Catch Up on What’s Been Going on With the ELPL Board of Trustees
After an unanimous vote of support, Adult Services Librarian Angelo Moreno has been offered the position of interim director of the East Lansing Public Library.
East Lansing Public Library
Library Trustees Face Short Timeline to Find New Leadership
The East Lansing City Council will look for an interim director for the East Lansing Public Library while library trustees will orchestrate a search for a full time candidate.
Director and Assistant Director of East Lansing Public Library Tender Resignations
The resignations occur amid turmoil at the library and in the city’s workforce.
ELPL Board Revises Code of Conduct, Selects Consultant
Eleven library staff members spoke about their jobs and responsibilities, stressing “libraries work because we do.” The union staff is currently in contract negotiations.
Library Trustees Consider Collective Bargaining, Budget as Old Tensions Arise
ELPL Board of Trustees and Director Kristin Shelley have back-and-forth exchanges during two-hour meeting.
Library Trustees Discuss Next Steps in Internal Investigation, Consider After-School Challenges
Also on the full agenda was approval of board minutes, a new patron code of conduct and much more.
Mother’s Narrative, Police Reports Paint Detailed Picture of Confrontation at ELPL
Incident has led to a special investigation by the library board and complaint to the EL Human Rights Commission.
ELPL’s Maker Studio and STEAM Programming Let Community Tinker With, Try Out Technologies
Not everyone has a 3D printer, a laser cutter, vinyl cutter or even a sewing machine in their home. But the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) has made all of these devices available to the community. As part of the library’s Maker Studio, community members are welcome to tinker with technologies and gadgets they might otherwise not have the…
Meeting Minutes Still a Top Issue of Discussion for EL Library Trustees
March 15 meeting was less acrimonious than recent sessions with more time spent focusing on business as usual.
Tensions Persist Over Library Director’s Calling Police on Wrongly-Identified Black Teen
This week’s East Lansing Library Board of Trustees meeting was dominated by discussion of the Jan. 11 incident.
‘Conscious Conversations’ Series Invites Open Minds to Discuss Big Life Topics
Young adults (including college students) are invited to join this monthly event at East Lansing’s Public Library.
After Library Director Calls Police on Wrongly-Accused Black Teen, Outrage Expressed to Board
A long-time East Lansing resident says her son was racially profiled by the library director, and she wants the director removed from her position. What comes next is not clear.
Artist Brings Vibrant Background to EL Public Library Mural
Bright, bold colors of the mural on the west-facing wall of the library honors the colorful history and ongoing work for civil rights.
ELPL Board Discusses Vacancies, Concerns About Intellectual Freedom
The Library Board of Trustees discussed two upcoming Board vacancies and concerns about intellectual freedom in light of what the American Library Association has called a “dramatic uptick in book challenges.”
More Women Among City’s Highest Paid Employees Due to Promotions, Retirements of Men
A series of Freedom of Information Act requests from ELi show how some changes in the City’s workforce mean women are more represented as the highest earners. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
East Lansing Stories We Expect to Be Big in 2022
ELi’s mission is to bring East Lansing the news. Here’s a look at what we think we’ll be helping you to know about and understand in context in 2022.
Library Workers Sign Contract, as Building Repair Costs Hit $1.4 Million (and Counting?)
Recently-unionized East Lansing Public Library workers and the administration have signed a contract. Meanwhile, repair costs at the library continue to skyrocket, now reaching twice the originally-accepted bid. What’s going on?
The City of East Lansing Keeps Withholding Public Information: When Will Things Change?
ELi faces a persistent lack of transparency and thus an unnecessary uphill climb in our efforts to report on what your local government is doing — including with your money. ELi City Desk reporter Andrew Graham brings the story.
Tensions Between Workers and Management Visible in East Lansing
The controversy surrounding MSU’s request for faculty and staff to volunteer their personal time to work in dining halls is only the tip of the iceberg locally in terms of tensions between employees and management. What else is happening around town?
All the East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put
City Council candidate forums, the possibility of a new City Attorney, an issue of representation at the Arts Commission, and parliamentary procedure. Alice Dreger brings updates on all that and more!
EL Library Workers Rally, Press Trustees to Hear Their Side of Contract Dispute
Supporters at the library workers’ rally included fellow librarians from MSU, LCC, and CADL, plus several East Lansing citizens, including one candidate for City Council.
Construction Continues at ELPL Amid Concerns About Increasing Costs
The cost of library renovations could reach $1.5 million by the time the work is complete. The Library Board of Trustees is looking to Council for financial support.
What’s Happening Administratively at the EL Public Library?
What renovations are coming to the East Lansing Public Library? What programs are being offered? What is happening with contract negotiations with non-supervisory workers? Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Why were those trees cut down in front of the ELPL?
On Tuesday, Aug. 17, several readers wrote to ELi to ask why three mature honey locust trees in front of ELPL were about to be cut down. What were the readers’ concerns? Why did ELPL move forward with the removal?
Could East Lansing Join the Capital Area District Libraries? Your ELPL Questions Answered
In today’s Ask ELi to Investigate, ELi Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott digs into questions we’ve received about the East Lansing Public Library since her report on Monday regarding the library labor dispute.
East Lansing Public Library Workers Reject Contract, Continue Call for Better Conditions
Employees in non-supervisory roles at the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) rejected a contract offered by the City because it did not include stipulations that the workers are fighting for. What are the workers hoping to receive? What happens next?
What Did City Council Get Done During Its Final June Meeting?
