Check out the latest news from our colleagues at the State Library Services! And we include their link at the bottom of this newsletter excerpt, so you can subscribe yourself.
Wanted: Reviewers for Competitive and Mini Grants
Are you interested in learning more about grant making? Do you wonder what happens during a grant review process? Do you have experience with connected learning or computational thinking? Have you attended a YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) Transforming Teen Services training on connected learning or computational thinking? If you answered, “Yes!” to any of those questions, please consider becoming a reviewer for the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) competitive or mini grants. Grant reviewers independently read and score applications based on established criteria, and then join a panel to discuss grant scores. Contact Leah Larson (651-582-8604) for more information.
Connect with Minnesota Writers
Virtual events are still a thing this spring! Did you know that many Minnesota writers are available for virtual events for classrooms, libraries, and beyond? The Minnesota Writers Directory, a project run by the Minnesota Center for the Book, connects writers across the state with people who want to hear more about their stories and their craft. The Friends is featuring a rotating list of writers from different genres each month who are available for virtual events. This month’s featured writers are: Bonnie Graves, Christopher Lehman, and Carrie Mesrobian. Learn more in the Virtual Events Spotlight, and browse the directory by author, genre, and Skype/Zoom availability to find a writer who is a good fit for your audiences.
Relief Renewals for BIPOC ALSC Members
This spring, the Friends of ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) will fund the renewal of 50 ALSC and ALA memberships to members who are experiencing furlough, personal job loss, household job loss, income loss or any form of financial hardship due to COVID-19. COVID-19 disproportionately and negatively impacts communities of color; therefore, these memberships will prioritize individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). In funding these memberships, ALSC’s goal is to honor BIPOC members’ commitment and to increase retention of a diverse membership while reducing barriers to participation. The ALSC Membership Committee will be reviewing applications. To apply, submit an application by March 30, 2021.
Minnesota ♥s Reading
To celebrate the 2021 Minnesota Book Awards, the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library are asking readers from every corner of Minnesota to show their love of reading – and their state. It’s easy: take a selfie with a book you love in a place you love. Any book. Any place. (Let’s see some Minnesota landmarks, people)! Then share it on social with #mnbookawards for the chance to be featured during this year’s virtual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony! You can register for the 2021 Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony at www.thefriends.org/mnba.
“Healing Amidst Hurt” Training
Minnesota CarePartner, a social justice-based agency providing culturally focused mental health services, invites registrations for their upcoming virtual training, “Healing Amidst Hurt,” led by Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya. In this training, attendees will explore principles of healing from racial trauma within the context of the Derek Chauvin trial. The training is scheduled for Friday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration is $30. A limited number of free registrations are available for BIPOC attendees. Please contact info@mncarepartner.com or 612-289-5656 for more information. Photo/illustration credits: Arif Fajar Yulianto, Noun Project
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.