More libraries are finding themselves lending out technology devices ranging from kindles to cameras, mobile hotspots to electromagnetic field detectors (for ghost hunting, of course!). As you venture out into this strange new world of library lending, what challenges can you expect to face? What lessons can be learned from other libraries' experiences with lending devices? And how can you build policies that make your materials available to your patrons while protecting your library's investments? This webinar will explore these questions, as we hear from a few RI libraries and how they manage their technology lending.

A link to the webinar will be sent out to registrants one week before the event.

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Join us for the first Reading Power mini-conference, sponsored by the Afterschool Leadership Circle and the Office of Library and Information Services. Reading Power is a day-long professional development event bringing together afterschool professionals and youth services librarians to address the literacy and learning needs of children in grades K through 5.

Reading Power 2018 includes workshops that not only integrate literacy with topics such as STEM, social justice, social emotional learning, but that also tackle broader learning issues, such as school partnerships, stress management, and challenging behaviors. We are also very pleased to have 2016 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Tracy LaFreniere as our speaker for the morning's plenary session!

Please pre-register by April 2nd. When registering, you will be asked to indicate your workshop preferences for both the morning and afternoon session. This event is free and open to all afterschool and youth services staff. Please note that registration is limited to 3 people per organization/library.

For registration and additional information, agenda and workshop descriptions, please see the Reading Power LibGuide.

n an effort to make our libraries more welcoming and inclusive spaces for our diverse communities, the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) is partnering with Dorcas International Institute to provide a series of workshops on the topic of Cross-Cultural Competency. The second of three workshops, this session builds on the introduction to the language of cross-cultural competency. Moving on from the basics, we will discuss how to apply this information in thinking critically about the spaces, environments, and interpersonal situations in which you operate every day.

Brandon Lozeau, Community Relations Manager at Dorcas International Institute, will lead this discussion. Dorcas International Institute provides refugee resettlement, U.S.Citizenship, ESOL, adult education classes, and other programs designed to build a stronger and more connected community in Rhode Island.

Materials from Session 1 - Cross-Cultural Competency: The Language will be made available before this workshop for those unable to attend the entire series.

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Many libraries are jumping on the virtual reality train, and bringing this popular and exciting technology into their library programs. This workshop will focus on using virtual reality in a purposeful and meaningful way to enhance library programs, so that you are next left asking, "now what?" once you acquire this technology. This workshop will also provide hands-on opportunities to try out virtual reality systems and develop potential program ideas to bring back to your library.

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It's time to revisit summer 2017 as we finalize planning for the 2018 Summer Reading Program. What favorite program from 2017 will be reappearing on your 2018 calendar? Or are lessons learned from 2017 inspiring you to completely overhaul your program? Please come prepared to share.

The last hour of the meeting will be reserved for a discussion of the Office of Library & Information's (OLIS) support of the Summer Reading Program (SRP). What do you value about how OLIS currently supports the SRP? How can OLIS help strengthen your program? Please share your SRP challenges and fresh ideas for OLIS support!

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