Youth Services News

Newsletters are archived on the OLIS website.

As you wrap up your SRP, please take a moment to provide feedback about the 2022 SRP by submitting the survey below. This survey is designed to collect feedback about the children's and teen 2022 Summer Reading Program. (Please note that this survey is not for statistics collection). The survey is optional and ALL library staff involved in planning and implementing their library's SRP for youth are invited to share feedback. This survey is anonymous, though there is an option in include your library's 3 letter code. The survey will be open for feedback collection through October 3.

Thank you for sharing your SRP feedback and for helping OLIS determine which supports are needed in the future!

The Office of Library and Information Services will be one of six state library agencies piloting the IMLS grant funded initiative Building Equity Based Summers Through Libraries & Communities (BEBS). Lead by the California Library Association (CLA), this project will build on the work of CLA and the California State Library (CSL) in developing a shared equity language and a set of tools and resources for library staff to use to build community-centered equitable summer services for youth, families, and communities.

As part of this work, OLIS and participating state library agencies will

• Participate in equity-based co-design processes to reach a shared understanding and language related to this work.

• Review, discuss, and customize materials developed as a part of the CLA/CSL project.

• Discuss and co-design training for library staff in pilot states on equity and summer services.
  

• Recruit and select 5 public libraries, selected to represent a diversity of communities to work with on summer 2023 equity in summer services planning and implementation.
  

• Train selected public library staff and support implementation - through coaching, mentoring, and a community of practice - of equity-based summer services in the summer of 2023.

If you are interested in being a part of this project in 2023, please look for a call to participate in the next few months.

Learn more about the BEBS IMLS project.

Learn more about California's BEBS project.

The Office of Library and Information Services is seeking a librarian to join our team as the Digital Resources Coordinator. This position works in the area of network services, and is responsible for developing, coordinating, and supporting digital initiatives and resource sharing activities for OLIS and libraries statewide.

Duties include performing complex responsibilities in the planning, development, and coordination of digital resources on a statewide basis; evaluating digital resources and their use through collaboration with libraries and consortia; planning and implementing training on digital resources and related technology topics; participating in the development and maintenance of online applications and content management systems; and participating in the planning, development and implementation of a statewide digital library.

Please see Library Jobline for the full posting and Apply RI for the full description and application information. The application deadline is September 23.

Public librarians, school librarians and teachers who have experience with children in grades 3 - 6 are invited to join the Kids Reading Across RI (KRARI) Committee. KRARI committee members will select the 2023 book, help develop and facilitate events and activities, and create a discussion guide and related resources for KRARI book discussions.

The first 2022/23 committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 3 at 4:30pm. It will be a virtual meeting using Zoom. There is no application process to join the committee and all are welcome!

• iREAD will introduce the 2023 summer program Find Your Voice! with a webinar on November 2, 2:00pm-3:00pm. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L1rC4htBRhOLovEJ1TCntQ. This webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing.
• The 2023 Resource Guide will be available for download in November. Each public library will receive a code for accessing the guide.
  
• OLIS will provide public libraries with posters and bookmarks. Look for a request form later this year.
  
• The iREAD online store is now open with 2023 themed items that libraries may purchase at their own cost, https://www.ireadprogram.org/store
• Learn more about the 2023 artists and find a promotional flyer and PSA at https://www.ireadprogram.org/resources/summer-2023-find-your-voice
  

Young Adult Roundtable Meeting

Date: Thursday, October 27, 2022

Time: 10:00am - 11:30am

Location: Providence Public Library (PPL)

Register

Join colleagues from around the state for discussion and activities for re-imagining the Young Adult Roundtable. A schedule of 2023 meetings and topics will be developed by the end of the meeting. Special bonus: tour the Providence Public Library's new teen room and learn about the co-design process used in designing the space. All library staff serving teens are invited to attend.

Children's Services Roundtable Meeting

Date: Thursday, November 10, 2022

Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Location: TBD We still don't have a location for this meeting. If you would like to host contact Danielle at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov.

Register
Join colleagues from around the state for discussion and activities for re-imagining the Children's Roundtable. A schedule of 2023 meetings and topics will be developed by the end of the meeting.

Mark your calendar for two upcoming fall virtual events. Registration coming soon!

Introduction to Summer 2023: Find Your Voice!
Webinar
Wednesday, November 2

2pm - 3pm

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L1rC4htBRhOLovEJ1TCntQ.

New England Teen Summit

Virtual Conference
Friday, November 18
10am - 4pm

OLIS is pleased to announce the development of Programming Kits and StoryWalk® Sets for Rhode Island public libraries to borrow and use with their communities. The purpose of the kits is to support library staff with programming for youth and families. The kits will facilitate learning activities and early literacy skills using a variety of materials libraries may not be able to purchase or store on their own. Kit materials will also offer youth and families access to new tools and activities they may not otherwise experience. A focus on the kits is to provide communities with enhanced STEAM opportunities, such as robotics, audio/video production, and maker tools. StoryWalk® sets will not only relieve library staff of the time and expense of creating their own StoryWalk® but streamlines resource sharing among libraries to produce an efficient and effective model of service. This project is proudly made possible with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Kits will be available to request beginning October 2022. Learn more at https://olis.ri.gov/youth/kits/index.php

Date: Thursday, September 29

Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Location: RI Department of Administration: Conference Room 2A

Public library staff are invited to preview and interact with the new Programming Kits before the booking calendar opens in October. Drop by the Department of Administration anytime between 9:30am - 12:30pm to test some simple machines, build a marble maze, meet some robots, and more! Registration recommended but not required.

