April was a busy month for OLIS staff around the state and country.
Public Library Association Conference
OLIS Staff spent time in Columbus, OH earlier this month for the bi-annual Public Library Association Conference. Pablo, Kelly, Emily and Danielle were inspired by sessions on topics ranging from battling period poverty, supporting trans staff and patrons, navigating crisis communications and developing a customer service toolkit to ensure consistent patron experiences. They helped PLA staff pack supply bags for local homeless youth, met a bunny in the exhibit hall, and made afterhours stops at Jeni's Ice Cream and The Book Loft, a 32 room book store. They enjoyed seeing some familiar faces and are sorry if they missed you!
RI Library Legislative Day
OLIS Staffer, Chelsea, and Library Board of RI members were also in attendance at the annual Library Legislative Day at the State House. Thank you to everyone who submitted testimony this year on legislation to support libraries and library staff in RI. To learn more about the bills that have been brought to the House and Senate this year, you can follow them on our Legislative Updates page. Weren't able to attend in person but want to see what took place? The press conference was recorded by Capitol TV!
OLIS and the RI Center for the Book is happy to announce the Kids Reading Across RI Kickoff event at the RI State House on May 4th, 2024, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Join us for an exciting celebration featuring acclaimed authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, along with engaging activities from local libraries and community organizations. Admission is free, and parking is complimentary, making it a perfect outing for families. Plus, every family will receive a complimentary copy of The Lost Library, ready to be signed by the authors themselves. We're also extending an invitation for two more libraries to participate by hosting an activity or information table during the event.
Last year's kickoff drew a crowd of 120, and with the popularity of Stead and Mass, we're expecting an even larger audience this year. This event presents a fantastic opportunity to connect with families and promote your Summer Reading Program. Check out last year's photos to get a glimpse of the fun we had. Don't miss this chance to be part of a memorable literary event, and please share this invitation with your community and networks. For more details or to confirm your participation, contact Danielle Margarida at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov.
National Library Services Summer Reading Program 2024
The NLS, National Library Services Summer Reading Program will run from Monday, June 24, through Friday, August 9th, 2024.
The registration links for the 2024 NLS Summer Reading events will be posted on the NLS website at https://tinyurl.com/nlssrp at the beginning of June. The Kickoff event for all ages will take place Monday, June 24 at 4:00 pm Eastern time. Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, will read Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal (BR 22572, DBC08652).
RI Office of Library & Information Services
Email: olis.webmaster@olis.ri.gov
Website: http://www.olis.ri.gov
Location: One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-574-9300
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