The MCLS Engagement, Consulting, and Training Team continues our popular series of Virtual Dialogues on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central). During the dialogue, we will engage around the subject of accountability and taking ownership. MCLS Virtual Dialogues are designed to provide those in the library industry opportunities to connect and engage around topics that impact the way we work. These dialogues are not workshops or webinars, but a way to engage with others in the profession through facilitated dialogue. We look forward to connecting with you! Please plan to have your microphone enabled and camera on in order to participate. If you have any questions, please reach out to engagement@mcls.org.

On Friday, August 28, MCLS’s IT staff launched our fully-redesigned and modernized website, a first in over a decade! With feedback from our members, partners, and staff, we focused on what matters most to you: an upgraded user experience and an easier way for you to connect with the resources, services, and community MCLS offers. You’ll notice a new member portal next to the search icon in the upper right menu. This area provides access to managing your subscriptions, paying invoices, managing your password, and a quick link to workshop registrations. Also, a new accessibility icon appears at the bottom left of every page. When selected, you can change the site’s font size, letter spacing, contrast, cursor size, and more! We hope you love the new design. While we have taken special care to keep links the same where possible, please check your saved bookmarks for potential changes. If you experience any difficulty with the site, please let us know at marketing@mcls.org. A heartfelt thank you to the members, partners, and staff whose feedback guided this redesign. Together, we're building a stronger digital home for the library community — and we're excited to keep improving it with your input in mind.

The following library staff members have earned Certificates of Library Staff Development by attending workshops through MCLS:  Basic Essential Workplace Skills Certificate   Richard D. Deverell, Jeffersonville Township Public Library, IN   Naomi C. Gómez, Purdue University Northwest, IN  Sarah Mominee, Novi Public Library, MI   Emma Rose, Lake County Public Library, IN  Basic Cataloging Certificate  Preeti Arya, Salem South Lyon District Library, MI  Kae Goss, Lake Michigan College – William Hessel Library, MI    Allie Lovette, South Carolina State Library, SC  Kathie Mason, Eastern Michigan University, MI  Advanced Cataloging Certificate  Amy Bermingham, Novi Public Library, MI  Heidi Keppen Palmer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, MI Kathie Mason, Eastern Michigan University, MI  Are you interested in obtaining your Certificate of Library Staff Development? For details, visit this page. Essential Workplace Skills tutorials are free to MCLS members as a member benefit! For questions, please email Gwen at training@mcls.org or call 517-220-9950. 

Indiana library leaders: join us for Sustainability & Resilience: Exploring Solutions In August and September, the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) will host a multi-event engagement program, Sustainability & Resilience: Exploring Solutions, designed to bring together public library leaders in facilitated dialogue about the challenges and opportunities ahead. MCLS, a member-owned, non-profit library consortium serving Indiana and Michigan libraries of all types, invites you to attend one or more events listed below and offer your unique perspective.We need input from public libraries of all sizes and geographic areas to make this effort an authentic representation of Indiana public libraries. You do not have to be an expert. We want you to speak openly and candidly from your point of view.Each event uses The World Café methodology, a proven approach to inclusive, participatory conversation. Topics will focus on surfacing the diverse perspectives, experiences, and insights that exist across our library community — and on coming together to imagine bold, impactful solutions that support one another and move public libraries forward. Your perspective is not a footnote; it’s foundational. This method of dialogue accommodates large numbers of participants, so multiple library leaders from your system are welcome.  Registration is FREE and open on a "first come, first served" basis. Registration and a light breakfast with refreshments will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of each in-person World Café.  Dates and locations: Marion Public Library, 600 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953August 21, 20269 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern (local time)Register for Marion >>Brown County Public Library, 205 Locust Lane, Nashville, IN 47448August 27, 202610 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern (local time)Register for Brown County >>Virtual Café, ZoomAugust 28, 20269:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eastern (8:30 am - 12:30 pm Central)Register for the Virtual Café >>Purdue Northwest Westville Campus, 1401 S US Hwy 421, Westville, IN, 46391September 1, 20269 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central (local time)Register for Purdue NW >>Vigo County Public Library, 1 Library Sq, Terre Haute, IN 47807September 3, 20269 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern (local time)Register for Vigo County >> ---------- Why should you participate? The legislative and funding changes affecting public libraries across Indiana are impacting everyone. That shared reality is exactly why your participation matters. You don't need to have all the answers — you just need to bring your experience, your questions, and your willingness to think boldly alongside peers who are navigating the same challenges. You don't need to arrive with solutions — you just need to arrive ready to build them together. We need leaders of BOTH small and large public libraries in the room: Small community public library leaders are on the front lines of what these changes mean in practice. Unlike larger library systems, you may not have resources dedicated to tracking and responding to policy shifts. Your experience, and the creative solutions you have developed, may not be heard in statewide conversations unless you are in the room. Larger public library leaders bring organizational experience, policy fluency, and capacity that many of your peers across the state do not have access to. Leadership in this moment means more than managing change within your own walls — it means showing up for the broader library community and contributing your unique knowledge and insights to conversations that will shape how all public libraries move forward. It also means genuinely listening to peers who are navigating the same landscape with far fewer resources and letting their experiences challenge and deepen your own thinking. Participating in these conversations gives you the opportunity to: Be heard — and to truly listen. Bring your whole experience to the table. Every library is different, and we all carry unique knowledge of our communities, their challenges, and what has and hasn't worked. That lived experience is the material these conversations are built from. Gain perspective from peers across Indiana navigating the same challenges in different contexts. Shape bold, impactful solutions that reflect the full diversity of public libraries in our state. Build connections in a structured, supportive environment designed for genuine dialogue. None of us has all the answers. That is precisely why we need everyone in the room — because the solutions we build together will be stronger, more creative, and more reflective of the real Indiana library landscape than anything any one of us could arrive at alone. Show up as you are, with what you know, and let's build something together. ---------- After each World Café Conversation, all outputs will be recorded. At the completion of all conversations, a themed report will be compiled and shared widely. We look forward to connecting with you! Questions? Email us at engagement@mcls.org. 

