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Updates from State Library Services

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TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: October 26, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

Revised Q&A for Library Construction Grant Applications

The library construction grant program provides  funding for renovation, construction, and improvement projects that result in more accessible public library facilities. An estimated $848,000 in state funding is available to award approximately three public library construction grants in this second round of 2014 funding. Revised questions and answers about the Library Construction Grant are available on the MDE grant opportunity website. Scroll down to the Library Construction Grant to find the updated Q&A document and application materials. Please remember that applications must be physically received (not postmarked) by November 10, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. Central Time to be considered for this round of grants. Contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508 for more information.

Share Storytime Lesson Plans with Librarians across Minnesota

We are excited to announce the creation of an online storytime lesson plan resource created for and by Minnesota librarians! The Minnesota Storytime Hub houses an easily accessible set of high quality resources that streamline storytime planning, increase awareness of materials used successfully in storytime practice, and allow professionals to share quality early literacy practices. A dozen children’s librarians from across Minnesota have already contributed lesson plans, and now it’s ready for you! Take a look around, and then start remixing already existing plans or adding your own. Check out our instructions to register with OER Commons and guidelines for adding lesson plans. We can’t wait to watch the Hub grow and expand with your expertise! If you have questions or comments, please contact Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us.

Help Us Plan the Next Libraries Serving Youth Meetup

The next Libraries Serving Youth Meetup is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2016—and we would like your help developing an agenda. While we know it will feature a presentation by Cathy Camper, author of the critically acclaimed graphic novel Lowriders in Space, we want to make sure we’re best using this rare time when media specialists and public librarians from across the state are in the same room. If you’re either a media specialist or a public librarian serving youth, and you’d like to help plan this really cool event, please contact Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us by November 6.

Take Your Learning Online: Upcoming Webinars

Note: The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires advance notice in order to provide a requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice to cancel a requested accommodation.

Get Familiar with the Upcoming 2015 Public Library Annual Survey

Public library directors, survey reporters, and others interested in library data collection are invited to a 2015 Public Library Annual Report webinar hosted by our State Data Coordinator. Joe Manion will share changes to the 2015 survey approved by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). You’ll have a chance to learn about modifications to federal data elements and definitions, and suggest changes or additions to the state-level data that we collect. You’ll also be able to share any concerns about the annual report process. Please join the discussion on Wednesday, October 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Registration is not required. Join the WebEx meeting online or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using conference code 289 945 0924 / meeting number 253 591 132. Please email Joe at joe.manion@state.mn.us to request a copy of the webinar slides after October 28.

Improve the Health of Your Community through Your Library

State Library Services and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation are co-hosting a webinar featuring libraries that take innovative approaches to helping people be healthier. In 2012, the Foundation initiated Public Libraries for Health, awarding grants to libraries across Minnesota to develop projects to help people reach their full health potential. The webinar will feature grant recipients Thorson Memorial Library in Elbow Lake (job readiness) and Hennepin County Library (programs to serve homeless patrons), giving practical suggestions for developing and maintaining successful programs. If you want to implement a program to address the unique needs of your community, the webinar will introduce the Public Libraries for Health toolkit, a website to take you step-by-step through the process. Please register and then join us on Tuesday, November 3, 10-11:30 a.m. On the day of the webinar, join the WebEx meeting online or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using conference code 492 064 9083/ meeting number 595 612 857. Please email Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us for more information.

Basic Records Management for Minnesota Public Libraries

Charles Rodgers of the State Archives Department of the Minnesota Historical Society will present a brief webinar review of the state records laws, the definition of government records, basic records management issues, and the role of the State Archives on Wednesday, November 18 from 1-2 p.m. Special emphasis will be given to records created and maintained by public libraries, including retention and disposition guidance, and documents with historical value. Charles is familiar with general records retention schedules for Minnesota cities and counties, which include sections addressing public library records. There will be ample time for questions and answers. No registration is necessary, just join the WebEx meeting online or call 1-888-742-5095  (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using conference code 874 403 3672 / meeting number 253 118 533. Please contact Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us with questions.

