Category Archives: Programs

ALA, Google launch “Libraries Ready to Code”

The American Library Association (ALA) and Google, Inc. are launching the “Libraries Ready to Code” project to investigate the current nature of coding activities in public and school libraries for youth and broaden the reach and scope of this work.
“Libraries today are less about what we have on our shelves and more about what we do for and with people in our schools, campuses and communities,” said ALA President Sari Feldman. “Learning for children and youth today is more flexible, more self-directed, and with greater opportunities to not just use content, but to create and collaborate digitally. Library professionals are committed to facilitating both individual opportunity for all and advancing community progress. This new project with Google sits squarely in our modern public mission.”

Continue reading ALA, Google launch “Libraries Ready to Code”

Summer reading time approaches!

Kids painting flowerpots during the Summer Reading Program
Everyone in the library world knows that summer is a time for kicking back with some new reading, trying out some new programming, and (hopefully!) bringing in more people to your library! It’s a lot of work, but the results are fun for your patrons.

Thinking up these fun things to do can be the hardest part!

Fortunately, many library people face the same issue; so we can all work together to share ideas. One librarian asked for help in making teen craft programs over the summer, and there were many suggestions from other library people. See if any of them would work in your library! Continue reading Summer reading time approaches!

Sheep + LEDs = Amazing!

At CMLE Headquarters, we love innovation! It’s always great to see people trying new things. This video is an example of how a relatively dull job can be made into something creative, exciting, and fun for everyone!

Now, what can we do in libraries this week that might be at least this fun?? Remember: CMLE HQ is here to help you come up with plans, and figure out how to make them reality!

If you have some fun things happening (now, past, or future) in your library, share them below. As a system, we are all stronger when we cooperate together!

Celebrate Pi Day!

Pi pie2
March 14th, better known as Pi Day, is a holiday to celebrate math!

“Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159.

Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. While only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize, and to computationally calculate more and more digits.”

Libraries of all types celebrate this holiday. And if anyone wants to celebrate by bringing pie to CMLE HQ, we support that! Check out some of the strategies libraries use to celebrate: Continue reading Celebrate Pi Day!

Are you joining us? Let’s go eat and talk!

We are getting excited about our second regular social gathering for CMLE library people, and other friends!

Wednesday, March 15
5:30 pm
Old Chicago
4040 2nd St S, St Cloud, MN 56301

This was a common request from our members, to have time away from work, where we can meet people we only see online, to talk with other people who are doing what we do, and to help build bonds across the CMLE system. Whether you are alone in your library, or have lots of other people around, you are part of the CMLE system team!

We had fun last time, and are looking forward to meeting more people – and enjoying some tasty food! ? (I had a calzone last time, and it was great!)

We would love for you to attend! This is going to be casual, everyone paying their own way, and no agenda. The only purpose is to have a regular opportunity for all of us to get together, maybe meet some new people (or people you only know online), and to talk about library stuff. Of course, if photos of kids, pets, or vacations come out to be shared too – absolutely no one will mind!

We will be happy to see you, no matter what. If you can RSVP below, so we have an idea of how many to expect, that will make our planning easier!

Looking forward to hanging out with you!

Are you attending Wed 3/15?