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.  

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. 

This program is made possible by the Library of Michigan and supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Grade-Level Reading (GRL) Week 

    GLR Week 2026 is the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading’s seventh annual virtual gathering. Over five days from July 27-31, we’ll host a week of learning, conversation, and collaboration focused on the urgent issues shaping children’s prospects for early school success. GLR Week 2026 will bring together some of the nation’s most compelling thought leaders, leading practitioners, and lived experience experts to explore timely challenges, emerging opportunities, and practical solutions that can help more children succeed in school and thrive beyond the classroom. Throughout the week, we’ll remain mindful of the theme we’ve followed over the last two years – Focus on the Gaps – while highlighting that progress is not only possible, it’s already happening.  Details and registration can be found here: https://glrweek2026.gradelevelreading.net/. 

ALSC Toolkits Support Your Work

Free resources for practitioners by practitioners.

ALSC's Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers committee recently updated a host of toolkits that provide fresh resources for library practitioners working with populations that are marginalized. Each toolkit offers professional and leisure reading recommendations, support for programming, and materials for families, covering the following topics:

 

Created by the 2025-26 School-Age Programs and Services committee, Navigating Through Tough Times: A Toolkit for Library Workers Serving School-Age Children & their Caregivers is designed to support library workers in helping school-age children and their caregivers navigate challenging circumstances. Whether responding to community-wide crises, family instability, or everyday stressors, this resource offers developmentally appropriate websites, videos, book recommendations, and activity ideas to foster resilience, connection, and emotional well-being. The toolkit equips library staff with tools to create safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for the children and families they serve.

Talking Teen Services: Preparing Teens for College Through Academic Library Collaboration

Thanks to my colleagues at the Colorado State Library, Michigan public library staff are invited to participate! 

Registration now OPEN!

• What a visit to an academic library can look like for high schoolers
• How to talk about why academic library visits are helpful
• Example lesson plans and activities provided by academic libraries for visiting high schoolers
• Programs ideas for preparing teens for college whether or not you can help them visit an academic library

ALSC, YALSA Reunification Update - SLJ Extra Helping, 7/1/26

Escanaba library joins statewide reading initiative  - Daily Press, 6/29/26

Finally... I've had a sneak peek at 2027's Mysteries Await At Your Library^TM theme and I think you are really going to enjoy it! Manual codes will be emailed to directors later this Fall. If you'd like a copy of the manual code sent directly to you this Fall, please complete this form using your official work email. 

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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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. For more information, visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy.