Stay Connected to Your Library Community! Lots of Good Ways Coming Up!

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The pandemic rages on, getting worse all the time. We need to keep focusing on the good things we can do for ourselves and our community members: stay home when possible, wear masks, wash hands. The basic stuff!

And we also need to keep focusing on the basic ideas of being a part of the larger library community – as well as some social self-care!

Whether you are a certified, degreed librarian, or are working a few hours a week shelving books in a library – you count. You are a member of our library profession. Your contribution to serving your community is important and it matters.

And the profession is here for you too! There are a LOT of really interesting, useful virtual events coming up in the next couple of weeks – we want to be sure you know about them.

Register! Attend!

Even if you think your work day is too long and tiring. (It is. We absolutely know it is.) Even if you think you aren’t the kind of person to enjoy a virtual event. Even if you think you don’t need to see other people doing what you do.

Register. Attend.

We’re probably looking at a pretty scary winter ahead, and a lot of time spent physically isolated from other people. Virtual events may or may not be your preferred interaction strategy – but they are the way to go for now. So, dive in! Try something! Perspective matters. Tell yourself that you are the kind of person who can do this – and that makes it happen.

  • Our colleagues at Metronet have been presenting a series of discussions on Real Life Librarianship. So many great things have been discussed here! Wed Oct 21 2020, 4:00pm – 6:00pm their panel will discuss Government Librarian jobs with people from DEED, NASA, and the Braille and Talking Book Library. Register here and get the Zoom link the day before the event!
  • From SLA-MN: In-Demand Skills for Information Professionals SLA-MN presents an opportunity to explore in-demand skills and how to develop them to increase your value in the workplace and job market. Join a discussion of information professionals who’ve pursued expertise in data librarianship, Microsoft Teams, and project management. Registration is free; sign up here to get the link! Nov 12, 2020 12:00 PM
  • LibraryCon Live! 2020 Happening Nov. 5 “We’re excited to offer a day-long celebration of fandom-beloved stories and characters, featuring the creators behind mind-bending speculative fiction, innovative comics, and fan-favorite graphic novels. Plus, network online with other fans and explore our virtual exhibit hall where you’ll hear directly from publishers about their newest books and engage in live chats with featured authors. Whether you’re a public or school librarian, an educator of teens and young adults, or a superfan of graphic novels and sf/fantasy, don’t miss this chance to meet and interact with some of your favorite stars across these genres.” Register here for this free event!
  • Another great event from our colleagues at Metronet: Middle School Media Meetup! Our next meeting with be via Metronet’s Zoom here: https://zoom.us/j/93750325955?pwd=UEYzaUY1Y0lpOTlzYUg2MzBRbGpqUT09  December 3, 2020 – 7:30 pm Hello – What learning model are you in now How are you running your Media Center now? Successes Challenges and how can we help Sharing other than COVID related: PD, Hot Books, and Digital content

There are a lot of other great library virtual events happening – but these will help you to get started!

It’s our first pandemic, so we’re all working to do our best. Try out something different, a library even that might be just right for you, or might give you something you need to be successful in your job or to have a happier day!

The library community is here for you – so dive in!