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July 2021, Issue 2

Updates From State Library Services Early Childhood and the Somali Community State Library Services is contracting with Ruqia Abdi to provide a series of online workshops about early childhood and the Somali community. Ruqia is the author of Better Parenting: A Guide for Somali Parents in the Diaspora (available both in English and Somali). Ruqia will bring her blended experience of Somali culture, public library work and parenthood to translate early childhood research-based theory into practice. Times and topics will be as follows: Early Childhood and Public Libraries – Fri., Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Early Childhood and the Somali Community – Mon., Aug. 23, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Parent Engagement and Education – Fri., Aug. 27, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Program Implementation Tips and Q & A – Mon., Aug. 30, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Register for Early Childhood and the Somali Community series. Attending all sessions in the series is recommended, but not required. The workshops will not be recorded. Please contact Leah Larson (651-582-8604) if you have questions. Updates from the State DEED Seeks Community Reviewers We are excited to welcome a wide variety of community reviewers to volunteer and participate in the review process for adult and youth workforce development training grants during the summer and fall of 2021. We believe a more inclusive process can help us make funding decisions that will support our commitment to reducing disparities in employment in Minnesota. We are seeking people with an interest in workforce development, and experience in grantmaking, education, training, workforce, and/or a related area. We will provide a small stipend to eligible community reviewers who meet eligibility requirements, complete training and review on time, and complete the required process to receive payments. Ready to apply as a community reviewer? Please submit a short application form. Have more questions? Join us for an optional information session for community reviewers on August 12, at 3 p.m. The session will be recorded and posted on DEED’s YouTube page if you cannot attend. Updates from Partners Minnesota Libraries Lead

During the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries rose to the occasion to provide services in new and unprecedented ways. The pandemic also provided an opportunity to reflect upon how we, as library staff, respond to societal challenges and a unique opportunity to lead the library profession forward. A statewide team of library staff has been discussing several societal challenges that impact our work: disinformation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; distance learning, and the digital divide. In partnership with NCXT, we plan to host sessions to discuss how Minnesota library staff prepare and respond to these challenges. Out of these discussions, a statewide plan to address these strategically will be developed. Your voice is a critical part of this iterative process. We need to hear from library staff at all levels – frontline staff, directors, and anyone in between. Please complete the NCXT survey by Friday, July 30. It’s quick! It will take 5-10 minutes to complete. If you have questions about the survey or the project, please contact Verena Getahun (verena.getahun@state.mn.us) or Tami Lee (tamara.l.lee@co.ramsey.mn.us).

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.

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