Greetings Michigan Library Community, If you're thinking about a new website, consider Public Libraries on the Cloud (Ploud), a subsidized website solution serving half of the small and rurals in the lower peninsula and the upper peninsula. Cost to libraries is $208 a year. Intent to join must be received by March 5 for the April training group. The next onboarding group deadline is November 1. This is the template new libraries receive<https://michmasteradv.ploud.net/>. * Libraries have a choice of four templates and four to a dozen color schemes for each one. Libraries can upload their own logo, photos, and branding. You can keep your current web address. * The template includes dynamic content for your patrons that is updated by the Library of Michigan. This dynamic content includes: * Free, online course listings<https://michmasteradv.ploud.net/virtual-events/virtual-classes> offered to Michigan residents by MSU Extension * Virtual vacations<https://michmasteradv.ploud.net/virtual-events/virtual-vacations> * COVID-19 Resources<https://michmasteradv.ploud.net/covid-19> * MeL eResources delivered directly from your library's site for Adults<https://michmasteradv.ploud.net/eshelf-research>, Kids<https://michmasteradv.ploud.net/kids-teens/kids-homework-help>, and Teens<https://michmasteradv.ploud.net/kids-teens/teens-homework-help> * The template also includes space for recommended content such as: About Us, Board of Directors, Director's Message, Policies & Procedures, Services, and more. We'll build this content out during a series of four training workshops. The training/workshop schedule for the next onboarding group is: * WORKSHOP ONE: Tuesday, April 6 :: 10:00-11:00 AM/ET * WORKSHOP TWO: Thursday, April 8 :: 10:00-11:00 AM/ET * WORKSHOP THREE: Tuesday, April 13 :: 10:00-11:00 AM/ET * WORKSHOP FOUR: Thursday, April 15 :: 10:00-11:00 AM/ET Feel free to contact Sonya Schryer Norris at the Library of Michigan with questions or for a demo. #LSTAGrant. In order to be eligible for this subsidy, libraries must be eligible to receive LSTA/state aid. Sonya Schryer Norris Library Consultant Library of Michigan Michigan Department of Education 517-335-1498 https://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan https://mel.org<https://mel.org/> http://michlibrary.org<http://michlibrary.org/> [cid:image003.png@01D7012E.029B8930]
