For Libraries
TALK is available to all families in Michigan and Indiana! Public libraries can sign up to offer TALK to caregivers in their community, a great way to reach potential new library users.
Registered libraries receive access to promotional toolkits and a Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) TALK portal account. The TALK portal allows you to send library event and service notifications to TALK subscribers in your service area and to generate user data reports to let your community partners see the impact of their work. Find answers to frequently asked questions below.
Interested in signing up? Details on toolkits and training sessions on how to successfully implement TALK in your community will be shared when you fill out our form. Click the LIBRARY SIGN-UP AND QUESTIONS button to get started.
Already signed up? Access the MCLS TALK portal by clicking the SIGN IN button below!
Frequently Asked Questions for Libraries
Is TALK free for libraries in Michigan and Indiana?
The TALK program is currently available at no cost to libraries in Michigan and Indiana thanks to funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. MCLS is developing an affordable scaled subscription model when the grant funding is exhausted and libraries can choose to continue their participation at that time.
Does my library need to be a member of MCLS to sign up?
No.
Are there restrictions on how many users from a specific zip code are required for a library to participate?
No. Most libraries will start with few or no users. Statewide publicity is likely to attract some families in your zip codes even if you do nothing, but we encourage you to use our toolkits to connect to other families in your community.
Is it possible to make TALK successful in a small library with limited staff?
Yes. TALK was developed by staff at five libraries of various sizes in Washtenaw County in Michigan. Even a small library with one part-time youth staff member was able to spend time reaching out to local businesses and schools to connect with parents.
Can library cooperatives sign up to assist our member libraries with participating?
Yes! Please use the form and let us know you represent a cooperative so we can make a plan with you.
Can libraries work together to implement TALK in a broader region?
Yes. You can form your own coalition or work within existing cooperatives. Let us know if we can help you make connections with other libraries in your region.
See if a library near you is offering TALK.*
* Libraries that are already signed up are marked in blue. Libraries that have expressed interest are in orange.
What happens if my library doesn't respond to continue TALK as a subscription service?
Responses will be accepted until December 1, 2023 via this form. If your library doesn’t respond, it will be assumed that your library will not continue TALK as a subscription service.
What happens if my library doesn't choose to continue with TALK as an MCLS subscription service?
Your library would lose access to the TALK library portal once the introductory subscription period starts on January 1, 2024. Subscribers for your library will continue to receive the standard TALK messages until the grant period funding is completed on July 31, 2024. Your subscribers will receive notices of when and why their service will be ending until July 31, 2024.