OLIS News & Updates

May 2023

collage of photos of library stakeholders and RI Senator Reed

OLIS Convenes Discussions with Senator Jack Reed and Statewide Stakeholders

On April 3, 2023, OLIS team members met at Providence Public Library with long-time library supporter Senator Jack Reed, along with representatives from RI Commerce and members of the library community to discuss the current and future state of digital literacy in Rhode Island. Meeting attendees held a productive conversation regarding the importance of including libraries in the conversation around forthcoming Digital Equity Act funds in Rhode Island. Later in the day, Senator Reed hosted a town hall for librarians to discuss current successes and challenges in libraries. Several library directors shared about American Rescue Plan Act-funded programs in school and public libraries and highlighted the valuable work happening every day in Rhode Island’s libraries.

Nicolette and Chelsea stand behind a table of information on a blue OLIS tablecloth

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OLIS Celebrates Library Legislative Day

On April 25, OLIS staff Nicolette Baffoni and Chelsea Watts represented the agency at RI Library Legislative Day at the RI State House. Other library organizations in attendance included the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) and online resource center, AskRI.

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Rhode Island Library Association Conference

Keep Calm and Read On: Supporting Each Other in the Face of Challenges

The Annual RILA conference will be held on May 24-25, 2023, at Providence Public Library, Providence, RI (parking is included in conference registration). Register today!

hand coming from the right off screen holding a small bag of coins labeled "grants" on a blue background

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LORI Grant Applications Close Monday, May 1

Grant applications will be accepted for projects from $5,000 to $25,000. No matching funds are required. Libraries or organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that expand access to library materials and services, expand learning opportunities or promote literacy, expand or advance the use of library services or the role of the library in the community, or create more inclusive or accessible library services to all members of the community. Partnerships with community-serving organizations are strongly encouraged.

a cartoon drawing of a hand marking tallies on a grid

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Delivery Item Count Happening April 30 - May 6

The Spring 2023 LORI Delivery Item Count will occur between Sunday, April 30th, and Saturday, May 6th. Library participation to collect this data allows OLIS to better asses needs and improve services.

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OLIS Welcomes New Resource Sharing Coordinator
The Office of Library and Information Services is pleased to announce that Lori DeCesare has joined our team as the new Resource Sharing Coordinator. Lori will coordinate resource sharing activities among libraries statewide, including coordinating the statewide delivery and interlibrary loan systems for the Library of Rhode Island (yes, LORI). She will serve as a member of the Network Services Team, which is responsible for physical and digital resource sharing, including OLIS' partnership with Ocean State Libraries on the Palace Project. The Network Services Team is also responsible for OLIS' web presence.

Public Library Annual Survey Data Available Now
FY2022 Public Library Survey data has been compiled and published for viewing on the OLIS website. Data includes staffing and salaries, collection development and usage, income and expenditures, and more. Want an overview? Check out FY22 By the Numbers infographics.

For all the latest news and updates, visit the OLIS Website

Many Faces of BARD May 11

The topic for the May 11, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be BARD: Fire Tablets Do Work. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded.

New Rhode Island Collection Book

Newly added item: Hidden History of Rhode Island: Not-to-be-Forgotten Tales of the Ocean State by Glenn Laxton.

Robert the Hermit, who failed twice before finally escaping from bondage; a trio of Titanic survivors; a Smithfield girl’s Revolutionary War romance with a French viscount. These and the other true tales in this lively collection are just too good to be forgotten. Adult. Unrated. 4 hrs. 30 min. This books is available for loan via hardcopy and download through BARD

New Audio Magazines

Twenty-one new audio magazines have been added to the NLS collection. Contact the Talking Books Library at (401)574-9310 if you would like to subscribe.

NFB, Accessibility Boutique Registration for March through July Programs

Registration for all National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Accessibility Boutique sessions from March – July 2023 are now open.