Mary’s Note: I’ve been on several of these different phone calls, and I REALLY encourage people to join in! School library people especially – everyone needs to hear from you, and you can find some good ideas from others. I know you are busy, but it may be a good time investment to help you get some help, ideas, and new contacts!

Good To Hear Your Voice(s) We want to thank library leaders who have participated in weekly calls to share the ups and downs of library management during COVID-19. These calls are sparking ideas and making space to celebrate the agility and resourcefulness of public libraries around Minnesota. If you would like to join in, please contact Jen Nelson.  

Catching Up with the MBTBL The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL) is currently closed to walk-in traffic, but they are still working hard to provide library service to Minnesotans of all ages with visual, physical and reading disabilities.

Here’s a quick run-down of what’s temporarily paused, and what’s still going.

• The MBTBL remains operational, with limited staff on site working to ship a limited number of books per day.
• The MBTBL will respond to voicemails and emails, but will not be answering the phones.
• The library catalog (KLAS) is operational and requests/holds may be placed at any time. Email the MBTBL to obtain access information.
• The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is available and we encourage current registered patrons to sign up for it. New BARD applications will be processed as quickly as possible.
• The State Services for the Blind will not be sending out any talking book machines, equipment, Radio Talking Book Radios, or accessories while the Minnesota Stay at Home order is in effect.
• New applications for service (other than BARD), will not be processed until additional staff return to the office.

Youth Services Check-ins Are you ready for summer reading? Connect with youth services colleagues around the state to share ideas about summer learning, virtual programming, and ways libraries can support youth and families during this time. Weekly meeting times are TBD.

Weekly meeting times are TBD. Email Ashley Bieber or Leah Larson for an invite!

Minnesota’s #OwnVoices Registration is now open for the 2020 Libraries Serving Youth Meetup! We have an amazing line up! Dr. Sarah Park Dahlen, associate professor in the Library and Information Science program at St. Catherine University, will be our emcee. Our all-star author panel will feature: Minnesota Book Award winners Kao Kalia Yang and Shannon Gibney American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner Dr. Brenda Child Carter G. Woodson Award winner Mélina Mangal You will also learn about data sources to help you better understand young people in your community, share book talks on your favorite #OwnVoices books with colleagues, and have a chance to connect with library colleagues from around the state.

When: June 15, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Where: North Hennepin Community College, Brooklyn ParkRegister for the 2020 Libraries Serving Youth Meetup! We know that things are still uncertain, but we are hopeful that we will be able to hold an in-person event with a limited number of attendees to allow for social distancing. If that is not the case, we will shift portions of the program online. Contact Leah Larson (651-582-8604) if you have questions.

The 2020 90-Second Newbery: At-Home Edition For your viewing pleasure, a recording of this year’s virtual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is now available 24 hours a day! Check out the great work adapting Newbery Honor and award-winning books into 90-second films by young filmmakers from Minnesota and around the country.   Updates from Our Partners

Comfort in Coding Learn coding from the comfort of your home! We know that parents, educators, and girls are looking for support and connection during these challenging times.  Girls Who Code has just released FREE weekly Girls Who Code at Home educational activities for students in grades 3–12. Although it is called Girls Who Code, activities are open to students of any gender. Photo/Illustration Credits: Adrien Coquet, Noun Project; Jerry Wang, Unsplash

About State Library Services 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.