• Welcome to LDDS
We provide wide-ranging services to library staff and trustees around the state including MeL coordination, certification for librarians, LSTA administration, state aid and penal fines, resources for library trustees and census and statistical data.

LDDS offices are temporarily located on the fifth floor of Constitution Hall at 525 West Allegan Street in Lansing. Mail should continue to be routed through the regular mailing address of the Library of Michigan.

Phone: (517) 373-1580
Fax: (517) 373-5700

• Contact LDDS Staff

• A - Z Index of LDDS

• Michlib-L (mish-libe el) 
By, for and about Michigan libraries.

• Public Library Internet Access Requirements 
State and federal regulations and best practice guidelines regarding Internet access in libraries.

• Plinkit: Web Sites for Small and Rural Libraries
Plinkit stands for Public Library Interface Kit and it provides an easy-to-learn, easy-to-update Web site designed especially for small libraries without technology staff. Follow the link to find out more! Info tours are starting in December. Register early.

• Broadband Information
Information specifically for libraries and librarians regarding Broadband stimulus funding.

• New State Aid Rules Take Effect Soon
Administrative Rules SOAHR 2006-058, filed with the Secretary of State on March 27, 2009 will take effect on October 1. The purpose of these rules is to prescribe eligibility requirements for public libraries and cooperative libraries to receive state aid funds. The complete document file is found on the webpage for Library Statistics and State Aid.

The personnel requirements do not apply with respect to personnel with valid certificates who were employed by a public library as of October 1, 2009. When a person employed as of October 1, 2009 leaves the position, the position shall be filled in compliance with the minimum requirements for the library to remain eligible for state aid.

Individuals possessing a professional certification level of 1, 2, or 3 shall be unchanged. Individuals currently possessing a professional certification level of either 4 or 5 shall be recognized as possessing a level 3 professional certification. Individuals possessing a professional certification level 6 shall be recognized as possessing a level 4 professional certification. Individuals possessing an unexpired professional certification level 7 shall be recognized as possessing a level 4 professional certification.

Interested parties should check the Certification and Continuing Education site for information pertaining to the certification process.

• River of Words
Each year, in affiliation with the Library of Congress Center for the Book, River of Words conducts a free international poetry and art contest for youth on the theme of WATERSHEDS. The contest is designed to help youth explore the natural and cultural history of the place they live, and to express, through poetry and art, what they discover. The 2010 deadline is December 1, 2009.

The contest is open to any child in the world, from 5-19 years of age. Older students must have not yet completed high school. There is no charge to enter.

About 100 poems and artworks from both US and international entries are selected as finalists each year. All winners receive ribbons, books and/or art supplies, t-shirts and other prizes. The Grand Prize winner receives an all-expense paid trip for the winner and a guardian to Washington, DC to attend the River of Words Award Ceremony at the Library of Congress.

You can use the River of Words flyer in libraries or classrooms. More information and samples of poetry and art from previous years at the Michigan River of Words site. You can also find curriculum materials at national River of Words site.

Facilitator Entry Form
Group Entry Form
Individual Entry Form

The Michigan Regional Coordinator is Michael Moore. He can be contacted at 906-487-1197 or mmoore@mtu.edu