OLIS News & Updates

April 2023

2023 LORI Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity

OLIS has opened a cycle of LORI grants for application. Grant applications will be accepted for projects from $5,000 to $25,000. No matching funds are required. Libraries and eligible organizations interested in applying for funding are strongly encouraged to consult with OLIS before applying for a grant.

Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Grants provide opportunities for libraries, library consortia, or library serving organizations to execute forward-looking projects that support the advancement of library services in Rhode Island. Libraries or organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that expand access to library materials and services, expand learning opportunities or promote literacy, expand or advance the use of library services or the role of the library in the community, or create more inclusive or accessible library services to all members of the community. Partnerships with community-serving organizations are strongly encouraged.

Application period: April 10 - May 1. Learn more and apply

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Rhode Island Children's Book Award Winners and Nominees
The 2023 Rhode Island Children's Book Award winner is Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter! This year 7,069 students from 107 schools and public libraries voted for their favorite 2023 nominee. A big thank you to all the librarians and teachers who promoted the list, connected kids with the books, and conducted voting!

Public Library Annual Survey Data Available Now
FY2022 Public Library Survey data has been compiled and published for viewing on the OLIS website. Data includes staffing and salaries, collection development and usage, income and expenditures, and more. Want an overview? Check out FY22 By the Numbers infographics.

Grants Management System Walkthrough Videos available

The recordings of the Grants Management System Walkthroughs for directors and project staff are available on the OLIS Youtube. You can find more information about the Grants Management Process here.

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

Attend Upcoming Webinar Highlighting Successful Blind Professionals

Investigate what it is like to be a blind journalist. Join the National Federation of the Blind panel discussion with blind professionals who will share about performing job duties and managing successful careers. Where the Blind Work is a webinar series to highlight employment options and experiences that inspire and inform our community that blind people are living the lives they want. And, you can too.

New Audio Magazines

Twenty-one new audio magazines have been added to the NLS collection. Contact the Talking Books Library at (401)574-9310 if you would like to subscribe.

NFB, Accessibility Boutique Registration for March through July Programs

Registration for all National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Accessibility Boutique sessions from March – July 2023 are now open.

Many Faces of BARD April 13

The topic for the April 13, 2023, Many Faces of BARD program will be BARD: Open Access. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and last for one hour. This program will be recorded.