Libraries

On today’s episode, a Kent County resident was released from prison — after serving more than 38 years — following a Michigan Supreme Court decision to ban automatic life sentences for 18-year-olds. Next, how an Indian Tribe of Michigan has developed a new library book classification system for Native topics. Additionally, a conversation with podcast host, Courtney Anderson, about her path to sobriety and being listed as the Best Social Media Influencer in Best of Detroit 2024.

The Library of Michigan is asking residents to donate their yearbooks as part of a project to build a comprehensive collection from Michigan high schools, colleges, and vocational schools.

Michigan Democrats introduced two bills in the state House last week to codify how residents can ask libraries to remove material from their shelves.

The numbers of school libraries and librarians in Michigan have declined sharply over the past two decades, but two Michigan state senators have introduced bills they will hope will restore them.

The campaign encourages people to get involved in efforts to protect libraries from book bans, and tools to help them do that. It comes as public libraries in Michigan and across the country are facing growing organized efforts to ban books some people object to, especially books that deal with themes like racism, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

On today's podcast, we talked with a reporter and a library law consultant to discuss an increase in attempts to ban certain books in Michigan public libraries.

Detroiters were on the case this year. Or at least, they were reading about the cases. Mysteries lead this year’s top books at the Detroit Book Library.

Voters in Jamestown Charter Township voted to defund their local library. This, after the library faced backlash from the group, Jamestown Conservatives, for offering LGBTQ+ content. But advocates of keeping the library funded are organized too now, and two them join Stateside to talk about their plans.

The University of Michigan library prized its Galileo manuscript. Turns out it's a twentieth century fake.

On today's show, a U-M librarian told the tale of a forged Galileo manuscript. Then, we heard more about cannabis-infused dining, as well as new research on breaking down forever chemicals like PFAS.