American Sign Language is most commonly used in storytimes for babies, but the applications can go much further. In this 6-week eCourse, programming expert and signing storyteller Kathy MacMillan explores the benefits of signing with all children. In addition to learning basic American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary appropriate for use with children in library and classroom settings, you will also learn techniques to share stories, songs, and other activities that incorporate ASL. The course will use readings, multimedia resources, online discussion boards, and customized video assignments to provide you with the tools to share ASL in an effective and respectful way in your programs. MacMillan provides you with a linguistic and cultural context to help make your programming more accessible. Head here for details and registration.

LM's CE Stipend for Michigan Library Staff

Are you or your staff looking to develop your skills with professional development opportunities either in or out of state? The Library Continuing Education Stipend program can support travel and registration costs by providing financial support for library staff continuing education. The Library of Michigan is now accepting applications for stipends for fiscal year 2026 (10/01/2025 to 9/30/2026) events and classes.

LEO: Youth Employment - designed for Youth!

LEO has designed this website just for youth! It helps them to understand their rights in the workplace, navigate work permits, and feel confident in entering the workforce. Check it out and be sure to share it with your youth: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/initiatives/youth-employment.

Michigan CyberPatriot Program

Attn: Libraries in the metro Detroit (Wayne, Oakland and Macomb) and Lansing area (Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawasee and Livingston) counties.

MI CyberPatriot Program will hold two Michigan CyberPatriot camps again this summer: one at BAE Systems, Inc. in Sterling Heights and a second in Lansing at Lansing Community College, West., Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We request your assistance in getting the word out, by posting and sharing the flyers, to those interested in participating in either camp - Metro Detroit or the greater Lansing area.

Each day of camp introduces students to new concepts through a curriculum developed by the Air and Space Forces Association (ASFA). The program helps students strengthen existing skills and build new ones for identifying vulnerabilities in an organization’s operating and IT systems. Students also learn to think critically and strategically about reducing risks to those systems. By the end of the week, they compete against other students and explore cybersecurity career paths by connecting with IT professionals who provide guidance on opportunities in this fast-growing, high-paying field.

Help Spread the Word on Bike Safety

During Bike Month, the League of Michigan Biclyists (LMB) have launched a statewide bike safety campaign across radio and digital platforms focused on safer driving behavior, bicycle safety laws, and sharing the road. Supported by the Equitable Transportation Fund — a project of Global Philanthropy Partnership, the campaign is helping spread important safety messages to communities across Michigan. Want to help amplify the message? We created a toolkit with ready-to-share graphics and messaging for clubs, shops, organizations, and community members to use across their own channels. Also available: a pdf for libraries that includes useful links to LMB's Bicycle Friendly Driver cards and What Every Michgian Bicyclist Must Know guidebook (both cards are available in English, Spanish and Arabic) and our What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know booklets, that you can print and share with patrons.

Fall Tech Journey for High School Students Starts Here

Girls Who Code’s free virtual Pathways program is now accepting applications from high school girls and non-binary students for this fall! In this virtual self-paced program, you can explore topics like AI, Game Design, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Web Development all at your own pace.

Early Deadline: July 8, 2026

General Deadline: August 26, 2026

Program Dates: October 19- December 4, 2026

Ready to apply? Submit the brief application at girlswhocode.com/pathwaysapply. Apply by June 26th and you’ll be entered for a chance to win headphones. See official rules.

Curious to learn more? Join an upcoming webinar or reach out to pathways@girlswhocode.com

In the News...

Gov. Whitmer has vowed to boost literacy in Michigan. Here’s where we stand - Bridge MI, 6/9/26

My Students Can't Read - The Chronicle of Higher Education, 6/1/26

Wishing you all a storm-free weekend!

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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Join the MiYouth Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services.

Nourishing Michigan’s Future during the summer!

Find a Summer Food Service Program site nearest you and encourage Michigan’s children to Meet Up and Eat Up! Michigan.gov/MeetUpEatUp.

Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Resources

ALSC eCourse: American Sign Language with Children in Storytime or in the Classroom: A Practical Guide

In the News...