The Library of Michigan and MCLS are pleased to announce a continuation of their partnership with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. An additional 50 Michigan library staff will be trained in the framework of the Institute. This opportunity will include a full 2.5-day Public Innovators Lab followed by 18 months of coaching. Over one hundred staff have already completed training, representing dozens of Michigan libraries.

The new participating libraries were selected via a competitive application process. They include:

• Capital Area District Libraries
• Eaton Rapids Public Library
• Elk Rapids District Library
• Grant Area District Library
• Herrick District Library
• Hillsdale Community Library
• Jackson District Library
• Oak Park Public Library
• Portage District Library
• Public Libraries of Saginaw
• Salem-South Lyon District Library
• St. Clair County Community College Library
• Traverse Area District Library
• West Branch District Library
• Willard Library
• Western Michigan University Medical Library

The training will be led by Certified Harwood Coaches from the Institute. It will be robust, extensive, and is being offered at no charge to selected Michigan libraries, with generous stipends provided through Library of Michigan LSTA funding.

The program

On November 7–9, 2017, the cohort will convene in Lansing, Michigan for a 2.5-day Public Innovators Lab. That training will be followed up by 18 months of coaching calls from Harwood, and guidance and support from Harwood trained Library of Michigan and MCLS staff.

The Harwood Public Innovators Lab is a 2.5-day experience to help you and your organization learn what it means to Turn Outward — to use the community, not your conference room, as your reference point for choices and action.

With support and guidance from MCLS and the Library of Michigan, cohort members are expected to attend coaching calls, contribute to an online forum, and demonstrate how their efforts are making a change in their communities.

The Library of Michigan and MCLS have been using the tools of the Institute and sharing them with libraries since 2013.

Questions

Questions should be sent to David Votta, MCLS Community Engagement Librarian, at vottad@mcls.org or call David at 800-530-9019 ext. 122

Learn more about our work with The Harwood Institute.

This project is supported by the Library of Michigan with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.