Virtual Dialogues for library staff in Indiana and Michigan MCLS’s Engagement, Consulting, and Training team is hosting more sessions of our popular Virtual Dialogues!--------------------------------- These Dialogues are FREE and are designed for librarians and library workers at all levels to connect, engage, learn from, and support each other across our two-state membership region. You do not need to be from an MCLS member library to participate.In 2026, we hope to dive deeper into resilience in times of uncertainty and how collaboration can support us. Each session will have guided questions based on principles and practices of Appreciative Inquiry to facilitate a supportive, growth-minded space. Most of the time will be spent in conversation with each other, so come with your camera and audio connected and ready to see and hear others as well as be seen and heard!Sessions will be 10:30 a.m.-noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central). Registration is FREE but registration is required. Links below will open for registration ahead of each session, as topics and audiences are finalized - watch for updates here and on the email lists! January 22: Surviving & thriving amid uncertainty March 19: Embracing impactful change in our libraries & communities May 14: How to talk about the 'elephant in the room' July 16: Combatting loneliness and isolation September 17: Accountability Because these sessions are truly DIALOGUES and most of the content will be with peers in breakout rooms, they will NOT be recorded and shared for later viewing. We hope you can join us live. We look forward to connecting with you! Questions? Email us at engagement@mcls.org. 

Child-led play (when the child is in complete control of every aspect of the play) encourages independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Stacy Benge, an early childhood educator, suggests, “It is also the key to developing the foundations that support future reading and writing. Children are at the heart of play. It is not about the adults, the learning standards, or the curriculum theme—it is all about the children.” Visual processing, phonological awareness, and physical development are components of building literacy skills, and these are all elements found in child-led play.   Play gives children the agency to not only change and enhance a story, but to also make it real for them. Within the world of play, they can exert power over beginnings, middles, and endings. Play is the natural way children interact with the world.   Every Child Ready to Read® (ECRR) identifies five practices (talk, sing, read, write, and play) that adults should use to engage with children to build early literacy skills. TALK: Text & Learn for Kindergarten, based on the ECRR model, incorporates play in several of the two, age-appropriate texts sent to parents and caregivers each week. Texts are sent with the goal of raising the frequency and quality of parent/child interactions. Supporting children with their creativity, curiosity, imagination, and interests when they play is one way to help prepare them for kindergarten.   If your library would like to find out how TALK can help support early literacy development in your community, send queries to talkhelp@mcls.org. Request a quote here.   References  Allyn, P. (2025). It’s Not Too Soon: Early Literacy Works: Young children can joyfully learn foundational literacy skills through play--and it makes a difference. Educational Leadership, 82(7), 26–31.  Benge, S. (2025). The Key to Early Literacy is Child-Led PLAY! Exchange (19460406), 280, 33–37. 

