Tag Archives: State Library Service

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

State Library Updates & Reminders

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..
MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..

TO: Minnesota Library Staff
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: December 2, 2014
SUBJECT: Upcoming Workshops for Libraries

Webinars, Workshops and More

Ignite Afterschool

Ignite Afterschool is a statewide network of organizations dedicated to engaging young people in quality afterschool activities. With MDE and its partners, Ignite is building a statewide framework for quality afterschool programs. Library staff are invited to attend regional working meetings in December to provide feedback on the emerging quality framework.

Registration is now open for “Powering Learning. Expanding Possibilities,” a statewide out-of-school time learning and STEM conference co-hosted by Ignite and the STEM Network that will be held on April 14-15, 2015. Library staff are invited to submit conference session proposals on the conference themes — Systems Building and Partnerships, Integrating 21st Century Skills and STEM and Sharing Your Stories and Successes: Data, Evaluation and Messaging.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8791.

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. With the deadline to submit films set for December 20, 2014 (deadline extended to 1-16-2015 as of 12-11-2014), there are only weeks left to create. Please promote the opportunity to local kids and families through your library or school. Visit the State Library Services web page to download the logo, a sample press release, a flyer, a video invite from 90-Second Newbery founder James Kennedy, and more.

Mark your calendar for the first-ever Minnesota screening of the best 90-Second Newbery entries on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 3-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy, founder and curator of the 90-Second Newbery, 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.

Libraries and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The recently enacted federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) includes exciting opportunities for libraries. From the potential to partner with Job Centers to the possibility to expand digital literacy services, WIOA recognizes the important part libraries play in workforce development and the benefits of strengthening that role.

Please join us for a webinar about WIOA and Minnesota’s libraries on Thursday, December 11, from 1-2 pm. Rick Roy, Director of Workforce Coordination at the Department of Employment and Economic Development, will give an overview of WIOA and lead a discussion of opportunities for partnerships and alignment of services.

Please join the webinar via WebEx. The session will be recorded. For more information, please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508.

For more information about State Library Services, please contact Jennifer Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8791.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

MN State Library Updates

state_mnTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: November 20, 2014
SUBJECT: Web Page Updates, 90-Second Newbery and MNsure

State Library Services Web Page Updated
The State Library Services web page is a one-stop resource for many of State Library Services’ programs and activities. There, you’ll find resources for promoting the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival, an online form to request our Early Literacy and Keep Reading Fun bookmarks, and a link to more information about the statewide initiative to explore the future of e-books. You can also easily access information about library construction grants, LSTA grant opportunities, and statewide public library statistics.

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. With the deadline to submit films set for December 20, 2014 (deadline extended to 1-16-2015 as of 12-11-2014), there’s only one month left to create. Please promote the opportunity to local kids and families through your library or school. Visit the State Library Services web page to download the logo, a sample press release, a flyer, a video invite from 90-Second Newbery founder James Kennedy, and more.

Mark your calendar for the first-ever Minnesota screening of the best 90-Second Newbery entries on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 3:00-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy, founder and curator of the 90-Second Newbery, and Kelly Barnhill, Minneapolis author of The Witch’s Boy. For more details, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge, Library Program and Partnership Coordinator, at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

MNsure Webinar for Libraries Available for Viewing
MNsure’s webinar on open enrollment is available for viewing on MNsure’s YouTube channel.  The session reviewed MNsure’s marketing, outreach, and operations for the current open enrollment period that runs through February 15, 2015. For more information or to request the webinar slides, please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

MN State Library Updates & Reminders – Part 2

state_mnTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: November 4, 2014
SUBJECT: MNsure, Out-of-School Time Meals, 90-Second Newbery, MBTBL Advisory Committee Vacancies

MNsure and Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

MNsure is hosting a second webinar designed specifically for the library community on Thursday, November 13, from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Participants will get a preview of MNsure’s marketing, outreach, and operations for the upcoming open enrollment period that runs from November 15, 2014 through February 15, 2015. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions.

Preregistration is not required. To view the webinar, please follow this link. Depending on browser settings, you may have to click “join as a participant.” Participants will be able to join the meeting about 10 minutes before it is scheduled to begin. To hear the webinar, dial 1-888-742-5095 and enter Conference Code 9879144187 when prompted.

For more information, please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508.

Summer and At-Risk Food Programs for Kids

Fewer than 17 percent of Minnesota kids who benefit from the free or reduced-price school lunch program have access to summer and afterschool food programs. Limited access to free food programs, particularly during the summer, leaves many children hungry. Public libraries can help make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. Begin planning your summer 2015 participation today, there are many ways your library can get involved:

1. Learn about local free meal resources and direct patrons to them.
Find information about Minnesota meal sites on MDE’s At-Risk Afterschool Meals web page and Summer Food Service Program web page.

2. Provide information at your library for patrons to take home.
Make available take-home information for families in need. Contact Second Harvest Heartland for pads of tear-off sheets to passively promote summer food service.

3. Your library may be eligible to be an at-risk afterschool and/or summer food site or sponsor.
Sites store and distribute food, supervise meal service, provide activities, and keep a daily record of participation. To notify MDE of your desire to participate as a site, fill out an interest survey. Sponsors manage multiple sites, coordinate fund distribution and reporting. Read through this toolkit for more information about how to be a sponsor.