Directions to the Department of Administration and Conference Room 2A are attached below.

There will also be a giveaway of books for all age groups so bring a tote bag or two for taking home the freebies!

Below please find thethe sensory programs happening at RI public libraries this fall. Please feel free to share with the families in your communities.

Looking to learn more about sensory friendly programming? Visit the Sensory Friendly Inclusive Group blog or join in on a meeting.

Sensory Friendly Inclusive Group 2022/23 meeting schedule:

• Wednesday, November 9, 2022 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (in-person location TBD)

• Wednesday, January 11, 2023 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (virtual)
• Wednesday, March 8, 2023 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (in-person location TBD)
• Wednesday, May 10, 2023 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (virtual)

The Sensory Friendly Inclusive Group seeks to empower librarians to better serve individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum and their families by expanding programming, outreach, partnerships, and resources that welcome all abilities.To learn more contact Maria Cotto at mcotto@pawtucketlibrary.org.

Roger Williams Zoo is offering a special sensory-friendly Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular an hour before the trail opens to the public: designed those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences and their families from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. This year’s theme celebrates 75 years of television.

For maximum enjoyment, the over 5000 pumpkins will light up the Zoo’s Wetlands Trail, but there will be no music or special effects. This year’s highlights include intricately carved pumpkins celebrating 75 years of television.

Dates: Tuesday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 26

Time: 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Pricing: Tickets are available for purchase in person ONLY at the Zoo's admissions booth. Ticket prices are $16 for adults; $13 for children (ages 2-12); toddlers 1 and under are always free. For group information please contact our group sales department at gsales@rwpzoo.org

THE RHODE ISLAND FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS AND AUTHORS is back in person this year! The Festival will be taking place on Saturday, October 15th and organizers can't wait to welcome people back. Learn more and find a list of participating authors and illustrators at https://www.lincolnschool.org/life-at-lincoln/rhode-island-festival-of-childrens-books-and-authors.

Applications for the 2022 Jordan Miller Storytelling Mini-Grant are now being accepted!

The mission of the Jordan Miller Fund is to bring storytelling to New England Public Libraries by awarding a $500 mini-grant to help fund a Storytelling program at your library!

To apply click HERE, to fill out a short Google Form.

All applications are due Friday, September 30th. The winner will be notified on Monday, October 17th . The award may be used from December 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.

For the 2022 award year, New England Public Libraries outside of Massachusetts will be given preference, but all New England public libraries are encouraged to apply.

Any questions, please contact: Amy Dorsheimer (adorsheimer@nevinslibrary.org) OR Pam McCuen (pmccuen@minlib.net) OR Jessica Henderson (jhenderson@sailsinc.org).

A virtual celebration of Latinx KidLit authors, illustrators, and books!

For Educators, Students and Book Lovers Everywhere

October 13-14

Watch the Latinx KidLit Book Festival streamed live (for free) on the festival’s YouTube channel! YouTube links can also be found on each individual event in the Festival’s schedule page.

The Latinx Kidlit Book Festival is a FREE virtual celebration of Latinx KidLit authors, illustrators, and books for all students, educators and book lovers around the globe. The Festival offers a combination of educational materials and virtual literary content in the form of panels, craft sessions and illustrator draw-offs with best-selling and award-winning Latinx authors and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, comic books and poetry. The sessions are geared toward all schools, educators, students and book lovers, not just those identifying as Latinx. Everyone is welcome!

Learn more at https://www.latinxkidlitbookfestival.com/

Join PLA September 28 at 2pm for a free webinar to learn how the Abington Township Public Library in Pennsylvania launched their wildly successful program in the fall of 2021. Rainbow Connections is a virtual program, led by a team that includes a children’s librarian and a community parent, that convenes LGBTQ+ children, allies, and their families from across the country. Learn how to start your own library group to help support and affirm LGBTQ+ kids and their families as well as educate and build community with allies.

Learn more and register.

Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy is pleased to announce registration is now open for the 11th annual CLEL Conference: Bridging the Gap - Thursday, October 6th & Friday, October 7th -- 11 am-4:45 pm MST. CLELCON is Colorado’s premier conference dedicated to early literacy professional development in libraries. The virtual conference will be accessible from anywhere and all conference sessions will be recorded. To view the conference schedule and learn more about our fantastic line-up of speakers, visit the CLEL Website. Registration for both days of the virtual conference is only $35.

Save your spot by registering here. After registering, please watch for an additional email from our platform, Hopin, with log-in details for the event so you can set up your profile and network with other attendees before CLELCON22.

This year CLEL will also offer an in-person opportunity, in partnership with the Colorado State Library, at the Douglas County Library in Parker, CO on Friday, October 14. The summit will offer professional development and networking opportunities for all early literacy professionals. For more information, visit our website. Register for the in-person GRT Summit at CLELCON here. Registration for the Summit is $15 and includes a boxed lunch.

All virtual sessions will have live captioning and be recorded. If you require additional accommodations or have any other questions, please contact us at conference@clel.org.

Email: danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov
Website: http://www.olis.ri.gov/
Location: 1 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-574-9309 401-400-3006
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olisri
Twitter: @olisri