Speaker(s): Nicolette Baffoni, OLIS; Lauren Yergeau, Mobile Beacon; Donna Monahan, T-Mobile

In increasingly digital world, many library resources are available 24/7- a great way to expand library services and promote online reading and learning; but did you know that 26% of households in RI do not have broadband internet in their homes? This workshop will explore ways in which libraries can help close the digital divide through mobile hotspot or device lending programs. Hear from representatives from Mobile Beacon and T-Mobile about their different offers and services; learn about successes and pratfalls from libraries who have run such programs; discuss the challenges of funding a program like this; and help us strategize other innovative,long-term solutions to help libraries promote digital equity for our patrons and communities.

Registration required. Limited to 25 participants.

Intended Audience: Any library staff

Speaker(s): Group Discussion

We’ll continue our discussion of the best children’s books of 2017. Please read one or (better yet) more books on the discussion list for the second meeting. Voting for a Rhode Island winner and honor books will take place on January 17, 2018 using the balloting procedures of the real Newbery committee. The second discussion list will be available on September 28 at the Mock Newbery web page.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Youth Services Librarians and Library Staff, School Librarians, and Teachers

Speaker(s): Group Discussion

Share and get ideas for promotion for your upcoming events! We will be sharing our best posters, promotion plans, social media campaigns, and promotional tools. Love Canva? Let us know how and why it works for you. Your recent series had people wait listed by the dozens? Show us how you did it. Find new ways to freshen up your look or just find ideas for new programs.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Adult Services Librarians

Speaker(s): Group Discussion

Join us for a discussion about young adult collections. We’ll talk about both print and digital collections, your collection’s physical space, and collection development issues related to serving a teen and tween audience.

Please bring a list of your favorite vendors, publishers, book reps, or other resources that help you keep your collection vibrant, timely, and accessible.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Youth Services Librarians and Library Staff, School Librarians

Speaker(s): Robin Nyzio, Assistant Director Lincoln Public Library; Danielle Margarida OLIS Youth Services Coordinator; Group Discussion

Demonstrating the professional skills and knowledge required to be a youth services librarian or youth services staff member can be difficult. Programming, outreach, and readers’ advisory for children, teens, and parents looks very different from the professional activities of other library departments and leave little time for grant writing, networking, or pursuing professional development. OLIS Youth Services Coordinator Danielle Margarida will share ways to grow your professional identity and demonstrate your value to colleagues, administrators, and patrons. We’ll also be joined by Lincoln Public Library Assistant Director Robin Nyzio, whose previous work as a children’s and teen librarian will offer a unique look at youth services through a management lens.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Youth Services Librarians and Library Staff

Speaker(s): Rick Tavares, Reference Librarian, Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library

How can librarians help their patrons access the tools and resources necessary to protect themselves from cybercrime and surveillance in the 21st century? Join us to learn about how you can host a cybersecurity and online privacy workshop at your library, about what tools and resources will help you be successful, and about what challenges you and your patrons might face.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Anyone

Speaker(s): Ken Findlay, Interdepartmental Project Manager, member of the Library Board of RI and Telisa Richardson, LCSW, Parenting Coordinator, RI Department of Corrections

Michelle Novello, Program Development and Community Relations Coordinator and Cheryl Space, Youth Services Coordinator, Providence Community Libraries

Ken and TeLisa will introduce you to Department of Corrections staff and provide an overview of RI's prison system population and services provided. They will also discuss the Books Beyond program for incarcerated parents and their children and RI’s Reentry Initiative activities. Michelle and Cheryl will share their experience with children and families involved in the program and how your library can become involved too!

Join us to discuss how libraries can contribute to this important initiative by supporting members of your community that have been impacted by incarceration.

Parenting Connection Newsletter, May/June 2017

RI Department of Corrections: Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Population Report

Address: 18 Wilma Schesler Lane, Cranston, RI

* On the Department of Corrections campus across from the Department of Labor & Training. There is free, ample parking on the side of the building.

From Route 95 South Take Exit 14 to Route 37 West. Take Exit 3 off Route 37 to Pontiac Avenue. At the end of the exit, take a left. From Route 95 North Take Exit 14 B to Route 37 West, at the end of the exit, take a left.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: All Library staff. Children and YA Librarians encouraged to attend.

Speaker(s): Christine Smailys, AtoZ Databases

Learn about how you can use AtoZ Databases to better support small business and workforce development, along with other community reference needs in your library. Familiarize yourself with the product and discover new features at a hands-on workshop with AtoZ rep Christine Smailys. A limited number of laptops will be provided for attendees; please bring your own if you can! Program also being offered November 30 and December 1.

Registration required. Limited to 25 participants.

Intended Audience: Adult Services Librarians

Speaker(s): Christine Smailys, AtoZ Databases

Learn about how you can use AtoZ Databases to better support small business and workforce development, along with other community reference needs in your library. Familiarize yourself with the product and discover new features at a hands-on workshop with AtoZ rep Christine Smailys. A limited number of laptops will be provided for attendees; please bring your own if you can! Program is also being offered November 29th and December 1.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Adult Services Librarians