TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: March 16, 2016
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

Now Open – Two 2016 LSTA Grant Opportunities
State Library Services is pleased to announce two 2016 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) competitive grant opportunities.

2016 LSTA Competitive Grant 
An estimated $650,000 is available to fund grant projects that help to achieve Minnesota’s LSTA Five-Year Plan (2013-2017). Grant awards will support projects that address LSTA Goal One and one of its four subgoals. The overarching goal is to expand library services for learning and access to high-quality information resources for all Minnesotans.

2016 World’s Best Workforce Mini Grant
An estimated $35,000 is available to help libraries offer programs and services that address Goal 1.2 in the Minnesota LSTA Five-Year Plan (2013-2017) and the World’s Best Workforce legislation by improving library-based learning opportunities for children and young adults.

Applications for both opportunities are available on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Grants Management site.To learn more, visit the LSTA webpage, view the 2016 grant opportunities timeline and join us for a grant guidance webinar on Thursday, March 31, 2016, 1:30-2:30 p.m. or Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Please contact Jackie Blagsvedt (651-582-8805) for more information.

Register Today for the Libraries Serving Youth Meetup
Join the nearly 40 other librarians who have already registered to attend this annual opportunity for school librarians and public librarians to meet, network and share ideas in a casual setting. We’ll meet at MDE in Roseville on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get creative ideas, connect with like-minded professionals about issues important to you, and learn about diversity in children’s literature from Cathy Camper—author of the critically-acclaimed and fan-favorite graphic novel, Lowriders in Space. At the Meetup, you’ll also get a sneak peek at the sequel, Lowriders to the Center of the Earth, scheduled to hit bookstore and library shelves on July 5, 2016. Lunch is provided so register today to ensure we’ll have enough food. For more information, please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356).

Attend Regional Meetings to Strengthen Adult Learning Communities
Mark your calendar and plan to join colleagues from adult education, libraries and workforce development for Better Together, a full-day learning opportunity. The workshops are designed to increase our collective capacity to work together to improve adult literacy and workforce outcomes for Minnesotans.

At each session, you’ll hear promising practices for collaboration across organizations and learn about free resources that promote digital literacy and workforce skills. You’ll also have a chance to work with your local partners to develop a collaborative project.

April 29, 2016 – Roseville at Minnesota Department of Education
May 9, 2016 – Mankato at Country Inn and Suites
May 16, 2016 – Grand Rapids at Saw Mill Inn

Register today for the workshop nearest you. For more information, to request an accommodation, or to be included on a mailing list for future announcements, please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508).

Brush Up on Legal Reference Basics
The Minnesota Coalition of County Law Libraries (MCCLL) and the Minnesota State Law Library invite you to join your local law librarians to learn more about:

– Navigating the new Minnesota Judicial Branch webpage (court forms) and a look at the new State Law Library webpage
– Protecting yourself and diffusing difficult customers
– Making appropriate referrals and avoid unauthorized practice of law
– What is the Conciliation Court (small claims) experience really like?

The training will take place in the Plato Conference Room at 90 Plato Boulevard in Saint Paul on April 22, 2016 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. There is free on-site parking. For more information, please contact Mary Ellen Gallagher (952-891-7135).