State Librarian latest ALA Emerging Leader
By admin | January 4, 2019
The Office of Library and Information Services congratulates Megan Hamlin-Black of the Rhode Island State Library for being selected for the American Library Association’s Emerging Leaders Program, Class of 2019. Megan is Rhode Island’s State Librarian; the State Library is Rhode Island’s legislative library and a service of the Secretary of State’s Office. (The State Library is not affiliated with the Office of Library and Information Services, which is the state library administrative agency, directed by the Chief of Library Services. But we do like to partner!)
Megan joins several Rhode Island colleagues who have participated in ALA’s Emerging Leaders Program, including Catherine Damiani (2016, now director of the Tiverton Public Library and current ALA Councillor), Bohyun Kim (2011, University of RI Libraries Chief Technology Officer and current ALA LITA President) and Ed Garcia (2010, director of the Cranston Public Library and member of the ALA Executive Board).
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Museum & Library Services Act Signed into Law
By admin | January 2, 2019
On Monday, December 31, 2018, the President signed S. 3530 into law. S. 3530, or the “Museum and Library Services Act of 2018,” reauthorizes, amends, and expands the programs of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). A key provision of the bill expands funding for the Grants to States program, which provides state library agencies with federal funds for library services in their states. Under the bill, the minimum base allotment to states will increase from $680,000 to one million dollars; there is also an additional amount awarded based on state population.
The Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services currently receives slightly over $1 million annually through the Grants to States program and uses these funds for programs such as the Summer Reading Program, statewide professional development for librarians and library staff, and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (Talking Books Library). The reauthorized and amended bill would increase RI’s allotment by approximately $320,000 when the bill is fully funded, though the funding increase would be phased in gradually over a number of years so that larger states will not experience a sharp reduction of funding.
The Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 was sponsored by RI Senator Jack Reed and co-sponsored by RI Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, along with a number of other senators. The bipartisan legislation passed the Senate unanimously on December 4, and passed the House on December 19 with a vote of 331-28. RI Congressmen David Cicilline and Jim Langevin were also strong supporters of the bill. The American Library Association (ALA) and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) were key factors in pressing the bill to its eventual passage, along with the tireless support of Senator Reed and his team. While there is still work to be done to ensure adequate and continued funding for IMLS and its programs, the passage of the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 was a milestone achievement.
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RI Center for the Book 2019 Book Announced
By Donna DiMichele | December 18, 2018
Rhode Island Center for the Book Announces 2019 Reading Across Rhode Island Title: What the Eyes Don t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance and Hope in an American City, by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha
Reading Across Rhode Island, Rhode Islands One Book, One State community read program kicks off its 17th year by encouraging everyone to read What the Eyes Don’t See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. Reading Across Rhode Island is a program of the Rhode Island Center for the Book, made possible through a vibrant collaboration of librarians, teachers, book group leaders and readers from across the state.
The 2019 Honorary Chair is U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse who said, “As a voracious reader, I’m glad to join the Rhode Island Center for the Book to introduce the new Reading Across Rhode Island selection. What the Eyes Don’t See holds timely lessons from the tragedy in Flint, Michigan about the importance of taking an active role in democracy, standing up for what you know is right, and fighting for environmental justice.”
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is the crusading pediatrician who first researched and revealed the lead in the blood of Flint, Michigan’s children. Named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World,” she continues to work to mitigate the impact of the water crisis on Flint’s children.
Reading Across Rhode Island Kicks Off on January 27th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at The Pell Center at Salve Regina University Newport, RI. Readers are invited to join Honorary Chair U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Living Literature, and an expert panel, led by Jim Ludes, Vice President for Public Research and Initiatives at Salve Regina University, for an engaging introduction to the book’s themes. To register for the event, contact Kate Lentz at kate@ribook.org
On April 11 and 12, 2019 Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha visits RI! Registration for events with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha will be available on the Rhode Island Center for the Book website in February. Look for other upcoming book-related events throughout the year at ribook.org.
Contact Kate Lentz at kate@ribook.org for sets of books available for loan to classroom teachers, library discussion groups and senior centers. Further reading lists, book discussion guides, the author’s website, audio interviews and other supplementary materials may be found on the Rhode Island Center for the Book website at ribook.org.
