Year in Review



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Michigan eLibrary



Supporting Michigan Libraries - 1/15/2026

MeLCat: a Year in Review

MeLCat 20th anniversary

As we close out 2025 and MeLCat’s 20th Anniversary year, a huge thank you to all the libraries and library staff whose efforts make MeLCat a vital and successful statewide resource!

In addition to other anniversary activities, including collecting MeLCat stories and an in-person and online reception, Mittens, the MeLCat Mascot, travelled to many MeLCat libraries. Hundreds of libraries shared photos of Mittens via social media or other channels, many using the "#MittensLovesMeLCat" hashtag.  

More than 1 million items were requested by patrons throughout the state of Michigan. January 2025 was the busiest month, with patrons placing an impressive 103,089 MeLCat requests!

The top 5 most requested titles via MeLCat were:


* The frozen river: a novel [ [link removed] ] by Ariel Lawhon
* James : a novel [ [link removed] ] by Percival Everett
* The women [ [link removed] ] by Kristin Hannah
* Remarkably bright creatures : a novel [ [link removed] ] by Shelby Van Pelt
* West with giraffes : a novel [ [link removed] ] by Lynda Rutledge

In the Library of Michigan fiscal year (October 2024 – September 2025), the top five lenders were:


* Capital Area District Libraries
* Monroe County Library System
* Genesee District Library
* Kent District Library
* Jackson District Library

While the top five borrowers were:


* Kent District Library
* Capital Area District Libraries
* Ann Arbor District Library
* Monroe County Library System
* Traverse Area District Library

In 2025, MCLS MeLCat staff assisted libraries with various MeLCat questions and issues, responding to more than 4,200 tickets opened by library staff. MCLS MeLCat staff also reached 490 library staff through over 55 MeLCat-related trainings. The MeLCat DCB servers were modernized throughout the Spring 2025, transitioning library staff to an easier to navigate, browser-based client, and updating the MeLCat software. The servers were upgraded again late in 2025.



Brought to you by the MCLS MeL Team

Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. 

Hey front line staff: The MeL Maven Badge is a 6-part Information Literacy and eResource adventure designed for you. Start earning your Badge today at MeL.org [ [link removed] ]!

Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs,  visit [link removed] [ [link removed] ], or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery [ [link removed] ]. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. 

MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. 

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

#IMLSGrant







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