Communication

Updates from State Library Services

2017 Minnesota Public Library Annual Report Opens Soon

By law, Minnesota’s public libraries submit annual statistics to the Minnesota Department of Education. The data is also submitted to the Institute of Museums and Library Services for the Public Libraries in the United States Survey. The 2017 online survey opens February 1.

Statistics include input and output measures related to facilities, services, programs, collections, staffing, hours of operation, and income and expenditures. Survey results contribute to a national file of public library data that is available to the library research community, local, state, and federal policy makers, and the public. All twelve regional library systems and 141 public libraries complete the survey.

We greatly appreciate the time and expertise library directors and filers contribute to the success of the report. Please contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640) with questions.

webinar

Webinar: Building Library – Adult Education – Workforce Partnerships

Do you want to boost your library‘s digital literacy efforts? Or maybe you want insight into how participating in digital literacy programming can translate into better job and educational opportunities for your patrons? Partnerships with adult education and workforce colleagues could be the answer.

Please join us for a webinar with tips for getting the conversation started. The webinar will be Tuesday, February 6, 11 a.m.-noon. Shortly before 11 a.m., access the Building Partnerships webinar; the call-in number is 1-888-742-5095, conference code 492 064 9083.

This session will build on two years of Better Together gatherings of library, adult education, and workforce development staff that focused on how collaborative digital literacy efforts can increase communities’ capacity to improve adult literacy and workforce outcomes for Minnesotans. Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt (Minnesota Literacy Council) and Emily Kissane (State Library Services) will be the presenters.

Please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508) if you have 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.

Library Construction Grant Applications Available

The Library Construction Grant program is accepting applications for 2017 round two competitive grants. The 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 of $2,000,000 to the program. Approximately $838,000 of the state allocation is available to award as grants.

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 via email by Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 3:30 p.m.

Please join us for a webinar about the 2017 round two grants. The webinar will be Wednesday, February 7, 11 a.m.-noon. Shortly before 11 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. Please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508) for more information.

90-Second Newbery

90-Second Newbery Film Festival Screening in February

You’re invited to the fourth annual Minnesota screening of the year’s best student-made 90-Second Newbery Film Festival entries on Saturday, February 10, 2018, 3-4:30 p.m., at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. The event is co-hosted by 90-Second Newbery founder James Kennedy and Minnesota author Pete Hautman. On-site book sales will be provided by Addendum Books.

Although you don’t have to register to attend, please RSVP to let us know you’re coming. You can also help us promote the event by downloading and sharing the screening poster.

For more information, please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356).

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Updates from Our Partners

Think Small ParentPowered Texts

Think Small Offers New Texting Service for Parents of Young Children

Think Small recently launched a texting initiative called ParentPowered Texts, with the goal of improving literacy and pre-reading skills for children aged birth-5. Through the program, parents receive three customized text messages each week, encouraging them to read to their children, promoting work on letter recognition, and sharing other family-centered tips. Texts are available in English, Spanish, and Somali.

Think Small ParentPowered Texts provide continuous support to parents throughout the year and cover multiple areas of a child’s development—social-emotional, health, literacy, and math skills. All messages are based on the child’s birthdate, which guarantees developmentally appropriate content and advice.

Think Small can supply your library with bookmarks and other materials to promote this new service. Contact Diana Neidecker, Think Small Community Engagement Coordinator, for more information.

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About Us

State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), partners with libraries to achieve equity and excellence in our collective work for Minnesotans. Division staff are consultants who help libraries plan, develop and implement high-quality services that address community needs. State Library Services administers federal grant, state aid, and state grant programs that benefit all types of libraries.