Attend Taxes 101 for Minnesota Libraries

Believe it or not, the 2016 tax season is right around the corner! To help libraries serve their communities during the tax season, State Library Services and Prepare + Prosper’s Claim it! campaign invite you to Taxes 101 for Minnesota Libraries on Thursday, November 19, 11 a.m.-noon. The webinar will cover topics such as who needs to file taxes, basics about tax credits for individuals and families with low to moderate income, free tax preparation sites, frequently asked questions, and community resources. Our goal is to give libraries the resources they need to make tax time a little less overwhelming. Register today and then join the WebEx meeting online or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using conference code 874 403 3672 / meeting number 593 489 753. Please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us with questions.

Calling All Kid Filmmakers!

The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers make movies that creatively tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in ninety seconds or less. Making the film is a fun, creative and multi-faceted educational exercise. Kids cooperatively write, storyboard, produce, direct, costume, act, frame and edit their films.

Public librarians, school librarians, homeschool parents, teachers, and scout leaders are encouraged to work with their kids to make movies. The deadline to submit films for the 2015-2016 film festival is January 10, 2016. Inspiration and more information can be found on the 90-Second Newbery website. Want to make a 90-Second Newbery video, but are daunted by the project? Download this handy guide of tips, tricks, and strategies. Mark your calendar for the second annual Minnesota screening of the best local entries on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 3:00-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy (90-Second Newbery founder and middle grade author) and Kelly Barnhill (Minneapolis author of The Witch’s Boy). For more details, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

Encourage Students to Enter the Letters About Literature National Essay Contest

Letters About Literature asks student readers to write a letter to an author describing how his or her work touched their life in a personal way. Authors can be of any genre or time period and can come from any country.

The contest focuses on reader response and reflective writing and has three competition levels: Level 1 for students in grades 4-6; Level 2 for students in grades 7 and 8; and Level 3 for students in grades 9-12. State level judges choose the top letter writers from each of the three competition levels who will advance to the National Level Judging.

Then, a panel of national judges for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will select one National Winner per competition level to receive a $1,000 cash award. The judges will also select one National Honor per competition level to receive a $200 cash award. For official guidelines and entry forms, please visit www.thefriends.org.

 

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Updates from the Minnesota State Library Services

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TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: September 30, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

Get Ready for Supercharged Storytimes across Minnesota

Wow! On October 5, 81 library staff members from all across the state will start supercharging their storytimes by participating in an OCLC-led project that will educate and empower them as early literacy influencers in their communities. They will engage in weekly online workshops and connect with peers across the state as they learn and try out new practices. In addition to increasing their early literacy expertise, participants will contribute to research that documents the benefits children and families gain by attending storytimes. We are excited to work with so many dedicated library staff on this project and look forward to sharing the results! Contact Jackie Blagsvedt at jacqueline.blagsvedt@state.mn.us or 651-582-8805 for more information.

Turn a Newbery Award-Winning Book into a 90-Second Film

Interested in taking a fast-paced crash course on how to make a film for the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival? Join Film Festival founder and middle-grade author James Kennedy for a whirlwind, hands-on workshop at the Minnesota Department of Education in Roseville on Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 9 a.m.-Noon. No experience is necessary, but registration is required. Register to attend by October 8, 2015. Bring along your tablet or laptop (and a kid if you’d like) for the best experience. Contact Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356 for more information.

Lights on Afterschool: Celebrate at Your Library

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool (LoA) is a nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their importance to children, families and communities. Scheduled this year to take place on October 22, it’s a great opportunity to share how your library creates a welcoming space for youth.

And while your library might not offer organized afterschool programs, you do offer “stealth” learning opportunities just by being open when kids are not in school. If you’d like to host a celebration, Ignite Afterschool, Minnesota’s afterschool network can offer support, including a toolkit. Subscribe to Ignite Afterschool’s email updates to get more information right in your inbox.

