#MillennialsInLibraries
Everyone knows Millennials love eating avocado toast, killing industries, and...visiting libraries? A PEW research study showed that Millennials were the most likely generation of adults to have used a library, visited a library website or even to have read a book in the past year.
Join us on November 29 from 2 - 4 at the Tiverton Public Library to learn a bit more about the Millennial generation, discuss the state of Millennials in RI and your libraries, and brainstorm ideas to bring "emerging adults" into libraries with services and programs!
The American Dream Literacy Initiative
The American Library Association and Dollar General Literacy Foundation invite public libraries to apply for grants of $10,000 to expand services for adult English language learners or adults in need of basic education and workforce development. To be eligible, public libraries must serve adult English language learners and be located within 20 miles of a Dollar General Story (from the Dollar General store map, it looks like all of RI is covered!)
Learn more about the American Dream Literacy Initiative if you are interested in applying.
ALA Policy Corps
The ALA Policy Corps aims to expand ALA's ability to advocate on key policy issues on behalf of the library community. A collaboration of the American Association of School Librarians, Association of College & Research Libraries, Public Library Association, United for Libraries and the ALA Washington Office, the Policy Corps is governed by a representative Working Group.
Participants in the Corps focus on issues for which deep and sustained knowledge are necessary to advance ALA policy goals and library values among policymakers.
ALA invites library advocates to apply online to join the ALA Policy Corps. The deadline for application is November 16. Learn more about the ALA Policy Corps and how to apply.
Spotlight on Emily Goodman
Favorite thing about being a librarian?
I love that libraries are a place for personal growth and that, as a librarian, I have a role in supporting peoples’ personal growth. Through programming, I am able to bring people together over common interests to foster new friendships. Very recently, I spoke with a former library volunteer for whom the library offered a way of integrating back into the community after a difficult time, and who is now giving talks and trainings on mental health. I am honored to be able to be a part of someone’s personal journey.
Favorite or most successful program?
It’s so hard to pick just one! I would probably say our library’s Star Wars/Free Comic Book day program this past May (definitely in the top 5!). We welcomed members from the 501st Legion and the Rebel Region for a Star Wars Character meet and greet, along with partnering with comic shops, Game King and The Time Capsule, to provide free comics for patrons of all ages. We even played the star wars theme over the loud speaker for ambiance during the meet and greet! Entire families attended the event ready to meet their favorite characters and pick up some free comic books. It was great to have patrons of all ages engaging in our event, and it sparked more intergenerational programming at our library which has been extremely successful in our community! These library-wide collaborations have become a priority in our upcoming programming plan.
Any book recommendations?
I recently listened to Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple, narrated by Kathleen Wilhoite. It was a comedic quick “read” about a woman just trying to get a grip on life and be a better person, but to whom life just keeps happening. I think we all know what that’s like! It provided a hilarious and light-hearted escape from the daily grind.
Trendwatch: Rethinking Your Space
Creative Placemaking is a process through which residents, community organizations and private partners come together to make changes to their community through the transformation of public spaces, and the incorporation of arts, culture and community input. If you are interested in learning more about thinking creatively about your space (both indoor and outdoor) to better serve your community, consider the following resources:
LISC is a national community development non-profit that connects residents to funding in order to make positive changes to communities. They are offering a free How to Do Creative Placemaking webinar series beginning November 14 and running through Spring 2019. The series will cover topics like community engagement techniques, measuring impact and communicating success. Although the series is not library-specific, libraries may want to consider taking a page out of the creative placemaking playbook. You can also learn more about local creative placemaking efforts by exploring LISC Rhode Island.
Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces is a collaboration between WebJunction, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries and the Project for Public Spaces to look at how small library spaces can be transformed into centers for active learning, including by incorporating creative placemaking principles. You will find videos, transformation stories, a curriculum and a self-paced learning experience to help you bring these concepts to life in your library.
Money Smart Week
It's never too early to start thinking about Money Smart Week! In 2019 MSW is a bit earlier than you may be used to, running from March 30 - April 6. To prepare for MSW 2019, save the date: Monday, January 14, when RILA's Financial Literacy Roundtable will hold a showcase of MSW presenters at the Barrington Libary from 10 - 12 (more details to follow!). You can also watch the Get Ready for Money Smart Week 2019 webinar to learn more about MSW and get ideas for programs for all ages!
Contact
Email: nicolette.baffoni@olis.ri.gov
Website: www.olis.ri.gov
Location: One Capitol Hill Providence RI
Phone: 401-574-9316
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olisri/
Twitter: @olisri