From the State Library

The date has changed for the upcoming Critical Conversation Series: What to know about Intellectual Freedom, Book Challenges and Libraries with ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom.  The virtual event will now be held April 18, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.

The 90-minute Critical Conversation Series presentation is geared toward Ohio library staff of all types. Library staff strive to provide their communities with diverse resources, programming, and services to ensure that the library is a welcoming and inclusive institution for everyone. Attention is being turned toward access to materials on social-emotional learning, diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as access to books by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGTBQIA+ authors. Yet many libraries are seeing an uptick in challenges to programs and resources, as well as to library workers' ability to serve their communities. Book challenges and censorship of library and/or classroom materials is unfortunately not a new phenomenon in librarianship, though headlines have been made in Texas, Philadelphia, Florida, Ohio, and many other states recently. Learn about these challenges and how to proactively respond via policy, procedure, and advocacy in order to build local and legislative support for your library. 

In this installment of Critical Conversations, we will learn about the current climate of Intellectual Freedom and Censorship from the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom (ALA, OIF).  Gaining knowledge and preparing library policies and procedures can help staff and administration feel prepared and confident in the intellectual freedom process. In addition to resources provided through OIF, registrants will have access to a curated list of materials

After the presentations, Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom and Megan Cusick, assistant director, state advocacy for ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office and Kristin Pekoll, assistant director of ALA OIF will be in conversation with Erin Kelsey, Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio, about proactive strategies that prepare library directors, staff, and supporters to respond effectively to adverse issues and build a climate of support for their library.
 
Click here to register. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link via email and in a series of reminders prior to the event. A recording will be uploaded and available for viewing if you can't make the live event.  **If you’ve already registered you will receive an email with the date change. 

In partnership with OhioNet, Critical Conversations is supported by the State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  

Teen Think Tank is looking for planning committee members. Are you a creative leader who is not afraid of a little work? Are you okay with getting hired but not getting paid? You can attend Teen Think Tank events for free, and we look good on a resume!

Please complete the following form to submit your interest and qualifications, and someone from the planning team will be in touch regarding your application. https://forms.gle/TkHWVqZnkRPgeYdE8

Teen Think Tank is a librarian-led, 2x/year workshop that provides an opportunity for teen librarians to get together and help one another by sharing ideas, insights, and opinions. Learn more: www.teenthinktank.net

Summer Planning Bootcamp
Wednesday-Thursday, March 30-31
1:00-3:00 pm EDT both days

The National Summer Learning Association’s free, virtual Summer Planning Bootcamp will provide libraries and other youth-serving organizations with tools and best practices to meet the challenges of unfinished learning and educational inequity head on.

By the end of the 2020-2021 academic year, students, on average, were five months behind in math and four months behind in reading, and the U.S. Surgeon General has raised a flag on young people’s mental health. While summer is a time of joy, fun learning, and experiencing new connections to help youth thrive, it is also a time for healing and support. The public library is an important part of the support network for children and families, and as you know well, the library is a go-to place for everyone in the summer. Attend the Summer Planning Bootcamp to learn strategies for supporting young people and making a difference this summer.

For more information and to register:
www.summerlearning.org/summer-bootcamp/


From the State Library The date has changed for the upcoming Critical Conversation Series: What to know about Intellectual Freedom, Book Challenges and Libraries with ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom.  The virtual event will now be held April 18, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. The 90-minute Critical Conversation Series presentation is geared toward Ohio library staff of all types. Library staff strive to provide their communities with diverse resources, programming, and services to ensure that the library is a welcoming and inclusive institution for everyone. Attention is being turned toward access to materials on social-emotional learning, diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as access to books by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGTBQIA+ authors. Yet many libraries are seeing an uptick in challenges to programs and resources, as well as to library workers' ability to serve their communities. Book challenges and censorship of library and/or classroom materials is unfortunately not a new phenomenon in librarianship, though headlines have been made in Texas, Philadelphia, Florida, Ohio, and many other states recently. Learn about these challenges and how to proactively respond via policy, procedure, and advocacy in order to build local and legislative support for your library.  In this installment of Critical Conversations, we will learn about the current climate of Intellectual Freedom and Censorship from the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom (ALA, OIF).  Gaining knowledge and preparing library policies and procedures can help staff and administration feel prepared and confident in the intellectual freedom process. In addition to resources provided through OIF, registrants will have access to a curated list of materials After the presentations, Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom and Megan Cusick, assistant director, state advocacy for ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office and Kristin Pekoll, assistant director of ALA OIF will be in conversation with Erin Kelsey, Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio, about proactive strategies that prepare library directors, staff, and supporters to respond effectively to adverse issues and build a climate of support for their library.   Click here to register. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link via email and in a series of reminders prior to the event. A recording will be uploaded and available for viewing if you can't make the live event.  If you’ve already registered you will receive an email with the date change.  In partnership with OhioNet, Critical Conversations is supported by the State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.   Teen Think Tank is looking for planning committee members. Are you a creative leader who is not afraid of a little work? Are you okay with getting hired but not getting paid? You can attend Teen Think Tank events for free, and we look good on a resume! Please complete the following form to submit your interest and qualifications, and someone from the planning team will be in touch regarding your application. https://forms.gle/TkHWVqZnkRPgeYdE8 Teen Think Tank is a librarian-led, 2x/year workshop that provides an opportunity for teen librarians to get together and help one another by sharing ideas, insights, and opinions. Learn more: www.teenthinktank.net Summer Planning Bootcamp** Wednesday-Thursday, March 30-31 1:00-3:00 pm EDT both days The National Summer Learning Association’s free, virtual Summer Planning Bootcamp will provide libraries and other youth-serving organizations with tools and best practices to meet the challenges of unfinished learning and educational inequity head on. By the end of the 2020-2021 academic year, students, on average, were five months behind in math and four months behind in reading, and the U.S. Surgeon General has raised a flag on young people’s mental health. While summer is a time of joy, fun learning, and experiencing new connections to help youth thrive, it is also a time for healing and support. The public library is an important part of the support network for children and families, and as you know well, the library is a go-to place for everyone in the summer. Attend the Summer Planning Bootcamp to learn strategies for supporting young people and making a difference this summer. For more information and to register: www.summerlearning.org/summer-bootcamp/
Template 11 - NEO-RLS News-March 16, 2022