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 ASD inclusive Summer Reading Program ideas. Partcipants are invited to bring to the meeting:

• the name of an organization, department, or agency that you have/would like to connect with to promote your programs and services, or for future collaboration
  
• a successful sensory activity you have used (please include a materials list and a "how-to")
  
• activities for hands-on programming or for an activity log that can be used for the 2019 Summer Reading Program (the 2019 SRP theme is space, and the slogan is "A Universe of Stories)
  

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.

It's time to start taking a closer look at the children's books of 2018. Please read 10 of the 20 books on the discussion list for the first meeting. Participating in the Mock Newbery is an opportunity to read the newest children’s books and to discuss them with other passionate readers. Voting for a Rhode Island winner and honor books will take place on January 15, 2019 using the balloting procedures of the real committee.

The first discussion list and information about future meetings will be available July 11 at http://www.olis.ri.gov/youth/newbery/index.php.

We are pleased to announce our 10th Annual Teen Summit brought to you by the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and the Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services (RIOLIS). This year’s loose theme is genre fiction and fandom (think fantasy/sci-fi/horror/subgenres and fandom of all types: tv, movies, games, comics, anime, cosplay etc.)

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.

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.

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

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.