Minnesota’s #OwnVoices Registration is now open for the 2020 Libraries Serving Youth Meetup and we are shifting the event online! 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

We are still determining which of the day’s other content (data sources, book talks, networking) can be shifted online, so stay tuned for more details.

Register for the 2020 Libraries Serving Youth Meetup!

When: June 15, 9 a.m.

Where: Online!

Attendance will be limited and registration is required. Contact Leah Larson (651-582-8604) if you have questions.

Animals Among Us

Last month, one of our colleagues found herself saying, “I sure am glad for the pets so there are other humans in the house.” She had a good laugh, but the slip testifies to the comfort and companionship that our furry (or scaly, or feathery) friends can bring.

We know that some Minnesota libraries have resident pets, and we’d like to start an occasional series in which we spotlight them. If your library has a resident or visiting animal, please email Verena Getahun.

To start off the series, meet Edith, who is currently teleworking with Ashley Bieber of State Library Services. Edith is employed as a librarian therapy animal, and works hard to soothe her supervisor after long days squinting at screens, promoting literacy, and connecting communities.  Edith’s favorite books are anything by her favorite author, Edith Wharton, especially Ethan Frome.  Her black-tighted style icon is Edie Sedgwick; Edith recommends Edie: An American Biography, by Jean Stein, if you’re interested in learning more about a 1960’s New York City scenester and one of Andy Warhol’s muses. Edith loves to meow and purr along with Edith Piaf on a rainy day and generally enjoys being beautiful and admired.

Updates from Our Partners

Kate DiCamillo Talks Winn-Dixie Hop on to Zoom for a statewide virtual discussion hosted by Kate DiCamillo about her book Because of Winn-Dixie, the first featured title of the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library’s statewide book club, One Book | One Minnesota. Kate will talk with Saint Paul Public Librarian Eric Byrd, answering questions from readers across Minnesota in this one-of-a-kind event on Wednesday, May 20, at 1 p.m. Register for the virtual discussion with Kate DiCamillo and submit your questions for the author.

Meet the Minnesota Book Awards Finalists This year, instead of an in-person event, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library held online video discussions with the 2020 Minnesota Book Awards finalists. Winners were announced live at the virtual Ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Browse the playlist of online video discussions to get to know the finalists and their work.   REALM: Research on Reopening The research partnership between OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle now has a name: REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM). The partnership seeks to create and distribute science-based information and recommended practices designed to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and visitors who are engaging in the delivery or use of museum, library, and archival services. Visit the REALM Project Hub for updated information on the project, research timeline, and committee members. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn using #REALMproject.   Summer of Code Girls Who Code just announced their Virtual Summer Immersion Program. During this FREE two-week virtual program, participants will learn the computer science skills they need to make an impact, get an inside look into the tech field, and join a supportive lifelong sisterhood – all while being virtually hosted by influential companies like AT&T, Goldman Sachs, Disney, and more. Girls and non-binary students currently in grades 9-10 are eligible to apply. Need-based stipends of up to $300 are available for those who qualify. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Encourage young people to apply today at girlswhocode.com/virtualsipform or learn more in an informational Girls who Code webinar on Wednesday, May 20.   Photo/Illustration Credits: Catherine Smith Photography; JESHOOTS.com, 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.