It's hard to believe, but summer is just around the corner. Get a head start on your planning and join us for a 2016 Teen Summer Reading Program sharing session. Topics of discussion will include programming ideas, fundraising, incentives, teen volunteers, program requirements/record-keeping, and other topics (bring your thoughts and ideas, please).

Film production is an engaging way to help increase children’s critical thinking, technology competencies, and literacy skills. Learn how you can start a news video production program in your library with no previous experience. Participants will get a first hand look at equipment, programming ideas, and student work. Collaborative opportunities between school and public libraries will also be discussed.

Series: Media Smart Libraries The Media Smart Libraries program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Attendance at this workshop could be applied to either the Access and Use, Analyze and Evaluate, or Create and Collaborate digital badge.

Registration required

Intended Audience: Public Librarians, School Librarians

Learn more about serving teens living in foster or group homes. Foster Forward will share information about its programs as well as resources for supporting this underserved population.

About Foster Forward: Foster Forward is an organization of of highly trained professionals and recognized leaders in the field who provide services to children, teens, and foster parents.

Learn more about homeschooling in Rhode Island and how to reach homeschooling families in your community. We'll discuss resources and services available to homeschooling families, as well as ways in which libraries can support homeschoolers.

ENRICHri is a secular home education community which provides support and guidance in a welcoming environment for homeschooling families in Southern New England.

We'll be discussing the newest in YA fiction. Please submit titles you'd like to discuss to Brandi Fong (use subject line Realistic Fiction) so they can be included on the reading list, which will be posted on the YART Reading and Resource page. Read as many of the books as you like and come prepared to booktalk and share your own personal critique.

LOOKING TO SHAKE UP YOUR PRESENTATIONS? As librarians, we are advocates for our programs, spaces and jobs. Sometimes finding the right technology tool to help us communicate with stakeholders is very overwhelming. Some of the questions and thoughts we've had include:

"Where do I even begin?"

"I COULD just use PowerPoint . . . again."

"There are just too many choices!"

"Ok, I like this tech tool but how do I use it?"

This workshop will give librarians the opportunity to explore a few powerful presentation tools, empowering them to build upon their digital toolbox. Participants should bring their own device because there will be time to work individually and collaboratively to put the tools into action!

This workshop is part of the Media Smart Libraries program and is being offered in partnership with RILINK’s professional development series. The Media Smart Libraries program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Attendance at this workshop could be applied to either the Access and Use, Create and Collaborate, or Take Action digital badge.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Public Librarians, School Librarians

Many libraries have found that maker culture and makerspaces fit naturally with their existing missions, and have begun to incorporate makerspaces into the services they offer their communities. In this session you will have the opportunity to visit different makerspace stations to find out more about the kind of supplies, skills, and ideas you would need to start your own program. This workshop will be held during the School Librarians of Rhode Island Annual Conference. You may join the conference starting at 2:00 pm for this workshop at no charge. Librarians who have registered for the entire conference are welcome to join this session.

Series: Media Smart Libraries The Media Smart Libraries program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Attendance at this workshop could be applied to either the Access and Use, Analyze and Evaluate digital badge.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: School Librarians, Public Librarians