Spring Institute for Youth Services Postponed

March 12, 2020

In light of growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, we have decided to postpone our Spring Institute for Youth Services, originally scheduled for next week, March 19-20 in Ann Arbor. Our conference theme this year is People First, and as we find ourselves in this unprecedented situation, we plan to do just that.

Yesterday evening, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released new recommendations that discourage events and gatherings of more than 100 people and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

The health and safety of our members and our communities is our top priority and we are committed to doing our part to curb the transmission and spread of the coronavirus.

It is important to note that at this time we are not canceling the conference, but are looking for an alternative date later this spring. We fully intend to provide an enriching conference experience for our members and look forward to hosting the event in Ann Arbor. Please note that if you have reserved a hotel room for next week, you will need to contact the hotel to cancel your reservation. Contact the Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel at (734) 996-0600.

Please rest assured that we will refund all registration costs for anyone unable to attend once further details are put into place.

We thank you for your understanding and patience during this time. Look for further communications early next week with new conference details.

Deborah E. Mikula
Executive Director

More Information

Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released community mitigation strategies to slow the transmission of COVID-19 that urge residents to avoid gatherings of more than 100 people. A video of Governor Whitmer's press conference is available here.

View the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Interim Recommendations for COVID-19 Community Mitigation Strategies

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. View more information at who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Please visit the American Library Association (ALA) pandemic preparedness resource page for more information about how libraries can be community partners in response to this outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.

The State of Michigan provides updates on the disease's spread within the state, as well as frequently asked questions available here.

The State Department provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.