Rhode Island's one-stop resource center, AskRI, has a new website. Explore resources by topic or audience to find the right resources for you and your patrons.

AskRI.org is designed to be a comprehensive research resource for Rhode Island residents. Students, jobseekers, librarians and educators, and curious people of all ages can all reach the information they need – by exploring our services, with a librarian’s help, or through carefully curated links to other online resources.

Don't forget to stop by their Librarians and Educators page to request bookmarks, pens, and access digital promotional materials to share with your community.

Every day community members who lack basic computer knowledge and skills access their local public libraries hoping to complete life tasks many of us take for granted. The Public Library Association (PLA) is proud to partner with AT&T to expand upon its work helping libraries and their communities close the digital divide through new and improved DigitalLearn.org courses and training materials.

To support local adoption, PLA is launching the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive supported by AT&T, which offers funding for public libraries to conduct digital literacy training in their communities and promote the new and improved DigitalLearn.org courses. Applications open in May. Drop in for this free "office hours" style webinar to learn more about this opportunity and how to apply. Register Now!

The Rhode Island Library Association 2022 Annual Conference will be held in-person on May 25 - 26, 2022, at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. Will we see you there?

Registration for the conference is now open! Check out the schedule of events for both days, including keynotes from ALA President Elect, Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, and New York Times Bestselling Author/Illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka.

Live in May

• Establish an Organizational Culture That Supports Your DEI Initiatives (May 11)
• When to Go Hybrid: Determining Which Format Best Fits Your Program (May 18)
  
• Book Challenges and Intellectual Freedom: Proactive Planning for Public Libraries (May 24)
  

T-Mobile Hometown Grant Application (July 1)

T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow. Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Apply for funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing a town hall, a senior center, a local little league field, or any space where friends and neighbors gather. We look forward to learning more about your town and your project.

Judith Krug Fund Banned Books Week Event Grants (June 6)

Each year the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) distributes grants for organizations to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Weeks celebration (September 18 - 24, 2022). Staff at all types of libraries, schools, universities, and non-profit community organizations are encouraged to apply. Grants are awarded for $1,000 and applications are accepted now through June 6, 2022.

May

• Asian American Month
• Pacific Island Heritage Month
• Mystery Month
• International Museum Day (May 18)
• National Bike to Work Day (May 20)
  
• Learn About Composting Day (May 29)
  

Please contact me to share questions, comments or ideas for next month's newsletter!

Email: emily.goodman@olis.ri.gov
Website: www.olis.ri.gov
Location: One Capitol Hill Providence RI
Phone: 401-574-9314
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olisri/
Twitter: @olisri