[cid:image005.png@01DC8613.CCE25D80] MeLCat: a Year in Review As we close out 2025 and MeLCat's 20th Anniversary year, a huge thank you to all the libraries and library staff whose efforts make MeLCat a vital and successful statewide resource! In addition to other anniversary activities, including collecting MeLCat stories and an in-person and online reception, Mittens, the MeLCat Mascot, travelled to many MeLCat libraries. Hundreds of libraries shared photos of Mittens via social media or other channels, many using the #MittensLovesMeLCat hashtag. More than 1 million items were requested by patrons throughout the state of Michigan. January 2025 was the busiest month, with patrons placing an impressive 103,089 MeLCat requests! The top 5 most requested titles via MeLCat were: 1. The frozen river: a novel<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb43383177> by Ariel Lawhon 2. James : a novel<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb47343558> by Percival Everett 3. The women<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb43524029> by Kristin Hannah 4. Remarkably bright creatures : a novel<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb42695441> by Shelby Van Pelt 5. West with giraffes : a novel<http://search.mel.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb41690180> by Lynda Rutledge In the Library of Michigan fiscal year (October 2024 - September 2025), the top five lenders were: 1. Capital Area District Libraries 2. Monroe County Library System 3. Genesee District Library 4. Kent District Library 5. Jackson District Library While the top five borrowers were: 1. Kent District Library 2. Capital Area District Libraries 3. Ann Arbor District Library 4. Monroe County Library System 5. Traverse Area District Library In 2025, MCLS MeLCat staff assisted libraries with various MeLCat questions and issues, responding to more than 4,200 tickets opened by library staff. MCLS MeLCat staff also reached 490 library staff through over 55 MeLCat-related trainings. The MeLCat DCB servers were modernized throughout the Spring 2025, transitioning library staff to an easier to navigate, browser-based client, and updating the MeLCat software. The servers were upgraded again late in 2025. Brought to you from the MCLS MeL Team This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Barbara Williams, MLIS Library Development Analyst (MDE) Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909 WilliamsB39@michigan.gov<mailto:WilliamsB39@michigan.gov> I (517) 241-2149 [cid:image001.png@01DC8613.73EACAA0] [cid:image002.png@01DC8613.73EACAA0] Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The MTOY Program is accepting nominations through September 24. Nominate an educator using the online form<https://mde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9BjArjCenn1GB14>. For more information visit www.Michigan.gov/mtoy<http://www.michigan.gov/mtoy>. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
