TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: January 14, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services: LSTA Mini Grants, MBTBL job opening, and more

LSTA Mini Grants
State Library Services is pleased to announce the second round of mini grant projects supported by LSTA funds. With a maximum award of $10,000, these eighteen mini grant projects support activity-based partnerships between schools and libraries as well as the creation of engaging play-friendly spaces and experiences for children ages 0-8 years old and their caregivers. To learn more about the mini grant recipients, visit the State Library Services LSTA page.

Position Opening at the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time library technician. Located in Faribault, the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library provides library services to individuals with a visual, physical or reading disability that prevents them from reading standard print materials. The vacancy announcement and application form may be found online at the State Job Search website. The closing date for the position is January 20, 2015. For more information, please contact Catherine Durivage at 507-384-6860 or catherine.durivage@state.mn.us.

90-Second Newbery Film Festival News
The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers create movies that creatively tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in about 90 seconds. The submission deadline, Friday, January 16, is right around the corner. Make your last-minute edits and submit your film. Access details about the 90-Second Newbery video competition).

Please plan to attend the first-ever Minnesota 90-Second Newbery screening Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 3-4:30 p.m. at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Although you don’t have to register to attend, we’d love to know you’re coming. RSVP to attend the event, which will be co-hosted by madcap authors James Kennedy (The Order of Odd-Fish) and Kelly Barnhill (The Witch’s Boy). For more details, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356 .

Minnesota Public Library Annual Report Training
Data collection for 2014 Public Library Annual Reports will start in early February. Public library staff are invited to attend a webinar to learn about the process, changes for this year and more. Please visit the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Calendar or contact Mary Ann Van Cura at maryann.vancura@state.mn.us for the dates and times of webinars.

Libraries Serving Youth Meetup
State Library Services invites you to join us at the Libraries Serving Youth Meetup on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here’s a chance for school librarians and public librarians to meet, network and share ideas. Learn about successful public library and school collaborations, get creative ideas and enjoy a free lunch. Presenters include Erin Smith, Mike Evavold, Nina Shimmin, Donna Ohlgren, Chad Lubbers, Ellen Morehouse and Brianna Belanger. Registration opens February 14, 2015. Stay tuned to the State Library Services website and listserv for more information.

Summer and At-Risk Food Programs for Kids
Fewer than 17 percent of Minnesota kids who benefit from the free or reduced-price school lunch program have access to summer and afterschool food programs. Limited access to free food programs, particularly during the summer, leaves many children hungry. Public libraries can help make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session.
Begin planning your summer 2015 participation by attending an informational webinar on February 4, 2015, at 11 a.m. Jenny Butcher, USDA Summer Food Service Program Coordinator at MDE, will tell you how your library can be involved. Pre-registration is not required. Login to the February 4 webinar. Please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event.

Note: MDE requires a two-week advance notice in order to provide the requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice in order to cancel a requested accommodation.

Help People in Your Community Reach Their College Goals
Minnesota College Goal, statewide volunteer program that provides free information and assistance to students and families completing the FAFSA, is looking for sites to host financial aid events and would like to partner with libraries. Hosting a Minnesota College Goal event in your area provides students the opportunity to complete their FAFSA with the support of trained professionals. To learn more or to register as a host site, visit the Minnesota College Goal website. Contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508 if you have any questions.