Seven million to the pensions. Water shut-offs starting soon. City lawsuit information might be disclosed to the public again. What else did we see at City Council this week?
Library on the Go Coming to a Park Near You
Equipped with books, movies, and technology, the Library on the Go van is set to visit different parks, retirement centers, schools, farmers’ markets, and more this summer. Sarah Spohn reports.
Local Girl Scout Troop Celebrating Community and Artwork
During the pandemic, East Lansing Girl Scout Brownie Troop 30215 adapted to Zoom meetings and outdoor hikes. Now, their artwork made during the pandemic is on display at the East Lansing Public Library. Sarah Spohn reports.
What Else Did Council Decide This Week?
A lot happened at this week’s four-hour City Council meeting. ELi’s Jack Timothy Harrison brings you up to speed with a 5-minute read!
What’s Happening in East Lansing?
When are the City Council elections? What’s with the Graduate Hotel pedestrian tunnel? Which vendors are coming to the market this Sunday? Answers to these questions and more.
Library to Reopen on First of March With Covid-19 Protocols in Place
The East Lansing Public Library will allow building entry for up to one hour to patrons starting Mar. 1. Library Director Kristin Shelley hopes the reopening will help those who rely on the library to file taxes and apply for benefits.
Ask ELi: Why Are More Costly Library Renovations Coming?
The library is expecting to spend about $800,000 to do some “desperately needed” maintenance on various facilities. Why is this happening just a few years after $1.5M in renovations?
Reopening, Repairing, and Restructuring the ELPL
The library has tentative plans to reopen on Mar. 1. In the meantime, staff are implementing public health protocols and conducting a cultural diversity audit on the library’s collections. Heather Brothers reports.
Government | News | Schools
Rundown of Meetings from This Past Week
The City and school district held several important meetings this week. The ELi team brings you the updates.
A Lot Happened at City Council Last Night
The library faces financial trouble, calls for ambulances are way down, the mayor asks that mug shots be withheld from press releases, and Council members say what’s on their minds. Read all about it.
City Seeks Funding for Pop-Ups Downtown, Asks People to Use Purchased Gift Cards
The City of East Lansing is trying to raise $50,000, to be matched through a grant, to bring people Downtown. It also wants people with downtown gift cards to use them sooner rather than later. Andrew Graham explains.
Ask ELi: What’s That Van in the Library’s Parking Lot?
What did East Lansing’s “Library on the Go” van cost, where did the funds come from, and what is it used for? A reader asked and we found out.
UPDATED: Holiday Events to Enjoy During the Pandemic
Sarah Spohn brings an update about a virtual concert available for streaming, beginning today.
More on the Cost of Living Rising in East Lansing
How does ELi cover taxes and finances in East Lansing? Publisher Alice Dreger explains.
Racism and Public Health, Falling Revenues, and More Coming to City Meetings This Week
Want to weigh in on cultural arts grants, a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, money problems in Parks & Rec and in the parking system, and traffic on Highland Ave.? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott tells you which East Lansing City meetings will cover what this week.
An East Lansing Sunday Tailgate for Book-Lovers
The Friends of the East Lansing Public Library is continuing its mission of supporting the East Lansing Public Library. Sarah Spohn explains how you can join in this Sunday.
You Get a Car? Depends on Who You Are in the City of East Lansing.
Following up on a tip from a City employee who thinks East Lansing’s vehicle policies waste tax dollars, ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott provides a look at the spending.
Library Eliminates Fines, Aiming for Equity and Accessibility
The East Lansing Public Library has a new fine-free policy, eliminating fines for late returns. ELi’s Amalia Medina explains the new policy’s philosophy and practice.
The City of East Lansing Decries Bias. Its Workforce Demographics Tell a Different Story.
At the City of East Lansing, men hold two-thirds of the full-time jobs, and five departments employ only white people. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
City Reduces Hours of 97 Employees to Cut Costs
During June and July, 97 full- and part-time City of East Lansing employees are working reduced hours, but with little impact on their income.
East Lansing Public Library to Purchase Outdoor Lockers for Contactless Pickup, Making Plans for Reopening
Outdoor lockers will help with 24/7 contactless delivery. What else will be changing at the library?
City Government Meetings that Will (and Won’t) Happen in East Lansing Next Week
East Lansing’s City Government is getting busy. What’s up?
East Lansing Library Teen Programming Continues in Online Format
East Lansing Library Teen Services Specialist Beth Scanlon is not letting the pandemic get in the way of her work supporting area youth.
Library Trustees Looking at Declining Revenue, Increasing Needs
Trustees of the East Lansing Public Library met to talk about the tough times now and the tough times ahead.
Racist Slurs Thrown at East Lansing Public Library Board by Zoombombers
The City of East Lansing is working on how to hold public meetings without allowing disruptions that are seen as inappropriate.
ELi has six more years’ reporting on the East Lansing Public Library in our archives!
Find out how to find more!
City of East Lansing Is Resuming Meetings
Which City of East Lansing government meetings are starting up again, and which have yet to resume?
As East Lansing’s Local Economy Is Devastated, City Lays Off 125 Employees
A wave of layoffs speaks to the massive financial challenges faced by the government and businesses of East Lansing.
East Lansing’s Library Has Treasure Trove Online, Open to All
The East Lansing Public Library’s doors are closed but its online treasure chest is open! Find out what’s available and how things are going financially.
Entertainment Venues and Local Hangouts Close Temporarily
In observance of federal, state and local orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many businesses have scaled back their hours and services. ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the details.