This is the second of two Weekly Digests today. It has program information.
DPI Announcement: no renewal for United 4 Libraries
The Library Services Team at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, in consultation with System CE Consultants, has decided not to renew a subscription to United 4 Libraries, the ALA resource for public library trustees. The funding source for the pilot year is no longer available and continuing to fund the resource would have a substantial impact on the Professional Learning Fund, which helps fund scholarships and other professional development opportunities to library workers around the state. Because accessing United 4 Libraries is difficult and the content is not Wisconsin-specific, DPI staff and system CE consultants are talking through options for developing a more sustainable, accessible, and applicable method of providing training to our Wisconsin trustees. United 4 Libraries will send notification of the subscription’s end directly to users who have created accounts over the past year.
April is Citizen Science month
Libraries and library systems around the country are invited to celebrate this April!
- Sign up for special support for Wisconsin libraries.
- Learn more about opportunities in Wisconsin.
- SciStarter, the Network of the National Library of Medicine All of Us Program Center, and the All of Us Research program are also spotlighting a keynote online event, Taking Charge of Your Health Data on April 11. Libraries can add it to your event calendar or host a watch party.
- Questions? Email info@scistarter.org
Explore MORE Passport Program
This year it starts on June 1 and ends on August 31. Look for your toolkit in mid-May. The latest Marketing Monthly has announcement graphics.
Book repair IFLS workshop heads-up
Leah saw the announcement of a book repair workshop that is being held before the WAPL Conference in Stevens Point and wanted to make sure that everyone knows IFLS will be holding a book repair workshop from DEMCO in Sand Creek on the morning of August 14. Space is limited to 50 at our workshop, and it will be free to any IFLS-area library workers, with a possible limit to the number of people from each library that will be able to come. More details coming later.
You still have time to fill out the Adult Services survey
Katelyn and team are looking to re-evaluate how they support adult services and determine priorities, resource gaps, etc. The first step in that re-evaluation is a lovely survey to gather some data on the interests and needs of our library staff serving adult patrons.
Please take some time to fill out this survey: https://forms.office.com/r/pn13hg9rwc
Most of the questions are open-ended but there are only six total! I would appreciate any feedback (positive, negative or neutral) that you have. If you are able to take the survey, please do so by April 15th. Feel free to share this survey with any staff that serve adult patrons.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Katelyn, who would love to talk with you. (noack@ifls.lib.wi.us)
New on the Website
- From the Intellectual Freedom Working Group, a great resource on Labeling and Rating Systems. This resource answers some frequently asked questions and includes additional resources. Please take a look!
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IFLS made a few new additions to the kits available to libraries in IFLS-land (and beyond) through Lend Items! These include two new Obstacle Course Kits with sturdy nylon tunnels, step and balance stones,hoops, balls, buckets, and cones—great for all ages, but especially for 3-8 year olds. To supplement the Obstacle Courses, there is also a set of four liquid floor tiles (they change color when you step on them!). In addition, we have added a very cool marble/pipe activity to our Cooperative Play kit, which is a great kit for 5-10 year olds. Check them out to make your summer easier! If you don’t have a Lend Items account or forgot how to use it, check out the Kits Page on the IFLS website for instructions.
Events Coming up outside IFLS
April Website Training details have been announced.
See the calendar for details.
Free Gardening Webinars!
Here are some updates on the FREE Gardening Webinars and Activities for Wisconsin Public Libraries to use from April – June. This program content is available to all Wisconsin Public Libraries, thanks to underwriting sponsor We Energies. The webinars are presented by nationally known and Wisconsin-based author, columnist, and gardening expert Melinda Myers, and the gardening activities and videos were also created by Melinda.
The first event is coming right up! April 10, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Container Gardening Throughout the Year with gardening expert & author Melinda Myers
Use container gardens to boost the color and seasonal interest in any size landscape, garden, balcony, or deck. With your budget in mind, we will explore attractive combinations of trees, shrubs, flowers, edible plants, and those that attract pollinators. Plus, you’ll learn strategies for extending your enjoyment year-round by transforming all or a portion of the container planting with the changing seasons.
Register for this free webinar at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SwTJwDSaQgWnm7YU-iY0mg
Facebook event (April 10 webinar) to share on your library Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1391300844843192
DPI: Indigenous Education Webinar: Developing and Establishing Indigenous Pedagogy Collections for the Library and Classroom
This free webinar from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is designed for teachers and librarians, including public library staff. A talented panel of Indigenous knowledge curators from a variety of perspectives will provide strategies for cultivating resources and materials for your library.
Webinar Date and Time: Monday, April 29, 2024 – 4:30pm -6:00pm (Zoom Video Conference Opens at 4:00pm; Pre-registration Required) More information and registration available here. Registration is limited.
Events coming up at IFLS
Highlights
We Are Already Here: The Workplace Experiences of Neurodivergent Library Workers, April 18, 12-1 pm webinar
Navigating the Terrain of Change with Dr. Alonzo Kelly, a WI Libraries Talk about Race webinar, April 25, 9:30-3:00, Green Bay, repeated May 9 in Wisconsin Dells (travel assistance available!)
IFLS Youth Services Mini-Conference: register by April 9!
April 17, 9:30-3:30 at Florian Gardens, 2340 Lorch Avenue, Eau Claire
A really great opportunity to learn and laugh with each other, coming up in a few weeks! If you need assistance with travel, it is available!
IFLS Youth Services Workshop and Mini-Conference
April 17, 9:30-3:30 at Florain Gardens, Eau Claire
- Morning workshop with Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser— Connecting the Dots: Purposeful, Intentional Library Programs. This interactive workshop will introduce strategies and tools for libraries of all sizes to look big-picture at programming, engage community in your process, and create programs with thought and intention.
- Afternoon break-out sessions with your awesome colleagues! SLP idea swaps, Free book distribution ideas, Book clubs for emerging readers, Virtual Reality and other STEM programming resources, Park Passport program, Teen programming, Small and Mighty Libraries—it’s going to be so fun!
REGISTER HERE by April 9 This workshop provides 5.25 contact hours for library directors.
Looking for more CE Activities?
Visit the NEWI calendar of free webinars to find online continuing education opportunities you may attend from where you are. There’s a lot to choose from!