Howdy, Michiganders! *ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR LIBRARY TO THE NEXT LEVEL?* The Library of Michigan and the University of Michigan School of Information, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is delighted to announce that applications are open for the 2019-2020 Small and Rural Library Leadership Academy. *JOIN US! *If you’re a library leader in a Class I – III library in Michigan who is eager to think big-picture about your library’s role in its community, we invite you to join us. We’re looking for 25 library leaders from Class I – III libraries who will gather at various locations around the state to ponder the big questions of small and rural library impact. *ACADEMY GOALS *We’ll work together on issues including identifying community needs and partners, creating summer reading programs that have more impact for less effort, strategic planning, effective practices with social media, and more. In May 2020, you’ll share what you’ve learned in a one-day conference your cohort will design and lead. Thanks to funding from the Library of Michigan and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, it is completely free to participate. Each participant’s library will receive a $2500 stipend to be used to cover a laptop, travel expenses, professional growth materials, and/or a substitute to cover for you while you are away. Additionally, each library will receive a $1000 project stipend to support a local library initiative. We believe that public libraries can and do play significant roles in their communities. A 2013 Pew research study <https://www.pewinternet.org/2013/12/11/how-americans-value-public-libraries-in-their-communities-2/> said, “95% of Americans agree that the materials and resources available at public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.” If you’re ready to stretch beyond serving your existing patrons and, instead, think about how to serve the broader community, we hope you’ll join us! *LEARN MORE *You can learn more at https:// https://libacad.sites.uofmhosting.net/ or by attending one of our webinars on Wed., July 17 at 11:30am Eastern, Tues., July 23, at 7:00pm Eastern, or Mon., July 23, at 9:00am Eastern. Login details are available at https://libacad.sites.uofmhosting.net/info-sessions/ . Please contact me at libraryleadershipacademy@umich.edu with any questions. -- Kristin Fontichiaro University of Michigan School of Information 4427 North Quad 105 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1285 734.647.3593 Blog <http://fontichiaro.com/activelearning> | Book an Appointment (school year only) <https://www.google.com/calendar/selfsched?sstoken=UUFHX1E5cXRtYUVQfGRlZmF1bHR8YmY3NDdlYzA4ZDM2MjFmMzAzMDM2OTA3NGM3NjliMzQ> *Projects:* Michigan Makers <http://michiganmakers.si.umich.edu> | Making in Michigan Libraries <http://makinglibraries.si.umich.edu> | Small and Rural Library Leadership Academy <https://libacad.sites.uofmhosting.net/> Creating Data Literate Students <http://dataliteracy.si.umich.edu> | Public Library Management MOOC <http://ai.umich.edu/portfolio/public-library-management/>