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Ever wonder what goes into creating a RICBA nominee list? Looking for a professional development opportunity that puts you front and center with the newest and best books for children?

Join the Rhode Island Children’s Book Award committee!

The Rhode Island Children's Book Award committee is now seeking:

• 1 public youth services librarian to serve a 3 year term, 2023-2026
• 1 school librarian to serve a 3 year term, 2023-2026
• 1 teacher to serve a 3 year term, 2023-2026

Please complete this application by Monday, June 12. Applicants will be notified at the end of June regarding their application status for the term beginning in September 2023 and ending in June 2026. Please feel free to share this application with anyone you think may be interested.

About Serving on the Rhode Island Children's Book Award CommitteeEach committee member serves a 3 year term and acts as either the Chair, Book Chair or Secretary during the second year of their term. The committee meets monthly from September through March to discuss current children's literature and make nominations. Committee members typically read 10-12 children's books per month before deciding on the final list of 20 nominees in March. Committee membership requires a significant time commitment that includes 2.5 hours a month for meetings, and approximately 30 hours a month for reading. Committee members also participate (on a voluntary basis) in events such as the Kids Reading Across RI kickoff (May), the RI Festival of Children's Books and Authors (October), and various professional conferences. If you would like to use your committee participation for professional development, the Office of Library and Information Services can issue a letter confirming your PD time.

Committee Meetings and Communication
The committee meets monthly September - June. Most committee meetings will be held via Zoom on the third Thursday of the month from 6pm-7pm. The September and March meetings will be held in person. Committee members may also meet with their small reading group virtually throughout the month. Between meetings committee members communicate and work collaboratively through email and Google Drive.

• Libraries using any iREAD materials (including slogan and artwork) must use the following credit line on ALL SRP signs, press releases, posters, websites and promotions. This credit line should also be used when promoting activities funded by the LORI SRP Mini-grant, even if your library is not using iREAD materials. Libraries may personalize this credit line by adding the library’s name and the names of local sponsors at the end:

The statewide Rhode Island Summer Reading Program is supported by the RI Office of Library and Information Services, with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

• If you are so inclined to hashtag your SRP social media posts, we’re going to be using #RISummerReading and #FindYourVoice to organize and promote everyone’s events and activities.
• Help promote summer meals in your community by sharing the flyer below with your families and networks.
  

The May 13th Kids Reading Across RI kickoff event at the State House was a huge success with over 125 people joining us to celebrate Dan Santat and The Aquanaut. 19 public libraries and organizations hosted activity tables while the East End Theatre & Performing Arts group the Jr. Tones performed their original song "Have You Read This Book?" Dan Santat shared the inspiration and process for creating The Aquanaut and signed books for families. The author was also presented with a formal recognition from Lt. Governor Sabina Matos for his contribution to the Kids Reading Across RI program.

Thank to all who participated including the Barrington Public Library, the Community Libraries of Providence, the East Providence Public Library, the Middletown Public Library, the North Providence Union Free Library, the Rogers Free Library, the Warwick Public Library, the RI Children's Book Award committee, the RI Latino Books Award committee, and the RI Middle School Book Award committee.

Also a big thank you goes out to the KRARI committee for coordinating our return to an in-person event; Andrea Hutnak, Babs Wells, Brandi Fong, Diane Walsh, Lisa Lesinski, Lynda LaCava, Mel Fricchione, Patrick Tierney and honorary committee member Anne McLaughlin.

Interested in joining the KRARI committee to select the 2024 book and plan related activities? Contact Danielle Margarida at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov.

Kids in the Greenville Public Library's Graphic Novel Book Club enjoyed The Aquanaut as their May selection. A lively discussion and ice cream sundaes made for a fun afternoon for all.

From the RI Latino Books Award Committee:

Congratulations to 2023 Rhode Island Latino Books Award Winners!!

-Areli is a Dreamer: A True Story, A DACA Recipient by Areli Morales (K-2 Grade)

-Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers by Juliet Menéndez (3-5 Grade)

-Time Villains by Victor Piñeiro (6-8 Grade)

-When We Make It: A Nuyorican Novel by Elisabet Velasquez (9-12 Grade)

Thank you to all the students, patrons, teachers, educators and librarians for your support and making this possible. A special thank you also to the Rhode Island Latino Arts for promoting Latino literature in partnership with the Pawtucket Public Library, the Rhode Island Center for the Book, Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) and RI school districts.

Stay tuned for the 2024 RI Latino Books Award Nominees to be announced soon…...

The Rhode Island Latino Books Award Committee is seeking new members to serve a 2-year term beginning September 2023. Each year, the RILBM committee selects the nominees for grades kindergarten through 12th for the award. Rhode Island students are encouraged to read from the booklist and vote for their favorite book. For more information, please visit: http://www.rilatinoarts.org/LatinoBooksAward.html [rilatinoarts.org]

New Members should:

-Be a Public Youth Services Librarian in Rhode Island, School Librarians or Educator
-Commit to reading 5 to 10 books each month including chapter books, picture books, graphic novels, etc.
- Have experience working with school age children or teens
- Have an interest in children or teen literature or both
- virtual meetings on the 1st Monday of every month starting September 2023, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., September to May

If you are interested in joining the committee or have any questions, please feel free to email mcotto@pawtucketlibrary.org

Email: danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov
Website: http://www.olis.ri.gov/
Location: 1 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-574-9309 401-400-3006
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olisri
Twitter: @olisri