Join us for a discussion about children's collections. We’ll talk about both print and digital collections, as well as your collection’s physical space. Please bring a list of your favorite vendors, publishers, book reps, or other resources that help you keep your collection vibrant, timely, and accessible.

The last hour of the meeting will be reserved for a discussion of the Office of Library & Information's (OLIS) support of the Summer Reading Program (SRP). What do you value about how OLIS currently supports the SRP? How can OLIS help strengthen your program? Come prepared to share your SRP challenges and fresh ideas for OLIS support!

Registration required.

Join fellow programming librarians for this sharing session on how to take your community partnerships to the next level. Hear from colleagues that have worked with community groups to develop programming, extend services, and strengthen relationships for a win-win. Cassie Patterson, the Assistant Director for Greenville Public Library, will moderate the discussion.

Registration required.

From technology lending programs to digital literacy classes to makerspaces and creation labs, libraries do a great deal to promote digital equity across Rhode Island, and we'd like to celebrate that. Join us at the Warwick Public Library for a showcase of exciting projects from around the state. Learn more about digital literacy and inclusion efforts happening in RI libraries, and play with technology including virtual reality headsets, a robotic arm and 3D scanner. Special guests from the RI Computer Museum will be there to share about their pilot Library Learning Lab program, and how you can bring some of this technology to your library for FREE!

If you'd like, you can stick around at 6 for a special talk from Siu-Li Khoe of RIVR (RI Virtual Reality) to learn the technical magic behind how VR works (register at the Warwick Public Library).

Digital Inclusion Week is a national event celebrated from May 7-11 to highlight digital inclusion and digital equity efforts in local communities. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning and access to essential services, and digital inclusion efforts ensure that all populations have access to affordable internet & devices and to neccesary digital literacy training. To learn more about Digital Inclusion Week and other digital inclusion and equity campaigns, visit the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

Mentoring and informational interviews are major keystones to career success. The Multi-Type Reference Working Group is providing a crash course to help you take advantage of these tools! First, be inspired by your reference peers across the state as they explain what a typical day looks like for them in short video clips. You will be amazed at how many different directions the career of a “reference librarian” can take. Then we will have a discussion about what makes a good mentor and how to find someone to successfully mentor you. Of course, we will leave some time for networking so that you can begin your search for colleagues who will help you figure out the next steps in your career!

Registration required.

We'll be discussing the newest in YA fiction. Please submit titles you'd like to discuss to Danielle Margarida (use subject line Current Fiction) by May 1 or bring your favorite new titles to the meeting.

Registration required.

Kids Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Island's One Book, One State community read program for kids, is kicking off its 9th year! This program, offered in partnership with the Rhode Island Center for the Book at the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, encourages students across the state in grades 4 through 6 to read the same book, and engage in community discussions and programs. This year’s selection is The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez, who will be at the kickoff to speak and sign books. The kickoff also features activities offered by public libraries and RI organizations serving children and families. If your library would like to participate in the event, please contact Danielle Margarida.

In an effort to make our libraries more welcoming and inclusive spaces for our diverse communities, the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) is partnering with Dorcas International Institute to provide a series of workshops on the topic of Cross-Cultural Competency. You’ve learned the language, you’ve built some self-awareness. Now what? In the third and final workshop, let’s take what we’ve learned and apply the knowledge in ways to improve your spaces, programs, and services to better serve diverse communities across Rhode Island.

Brandon Lozeau, Community Relations Manager at Dorcas International Institute, will lead this discussion. Dorcas International Institute provides refugee resettlement, U.S.Citizenship, ESOL, adult education classes, and other programs designed to build a stronger and more connected community in Rhode Island.

Materials from Session 1- The Language and Session 2 - Digging a Little Deeper will be made available before this workshop for those unable to attend the entire series.

Registration required.