TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: January 27, 2015
SUBJECT: Summer and At-Risk Food Programs, Meetup, 90-Second Newbery, and more
Updates from State Library Services
Summer and At-Risk Food Programs for Kids – Webinar Reminder
Public libraries can help make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session by participating in summer and/or afterschool food programs. Begin planning your library’s 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 share how you can get involved. Register here today. 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.
Libraries Serving Youth Meetup
Registration opens on February 14, 2015 for State Library Services’ first-ever Libraries Serving Youth Meetup. 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. The Meetup is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stay tuned to the State Library Services website and listserv for more information. For more details, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356 with questions.
90-Second Newbery Film Festival News
We’re excited that Minnesota kid movie-makers submitted 35 entries to this year’s 90-Second Newbery Film Festival. Festival host James Kennedy is now selecting the Minnesota videos that will be shown at the first-ever Minnesota screening on February 28, 2015, from 3-4:30 p.m. at Hennepin County – Minneapolis Central. Although pre-registration isn’t required, 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.
Help People in Your Community Reach Their College Goals
Minnesota College Goal, a 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 with any questions.
Ignite Afterschool
Ignite Afterschool is a statewide network of organizations dedicated to engaging young people in quality afterschool activities. Proposals are now being accepted and registration is open for “Powering Learning. Expanding Possibilities,” a statewide out-of-school time learning and STEM conference co-hosted by Ignite and the Minnesota STEM Network that will be held at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center on April 14-15, 2015. For more information, please contact Jennifer Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8791.