Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Island’s One Book, One State community read program kicks off its 16th year by inviting everyone to join in the reading of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. The 2018 program runs from January through May with readers in Rhode Island classrooms, libraries, community centers, bookstores and book groups invited to join discussions and participate in local community events such as lectures, exhibits and dramatic interpretations centered on this year’s selection. For more information visit https://ribook.org/rari/

Many libraries are jumping on the virtual reality train, and bringing this popular and exciting technology into their library programs. This workshop will focus on using virtual reality in a purposeful and meaningful way to enhance library programs, so that you are next left asking, "now what?" once you acquire this technology. This workshop will also provide hands-on opportunities to try out virtual reality systems and develop potential program ideas to bring back to your library.

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From the news that earth surface temperatures hit a record high in 2016, to a presidential administration that denies the effect fossil fuels play in climate change, we are inundated with stories and images about climate change. And yet authentic face-to-face conversations about climate change (with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues) are rare. According to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, “more than half of those who are interested in global warming or think the issue is important ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ talk about it with family and friends.”

In this experiential, interactive training, participants will learn why dialogue about climate change is critical to creating a brighter future, and how librarians can facilitate dialogues that empower our communities to be better equipped to respond, adapt, and mitigate the effects.

You will be guided through the creation of a “Climate Communications Toolbox” to facilitate dialogue and host “Climate Conversations” within your library community.

You will:

• Learn how to create and host “Climate Conversations” at your library.
  
• Share ideas for archiving and exhibiting artifacts created in workshops.
  
• Brainstorm ideas for building community partnerships.
  
• Learn why resilience and social capital are critical for communities to thrive and endure, and how libraries can help communities build both.
  
• Experience mindfulness exercises as a tool for “re-wiring” the brain to stabilize the nervous system.
  
• Explore your own thoughts and feelings about climate change through storytelling and reflective writing

*This event will break for 1-hour for lunch

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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.

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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!

Register to attend!