If you want to get started right away, here are some additional resources to help you plan:

Contact Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356 for more information.

Stay Updated about the 2015 Public Library Annual Report

Thanks to the hard work of dozens of public library staff members, who diligently collect and enter information, Minnesota’s 2014 public library data is now available. You can find a 2014 report for each public library State Library Services’ Library Statistics web page. And in the near future, we’ll be publishing selected data that provides a statewide overview of key data.

*Pausing to take a breath* It’s now time to get ready for the 2015 survey. You’re invited to a webinar hosted by Joe Manion, Data Coordinator. Joe will share changes to the 2015 survey approved by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). You’ll have a chance to learn about modifications to federal data elements and definitions, and suggest modifications or additions to the state-level data that we collect. You’ll also be able to share any concerns about the annual report process. This webinar is for library directors, survey reporters, and anyone interested in library data collection.

Please join the discussion on Wednesday, October 28, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Registration is not required. Join the WebEx meeting online or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using conference code 289 945 0924 / meeting number 253 591 132. Please email Joe at joe.manion@state.mn.us to request a copy of the webinar slides after October 28.

(Note: The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires advance notice in order to provide a requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice to cancel a requested accommodation.)

Bring the Eco Experience to Your Public Library

The Eco Experience, a project of the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is the second largest exhibit at the State Fair. It is a place to discover sustainable options for home, garden and family; to learn about clean water, urban farming, furniture and clothing reuse, recycling, air quality, climate change, renewable energy, and eco-friendly transportation. It is one of the State Fair’s most popular attractions, even winning the People’s Choice Award in 2013, but it is only available to the public during the twelve days of the fair.

Beginning this December, you can bring a piece of the Eco Experience to your library for a month-long stay.  

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has fabricated a traveling tabletop exhibit, “Your Resilient Community: Assets to Help Your Community Weather a Changing Climate.” Consisting of two large pieces and a portable table, the interactive exhibit helps identify community assets which address three changing climate challenges affecting Minnesota communities.

Exhibit spec sheets will be available at State Library Services’ booth in the MLA conference exhibit hall, and on the State Library Services website after the conference. We’re finalizing details related to the circulation (including an online reservation form) and will share more information by November 1. In the meantime, please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508 for more information.

Apply for a Public Library Construction Grant
The Library Construction Grant program provides public libraries with funding for renovation, construction, and improvement projects that result in more accessible library facilities. An estimated $848,000 in state funding is available to award approximately three public library construction grants in this second round of 2014 funding. Projects may:

  • Remove architectural barriers from a library building or site.
  • Remediate conditions hazardous to health or safety.
  • Renovate or expand an existing building for use as a library.
  • Construct a new library.

Application forms and instructions are available on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Grants Management site. Scroll to Library Construction Grant opportunity. Completed applications are due November 10, 2015. Please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508 for more information.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Updates from MN State Library Services

state_mnTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: June 5, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

Your Library Can Help Build the World’s Best Workforce

The Libraries and World’s Best Workforce mini grant initiative is designed to help libraries offer programs, services and learning activities that provide educational opportunities for children and young adults (ages 0-25), especially those living in poverty or facing other barriers to success, while tying in the goals of the World’s Best Workforce. An estimated $75,000 is available for grant awards of up to $10,000 each.

Join us for a grant guidance webinar to learn more about applying for this mini grant opportunity. Both webinars will cover the same content. There’s no need to pre-register, just click on one of the links below to participate:

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 10-11 a.m.
Thursday, July 16, 2015 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Over the last year we’ve seen libraries and schools come together to try out new ways to help kids be more successful in school and in life. This year, we’ve extended the application period until October 2 to give you a chance to build the partnerships that will allow you to creatively serve your community. And we’re looking forward to seeing how your library proposes making sure that kids have access to the tools and resources they need to be successful.

The application and instructions are available at the Minnesota Department of Education’s grants management site. For more information, please contact Jackie Blagsvedt at jacqueline.blagsvedt@state.mn.us or 651-582-8805.