by MCLS Engagement Strategist Laura Warren-Gross  North Adams Memorial Community Library opened its new facility in 2020 during COVID-19. Now, six years later they are fully open, and the community is making use of their engaging spaces and programs. The North Adams community passed a millage in August of 2026 which will allow the staff and board to continue focusing on their strategic goals of access, being a community hub, providing opportunities for lifelong learning, and preserving local history and culture.  The library is located near the K-12 school and when I visited with director Mariel Busch in early June over 200 students were already registered for summer reading. Through a partnership with local businesses and the village, a sidewalk was being constructed to connect the school grounds to the library parking lot so that kids can easily walk between the two facilities.  Mariel has recently earned her MLIS from Wayne State University with a concentration in Archival Administration, and she is putting that knowledge to use by creating a local history room. Back issues of the region’s newspaper have been donated to the library, and the staff is working to digitize them. They also have an extensive history of the town written by Marie Davis. With the permission of the family, the library staff is working to digitize this precious information for the enjoyment of future generations. Though they have borrowed a digitization kit previously, Mariel hopes to own equipment via grant funding to do this work.  As a place to discover local history, engage in programming, and borrow resources, North Adams Community Memorial Library is a vibrant hub for everyone who walks through the doors.  What makes your library unique? Engagement, Consulting, and Training team members would love to hear about your library and share your story! Interested? Contact us at engagement@mcls.org. 

Event Details Presenters: Kate McDowell (keynote) and Thom Fladung (workshop) Date: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 Attendance options: In-person – full program: 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern Virtual – opening remarks & keynote address: 9:45 – 11:30 a.m. Eastern Location:St. Joseph County Public Library Community Learning Center305 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601Google Maps Registration Choose how to attend: • In person (REGISTER HERE)Register by 5 p.m. on Sept. 18$75 per person (includes a light breakfast, lunch, and beverages) • Virtual (REGISTER HERE)Register by 12 p.m. on Oct. 7$25 per person to participate in the opening remarks and keynote live on Zoom Registration is limited and open to anyone from an MCLS member organization. Check your membership status here. Not a member? Join today! Overnight Accommodations MCLS has secured a special group rate of $149.00 USD at the following nearby hotel: Aloft by Marriott South Bend111 N Main St., South Bend, IN 46601Phone: 574-288-8000Google Maps Check In: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.Check Out: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026Hotel reservation link The last day to book your stay at the special group rate is Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. About the Program Agenda Times are Eastern (local time) and subject to change. 9:15 a.m.           Registration/ light breakfast (fruit, pastries, and beverages)10 a.m.              Opening remarks by MCLS10:30 a.m.         Keynote: Data Storytelling in Libraries presented by Kate McDowell11:30 a.m.         Workshop: Crisis Communication with Thom Fladung12:30 p.m.         Lunch (taco bar, dessert, and beverages)1:30 p.m.           Workshop: Crisis Communication with Thom Fladung3 p.m.                Wrap-upTBA Experiential library tour: SJCPL Experiential library tour St. Joseph County Public Library is planning a unique tour experience for in-person attendees! Learn more about the resources, services, and spaces that SJCPL’s Main Library has to offer on a staff led tour. Highlights will include: The Youth Services Department The library’s new bookmobile, The Dream Machine Studio 304 A hands-on learning activity in the Local & Family History Department Crisis Intervention staff, including the library’s in-house social worker, will also be available to discuss how SJCPL has moved to a trauma informed approach when interacting with patrons.  Note: tour times will be determined based on feedback from the event registration form. Keynote Address Photo credit: KateMcDowell.com Kate McDowell, author and professor at the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign will present on data storytelling in libraries. About Kate McDowell  Professor Kate McDowell focuses on storytelling as information research, social justice storytelling, and how the history of library storytelling can enhance contemporary data storytelling. Her projects engage contexts such as public libraries, non-profit fundraising, and health misinformation in online discourse. This research takes many forms, from publications to storytelling workshops and toolkits to research roles with international coalitions and working groups. She leads the nationally-funded Data Storytelling Toolkit for Librarians project to equip libraries with narrative tools for data-informed advocacy, which has been used by over 5,000 librarians in over 50 countries so far. Her book for libraries, Critical Data Storytelling for Libraries: Crafting Ethical Narratives for Advocacy and Impact, came out in 2025.  Read more about Kate McDowell on her website.  Workshop: Putting Crisis Communications in Play Photo credit: crisiscommunications.com Thom Fladung will lead a hands-on workshop on crisis communication best practices and techniques including brainstorming key messages and participating in mock interviews, to help you prepare for any media interview or public speaking opportunity. With his practical approach to instruction and years of experience, you will walk away with pragmatic tips and best practices that you can put into play immediately to effectively communicate during a crisis. About Thom Fladung Thom Fladung serves as managing partner for Hennes Communications. He brings more than 33 years of daily newspaper and digital media experience to the agency, having served as a top editor at some of the nation’s largest newspapers such as the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Detroit Free Press. Over the past decade, Fladung has also played a lead role in helping newsrooms enter the digital age, including web, social media and handheld digital devices. Thom is an expert at crafting effective, strategic messages on hard deadlines. He is also experienced at quickly evaluating, assembling and disseminating information – crisis management skills that are critically important for clients coping with reputation management issues and breaking crises. In 2017, Thom received the Communicator of the Year award from the International Association of Business Communicators. Learn more about Thom on the Hennes Communications website. Special thanks to our location sponsor

