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.bigmarker.com_amaz… | https://www.bigmarker.com/amazon-business/new-library-solutions-with-amazon… ] In terms of the number of attendees yesterday, the highest number I saw online was 186. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend yesterday's webinar. Please let me know if you have any questions concerning this. Thank you, 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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De-escalation Strategies in the Library: Creating Safe and Positive Interactions - Infopeople Course
by Califa Group 01 Oct '25

01 Oct '25

Learn how to respond effectively when challenges arise ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ View in browser<https://jylpyg.clicks.mlsend.com/ty/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjQ3ODk1OCxcImxcIjoxN…> [De-escalation Strategies in the Library: Creating Safe and Positive Interactions - an Infopeople course. October 14 to November 10, 2025. Instructor: Becky Russell. Fee: $200. An image of a person pushing back against a group of negative interactions.]<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1149> De-escalation Strategies in the Library: Creating Safe and Positive Interactions<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1149> Have you experienced challenging interactions with library customers, colleagues, or community members? Do you ever find yourself unsure how to respond when a situation in the library begins to escalate? Working in libraries today means navigating a wide range of human experiences — from everyday conversations to more complex or tense encounters. This 4-week course offers a supportive space to strengthen your communication skills, explore ways to create a welcoming environment, and prepare for difficult interactions. Whether you're new to de-escalation techniques or looking to refresh your approach, you'll gain practical strategies you can use right away — both to enhance everyday customer service and to respond effectively when challenges arise. By the end of the course, learners will be able to: * Practice methods to help defuse tension, such as asking effective open-ended questions, and using active listening techniques, to ensure our interactions are meeting the unique needs of each customer and staff member we interact with. * Analyze and gain a deeper understanding of our personal biases and library spaces to ensure that we provide empathetic interactions and accommodating and welcoming spaces for all. * Examine and apply library policies, procedures and guidelines, which are essential foundational components in protecting the safety of library staff and customers. * Develop ‘Situational Awareness’ and ‘Tactical Disengagement’ strategies for personal, staff and customer safety, should situations escalate and the library environment becomes unsafe. [Learn More] Time Required: 2½ hours per week, with options for further study and application. Participants can work on each module at their own pace, at any hour of the day or night. However, it is recommended that participants complete each week's assignments within that week to stay in sync with other learners. Live Sessions: Please make every effort to ensure that you are able to attend these two meetings before enrolling in the course. If this is not possible, archived recordings will be made available. * Wednesday, October 22, at 10am to 11:15am PT * Wednesday, November 12, at 10am to 11am PT Instructor: Becky Russell<https://infopeople.org/people/becky-russell> Fee: $200 Learn More and Register Today<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1149> No-Cost Seats [California Libraries Learn]<https://callacademy.org/> Due to the uncertainty of any federal funding for 2025-26, California Libraries Learn (CALL)<https://callacademy.org/> can not offer financial support for Infopeople course seats at this time. If this changes we will let you know. For questions, please contact Lisa Barnhart at lbarnhart(a)cla-net.org<mailto:lbarnhart@cla-net.org>. Small, Rural and/or Tribal Libraries Do you work in a rural or tribal library? If so, you may be able to sign up for a no-cost seat in this course. Each course has up to five no-cost seats available to rural or tribal libraries. Fill out your fee waiver request<https://tally.so/r/3jePo4>, and if a no-cost seat is available you will be notified. Other Upcoming Courses<https://infopeople.org/training> [A magnifying glass hovers over a social media post with different metrics hovering around.]<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1154> Social Media Strategy for Libraries: AI, Analytics, and Authenticity<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1154> [A man and a woman holding office supplies interact while speech bubbles are above their heads.]<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1147> Communication Is More Than Words<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=11470> [A woman, holding a clipboard, is rating and reviewing an employee.]<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1146> Library Supervision and Management<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1146> Upcoming Webinars<https://infopeople.org/training/view/webinar> [Stack of tarot cards with wheel of fortune on top]<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1150&reset=1> Tarot for Well-Being<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1150&reset=1> October 29, 2025 This session will be fun, interactive, engaging, and show attendees several ways and resources to use the tarot to find focus, calm, and purpose in a frenetic workplace. This webinar will be of interest to: Library staff looking for alternative mindfulness practices. [Elderly woman in a wheelchair painting a watercolor. Infopeople, Lifetime Arts, and Institute of Museum and Library Services logos.]<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1156> Creative Aging in Action: Practical Strategies for Libraries<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1156> October 7, 14, and 21, 2025 Attendees will walk away from these three sessions with practical tools to design, sustain, and expand creative aging programs that support lifelong learning, social connection, and improve the health and well-being of older adults. Don't Like Deadlines? [A person relaxing at home on their laptop with their dog next to them above the words]<https://infopeople.teachable.com/> Infopeople On-Demand Infopeople On-Demand<https://infopeople.teachable.com/> means learning whenever, wherever. Jump into a topic and move at your own pace. Courses are always there when you need them. No rushing. No deadlines. Just you and the learning. [Find Your Next Course] Creating Fantastic Library Displays<https://infopeople.teachable.com/p/creating-fantastic-library-displays> This course will provide you with tips, techniques, and inspiration that will help you to create library displays that delight. [People floating with a bunch of digital graphic programs surrounding them]<https://infopeople.teachable.com/p/creating-fantastic-library-displays> [A woman holding two masks: happy and unhappy. Behind her people are gathered with their arms raised like they are upset.]<https://infopeople.teachable.com/p/change-management> Change Management in Uncertain Times<https://infopeople.teachable.com/p/change-management> This course covers the fundamentals of good change and transition management practices, paying special attention to using tools and strategies under less-than-ideal conditions. Normalizing Discussions of Race with Children<https://infopeople.teachable.com/p/normalizing-discussions-of-race-with-chi…> Become more confident discussing racial identity and racial injustices with children and caregivers in the library and incorporating anti-racist practices in your library services. [A man kneeling down to explain something to a child.]<https://infopeople.teachable.com/p/normalizing-discussions-of-race-with-chi…> [Libraries as Second Responders. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.]<https://infopeople.teachable.com/p/libraries-as-second-responders> No-cost, IMLS-funded Libraries as Second Responders Series<https://infopeople.teachable.com/p/libraries-as-second-responders> This series will prepare public library staff to effectively respond to the public health issues that are in their communities today, and to be ready in case another emergency appears. [Discover] [Califa + Infopeople, helping libraries think differently.]<https://infopeople.org/> Califa Group 330 Townsend Street, Suite 133, San Francisco, CA 94107 United States of America [website]<https://califa.org/0>

