Join MCLS for a day of hands-on learning and collaboration at the 2026 Members Annual Event! 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 …Read more »
As usual, it’s a very busy time at MCLS as we close one fiscal year (FY) and begin another. Here are some updates about what’s happening as we move from FY2026 to FY2027. The MCLS Board of Directors met on May 15 at MCLS’s Lansing office. They discussed topics including our FY2027 operating budget and …Read more »
Just a reminder to all MeLCat participants that if you need help, email melcathelp@mcls.org and include your agency code in the subject line. Some examples of MeLCat questions include: If you have an item on a MeLCat report that needs clearing If your patron cannot request something on MeLCat You need to update your MeLCat contact information You need assistance processing a MeLCat item Complete the RIDES …Read more »
by TALK Coordinator Ann Kaskinen 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. While there are many ways to incorporate reading into a baby’s daily repertoire, board books are key developmental tools. In fact, board books have …Read more »
by MCLS Engagement Strategist Laura Warren-Gross The collaborative work of public libraries is always amazing. I recently visited Karl Stutzman, the director of Milford Public Library in Indiana. When I walked into the beautifully maintained Carnegie Library, I was immediately drawn to a series of displays. Karl explained that Kosciusko County is hosting a passport tour in honor of America 250. As a part of …Read more »
Recently, MCLS worked with EveryLibrary Institute and a team of students from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Information (UMSI) on a research project about the positive impact libraries make for each citizen on their lifelong learning and literacy journey. The project originated from summer 2025 discussions about how library associations and organizations could support Indiana and Michigan libraries collaboratively …Read more »
The MCLS Board of Directors Nominating Committee seeks nominations from the MCLS membership for the following Board openings for 2027-2029: Special Library Representative (Indiana) At-Large Library Representative (Michigan) School Library Representative (Michigan) Each seat serves a three-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and expiring Dec. 31, 2029. The Board meets four times per year: in …Read more »
MCLS is currently preparing for an exciting new member year beginning July 1! The key contacts (directors, billing contacts, and primary contacts) will receive a membership renewal email in early June (schools received their renewal emails in May). This email includes information about the benefits you’ve accessed so far in the current member year, how …Read more »
Recent studies suggest that feelings of loneliness and isolation are on the rise. Can libraries combat this trend? Join our July Virtual Dialogue “Combatting Loneliness and Isolation” on Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m. to noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central) to get fresh ideas and share how your library is working to bring people together. Our …Read more »
by MCLS Engagement Strategist Laura Warren-Gross I recently visited with Cindy Casper who serves as both the director at Eau Claire District Library and the interim director at Sodus Township Library in Michigan. She graciously shared what makes these libraries special. Located only six miles apart, the libraries have operated separately until recently. Cindy, along with the Friends of the Library and the Boards of both libraries, has been working to …Read more »
