OLIS News & Updates

February 2025

Summer Reading Mini Grants, Coming Soon

Level Up at Your Library in a speech bubble

The OLIS Summer Reading Mini Grants will open for request later this month. Public libraries may request up to $600 for youth activities and up to $300 for adult activities. Library systems may request $300 per additional location for youth activities. Funding has been earmarked for each library in this non-competitive grant. In lieu of a webinar session this year, OLIS staff will host open office hour sessions to answer questions and provide guidance on filling out the grant application.

Application information will be sent to directors and Summer Reading Program contacts. If your library has had changes to the Summer Reading Program contact within the last year, please contact Danielle to ensure the correct person receives this information.

OLIS Reviews Public Library Standards

The Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) is revising and updating the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries, as charged by the Library Board of Rhode Island. You can review this process and a draft of the revised standards on the OLIS website. An open meeting for feedback from Small Libraries will be held on Wednesday, February 5.

When the committee has finished their review, they will bring their recommendations to the LBRI for their review. Once the LBRI approves the proposed standards, the OLIS will work with the Department of Administration Division of Legal Services to bring the proposed standards through the state's Rulemaking Process to establish them as regulations.

Resources from the RI Dept of Health, Available for Request

Did you know? The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) offers free educational materials that are available to librarians across the state. Available supplies include posters, brochures, fact sheets, and palm cards on topics related to drug overdose prevention, healthy housing, immunization, and more.

Many of these are available in multiple languages. These items can be ordered in bulk and will be shipped to any library in Rhode Island. Place your order through the Order Resources webpage on health.ri.gov.

Reading Across Rhode Island Programming Webinar

The Center for the Book has kicked off its 2025 Reading Across RI season with There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib.

On Thursday, February 13, join Committee Chair, Amy VanderWeele, and Programming Chair, Emily Goodman as they review what's in store this year. Learn more about the title and themes, what the Center for the Book has planned for this year's program, and resources to help you go beyond a book discussion, including an opportunity to facilitate hands-on themed programming with LEGO.

This session will be recorded and will be made available for those who cannot attend live.

RILA Call for Proposals, Deadline Extended

The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) has extended the deadline for presentation proposals for the 2025 Annual Conference. Proposals are now due by Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Do you have a program you want to highlight, a skill to share, or a vision to inspire? Submit a program proposal for the 2025 RILA Annual Conference, taking place May 21-22, 2025 at the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences at the University of Rhode Island!

This year’s theme, Anchored in Resilience, celebrates the dynamic impact of libraries in our communities and the innovative minds behind them. Whether you’re a librarian, educator, technologist, or community partner, your insights and experiences could inspire colleagues and elevate the profession. Questions? Email programs@rilibraries.org

For all the latest news and updates, visit the OLIS Website

New DA2 Wifi-Enabled Player Machines

Big news to start the new year: This spring NLS will begin offering patrons a new audiobook player, replacing the first generation of players introduced in 2009.

This player, model DA2, has new features including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and 28 GB of internal storage. That means DA2 users will be able to connect to BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download website, and download audiobooks and magazines, store them on the player and listen to them over Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones.