Greetings Michigan library community, We've added a training date to the jam-packed fall schedule of Ploud workshops at MCLS in Lansing on October 21 from 10-4. Cost is $20 and you can register here<https://libraryofmichigan.z2systems.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/eventRegistration.jsp?event=259&>. Ploud (Public Libraries in the Cloud) is a feature-rich and easy to use library-specific website template used in a variety of states. Over 120 libraries in Michigan use Ploud. * It includes an advanced calendar, carousels, the ability to use drag and drop elements to create your own page layouts, Google mapping for your library location, and many more bonuses. Event registration software is included at no charge. * There is a minimal price tag for the libraries with the remainder of the cost paid for with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) dollars. This year, the cost to each library was $207. LM conducts full-day, regional training around the state in the fall. The vendor maintains a help desk year round. * Ploud provides an easy-to-learn, easy-to-update website template with four different themes ("looks") that each have between four and a dozen color schemes. It is designed for libraries without specialized technology staff but it is easily expandable for libraries that wish to do more. Most libraries who use Ploud are single buildings but Michigan has several library systems with multiple branches who make good use of Ploud. * The technology "heavy lifting" of versioning, programming, security, and product updates is done by the vendor, Enfold Systems. * You can view more about Ploud, including short videos, at http://www.michlibrary.org/. Here are some example sites to give you an idea of what you can expect from Ploud: * Buchanan District Library<http://www.buchananlibrary.org/> * Cadillac-Wexford Public Library<http://www.cadillaclibrary.org/> * Mid-Michigan Library League<https://mmll.ploud.net/> Have a great day, all, Sonya Sonya Schryer Norris Library Consultant Library of Michigan Michigan Department of Education 517-335-1498 Norriss2@michigan.gov<mailto:Norriss2@michigan.gov> https://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan https://mel.org<https://mel.org/> http://michlibrary.org<http://michlibrary.org/> [cid:image002.png@01D571F9.461E8BA0]Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2020-2021 Michigan Teacher of the Year! The MTOY Program is accepting nominations through October 6. Nominate an educator at http://bit.ly/2020-2021MTOY<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2020-2021MTOY&data=02%7C01%7CNorrisS2%40michigan.gov%7C602b331f8f2f487cf9c408d7354fd7e3%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637036489372233304&sdata=GNIBhCNogd5scy6bOmNROjlZ9vkr5uwQiZMZQR0ppTY%3D&reserved=0>. For more information visit www.michigan.gov/mtoy<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmtoy&data=02%7C01%7CNorrisS2%40michigan.gov%7C602b331f8f2f487cf9c408d7354fd7e3%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637036489372243316&sdata=A%2BOJwB6lYMchdtisU%2FoNa2knC92M%2FWcbt2BweM%2FQiOA%3D&reserved=0>.