Hello!

I strongly urge libraries to consult their attorneys regarding this topic.

The sex offender issue is very complicated from a legal perspective. Much depends on the actual situation of the charge and crime, and the reason they are on the registry. Some offenders have notification requirements, and some do not. Some have additional restrictions, and some do not. Whether or not a background check should be done can depend on many factors including the type of library (school/public libraries will have more considerations), the offense, the nature of the program , the insurance policy of the library, and, for certain municipal libraries, municipal policies, procedures and ordinances. In addition, the sex offender (or alleged offender) also has rights that the library could be liable for violating.

Consulting the library’s attorney on the best way to manage presenters in general – no matter their background, as well as a policy on sex offenders and other potentially risky presenters will provide the library with a procedure that will promote safety and equity, as well as be better tailored to a specific library’s budget and staff capacity. Yes, it can cost a bit of money, but this I sone of those situations where  it will be money well-spent.

Thanks!

Clare

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.

Library Law Consultant

Library of Michigan

MembielaC@michigan.gov

517-335-8132

The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

“the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965).

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From: Jean Fellows via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2026 3:46 PM
To: Carolyn S. Smith <cssmith@dearbornheightsmi.gov>
Cc: michlib-l@liblists.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Great Program on Sustainable Living

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We  make sure a staff person is with a presenter at all times

On Thu, Aug 27, 2026 at 2:18 PM Carolyn S. Smith via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> wrote:

We had him booked for tonight and per our Director we cancelled citing building issues. Had it been something like urinating in public we probably would have let it go and kept him since he did such a good job with others but because it was more serious, we decided to cancel. So, now we are struggling with do we do a quick check on every performer/presenter prior to booking them? Very frustrating. 

Carolyn Smith

Branch Librarian

Dearborn Heights Libraries

John F. Kennedy, Jr. Branch

313-791-6055

---

From: Kelly Ray via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2026 12:30 PM
To: James B Lenze <lenze@gardencitylib.org>
Cc: michlib-l@liblists.org <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Great Program on Sustainable Living

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We were about to hire him and did some deep digging. It's him.

---

From: "James B Lenze via Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
To: "Rebekah Norgren" <norgren@gardencitylib.org>
Cc: michlib-l@liblists.org
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 2:40:10 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Great Program on Sustainable Living

Colleagues,

It has come to our attention that the presenter in the recommendation below may be listed on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.  We were unaware of this when we booked him to speak at our library.  The individual pictured in the Registry looks very like the presenter. 

We apologize for any inconvenience our recommendation may have caused. 

James B Lenze, Library Director

Garden City Public Library

On Aug 25, 2026, at 1:42 PM, Rebekah Norgren via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> wrote:

Hello, all!

Last Wednesday we hosted a program on sustainable living led by Patrick J. Pinkowski.  Patrick was very knowledgeable and passionate about better life quality through simple, sustainable practice ranging from how we eat to the environments we create in our homes. Our staff and patrons loved it.  

I can't recommend him enough. Hopefully you'll find it's a program worth being presented!

His contact info is:

Patrick J. Pinkowski, MPH
Founder, Sustainable Living Services LLC
Sustainable Living Advisor

https://www.sustainablelivingservices.com

SustainableLivingService@gmail.com

(734) 626-3336

--

Rebekah Norgren 

ILL & MeLCat Specialist 

My Pronouns: She/Her - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

Garden City Public Library

31735 Maplewood

Garden City, MI 48135

(734) 793-1830

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--

Jean Fellows

Programming Coordinator

Grand Ledge Area District Library

131 E. Jefferson St.,

Grand Ledge, MI 48837

517-627-7014