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Detroit Public Library Welcomes LaDarrion Williams
by Jessica Keeler 01 Oct '25

01 Oct '25

Hello Library Friends, We are hosting the New York Times bestselling author LaDarrion Williams at Main Library on Sunday, Oct. 19th and would love for you to join us and/or spread the word! You can register for the event on Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-talk-ladarrion-williams-and-magical-hbc…>. Information about the program can be found below. Thank you! Join us for a special author talk with LaDarrion Williams! The celebrated playwright, filmmaker, and New York Times bestselling author will be discussing his new novel, Bones at the Crossroads. This captivating work is the sequel to his unforgettable debut, Blood at the Root, which Kirkus Reviews hailed as "A story as magically cool as it is emotionally heated." In the highly anticipated sequel, the story of Malik, a young Black conjurer at a magical HBCU continues. Discover how Malik navigates new challenges and deepens his understanding of his powers and heritage in this fantasy saga that explores themes of community, history, and identity. This is NOT a ticketed event, meaning seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is highly encouraged to ensure you receive important updates about LaDarrion's visit. Copies of LaDarrion's book will be available for purchase from 27th Letter Books<https://27thletterbooks.com/>. Questions? Email jkeeler(a)detroitpubliclibrary.org. Jessica Keeler (she/her<https://pronouns.org/what-and-why>) Assistant Branch Manager/ Youth Services Detroit Public Library, Hubbard Branch<https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations/hubbard> 12929 W. McNichols | Detroit, MI 48235 313.481.1751

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