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ALA Loleta D. Fyan Grant now accepting proposals
By Donna DiMichele | December 5, 2018
The American Library Association, Library and Research Center is now accepting applications for the Loleta D. Fyan Grant. Applications for up to $5,000 for the improvement of public libraries and the services they provide are available.
The grant is to be used for the development and improvement of public libraries and the services they provide. The project should:
- result in the development and improvement of public libraries and the services they provide;
- have the potential for broader impact and application beyond meeting a specific local need;
- be designed to effect changes in public library services that are innovative and responsive to the future; and
- be capable of completion within one year.
Applicants can include but are not limited to: local, regional or state libraries, associations or organizations, including units of the ALA; library schools; or individuals. Deadline for submissions, sent via email, is January 11, 2019.
You can find more information about the grant, how to submit proposals, and requirements of the recipient(s) on the ALA site.
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News from RI Center for the Book
By Donna DiMichele | December 5, 2018
Rhode Island Center for the Book to Reside at Salve Regina University Pell Center
[Dec. 5, 2018] The Rhode Island Center for the Book will operate from the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University beginning in January 2019.
Dedicated to promoting reading and celebrating community, the RI Center for the Book sponsors innovative programs each year. Their signature program—Reading Across Rhode Island—focuses state-wide attention on one book each year, encouraging book discussions and providing thousands of books at no cost to schools and readers in order to spur the widest possible engagement.
For nearly 10 years, the center has partnered with the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services for a separate summer reading program—Kids Reading Across Rhode Island—focusing on elementary school-aged children. Other initiatives at the Center for the Book focus on a Library of Congress initiative to encourage young readers to write letters to their favorite authors. The Living Literature initiative produces live events that bring stories to life for audiences. The Youth Poetry Ambassador is selected each year in conjunction with the Rhode Island Poet Laureate to encourage more young poets across the state.
“We are thrilled to provide the Rhode Island Center for the Book a new institutional home,” said Jim Ludes, Vice President for Public Research and Initiatives at Salve Regina University. “I first got to know the Center for the Book and its leader, Kate Lentz, several years ago. I was immediately impressed with the quality of their work and the impact they have across the state,” he continued. “We wanted to do more with them.”
“The missions of the Pell Center at Salve Regina University and the Rhode Island Center for the Book align so well and complement each other so completely, this was really a natural fit,” said Kate Lentz, Executive Director of the RI Center for the Book.
“When we think about Senator Claiborne Pell’s legacy in the humanities and education,” Ludes added, “bringing the RI Center for the Book—and all of the amazing programming they do each year—to the Pell Center makes perfect sense.”
While in residence at Salve Regina’s Pell Center, the RI Center for the Book will remain an independent Rhode Island non-profit corporation.
About the RI Center for the Book:
As the designated affiliate of the US Library of Congress since 2003, the Rhode Island Center for the Book devotes its efforts to promoting personal and community enrichment by celebrating the art and heritage of reading, writing, making, and sharing books. Programs include a diverse range of events, lectures, partnerships, prizes, contests and awards. The Center provides schools and readers statewide access to books in a wide range of formats, supported by relevant, socially impactful programming, created and curated by an inspired network of teachers, librarians, writers and readers. Please visit ribook.org.
About the Pell Center
The Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy is a think tank on the Salve Regina University campus in historic Newport, Rhode Island. Its programs on domestic and international issues are designed to generate new ideas, to expand public understanding of important issues and, ultimately, to help the public and its leaders make better decisions. Dedicated to honoring Senator Claiborne Pell’s legacy, the center promotes American engagement in the world, effective government at home, and civic participation by all Americans. We accomplish this through research and publications, public events, and media programs that run throughout the year. If you would like to learn more please visit pellcenter.org.
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Rhode Island Reads – Share Your Favorites!
By Donna DiMichele | November 28, 2018
Did you know that reading on grade level by third grade is the leading indicator of high school graduation?
Join the RI Children’s Cabinet and its partners in promoting early childhood literacy and putting students on an early path to success.
From November 26 to December 1, share your favorite childhood books on social media using the hashtag #RIREADS
Just one post and you’ll be helping to bring awareness to this important work. Why is it your favorite book? What memories does it elicit? In what language did you first read the story?
Share the important role that reading has played in your life, and share that story with educators, students, and families.
