CMLE

Updates from State Library Services

Updates from State Library Services

Infuse Your Library with Early STEM Learning

Play and learn with instructors from the Science Museum of Minnesota at one of three hands-on workshops across Minnesota this fall. Discover how early literacy and early STEM learning are intertwined and deepen your understanding of early childhood scientific thinking, problem solving and inquiry. Come ready to explore curriculum and activities designed by the Science Museum to help Minnesota libraries offer high-quality early STEM experiences. Leave prepared to facilitate children and caregivers in playful STEM learning experiences that capture their imaginations and get them ready for kindergarten.

Space is limited, so register today for an upcoming free workshop near you:

Redwood Falls Public Library
Thursday, September 14, 2017, 1-5 p.m.
509 S. Lincoln Street, Redwood Falls, MN 56283

Northfield Public Library
Monday, September 18, 2017, 1-5 p.m.
210 Washington Street, Northfield, MN 55057

Duluth Public Library
Wednesday, September 20, 2017, 1-5 p.m.
520 W. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802

Please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) if you have questions or would like more information. This training is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [LS 00-16-0024-17] and the Minnesota Department of Education.

Library Construction Grant Webinar

Please join us for a webinar about the 2017 Library Construction Grant program. The webinar will be Tuesday, August 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Shortly before 10:30 a.m., access the Library Construction Grant webinar; the call-in number is 1-888-742-5095, conference code 492 064 9083. After an overview of the application and grant processes, you’ll have a chance to ask questions.

The Library Construction Grant program provides public libraries with funding for renovation, construction, and improvement projects that result in more accessible library facilities. Projects may:

  • Remove architectural barriers from a library building or site
  • Remediate conditions hazardous to health or safety
  • Renovate or expand an existing building for use as a library
  • Construct a new library

The 2017 Minnesota Legislature allocated a total amount of $2,000,000 to the program, and those funds are available for competitive grant awards.

Application forms and instructions are available on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Grants Management site. Scroll to Library Construction Grant opportunity. Completed applications are due Friday, September 29, 2017. Please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508) for more information.

It’s Not Too Late! Two 2017 LSTA Grant Opportunities

State Library Services still has two open 2017 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) competitive grant opportunities.

2017 LSTA Competitive Grant

An estimated $520,000 is available to fund grant proposals ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 that help to achieve Minnesota’s LSTA Five-Year Plan (2013-2017). Grant awards will support projects that address LSTA Goal One and one of its four sub-goals. The overarching goal is to expand library services for learning and access to high-quality information resources for all Minnesotans.

2017 Early STEM Literacy in Libraries Mini Grant

An estimated $50,000 is available to fund grant proposals ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to help libraries offer programs and services that address Goal 1.2 in the Minnesota LSTA Five-Year Plan (2013-2017) and the World’s Best Workforce legislation by increasing early STEM literacy capacity and programming in libraries in order to build a stronger future workforce for Minnesota children ages 0-5 years old and their caregivers.

Both grants periods are estimated to start on November 1, 2017 and end September 30, 2018. Please note that this is slightly shorter than a year due to a delay in federal funds.

Grant applications and instructions are available on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Grants Management site. Visit the LSTA webpage or contact Leah Larson (651-582-8604) or Jen Nelson (651-582-8791) for more information.

Updates from MDE

ESSA State Plan Ready for Public Comment

Minnesota’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) state plan draft is posted on the ESSA webpage for a month of public comment which began August 1. As part of the public comment period, Commissioner Cassellius will host regional meetings in St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato, Moorhead, Sartell, and Duluth to share the draft plan, answer questions, and take public comments. The tour begins August 15. Register now to attend one of the ESSA Regional meetings in August.

Updates from Our Partners

Capturing Imaginations: Building Skills Conference

Join forces with like-minded professionals to strengthen youth learning by investigating, connecting, and advancing formal and informal STEM education and workforce pathways. Attend the 2nd Biennial Joint Conference hosted by Ignite Afterschool and SciMathMN, November 29-30, 2017, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center in Saint Paul. There are three conference tracks:

  • Investigate – the “what and why” of effective STEM and afterschool learning.
  • Connect – with each other while learning about successful collaborations, partnerships and policies that close gaps in young people’s access to and achievement in high quality afterschool and STEM learning opportunities.
  • Advance – high-quality afterschool and STEM learning opportunities for youth.

Visit Eventbrite for more information and to register. An early bird discount is available to the first 50 registrants, so register today. Registration fees range from $65-120. Contact Ignite Afterschool with questions or for more information.

Capturing Imaginations: Building Skills Conference Request for Proposals

Ignite and SciMathMN are seeking session proposals for their joint STEM and afterschool conference with this year’s theme “Capturing Imaginations: Building Skills.” Keep in mind the conference tracks, Investigate, Connect and Advance described above. The deadline to submit proposals is September 29, 2017.

Sponsorship, Exhibit, and Advertising Opportunities

Sponsorship, exhibit and advertising opportunities are available. See the conference flyer to learn about how your organization can get involved.