It’s time for the first ever Summer Reading Button Exchange! What is a button exchange? The Guild of Library Makers is inviting libraries and partner organizations to create buttons and send them in to be mixed into mystery boxes that will be mailed back out to participants. Show off your creativity and receive a box of buttons from libraries across the state. To participate, make 50 buttons with a summer reading theme and send them to us. We will mix all submitted buttons, sort them into mystery boxes, and return one box to each participating group. The exchange is open to libraries, schools, library co-ops, and other organizations that partner with their local library to promote and support summer reading. If you participate in RIDES and invite a group that does not, please have them use your library as the receiving location for their mystery box to help reduce shipping costs. What you do with the buttons is up to you. Display them, wear them, give them to patrons, or trade them with other libraries. We encourage you to share photos and send thank-yous or shout-outs to the groups whose buttons you receive. How to sign up Email guildoflibrarymakers@gmail.com Your email must: * Include “2026 Button Exchange” in the subject line * Include the name of your library, institution, or organization * Include your RIDES code, if applicable (RIDES codes can be found at members.mcls.org/w/melcatforms/melcontacts-rides.cfm) * Include your physical mailing address * Include a primary contact name, phone number, and email address Make 50 buttons Be creative. Buttons can be made using a button press, illustrated by students, 3D printed, crocheted, or made by any other method. Use any fastening style (pin back, magnet clasp, etc.), but please ensure sharp components are secured for shipping and keep overall weight reasonable. Your buttons must: * Have a summer reading theme * Include your organization’s name or logo so recipients know where they came from If you need help making buttons, contact the Guild of Library Makers at guildoflibrarymakers@gmail.com and we will connect you with support or local resources. Prepare and ship your buttons Place all buttons in a box. Please do not ship in an envelope. Clearly label the outside of the box with “2026 Summer Reading Button Exchange.” Include a sheet inside the box with: * Your organization’s name * Your RIDES code (if applicable) * Your mailing address * A contact name, phone number, and email address Buttons must be received no later than March 31, 2026. Shipping options: Send through the RIDES network to: Dearborn Heights Library, John F. Kennedy, Jr. Branch Attn: Carolyn Smith RIDES code: 500-ZV370_28 Or mail/drop off at: Wilder Branch Library Attn: Sarah Mills / Justine Cucchi-Dietlin 7140 E 7 Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48234 After that, relax and wait for your mystery box. We will begin processing submissions during the first week of April and ship all boxes by the end of the month so they arrive in time for summer reading. We encourage participants to take photos of their designs, staff, volunteers, and creative process. Share them on your website or social media using #SummerReading and #MIButtonExchange. You may also email photos to guildoflibrarymakers@gmail.com or share them in our Discord community at https://discord.gg/9vRYyXKPrf Thank you to the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Branch of the Dearborn Heights Library, the Wilder Branch of the Detroit Public Library, and the Deliveries team at The Library Network for helping make this exchange possible. Questions, suggestions, or interested in helping? Connect with the Guild of Library Makers. Website: guildoflibrarymakers.com Email: guildoflibrarymakers@gmail.com Discord: https://discord.gg/9vRYyXKPrf Happy making! GoLM