Several of our public libraries have created virtual escape rooms.  But, until last week, I hadn’t seen any information for escape rooms created by academic libraries.  I received an email from the Director of the Ella Strong Denison Library in California about the virtual escape room they created as an outreach opportunity using their special collections.  Their virtual escape room was designed to provide a fun Halloween alternative to those who are missing their libraries, the treasures contained therein, and their nooks and crannies.  It is available to navigate with friends and family.   Although the contents of the narrative may be a little spooky, I have been assured by the Director that the room will remain up until sometime in December or January and is not specific to Halloween.  If you want to get some ideas for how you can highlight your collections through the creation of a virtual escape room, take a minute to visit the Denison Library website (https://www.scrippscollege.edu/denison) for the link to the game and its instructions.  Happy sleuthing!  Stay well and have a great week!

Betsy Lantz

Please take a moment to share CE at a Glance with your staff.  There is something for everyone.

11/12/2020
Organizing Chaos: Training for a Library Service Platform Migration
12/1/2020
Youth Book Buzz Presented by Penguin Random House
12/8/2020
Adult Book Buzz Presented by Penguin Random House
12/10/2020
Back Porch Tips: Encourage Literacy, Learning, and Laughter with Library Videos for Young Children

Click the calendar to see all of our continuing education opportunities.

Staff Development Week
Registration is now open for individuals for Staff Development Week.  Feel free to attend as an individual if your library has not already registered to attend.  The following libraries have already signed up for Staff Development Week:  Burton Public Library, Cuyahoga Falls Library, Fairport Harbor Public Library, Hubbard Public Library, Ingalls Library, Kirtland Public Library, Lakeland Community College Library, Marvin Memorial Library, McKinley Memorial Library, Morley Library, Perry Public Library, Shaker Heights Public Library, Wayne County Public Library, Westlake Porter Public Library and Warren Trumbull County Public Library.  Click here to register.

Making Sense of the Moment The State Library of Ohio and Bexley Public Library hosted Making Sense of the Moment:  The Library’s Role in Helping Us Understand Race and Racism on August 14.   The virtual event garnered a huge response with over 210 tuning in live!  A recording of the event is now available to view on the State Library of Ohio’s YouTube page.

Mental Health First Aid As libraries continue to navigate these challenging times, we all could benefit from training on how to better support people who are experiencing mental health and substance use disorders.

A second online Early Literacy 101 workshop is open for registration. Space is very limited, so don’t delay. This workshop includes live sessions from 2:00-4:00 pm on Thursdays, December 10 and 17, plus approximately 2 hours of on-your-own reading and viewing, for a total of 6 continuing education hours. NEO-RLS will also be offering the Early Literacy 101 online workshops in March.  Watch the website for details coming soon.

The Joann Sweetland Lum Memorial Grant is a NEW grant sponsored by YALSA. This grant aims to recognize a librarian who has a creative, innovative project that promotes literacy. Examples of literacy include, but are not limited to, digital, media, visual, computer, data, financial, civic/ethical, news, information, multicultural, and cultural. Established in 2020, this annual $1,000 award is funded by friends and family of Joann Sweetland Lum. Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities.	The 2021 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries is now taking applications. These grants recognize libraries for their role in the growth of graphic literature. Three grants are available. Two recipients will receive the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants, which provide support to libraries that would like to expand existing graphic novel collections, services, and programs. A third recipient will receive the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant, which provides support to a library for the initiation of a new graphic novel service or program.	Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is a special grant opportunity for libraries serving small and rural communities. The ALA invites libraries in small and rural communities to apply for grant funding to help them address issues of concern in their communities. Up to 650 U.S. libraries in small and rural communities will receive $3,000 each to tackle issues ranging from media literacy to COVID-19 safety to unemployment. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 2, 2020. Applicants must have an institutional OR personal membership with either the ALA or the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

Embracing Race in Children’s Programming
Wednesday, November 11 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm EST
As storytellers and educators we must learn more about & celebrate racial differences. This webinar will provide expert information & more.