Join fellow youth services librarians to share best practices for sensory storytimes and inclusive library programs and services. We will be discussing community connections, sensory activity ideas, and programs/services beyond storytime.

The Sensory Story Time Support Group is a grassroots community of practice developed and faciliated by Maria Cotto at the Pawtucket Public Library and Babs Wells at the Greenville Public Library. The Sensory Storytime Support Group seeks to empower youth services librarians to better serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families by expanding programming, outreach, partnerships, and resources that welcome all abilities. For more information about the Sensory Storytime Support Group please contact Maria Cotto at risensorystorytime@gmail.com.

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Mark your calendar for this one of a kind workshop exploring how implicit biases are a direct impact of the environment in which we shape our values. Youth services library staff are invited to examine their own implicit bias and its effect on services to youth through this hands-on workshop facilitated by Rhode Island teens trained by Diversity Talks.

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We’ll continue our discussion of the best children’s books of 2018. Please read at least half the books on the second discussion list. Voting for a Rhode Island winner and honor books will take place on January 15, 2019 using the balloting procedures of the real Newbery committee. The second discussion list will be available on October 9 at http://www.olis.ri.gov/youth/newbery/index.php.

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Assistive (also called adaptive) technologies are digital solutions that enable people with disabilities to live independently. Blind persons can hear computer-screen text, and people with visual impairments can enlarge text, enabling independent reading. People who are unable to manipulate a mouse can enter data, and those who cannot physically hear a computer prompt can view prompts.

A Visual Presentation and Discussion on:

1. Rhode Island Vision Support Resources & Digital Literacy Resources (PPT)
2. Tablets, Mounts and Accessories to promote a physically accessible space for clients.
3. Demonstration of Assistive Technology Devices: Hands on with Hand Held Portable
Magnifiers, Tablets and Vision Apps for reading, Table-Stationary Technology Devices for
low vision and blind access.
4. Questions-Discussion

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Join us for a group discussion on maximizing your budget and your time to get the most out of your collection development activities. We'll share challenges and solutions, as well as creative ways to market your collection to match the right book with the right reader.

Please bring your collection development plan, an example of how you promote your collection.

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Join us for this group discussion on integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programming into your regular offerings for kids. We'll share successful programs, challenges and roadblocks, and crowdsource questions and ideas for developing programming that meets community needs.

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Showcase snow date: Thursday, January 17

The Performers’ Showcase is your chance to meet area educators/performers interested in being a part of the annual statewide children’s and teen Summer Reading Program. In addition to observing presentations, visit with other program providers setting up table top displays. This is your opportunity to provide feedback and offer your recommendations for the 2019 slate of children's and teen programs offered statewide.

The booking meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 31 (snow date: Tuesday, February 12) at the Warwick Public Library.

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It’s time to vote for a Rhode Island Mock Newbery winner and honor books! Please read all the titles from the third reading list and come prepared to defend your top picks before we vote using the balloting procedures of the real Newbery committee. The third discussion list will be available on December 7 at http://www.olis.ri.gov/youth/newbery/index.php

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Snow date: Tuesday, February 12

Bring your library calendar, and your presenter wish-list for our annual summer reading program block-booking event. Each library will receive booking number in advance of the meeting.

Performers will be booking teen programs 9:30am-10:30am.

Performers will be booking children's programs 10:30am-12:00pm.