School Libraries in the 21st Century

SL 21 Measurement Benchmarks for Michigan School Libraries PDF Sample. Application is made online.


SUBMIT an SL 21 APPLICATION

• Start an SL 21 APPLICATION
• Return to a saved SL 21 APPLICATION
• Signature sheet to submit in the online application

NOTE: The application site for the SL 21 application is changing in June. Applications that will be complete and submitted by the end of May should use the link above. Starting in June, unsubmitted applications in the current system will be unavailable! New applications will then use the new system. The new application link will be posted in June.

The Library of Michigan is pleased to announce that the Lee Middle and High School Library, part of the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, is the 2024/2025 Model 21st Century School Library! The library, with library media specialist Harry Coffill, is a place where Harry's work to create a new library space, collaboration with teaching staff, and partnership with the local public library has created a high-quality educational environment for students.

Lee Middle and High School Library staff are available to consult with school district leaders, school librarians, and educators who want to develop or expand their vision for their school library programs. Interested persons may contact Harry Coffill at hcoffill@godfrey-lee.org or Karren Reish at reishk@michigan.gov.

Press Release - Lee Middle and High School Library in West Michigan Earns Award!

Press Release - Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Guests Celebrate its Library’s Top Honor

 Model SL 21 School Library Programs Criteria, Schedule, Expectations and Recommendations 

• 2016/2017 - Carpenter Elementary Media Center with Jeannine Crissman, Technology and Library Specialist, in the Lake Orion Community Schools
• 2017/2018 - East Middle School Library with Katherine Lester, School Library Media Specialist, in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
• 2018/2019 - Lakeview High School Library with Margaret Lincoln, District Librarian, in the Lakeview School District
• 2019/2020 - Owen Intermediate Library Media Center with Jonathan Richards, Media Specialist, in the Van Buren Public Schools
• 2020/2021 - Everett High School Library with Joy Currie, Librarian in the Lansing Public Schools
• 2021/2022 - West Maple Elementary School Library with Carrie Betts, School Librarian in the Birmingham School District
• 2022/2023 - Troy High School Media Center with Toni Isaac, School Librarian, in the Troy School District
• 2023/2024 - Allen Park High School Library Media Center with Melissa Lambert, Library Media Specialist, in the Allen Park Public Schools

The Model 21st Century School Library (Model SL 21) provides examples and mentors for K-12 school libraries throughout the state. Libraries interested in serving as models for the school library community are welcome to nominate themselves or another school library at the survey below. Individual school libraries may apply, and districts may apply on behalf of all of their school libraries. Each year, a school library program is selected and highlighted as the Model SL 21 School Library Program of the Year. Eligible district nominations may be selected as the Model School Library District. The expectations for the selected school library and district are that the staff will meet with other school library staff during their term as the Model Library or District to help promote and encourage quality K-12 school library programs across the state.

• Submit a Nomination for the 2025/2026 Model SL 21 School Library/District - Nominations open!

Nominations are accepted in the spring, the Model Library or District for the coming school year is announced in May and serves as a mentor throughout the next year to library staff and schools around the state. Consider nominating your school library!