MeL will remain with us for another year

The Michigan Library Association sent out communications for the state of public library funding, including the ever-useful MelCat system. We are relieved to hear that the Library of Michigan has been enabled to spend federal dollars, as well as, remains staffed which ensures that they will continue providing assistance to statewide programs and services. There was also a sizeable one-time increase in state funding for MeL (Michigan eLibrary), further padding the ability to continue this invaluable service.

If you aren't sure what MeL is, it is a system all throughout Michigan that connects libraries who share their collection with other participating libraries. For instance, if you were looking for a particular book that was not at your home library but it was in another library somewhere in the state, as long as they are part of MeL you can borrow it from that library and have it sent to yours to pick up. And MeL is not only limited to books, if a library allows a material to circulate via MeL, it will show up in the OPAC. Some examples are American Girl Dolls, video games, magazines, CDs, research journals, vinyls, among various other types of things.

MeL is not only convenient and diversified, but it also serves the wonderful purpose of opening up opportunities to the more rural areas of our state. Without this service, materials that would benefit someone who is not geographically within the service area of a collection goes without. Imagine a homebound college student taking online courses and they are attempting to write a research paper on the effects of pesticides on our agricultural process and its lingering affect on food. Instead of focusing only on online research, they can request research journals from other colleges or institutions and get those sent to their local library for someone to pick up. Without MeL, this would not be possible.

By visiting mel.org, you can search for materials on their website and see what might be available for you to borrow. Explore how this service might benefit you, and as you do keep in mind how this service could benefit others as well. We love that we can continue providing materials to our patrons through MeL and we hope you do too!

Fall Things To Do

It is official. We made it to autumn. We have started seeing the changing of leaves and some drop off the tree, but full colors won't be for another few weeks. That doesn't mean you have to wait until then to celebrate the season. Below is a list of things you can start planning or participating in this fall:

Uncle John's Cider Mill

If you have never been to this place, you have to put this on your docket to visit this year. It is conveniently located off 127, right next to the highway, with big signs that let you know you're getting close so its difficult to miss. There is a generous amount of parking so even if its busy you can usually find a spot.

You have so many choices when it comes to what to enjoy first, but many people's favorite thing is to participate in the cider and donuts they provide. If you head into the main building, you are immediately hit with the scent of freshly made cake donuts and pressed apples. You may have to wait in a line to get your hands on either of these treats, but once you do you will be enchanted by the flavors and the atmosphere. If you are lucky, you might even come when they are in the process of crushing the apples to make the cider. 

You can enjoy these while you mull around and if you find your way to the lower level you can enjoy the cute gift shop full of interesting bits and bobbles. If you make your way outdoors, you might wander your way to the wine tasting room or the bakery building nearby. Overall, this can be a solid location to spend a few, lazy hours enjoying fall activities.

Potter Park Zoo

What could be better than looking at cute and/or fascinating animals while leaves tumble down all around? The zoo is the perfect place to blend learning about animals and enjoying fall scenery. If you wait until October you can also participate in Boo at the Zoo. You can dress up in costumes as you parade around the park looking for activities all around as well as brushing up on your animal knowledge. There is a hay ride, cider and donuts, an inflatable bouncy spot, and so much more! Be aware that some of the activities may be available at an additional cost and not included in the price of the ticket.

Fall Festivals

The fun thing about living in Michigan is that each season brings about different types of festivals and catching one of them is a must. Check out:

1. Grand Ledge Fall Festival: features vendors, crafts, and family-friendly activities like a petting zoo and pony rides.
2. Oktoberfests: Old Town, Brewhouses, and Pubs all take advantage of the fall season to celebrate different kinds of beers, some specifically around the German culture. Horrocks is also a popular place to stop by because they have a biergarden and live music.
3. Fall in love with Old Town: usually a Saturday in September, this festival is more about exploring and supporting the historic parts of town.

You can keep abreast of festivals popping up near you by a quick Google search or by scrolling on social media. There's always something you can find and plan for!

Nature Centers

A perfect way to start viewing the leaves changing is to visit a nature center. There are a few in the Lansing area that attract attention, but even visiting a park can afford you some wholesome experience. Consider visiting Fenner Nature Center, Harris Nature Center, and Woldumar Nature Center and walk their many different trails to take in the sights and sounds of the changing season. Fenner Nature Center often does cider & donuts, live music, pressing apples, and pumpkin painting. Be on the lookout for other events on their websites or social media.

Tunnel of Trees

Speaking of nature, the best way to view the changing colors is to drive from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. It is a scenic drive down M-119 that spans around 20-miles of winding roads. The narrow roads can oftentimes feel like an actual tunnel so just imagine the majesty of reds, oranges, and yellows gliding over you! It can double as a road trip and give you an excuse to visit the smaller towns, enjoying the quaint charm of sleepier Michigan areas.

Pumpkin Patches and Orchards

If you do a quick Google search, you will see various options in the Greater Lansing area including:

1. Country Mill Orchard and Cider Mill
2. Uncle Johns Orchard and Cider Mill (see above information)
3. Reese Farms
4. Peacock Road Family Farm
5. Brimley's Pumpkin Farm
6. Barkham Creek Farms
7. Clearview Orchards

Any of these locations will have a load of pumpkins to choose from, but how you do it is up to you. You can walk to a row of pumpkins and pick your choice, or you can look through a variety that have been assorted for you. One is more involved and requires more stamina, but the experience of doing this activity is unforgettable. If you have a family or want to make a memory with a loved one, this is a perfect excuse.

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Fact Checkers Favorites

Have you ever wondered if what you were hearing or reading was real or fake? Being concerned with whether or not something is true should be considered a civil responsibility, and one that we should take upon ourselves to uphold with integrity. With that being said, you may have not been introduced to the CRAAP test, but it's one of the best ways to source the information you might come across. Here's how to use the test, ask yourself:

1. Currency: Is the information timely and up-to-date for your topic?
2. Relevance: Does the information relate directly to your research needs?
3. Authority: Who is the author or publisher, and are they qualified and reputable in the field?
4. Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence and correctly cited, and can it be verified by other sources?
5. Purpose: What was the motive behind creating the content—to inform, persuade, or sell, and does it show bias?

From these questions, you should be able to identify whether or not something holds some value. If information does not conform under these rules, you may have a biased or inaccurate piece. And for fun, once something is verifiably true, you can say, "Well, that was a load of CRAAP."

Another great way is to use your library or local colleges to look up information via the databases that are available. You can access some of these resources for free on their websites without the need of a library card or being a student of their college. A quick Google search can get you to the right place.

Test your skills and fact checking by looking at sites like Not Real News or The Onion to see if you can spot the lies, misinformation, and other misleading tidbits within their articles.

Here is a short, reliable list of vetted sources you can refer to when you need to fact check:

• PolitiFact
• Fact Check
• Snopes
• NPR Fact Check
• Media Bias Fact Check
• SciCheck

The strongest position you can take is one where you are correctly informed...and have fun saying "CRAAP"!