by Randy Riley

The Library of Michigan (LM) and the Library of Michigan Foundation will host the 2015 Night for Notables, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25. It's the “official” celebration recognizing the selected 2015 books and authors. Held at LM, this is a great event and everyone is invited.

The Michigan Notable Book (MNB) program and the Night for Notables celebration have a soft spot in my heart. Coordinating this program through the years has provided me with opportunities to meet fantastic authors and to interact with librarians kind enough to host an author on our 50 library MNB Author Tour. I am still enough of a “book geek” to be thrilled by rubbing shoulders with respected authors. The Night for Notables event shines the spotlight on Michigan authors and helps to show just how many great ones live in Michigan or are inspired to write stories based on the amazing places in the Great Lakes region.

2014 Michigan Notable Book Award winner, Linda Hundt (Sweetie-licious Pies: Eat Pies, Love Life), is the keynote speaker for the 2015 Night for Notables, honoring this year's 20 MNB and their authors. 

Past keynote speakers - all Michigan Notable Authors - have included New York Times best-selling novelist, Doug Stanton; nationally renowned author Judith Guest; National Book Award winners Kevin Boyle, Jaimy Gordon and Jesmyn Ward; National Book Award finalist, Bonnie Jo Campbell; former Gov. William Milliken; Academy Award winning filmmaker and bestselling author, Michael Moore; nationally acclaimed author of the Alex McKnight mystery series and the winner of the Edgar and Shamus Awards, Steve Hamilton and Newbery Honor and a Corretta Scott King Honor recipient Christopher Paul Curtis. 

The evening includes an award ceremony, featuring remarks by Ms. Hundt, followed by a gala evening of notable author book signings, interaction with the authors, and a fine selection of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and Michigan beverages. 

Admittance is by advanced reservations only. Cost:
General Admission: $40, Host Committee: $150, Hospitality Sponsorships are available. For more information, visit www.libraryofmichiganfoundation.org or call 517-373-1297.

by Karren Reish

The LM is pleased to announce the 2015 Michigan Reads! book is Do Unto Otters, written and illustrated by Laurie Keller. We welcome children, parents, caregivers, librarians and teachers to participate in our 11th program year. In our 2015 book, Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are otters. OTTERS! But he doesn't know anything about otters. Will they be friends? Will they even get along? Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises Mr. Owl. Follow Mr. Rabbit as he learns how to be a good friend and neighbor by simply following the Golden Rule.

Keller is from Muskegon and after a career as an artist, has returned to Michigan as a children’s author. The LM once again is sponsoring its annual Michigan Reads! author tour. Public libraries that would like to have Laurie visit in September or October (and are able to work with a local school for the event), should look for an event request survey link at www.michigan.gov/michiganreads.

Do Unto Otters is available at www.mel.org in Bookflix. The delightful animated version of the book brings Mr. Rabbit and the Otters to life and can be enjoyed by children at libraries, school events or home.

by Sonya Schryer Norris

This month I interviewed Bill Harmer, director of the Chelsea District Library (CDL). On Jan. 23rd, library staffers learned that the CDL had won the 2015 Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Award. The award has been in place for about 10 years and previous recipients include Jiffy and Chelsea Community Hospital.

The award is given to organizations that promote and develop a vital business environment. Criteria include providing leadership, having innovative ideas and services, and contributing to the economy of the community. This type of award typically is not associated with a library, so Harmer is especially proud of the recognition.

In 2014, CDL demonstrated the currency it's gained as a key economic development player by providing information services to businesses, introducing new technologies to the community, assisting students in achieving excellence, and increasing the cultural and economic assets of the community. The award comes on the heels of a decisive millage increase last fall, demonstrating how CDL has proven its relevance and worked toward improving the lives of residents.

Harmer spoke about the close working relationship between the library and Chamber executive director Bob Pierce, a visionary leader and friend for the past 10 years. He speaks in equally glowing terms about others in Chelsea, saying it has a tremendous spirit of collaboration among stakeholders. “There’s no red tape with elected officials when it comes to making things happen,” Harmer said. “There’s a willingness and an understanding to work together.”

Congratulations to the CDL on this outstanding achievement!

by Deb Biggs Thomas

We are moving forward with the selection process for the core subscription eResources found in the Michigan eLibrary (MeL). The Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on March 6th and vendors have a month to respond. Bids will be scored and those meeting the minimum score and above will be asked to provide statewide trials of their resources. The Michigan library community has an opportunity to assist us in the resource review scheduled mid-April until the end of May.  A feedback survey will be available for everyone’s input.

Vendors may attend a public demonstration of the eResources that they are bidding. LM cordially invites all interested persons to attend the demos; tentative dates are May 11 and 15, 2015, at the Michigan Library and Historical Center. Look for an updated demo schedule at the 2015 eResource Content Selection Process website, www.michigan.gov/2015melrfp.

Please contact the Michigan eLibrary & Outreach Coordinator, Deb Biggs Thomas, biggsthomasd@michigan.gov if you have any comments or questions.

by Shannon White

Are you new to library work? Do you want to network with colleagues facing the same challenges of figuring out all there is to working in a public library but are not sure where to go? Then the LM's Beginning Workshop is for you. Each spring the LM provides an opportunity for those new to library work and seeking to be certified at Level 3 or 4 to come together for a three-day learning event. This workshop provides a crash course in basic areas of library work from intellectual freedom to weeding.

At this workshop, library colleagues from around the state share their expertise in select sessions on issues of importance to today’s public libraries. In addition to the day-time programs, we offer optional activities in the evening to continue your learning experience in a less formal setting with a bit more fun. A book-tasting party and tour of the Bellaire Public Library are on tap.

Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, Michigan is the location for the 2015 event May 12 - May 14. If you have not had formal library coursework and are ready for an introduction to working in a public library please join us. To learn more about the workshop and register online, visit: www.michigan.gov/beginningworkshop.

Registration is $140 and includes meals. This event is sponsored by the Library of Michigan Foundation and the LM. Deadline to register for the event as well as make lodging reservations is April 11.