YALSA
"Intellectual Freedom: What We Are Doing Now? What You Can Do?" Webinar | Register Here

Thursday, May 23rd 2024, 1pm CST/2pm EST
Learn what librarians are doing to stand up for intellectual freedom, how we can join forces to advocate for all library programs and jobs, discuss how to become active members in our community to speak out against censorship, and explore how to build a professional learning network of support. Join the discussion and learn about resources for advocacy best practices, protecting yourself as an advocate, building your professional learning network, and making your voice heard in your community, state, and across the nation.

GNCRT Zine Project
Do you have a story about dealing with censorship or a challenge to someone's freedom to read? We can support each other by sharing our experiences. The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table’s Addressing Challenges Committee has launched a community project where we will collect and share stories in zine form. Check out the Call for Submissions for more information to submit your zine at https://bit.ly/ZineProject-CallforSubmissions. (We even have tips on how to create a zine.) Tell your story!

Resources

May as Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness month is observed in the month of May to raise awareness and reduce stigma about mental health issues around the world. In the United States, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities that are not always easily recognized.

The State of Michigan prioritizes mental health and safety by investing in resources and facilities to help people recognize and respond to mental health challenges. In 2023, the State of Michigan launched a Mental Health in the Workplace hub to share resources and strategies to help employees and employers across the state address mental health in the workplace. There is also a statewide implementation of the national “988,” an easy to remember three-digit suicide and crisis hotline as part of the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL).

For more Mental Health Awareness Month resources, visit the following:

In the News…

5 Ways to Incorporate Media Literacy Teaching in Everyday Library Interactions – Programming Librarian, 4/9/24

Read With Jenna Jr. 2024: See all 29 books on the kid-friendly reading list – Today, 5/23/24

Wishing you all a good Memorial Day 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.

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