The MI Diaries project, run by Michigan State's Sociolinguistics Lab, is looking to connect with local libraries this summer!

We have been collecting "audio diaries" from Michiganders ages 3+ since April 2020, and will keep collecting them throughout the next few years as well. The project sends out weekly diary prompts, and diarists self-record their answers or anything they want to talk about into our app (for iOS and Android). These diaries will help us understand how Michiganders' lives and language are changing! Anyone living in Michigan ages 3+ is eligible to become a diarist. Diarists can choose to opt-in to our partnership with the Library of Michigan, and we will share their anonymized recordings to the library's LM Digital platform, for future Michiganders to access. Diarists can also earn Amazon gift cards for participating ($5 every 2 weeks, if they submit at least 15 minutes of audio diary).

We are looking to hear from more kids (ages 3+) and teens especially. As local librarians, you know your community and its needs best - and we would love to hear how we could support your already existing summer programming by connecting the MI Diaries project to it! Some possibilities that we've developed with local libraries so far are:

• Add our postcard into a "grab-and-go" bags 
• Put up a flyer inviting kids and teens to join the project
• Create a library display about diary-related books, including a poster for MI Diaries
• Use MI Diaries as one of your weekly reading challenges
• Create a reading list for youth with diary-related or kids-in-historical-moment-related books

If you would like to get in touch with any other ideas or questions, please contact Dr. Betsy Sneller at sneller7@msu.edu.

Attached (also online) you will find to print & share with patrons:
•             An 8.5x11 separated into four "postcards" (that could fit nicely into a grab-and-go or summer reading kits),

•             Two 8.5x11 flyers, with slightly different wording for kids vs. teens,

•             An 11x17 sized flyer.

Thank you,

Betsy Sneller, PhD (she or they)

Assistant Professor of Linguistics

Michigan State University

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

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

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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Check with your local public library for details on their summer library program!