We are sharing the latest news from the State Library Services from around the state!
Updates From State Library Services
Welcome Cassy Leeport!
 |
| The State Library Services team is growing! We are thrilled to welcome Cassy Leeport to the team as the Library Development and ARPA Program Specialist. Cassy will coordinate and administer the American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to the Minnesota Department of Education from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Cassy comes to us from Bemidji State University where she oversaw the circulation desk of the AC Clark Library on campus. She previously served as the Director of Library Services and Tribal Archives at Red Lake Nation College. Keep your eyes peeled for communication from Cassy regarding grants and support for workforce development initiatives. |
Are You Interested? YALSA Trainings
 Over the last three years, Leah Larson of State Library Services and Andrea Egbert of Anoka County Library have trained well over 200 Minnesota library staff, in-person and online, around the state, with YALSA’s (Young Adult Library Services Association) Transforming Teen Services curriculum. It’s time to take stock and gauge interest in future trainings! Do you have any interest in attending a course on a suite of topics from Connected Learning to Computational Thinking to Teen Development? Whether you’ve participated in a YALSA training in the past or are just now considering it, please fill out a short survey by Friday, October 29. Take the Interest Survey for Future YALSA Trainings Please note that these trainings are not just for youth services staff, and can be useful to any staff who interact with teens. If you have questions, please contact Leah Larson. |
Create Anti-Racist Book Clubs for Youth
 Join us in November for a 2-day workshop about creating and leading anti-racist book clubs for youth! we are, which stands for working to extend anti-racist education, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides anti-racism training for children, families, and educators. During this training participants will: Explore we are’s program curriculum Understand how to plan K-5 programs in libraries with an anti-racist lens Develop customized plans with a community of educators and library staff Dates: November 17 and November 18 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Participants must be able to attend both workshop days fully. The workshops will not be recorded and space is limited. Please register for the we are workshop by November 5. Please contact Ashley Bieber if you have questions about this workshop. |
Connect with Youth Services Staff
 State Library Services began holding regular check-ins with youth services staff in 2020 and these calls are continuing through the end of this year. Join colleagues from around the state for topical discussion and casual conversation to share ideas for serving youth and families in your community. |
November Topic: Planning Programs That Align with Your Library’s Mission
When: November 11, 2021, 2 – 3 p.m.
Meeting ID: 899 4053 2193, Passcode: 074739
Call-in Number: 1-312-626-6799
December Topic: Rebranding the Library in the Time of Social Distancing
When: December 15, 2021, 3 – 4 p.m.
Meeting ID: 822 9434 0283, Passcode: 859977
Call-in Number: 1-312-626-6799
Updates from Partners
Take the Next Steps with Minnesota Libraries Lead
 |
| The Minnesota Libraries Lead Planning Team, composed of library leaders from across the state, spanning all library types, formed in Summer 2021. We believe that, collectively, Minnesota libraries’ missions to provide access to information make us core partners in addressing societal challenges such as the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion; the rise of disinformation, and the need for digital equity. We are reminded by colleagues from across the country and globe that Minnesota has become a focus of racial equity in the world; this drives our desire to take action together. In the past 6 months, we have heard from over 595 people who work in libraries regarding their thoughts and beliefs about library investments through individual interviews, surveys, and a convening to make meaning of the quantitative data. The Minnesota Library Leads Planning Team has taken your feedback at each step of the way and developed four core objectives. Now, we invite you to join us for a webinar on Thursday October 28 to explore and plan next steps for people working in Minnesota libraries. When: October 28, 3:30 – 4:30 pm Where: Register for the online convening We will provide plenty of opportunities for anonymous feedback on the core objectives, so don’t feel shy (no breakout rooms here!). The webinar will be recorded. |
Partner with Community-Based Organizations on Afterschool Grant Program
 Ignite Afterschool has funding available under the American Rescue Plan, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. These funds will be awarded through a grant competition that is open to community-based organizations to provide comprehensive, evidence-based to programming before school, after school and during non-school days during the school year for K-12 students. These funds may be used by nongovernmental, nonprofit community-based organizations that offer programs that address the academic, social-emotional and mental health needs of Minnesota students. Learn more about the grant opportunity on the Ignite Afterschool website. Please note that libraries cannot apply for this grant, but eligible applicants are encouraged to partner with libraries, schools, other non-profit, for-profit and faith-based organizations and/or public sector partners (i.e., city, county) and Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized tribes. |
Apply to Review Afterschool Grants
 |
| Ignite Afterschool is seeking Community Reviewers to review the Believe and Build Afterschool Grants! We are looking for reviewers from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, especially those who reflect the groups of young people prioritized by the grant program (see definition below*). We especially encourage young people aged 15-24 to apply. Community grant reviewers will be compensated between $260-$300 depending on the number of applications reviewed. What: Review 8-10 grant applications for afterschool programs in Minnesota. Why: Review grant applications that close opportunity gaps for young people who have historically had less access to afterschool programs. When: The process begins November 9 and goes through December 12. How: Submit your application by October 24. *Believe & Build Grant Program prioritizes historically underserved young people which includes: students who quality for free and reduced-price lunch; young people with disabilities; English Language Learners; Asian American, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other Communities of Color; migrant students; young people experiencing homelessness; children in foster care; LGBTQAI+ students; and rural students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Photos/Illustrations: Ann H, Daniil Onischenko , Kevin Lehtla, Katie Gerrard, Mark Decile |
| 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. |
| Subscribe to our updates |