Talk to kids and engage in back-and-forth conversations. Read to your child every day. Listen to your child read. Support, encourage, and challenge them to read more.
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Library Challenge Grant and Media Project Grant
By Donna DiMichele | November 26, 2018
The Rhode Island Foundation is now accepting applications for the Herman H. Rose Civic, Cultural and Media Access Fund (formerly the Archive, Document, Display and Dissemination Fund).
There are two grant opportunities.
- Media Project Grants may be requested by any nonprofit or municipal agency and should provide greater access to information through archiving, documenting, displaying, or disseminating information.
- Library Challenge Grants may be requested by any Rhode Island library or library support organization with 501(c)(3) status and are intended to provide added funding to fundraising campaigns planned to meet local needs.
Please review the criteria for each grant application carefully.
The submission deadline for both applications is January 11, 2019.
Apply for the Library Challenge Grant. Details available at this link.
Apply for the Media Project Grant. Details available at this link.
Questions? Contact Kelly Riley, Donor Services Administrator,t 401-427-4028
There are many other grant opportunities available on the Rhode Island Foundation website www.rifoundation.org
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Apply for a Friends of Libraries Week Award
By Donna DiMichele | November 7, 2018
United for Libraries 13th annual National Friends of Libraries Week will be held Oct. 21-27, 2018. Library Friends groups may nominate themselves for the 2018 National Friends of Libraries Week Award.
Two Friends groups will be awarded $250 each in honor of their celebrations during the week.
Applications must be received by Dec. 4, 2018. Applicants will be notified on or before Dec. 18, 2018.
National Friends of Libraries Week Award applicants must provide a one to two page summary of all activities and efforts in conjunction with the celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week. Applicants will be judged on creativity and innovation; involvement of Friends, library staff, Trustees, and/or advisory committee; recognition of Friends group, and promotion of Friends group to the community, school, students, and/or faculty.
United for Libraries has created a variety of resources to help Friends, Trustees, and library staff celebrate in their community.
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Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries
By Donna DiMichele | October 26, 2018
The American Library Association (ALA) and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation are now accepting applications for the 2019 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries, which recognize libraries for their role in the growth of graphic literature. The grants extend graphic novels into a new realm by encouraging public awareness about the rise and importance of graphic literature.
Beginning this year, the juries from the newly established Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table will select three recipients for the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries – two Growth Grant recipients and one Innovation Grant recipient.
Two recipients will receive the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants which provides support to a library that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs. Application and information about the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant for Libraries
One recipient will receive the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant which provides support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service or program. Application and information about the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant for Libraries
Deadline: January 18, 2019
Recipients receive a $4,000.00 programming and collection development grant plus a collection of Will Eisner’s works and biographies as well as a selection of the graphic novels nominated for the 2019 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards at Comic-Con International. The grant also includes a travel stipend for a library representative to travel to the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC to receive recognition from the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation. Applying librarian or their institution must be an ALA Member to be eligible and the grants are now open to libraries across North America, including Canada and Mexico.
The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries debuted in 2014.
Also beginning this year, the grants will be administered by ALA’s newly established Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table. The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries Committee Chair Mariela Siegert says of the grants “The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are an amazing opportunity for libraries to start or build upon a graphic novel collection and program. All librarians should seriously consider applying to participate in this grant. Already having a strong collection or large understanding of this visual format is not required and we really hope to see many librarians taking a leap out there with their ideas.”
For any inquiries, please contact ALA Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries Round Table staff liaison Tina Coleman
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Libraries Transform Health Literacy Toolkit
By Donna DiMichele | October 24, 2018
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) and the American Library Association (ALA) have updated the Libraries Transform Health Literacy Toolkit with brand new resources to help library professionals raise awareness of how libraries provide trusted health information to their communities.
With the free online toolkit, you can download posters, postcards, bookmarks and other materials, get key messages and tips for using the Health Literacy Toolkit locally.
The toolkit provides key messages, program ideas and downloadable marketing materials, including bookmarks and social media graphics, for libraries to use as they promote health literacy during Health Literacy Month (October) and throughout the year. The new additions to the toolkit cover a wide-ranging array of health literacy topics including genetics, family history, clinical trials, citizen science projects, customizing care and student well-being. The toolkit also covers subjects such as aging, nutrition and chronic illness.
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