Tip Jar!
Interlibrary Loan
Oftentimes requests contain a specific due date wanted, usually for book club use. This information and more can be found in the Note field of the item paging slip – please remember to update the due date after checking out the item to the requestor!
Chapter 43 question answered
Q: Can a 16-year-old get a library card without a parent’s permission?
A: That depends on your library’s circulation policy. You can provide library cards to teens aged 16 and 17 without a parent’s signature, if desired. That said, even if a guardian’s permission was obtained for the card, that guardian is not able to receive any information about the materials, due dates, fines, etc. associated with the account.
Shelley Tougas’ book release is Feb 20
Congratulations, Shelley! You can read Leah’s interview with her in The News from IFLS or in Leah’s blog.
Book Connections rebranding to TeachingBooks for Libraries
The public library platform Book Connections will be rebranded as TeachingBooks for Libraries, a change that is anticipated to be live next week. At that time, you’ll see the new logo and the web address will change from BookConnections.org to library.TeachingBooks.net. No timely update is needed on your end; existing links will all re-direct appropriately.
You will continue to have access to the same rich database of resources, helpful tools, and customer support. Soon after this change is live TeachingBooks for Libraries will send updated embeddable options for your library.
New Program Tracker from DPI
Melissa Aro at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has created a new program tracker to help libraries keep track of 2024 program statistics, which will help tremendously when it comes time to fill out your annual report in 2025! Your future self will thank you if you take a few minutes to learn how to use this tracker (it is only slightly different from the current one, it is now easier to use!). The 2024 Program and Activity Tracker Tool and training materials are on the Annual Report page below the LibPAS instructions. If you have questions about program tracking, what counts as what, or if you want to discuss programming in general, please contact Leah!
Library Love Story 2024 is live
Go to the toolkit in the Article Index for details and links, or look at the latest Marketing Monthly.
2024 Teen Inclusive Internship Program Informational Webinar
- Thursday, February 8, 10-11 am Register here
- Friday, February 9, 1-2 pm Register here
Participants will learn about the program’s goals, what is expected of the library, the mentor, and the intern, and how to apply for the program.
- The 2024 Teen Inclusive Internship Program will provide up to $3,000 in funding for each of the five Wisconsin public libraries chosen to participate in the program
- Selected libraries will recruit and hire teens that reflect the diversity of their community
- The teen interns will bring their skills, interests, and experiences to the library by developing a Connected Learning Project.
- Participating libraries learned how to engage and support teens while creating career pathways to increase diversity in the field of librarianship.
- Program runs from June 1 to August 31, 2024
- Funded by LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant dollars, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
This webinar will be recorded and available for those unable to attend the February 8 or February 9 webinar.
Invite your trustees!
IFLS Library System Library Trustee Workshop: Everything You Want To Know About Book Challenges…and a Bit You Probably Don’t. A day of learning from an expert and connecting with other library trustees from around the IFLS region! Lunch and refreshments provided at no charge.
Choose one location:
- Saturday, February 24 10:00-1:30, Altoona Public Library register by February 15
- Saturday, March 2 10:00-1:30, Somerset Public Library register by February 22
Schedule:
- 9:30-10:00 Refreshments, conversation, and check-in
- 10:00-12:30 Everything You Want to Know about Book Challenges…And a Bit You Probably Don’t
- 12:30-1:30 Lunch, conversation
Join your fellow library trustees and catch up on the news in book reconsideration policies, challenges, and weathering this unprecedented time for libraries across the country. Seminar participants will review some of the latest information and trends on book challenges and attacks on libraries and librarians and most important, strategies for preparing for and managing if (when) these challenges come to your library.
Tasslyn Magnusson is an independent researcher and a library trustee in Prescott. She works with PEN America and EveryLibrary supporting their work to advocate for libraries and the right to read.
If you have questions or need accommodations to participate, please notify Leah by February 12 (langby@ifls.lib.wi.us)