Connect with Ignite Afterschool Statewide

Ignite Afterschool is a statewide network dedicated to developing high-quality afterschool and summer programs for all youth. With the help of their Regional Igniter partners, Ignite Afterschool is holding three meetings across the state to advance afterschool opportunities for youth. To learn more about the meetings and RSVP, follow the links below:

Attend the Northwest Minnesota Regional Meeting in Detroit Lakes, June 15, Noon-3 p.m.
Attend the Southeast Minnesota Regional Meeting in Rochester, June 23, 1-3:30 p.m.
Attend the Northeast Minnesota Regional Meeting in Duluth, June 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Each meeting will include a(n):

  • Opportunity to connect with fellow youth workers.
  • Introduction to Believe It. Build It. – Minnesota’s Guide to Effective Afterschool Practices.
  • Discussion on how to best put it the Believe It. Build It. guide to use.
  • Updates and next steps on statewide afterschool funding legislation.
  • Lunch or light snack.

This is a terrific opportunity to connect with out-of-school-time program providers in your region and find out how you can work together.

Upgrade Your Knowledge of Digital Learning

The Minnesota eLearning Summit is for K-12, college, and university educators and innovators in the Midwest who are committed to effective online and blended learning. Connect with more than 400 fellow educators at nearly 80 concurrent breakout sessions on July 29 and 30 at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Online registration and the draft program are available now; take advantage of the discount for early registration by July 1, 2015. Visit mnelearningsummit.org for more information.

School Librarians, You’re 2 Cool 2 Be 4-gotten–Stay in Touch This Summer

School is out—or nearly out—for the summer. If you’re looking at a work break over the summer, please stay connected with State Library Services. We promise to keep you updated about grant opportunities, workshops, programming and more. Email Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us with your personal email address, and she’ll get you signed up right away.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

MN State Library Updates

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TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: April 27, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services: Financial Capability Roundtable, VISTA Opening at State Library Services and more

Financial Capability Roundtable
Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed April as Financial Capability Month, an opportunity to demonstrate how financial education and empowerment can positively impact all Minnesotans. A Financial Capability Roundtable, featuring keynote speaker Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will bring stakeholders and advocates together to connect and identify opportunities for enhancing every Minnesotan’s financial future. The Roundtable will be held on Tuesday, April 28 from 1-4:30 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul. Register to attend. Please contact Julia Miller at julia.miller@state.mn.us or 651-539-1467 with questions about the event.

Early Literacy VISTA Opening at State Library Services
Interested in making a difference in the ability of public libraries to deliver high-quality early literacy services? State Library Services is recruiting a full-time VISTA member to work with us on connecting libraries with childcare providers and to develop, deliver and assess early childhood services that improve school readiness in at-risk populations. Apply at the Americorps website. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please contact Jackie Blagsvedt for more information at 651-582-8805 or jacqueline.blagsvedt@state.mn.us.

ITEM Twitter Chat about Summer Reading
With the end of the school year and the start of summer reading programs just around the corner, ITEM is hosting a Twitter chat to engage librarians of all types in a summer reading discussion. You can join in the conversation on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 7 p.m. Share your knowledge about how schools can promote summer reading and the ways schools and public libraries can collaborate to reduce summer slide. It’s easy to take part, just follow the hashtag #mnitem on Twitter starting at 7 p.m. on May 18.

The Meetup Met Up
The first annual Libraries Serving Youth Meetup was held on April 18, 2015 at the Minnesota Department of Education in Roseville. Nearly fifty enthusiastic school media specialists and public librarians came together to learn about stand-out Minnesota school and public library collaborations, share ideas and network. Attendees overwhelmingly expressed their appreciation for this singular opportunity to mix and mingle with colleagues from both schools and public libraries. While State Library Services will host another Meetup next spring, we encourage you to coordinate a meetup between schools and libraries in your region. Please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356 to request slides from the presentations or for tips and tricks in planning your own meetup.