Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Updates from MN State Library Services

state_mnTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: June 5, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

Your Library Can Help Build the World’s Best Workforce

The Libraries and World’s Best Workforce mini grant initiative is designed to help libraries offer programs, services and learning activities that provide educational opportunities for children and young adults (ages 0-25), especially those living in poverty or facing other barriers to success, while tying in the goals of the World’s Best Workforce. An estimated $75,000 is available for grant awards of up to $10,000 each.

Join us for a grant guidance webinar to learn more about applying for this mini grant opportunity. Both webinars will cover the same content. There’s no need to pre-register, just click on one of the links below to participate:

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 10-11 a.m.
Thursday, July 16, 2015 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Over the last year we’ve seen libraries and schools come together to try out new ways to help kids be more successful in school and in life. This year, we’ve extended the application period until October 2 to give you a chance to build the partnerships that will allow you to creatively serve your community. And we’re looking forward to seeing how your library proposes making sure that kids have access to the tools and resources they need to be successful.

The application and instructions are available at the Minnesota Department of Education’s grants management site. For more information, please contact Jackie Blagsvedt at jacqueline.blagsvedt@state.mn.us or 651-582-8805.

Connect with Ignite Afterschool Statewide

Ignite Afterschool is a statewide network dedicated to developing high-quality afterschool and summer programs for all youth. With the help of their Regional Igniter partners, Ignite Afterschool is holding three meetings across the state to advance afterschool opportunities for youth. To learn more about the meetings and RSVP, follow the links below:

Attend the Northwest Minnesota Regional Meeting in Detroit Lakes, June 15, Noon-3 p.m.
Attend the Southeast Minnesota Regional Meeting in Rochester, June 23, 1-3:30 p.m.
Attend the Northeast Minnesota Regional Meeting in Duluth, June 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Each meeting will include a(n):

  • Opportunity to connect with fellow youth workers.
  • Introduction to Believe It. Build It. – Minnesota’s Guide to Effective Afterschool Practices.
  • Discussion on how to best put it the Believe It. Build It. guide to use.
  • Updates and next steps on statewide afterschool funding legislation.
  • Lunch or light snack.

This is a terrific opportunity to connect with out-of-school-time program providers in your region and find out how you can work together.

Upgrade Your Knowledge of Digital Learning

The Minnesota eLearning Summit is for K-12, college, and university educators and innovators in the Midwest who are committed to effective online and blended learning. Connect with more than 400 fellow educators at nearly 80 concurrent breakout sessions on July 29 and 30 at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Online registration and the draft program are available now; take advantage of the discount for early registration by July 1, 2015. Visit mnelearningsummit.org for more information.

School Librarians, You’re 2 Cool 2 Be 4-gotten–Stay in Touch This Summer

School is out—or nearly out—for the summer. If you’re looking at a work break over the summer, please stay connected with State Library Services. We promise to keep you updated about grant opportunities, workshops, programming and more. Email Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us with your personal email address, and she’ll get you signed up right away.