Contact State Library Services, Jen Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us, for more information about how your library can work with summer and out-of-school time food programs.

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 write, storyboard, produce, act, frame and edit. James Kennedy, the founder and curator of the 90-Second Newbery, made his own 90-second movie about the 90-Second Newbery inviting you to take part.

Public librarians, school librarians, homeschool parents and teachers are encouraged to work with their kids to make movies. The deadline to submit films is December 20, 2014 (deadline extended to 1-16-2015 as of 12-11-2014). 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. At least ten Minnesota-made video submissions are currently in the works. You can start working with your kids today.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the first-ever Minnesota screening of the year’s best entries on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 3:00-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy 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.

Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library Advisory Committee Vacancies
The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL) is currently accepting applications for positions on its advisory committee. The committee advises the staff of the MBTBL on long-range plans and library services, and is comprised of people who use the MBTBL. Application forms are available online and must be submitted by November 25, 2014, to be assured of full consideration. Visit the Secretary of State website for complete descriptions.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

MN State Library Updates & Reminders

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..
MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..

TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: October 28, 2014
SUBJECT: GCFLearnFree.org Webinar, Libraries and Service Delivery Consultant Group

Webinar: Get to Know GCFLearnFree.org

State Library Services is building a new relationship with Goodwill Community Foundation. Over the past decade, the foundation’s GCFLearnFree.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From using Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, and more, the website offers more than 90 free, self-paced tutorials, including more than 1,000 lessons.

Please join us for an informational webinar on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 from 11 a.m. to noon. Get a virtual tour of the site and learn how other libraries have successfully used GCFLearnFree.org with their patrons. Preregistration is not required. To view the webinar, please follow this link. If requested, enter your name and email address, then click “Join.”

For more information, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at 651-582-8356 or jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us.

Libraries and Service Delivery Consultant Group 

The Libraries and Service Delivery Consultant Group met at the Minnesota Department of Education on October 20. The PowerPoint presentation from the meeting may be found on the MDE website.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2014 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville in Conference Center A, Room 13. Please note the time change. For more information about the Libraries and Service Delivery Consultant Group, please contact Jennifer Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8791.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Updates & Reminders from State Library Services

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..

TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: October 20, 2014
SUBJECT: MBTBL job opening, GCFLearnFree.org, LSTA Mini Grants due, MLA thanks and 90-Second Newbery

Position Opening at the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL) is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time library technician. Located in Faribault, the MBTBL provides library services to individuals with a visual, physical or reading disability that prevents them from reading standard print materials. The vacancy announcement and application form may be found online at the My State Job Search website. The closing date for the position is October 23, 2014. For more information please contact Catherine Durivage at 507-384-6860 or catherine.durivage@state.mn.us.

Free 21st Century Skills Training Website: GCFLearnFree.org
Over the past decade, the Goodwill Community Foundation’s GCFLearnFree.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century. From using Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, and more, the website offers more than 90 free, self-paced tutorials, including more than 1,000 lessons.

Please join us for an informational webinar on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 from 11 a.m. to noon. Get a virtual tour of the site and learn how other libraries have successfully used GCFLearnFree.org with their patrons. Preregistration is not required. View the webinar. If requested, enter your name and email address, then click “Join.”

For more information, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at 651-582-8356 or jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us.

LSTA Mini Grant applications due November 5
State Library Services is pleased to offer two competitive mini grant opportunities — Playful Learning in Libraries and Expanded Learning through Libraries. With streamlined applications, mini grants are short term grant awards of up to $10,000 for projects taking place from approximately early January through September 30, 2015. Applications for both mini grant opportunities are due on November 5.

Playful Learning in Libraries mini grants are offered to bolster the capacity of public libraries to provide welcoming and engaging play-friendly spaces and experiences that engage children ages 0-8 and their parents/caregivers in play and learning. These projects will also ensure that early learners experience a variety of playful activities that support their growth across the six domains of Minnesota’s early childhood indicators of progress. For inspiration, see what was done at the Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove with a Playful Learning in Libraries mini grant. For more information about this opportunity, contact Jackie Blagsvedt at jacqueline.blagsvedt@state.mn.us or 651-582-8805.

Expanded Learning through Libraries mini grants are designed to support activity-based partnerships between schools and public libraries. The overarching goal is to increase organizational capacity to connect students with meaningful out-of-school time opportunities that improve literacy, academic achievement, college readiness and more. For more information about this opportunity, contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

Grant opportunity documents, including timelines, are available on MDE’s grants management site.

Great to See You at the MLA Conference!
State Library Services staff members Jen Nelson, Jackie Blagsvedt and Jen Verbrugge enjoyed connecting with you at the MLA Conference. Thanks to all who attended the programs we presented and chatted with us about your libraries. Please continue the conversation — feel free to contact any State Library Services staff member by email or phone. We love to hear from you!

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 write, storyboard, produce, act, frame and edit. James Kennedy, the founder and curator of the 90-Second Newbery, made his own 90-second movie about the 90-Second Newbery inviting you to take part.

Public librarians, school librarians, homeschool parents and teachers are encouraged to work with their kids to make movies. The deadline to submit films is December 20, 2014 (deadline extended to 1-16-2015 as of 12-11-2014). 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 first-ever Minnesota screening of the best local entries on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 3:00-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy 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.