Greetings, Library Friends! We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal. Thanks and have a great day! Autumn Smith Assistant Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) http://www.blissfieldlibrary.org/
No. We used to wear SRP shirts in the summer but was not mandatory & haven’t done it in years. Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Autumn Smith via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 10:57:01 AM To: michlib-l@mcls.org <michlib-l@mcls.org> Subject: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry Greetings, Library Friends! We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal. Thanks and have a great day! Autumn Smith Assistant Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) www.blissfieldlibrary.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.blissfieldlibrary.org_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=MXgTeFKK8IPwpDv1ANen15JXk1Sr2kk-4816qz1dxLs&m=sC-SD5UngiCV8q4ylPY7F4CWu_8XAMVuh_W_mkGv2bO-biexBYCAKiS90XDHQiXI&s=8F1IU_8NlfwsrRobQmk9cp9W-mNPtgrfiJ5Wq-CwfY0&e=>
Same for us-- SRP shirts used to be considered mandatory, but now are encouraged, not required. We have a dress code , but no "staff shirt' requirements. We are considering a consistent shirt for use when we attend Outreach events though... On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 11:20 AM Susan Wess via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
No. We used to wear SRP shirts in the summer but was not mandatory & haven’t done it in years.
Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ------------------------------ *From:* Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Autumn Smith via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 20, 2025 10:57:01 AM *To:* michlib-l@mcls.org <michlib-l@mcls.org> *Subject:* [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry
Greetings, Library Friends!
We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal.
Thanks and have a great day!
Autumn Smith Assistant Director
*The Schultz-Holmes District Library* 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) www.blissfieldlibrary.org <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.blissfieldlibrary.org_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=MXgTeFKK8IPwpDv1ANen15JXk1Sr2kk-4816qz1dxLs&m=sC-SD5UngiCV8q4ylPY7F4CWu_8XAMVuh_W_mkGv2bO-biexBYCAKiS90XDHQiXI&s=8F1IU_8NlfwsrRobQmk9cp9W-mNPtgrfiJ5Wq-CwfY0&e=>
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This is more of a personal opinion, but I would find having to wear “uniforms” to a library job against what libraries stand for, in a sense. It might be a bit of a stretch but just seems like stripping away the ability to express yourself (within the allowed policy), which is what we want our patrons to be able to do. To me, uniforms would feel so blah. Summer reading shirts are the only “uniforms” we have but whenever you wanted to do so and in whichever color you preferred. From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Autumn Smith via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 10:57 AM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry Greetings, Library Friends! We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal. Thanks and have a great day! Autumn Smith Assistant Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) www.blissfieldlibrary.org<http://www.blissfieldlibrary.org/> CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipient named above. If you are not the designated recipient, an employee, or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of it or its contents is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please destroy all copies of this communication and any attachments and notify the sender immediately via phone, fax, or electronic mail. Thank you.
We have to wear business casual, even on Saturdays. SRP t-shirts are allowed only during SRP and preferably on program days. I liked when golf shirts were an SRP offering as those small logos are okay for us to wear other times of the year and so I'd always pick one of those. No other t-shirts allowed and no branded items. We have t-shirts bought for those who might take out the book bike to wear then. Personally, I'd love a library branded polo or a sweatshirt. I think having them and being able to wear them would be great, but as a requirement would mean each person should get 2-3 paid for by the library. Washing all the time would get to be a hassle if you need for the next day. If not required, I'd think a lot of staff would wear regularly in between other outfits. Andrea Mucha Library Technician Warren Public Library Arthur J. Miller Branch 5460 Arden, Suite 303 Warren MI 48092 (586) 751-5377 (586) 751-5902 Fax http://www.warrenlibrary.net/ ________________________________ From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Library Director via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 11:29 AM To: michlib-l@mcls.org <michlib-l@mcls.org> Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry This is more of a personal opinion, but I would find having to wear “uniforms” to a library job against what libraries stand for, in a sense. It might be a bit of a stretch but just seems like stripping away the ability to express yourself (within This is more of a personal opinion, but I would find having to wear “uniforms” to a library job against what libraries stand for, in a sense. It might be a bit of a stretch but just seems like stripping away the ability to express yourself (within the allowed policy), which is what we want our patrons to be able to do. To me, uniforms would feel so blah. Summer reading shirts are the only “uniforms” we have but whenever you wanted to do so and in whichever color you preferred. From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Autumn Smith via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 10:57 AM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry Greetings, Library Friends! We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal. Thanks and have a great day! Autumn Smith Assistant Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) www.blissfieldlibrary.org<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.blissfieldlibrary.org/__;!!EC1703MNmna-qQ!YRIHWG5x7-5KuPfvwlGvrerYXvV0lxZ0cY0c3K8KN7yTgHkxgC4pBY6ss4ykwenYoSsRxZYXJTSpjOybVhXD$> CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipient named above. If you are not the designated recipient, an employee, or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of it or its contents is strictly prohibited. If you receive this communication in error, please destroy all copies of this communication and any attachments and notify the sender immediately via phone, fax, or electronic mail. Thank you.