Fall conference and event season is just around the corner, and I encourage you to engage with MCLS staff and Board of Directors members when our paths cross this fall.  In September, we’ll have staff and Board members at the following conference:  Upper Peninsula Region of Library Cooperation Annual Conference (Sept. 21-22)   Scott Garrison, Executive Director  Andrea Ingmire, MCLS Board Michigan At-Large Representative  Tara Kanon, MeLCat Support Specialist and Statewide Delivery Coordinator  David Votta, Interim State Librarian of Michigan  Lisa Waskin, MCLS Board Michigan Public Library Representative  In October, find us at the following conferences and events:  Association for Library Service to Children National Institute (Oct. 1-3)  Ann Kaskinen, TALK Program Coordinator  MCLS Members Annual Event (Oct. 9 – list below subject to change)  Sarah Beaubien, eLicensing and Collection Resources Manager  Sean Cwiek, IT Manager  Jan Davidson, Library Consultant  Megan Dudek, Shared Library Systems Manager  Scott Garrison, Executive Director  Gwen Haviland, Membership and Training Coordinator/Project Specialist  Mike Hawthorne, MCLS Board Michigan Research Library Representative (President)  Kalyn Huson, Association Coordinator and Administrative Specialist  Tara Kanon, MeLCat Support Specialist and Statewide Delivery Coordinator  Ann Kaskinen, TALK Program Coordinator  Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, Library Strategist  Kendra Lake, MCLS Board Michigan Academic Library Representative (Vice President)  Beth McNeil, MCLS Board Indiana At-Large Representative (Secretary)  James Orme, Financial Controller/Business Manager  Stephen Patton, MCLS Board Indiana At-Large Representative (Treasurer)  Josh Petrusa, MCLS Board Indiana Academic Library Representative  Mary Ruthko, Marketing and Communication Specialist  Pam Seabolt, Engagement, Consulting, and Training Manager  Trista Smith, MCLS Board Indiana Public Library Representative  Laura Warren-Gross, Engagement Strategist  Michigan Museums Association Annual Conference (Oct. 19-21)  Chelsea Denault, MDPN Coordinator  Maria Ketcham, MCLS Board Michigan Special Library Representative  MCLS Board of Directors Meeting and Retreat (Oct. 25-27)  Megan Dudek, Shared Library Systems Manager  Scott Garrison, Executive Director  Kalyn Huson, Association Coordinator and Administrative Specialist  Pam Seabolt, Engagement, Consulting, and Training Manager  The MCLS Board of Directors  Michigan Library Association Annual Conference (Oct. 28-30)  Jan Davidson, Library Consultant  Scott Garrison, Executive Director  Gwen Haviland, Membership and Training Coordinator/Project Specialist  Andrea Ingmire, MCLS Board Michigan At-Large Representative  Mario Johnson, Administrative/eLicensing and Collection Resources Assistant  Tara Kanon, MeLCat Support Specialist and Statewide Delivery Coordinator  Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, Library Strategist  Jackie Licalzi, MeLCat System Administrator  Mary Ruthko, Marketing and Communication Specialist  Pam Seabolt, Engagement, Consulting, and Training Manager  David Votta, Interim State Librarian of Michigan  Laura Warren-Gross, Engagement Strategist  Lisa Waskin, MCLS Board Michigan Public Library Representative  Michigan Association of School Librarians Annual Conference (Oct. 28-30)  Scott Garrison, Executive Director  Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, Library Strategist  In November, we hope to see you at the following conferences and events:  Charleston Conference (Nov. 3-6)  Sarah Beaubien, eLicensing and Collection Resources Manager  Scott Garrison, Executive Director  Indiana Library Federation Annual Conference (Nov. 8-10)  Scott Garrison, Executive Director  Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, Library Strategist  Laura Warren-Gross, Engagement Strategist  Rain Smith, MCLS Board Indiana School Library Representative  Trista Smith, MCLS Board Indiana Public Library Representative  Jake Speer, State Librarian of Indiana  Michigan OER Network Conference (Nov. 13)  Sarah Beaubien, eLicensing and Collection Resources Manager  Kendra Lake, MCLS Board Michigan Academic Library Representative (Vice President)  Finally, please save the date for the MCLS Annual Meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central) online via Zoom. Watch your email for registration information, and we'll look forward to seeing you there.  Our staff work hard representing MCLS at these and other conferences and events. We hope to see you and connect. Until then, contact me anytime at garrisons@mcls.org. Have a question, idea, or story to share? Let us know!