Adult Services News
June 2024
Broadband Speed and Access Challenge Period OPEN NOW
The State of Rhode Island is receiving $108.7 million dollars to improve broadband infrastructure - the wiring needed for high-speed internet.
On May 29, 2024, ConnectRI released broadband maps for all Rhode Islanders to view their locations and the quality of service we believe they have. If residents or businesses have broadband service issues, this map will allow them to report those issues. At the end of the challenge process, the locations that are unserved or underserved on the broadband map will be eligible for broadband infrastructure investment. We need an accurate map to ensure the funding goes where it is needed most!
Explore the map, find guidance for processing a challenge, and contact the ConnectRI team for support on the State Challenge Website. Contact Emily if you have any questions about the Challenge Portal.
Thursday, June 20 - 3 - 6 PM
This special conference from Library 2.0 explores the nuanced experience of libraries serving patrons experiencing homelessness.
"There are many challenges for our vulnerable patrons. What can we do to help strengthen these patrons, knowing that this requires being emotionally vulnerable ourselves? How do we find the emotional strength and courage to be open and authentic? What can librarians provide? We can try to build strength with our homeless community members by recognizing and having compassion for their vulnerabilities as well as our own. From this we may foster empathy, and cultivate a greater sense of belonging within our libraries.
For this conference, we invite you to embrace vulnerability, share stories of helping vulnerable patrons, express how you have been vulnerable and needed support, and what it means to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone."
Connect with NNLM
The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) is conducting focused outreach with libraries in Western Providence County to inform their work.
Through Focused Outreach, NNLM seeks to create new relationships, strengthen existing relationships, and bring resources directly to libraries within Region 7. This year (2024-2025), NNLM Region 7 is seeking to connect with libraries in Western Providence County; rural towns like Foster, Scituate, Glocester and Burrilville.
If you represent a library in this area in the state and are interested in participating in Focused Research, you can learn more and contact our region representative.
Upcoming Adult Services Sessions
Office of Healthy Aging Presentation and Get Set Up Demonstration
Tuesday, June 25, 11:00 am
Virtual
Hear about programs servicing seniors in Rhode Island from the Office Healthy Aging, including a demonstration on their statewide initiative with Get Set Up, the social network platform aimed at helping those over 55 learn new skills, connect with others and unlock new life experiences.
Upcoming Webinars from Niche Academy
Leveraging the Power of Advocates and the Devil’s Advocate in Change Management
In this webinar, Kathryn Zukof, author of The Hard and Soft Sides of Change Management: Tools for Managing Process and People, will explain how to tap into and leverage both perspectives - advocates and the devil’s advocate – during any change effort. Kathryn will describe actions leaders can take to enlist the participation of supportive stakeholders at every level in the organization to achieve the advocacy that’s needed for the change to succeed. And she’ll provide concrete steps leaders can take to actively seek out contrarian and critical viewpoints and use this information to improve project outcomes.
Managing Effective Library Boards
Join John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary, to learn how to manage a successful library board by understanding their types, roles, and responsibilities.
Regardless of the board type, there are common responsibilities such as policy, budget, facilities, and HR. To ensure effective board management, it's important to have a well-organized agenda, follow a regular order, and use parliamentary procedures. Committees can help kill bad ideas and enhance good ones, and committee structure matters. Beyond committee work, board members can also be ambassadors for the library.
Upcoming Webinars from Webjunction
Data Storytelling 101
Storytelling is a vital strategy for communicating impact and justifying future investments. Powerful and effective stories allow us to create a roadmap that weaves together information and emotion. This webinar will provide an orientation to storytelling that centers cultural humility while leveraging storytelling dynamics, including how to practice and refine an impactful story with a live audience. Participants will learn the techniques of story construction based on three classic narrative structures, with roots in folklore and narratology, and explore examples of data stories told by and about libraries. This is an opportunity to build confidence in the ability to recognize and craft a meaningful and memorable story.
Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Bookmobile Book Grants
Lois Lenski, children’s book author and 1946 Newbery medalist for Strawberry Girl, had a life-long concern that all children have access to good books. Toward that end, the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation provides grants to organizations that operate a lending bookmobile that travels into neighborhoods populated by underserved youth. The grants are for purchasing books published for preschoolers through grade 8. Bookmobiles operated by charitable 501(c)(3) and other non-taxable agencies, including public libraries or schools, are eligible.
The Foundation awards grants to organizations that serve economically or socially at-risk children, have limited book budgets, and demonstrate real need. Grants range from $500 to $3000 and are specifically for purchasing books to be checked out, and cannot be used for administrative or operational purposes.
Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize for Public Libraries
The Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, developed in partnership between the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation and Library Journal, was created in 2019 to recognize the public library as a vital community asset. "When libraries, civic entities, organizations, and the people they serve become close partners, their communities thrive."
One winning library will receive $250,000 in unfettered grant monies from the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation and be profiled in the November issue of Library Journal and online. Honorable mentions may also be named. All U.S. Public Libraries are eligible for the prize.
Want support in your work? I'm here to help! Schedule a meeting to talk through any ideas, projects, or challenges with your Adult Services work. You can also contact me to share questions, comments or ideas for next month's newsletter!