I think a big consideration should be how many staff members you have, how much turnover, and how many shirts each staff member should have to get through the week. Does your budget easily cover that cost? Does the Board member expect the staff to pay for their own shirts? It might not even be a question on whether it's a good idea or not, but are you willing to spend the money on it? On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 10:59 AM Autumn Smith via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
Greetings, Library Friends!
We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal.
Thanks and have a great day!
Autumn Smith Assistant Director
*The Schultz-Holmes District Library* 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) www.blissfieldlibrary.org
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-- Abby Bond Director Eastpointe Memorial Library 586-445-5096
Abby- You read my mind! 😉 Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. “the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigan-top-10-strategic-education-plan> provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners. [cid:image001.png@01DC11D4.C2B31F10] 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<http://www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup>. [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/>. From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Abby Bond via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 12:27 PM To: Autumn Smith <smith@blissfieldlibrary.org> Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov<mailto:abuse@michigan.gov> I think a big consideration should be how many staff members you have, how much turnover, and how many shirts each staff member should have to get through the week. Does your budget easily cover that cost? Does the Board member expect the staff to pay for their own shirts? It might not even be a question on whether it's a good idea or not, but are you willing to spend the money on it? On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 10:59 AM Autumn Smith via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org>> wrote: Greetings, Library Friends! We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal. Thanks and have a great day! Autumn Smith Assistant Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) www.blissfieldlibrary.org<http://www.blissfieldlibrary.org/> _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l -- Abby Bond Director Eastpointe Memorial Library 586-445-5096
Is it legal to spend taxpayer money on clothing for staff? Deb Hemmye Library Director Huntington Woods Public Library 26415 Scotia Road Huntington Woods, MI 48070 248-543-9720, ext. 686 Currently reading The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook, by Hampton Sides From: "Michlib" <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "Abby Bond" <bonda@libcoop.net>, "Autumn Smith" <smith@blissfieldlibrary.org> Cc: "Michlib" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 1:17:31 PM Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry Abby- You read my mind! 😉 Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan [ mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov | MembielaC@michigan.gov ] 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. “the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge .” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). Michigan’s [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.michigan.gov_mde_resources_michigan-2Dtop-2D10-2Dstrategic-2Deducation-2Dplan&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=ieVCA05hPny_ziRXQBi7BOxXeqftOlnEcTMnAJceeMY&e= | Top 10 Strategic Education Plan ] provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners. 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! [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.michigan.gov_meetupeatup&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=MsZj472hAHgy6v9X-hsBTfxFojiWYtx5vUBz63e44b0&e= | Michigan.gov/MeetUpEatUp ] . [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mvic.sos.state.mi.us_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=5kAXlQH68qFo3O9tKQj_M_PyaL2oCDA94V-qXe8rfJk&e= ] Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mvic.sos.state.mi.us_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=5kAXlQH68qFo3O9tKQj_M_PyaL2oCDA94V-qXe8rfJk&e= | Michigan.gov/Vote ] . From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Abby Bond via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 12:27 PM To: Autumn Smith <smith@blissfieldlibrary.org> Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to [ mailto:abuse@michigan.gov | abuse@michigan.gov ] I think a big consideration should be how many staff members you have, how much turnover, and how many shirts each staff member should have to get through the week. Does your budget easily cover that cost? Does the Board member expect the staff to pay for their own shirts? It might not even be a question on whether it's a good idea or not, but are you willing to spend the money on it? On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 10:59 AM Autumn Smith via Michlib-l < [ mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org | michlib-l@mcls.org ] > wrote: Greetings, Library Friends! We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal. Thanks and have a great day! Autumn Smith Assistant Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.blissfieldlibrary.org_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=Uz8DRsThDdOSzCLsRYTsdoyRdfeZYITLEk5St5fni14&e= | www.blissfieldlibrary.org ] _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list [ mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org | Michlib-l@mcls.org ] [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mail3.mcls.org_mailman_listinfo_michlib-2Dl&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=fBL-4-TIblwCLTXH9uT4N2fMYvSXfjvJL4U40Aeqkdo&e= | https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l ] -- Abby Bond Director Eastpointe Memorial Library 586-445-5096 _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mail3.mcls.org_mailman_listinfo_michlib-2Dl&d=DwICAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=fBL-4-TIblwCLTXH9uT4N2fMYvSXfjvJL4U40Aeqkdo&e=
It's a uniform. Irene (Jones) Assistant Director Berrien Springs Community Library 215 W. Union St. Berrien Springs, MI 49103 269.471.7074 269.471.4433 fax www.bsclibrary.org
On 08/20/2025 2:23 PM EDT Deb Hemmye via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
Is it legal to spend taxpayer money on clothing for staff?
Deb Hemmye Library Director Huntington Woods Public Library 26415 Scotia Road Huntington Woods, MI 48070 248-543-9720, ext. 686
Currently reading The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook, by Hampton Sides
--------------------------------------------- From: "Michlib" <michlib-l@mcls.org> To: "Abby Bond" <bonda@libcoop.net>, "Autumn Smith" <smith@blissfieldlibrary.org> Cc: "Michlib" <michlib-l@mcls.org> Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 1:17:31 PM Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry
Abby- You read my mind! 😉
Clare
Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library Law Consultant
Library of Michigan
MembielaC@michigan.gov mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov
517-335-8132
The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
“the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965).
Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.michigan.gov_mde_resources_michigan-2Dtop-2D10-2Dstrategic-2Deducation-2Dplan&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=ieVCA05hPny_ziRXQBi7BOxXeqftOlnEcTMnAJceeMY&e= provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners.
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 https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.michigan.gov_meetupeatup&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=MsZj472hAHgy6v9X-hsBTfxFojiWYtx5vUBz63e44b0&e=.
[Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated] https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mvic.sos.state.mi.us_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=5kAXlQH68qFo3O9tKQj_M_PyaL2oCDA94V-qXe8rfJk&e=
Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mvic.sos.state.mi.us_&d=DwMGaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=sW0QtgsUF_VTgHYbMLAYDX2ikQwQhwFgtcNmyu5STJQ&m=trzqkITckJQSVyGQj9qN79HfAfuy8vRC2aL0CMbg1KvFSTpRfMwxi705sB1x4A-Z&s=5kAXlQH68qFo3O9tKQj_M_PyaL2oCDA94V-qXe8rfJk&e=.
From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Abby Bond via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 12:27 PM To: Autumn Smith <smith@blissfieldlibrary.org> Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry
CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov mailto:abuse@michigan.gov
I think a big consideration should be how many staff members you have, how much turnover, and how many shirts each staff member should have to get through the week. Does your budget easily cover that cost? Does the Board member expect the staff to pay for their own shirts?
It might not even be a question on whether it's a good idea or not, but are you willing to spend the money on it?
On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 10:59 AM Autumn Smith via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org mailto:michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
Greetings, Library Friends!
We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal.
Thanks and have a great day!
Autumn Smith
Assistant Director
The Schultz-Holmes District Library
407 South Lane Street
Blissfield, MI 49228
517-486-2858
517-486-3565 (fax)
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Abby Bond
Director
Eastpointe Memorial Library
586-445-5096
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Hello Autumn! There is some information regarding this topic that may be helpful for you to know as you and your board are considering this: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa, if the board requires that the staff wear branded shirts (shirts or clothing with a logo on them), the library (or the municipality- depending on who the legal employer of the library is) will likely have to pay for the shirts/uniform. The law considers the cost of the uniform shirts "the cost of doing business." There are some circumstances where the employer can deduct the cost from the employee's paycheck- BUT that is permitted by Michigan law only if the employee provides written permission, AND the FLSA requires that the deduction does not bring the employee's wages below the federal minimum wage. There are other considerations as well - how many shirts each employee receives, how additional ones can be obtained, etc. I strongly suggest that you and your board consult your library's attorney before setting a policy such as this to ensure that the process and policy adheres to applicable employment and tax laws. Additional information can be found https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/16-flsa-wage-deductions https://iaml.com/blog/uniforms-dress-codes-and-flsa/#:~:text=Employers%20tha.... I hope this is helpful! Sincerely, Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. "the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge." Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigan-top-10-strategic-education-plan> provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners. [cid:image001.png@01DC11D2.A8B48740] 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<http://www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup>. [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/>. From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Autumn Smith via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 10:57 AM To: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Dress Code Inquiry CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov<mailto:abuse@michigan.gov> Greetings, Library Friends! We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal. Thanks and have a great day! Autumn Smith Assistant Director The Schultz-Holmes District Library 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) www.blissfieldlibrary.org<http://www.blissfieldlibrary.org/>
Our staff typically wear their library polo shirts (which are provided by the library) when doing outreach and offsite events. Also for bigger events here to help the less frequent patrons to identify staff when they need help. Most of us rarely wear them for a regular shift working at the desk. Holly Kirsten Head of Information and Outreach Services Chesterfield Township Library p: 586-598-4900 ext. 235 a: 50560 Patricia St. Chesterfield, MI 48051 w: chelibrary.org Raising a reader is: Talking * Singing * Reading * Writing * Playing On Wed, Aug 20, 2025 at 10:59 AM Autumn Smith via Michlib-l < michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
Greetings, Library Friends!
We have a board member who is proposing that all staff should wear library branded polos at the desk. We are reaching out to other Michigan libraries to see if any other libraries currently have a similar policy in place or have in the past. We do currently have a dress code which was approved by the board just a few years ago and seems to be serving us well at this time, so we are most interested in just gathering information from our fellow library friends regarding this proposal.
Thanks and have a great day!
Autumn Smith Assistant Director
*The Schultz-Holmes District Library* 407 South Lane Street Blissfield, MI 49228 517-486-2858 517-486-3565 (fax) www.blissfieldlibrary.org
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participants (10)
-
Abby Bond -
Andrea Mucha -
Autumn Smith -
BERRIEN SPRINGS COMMUNITY LIBRARY -
Deb Hemmye -
Holly Kirsten -
Jean Fellows -
Library Director -
Membiela, Clare (MDE) -
Susan Wess