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April 2024 | Vol. 4 No. 8 | |
Initiatives & Announcements | | |
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Kym Powe Nominated to Receive Read to Grow’s 2024 Literacy Champion Award!
We are proud and excited to announce that our very own Kym Powe was nominated to receive a 2024 Literacy Champion Award from Read to Grow. Kym's exceptional, enthusiastic, and creative dedication to making books and dynamic literacy experiences accessible to all children across Connecticut makes her a stellar choice.
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Read to Grow is awarding three Literacy Champion Awards this year at their event on May 2 - "A Night For The Books" - at 6pm at The Westport Library. The other award winners include Carol Bauer and Susan Weinberger for their work establishing the Books for Babies program at Norwalk Hospital, and Representative Dominique Johnson for her statewide literacy advocacy.
Additionally, Mychal Threets (yes, the newest PBS Librarian in Residence!) will be present to receive the inaugural Book Joy Award.
If you would like to attend in support of Kym, please click the link for the event ticketing site.
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The CT State Library Outreach Van Has Your Back!
Come visit the CT State Library Agency’s new state-of the-art library/ museum/ archives on wheels at the CT Library Association conference on April 29 and 30!
Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), CSL’s Outreach Van will be used for community engagement, programs, special events, professional development, library programming support, and pop-up exhibits for all State Library divisions and units, including the Division of Library Development, the CT Library for Accessible Books, Archives, the Museum of CT History, and more!
We will be staged in the parking lot, charged up and ready to go, so come on over and say hello!
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GELS Decoding the Neurobiology of Trauma with Beatriz De La Espriella
Watch the recording of Decoding the Neurobiology of Trauma
Delve into the neuroscience of trauma in this informative session. Understand how the brain responds to trauma and explore the implications of trauma on cognitive functions and emotional regulation.
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Examine the impact of childhood trauma on brain development and discuss strategies for creating trauma-sensitive library services. Finally, explore generational and historical trauma, and how libraries can contribute to healing within cultural and historical contexts.
Beatriz De La Espriella is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health expert in anxiety, stress, and trauma. Beatriz works with individuals and libraries to improve the mental health and well-being of library staff, so they can feel empowered to serve their community and thrive personally and professionally. She provides training and coaching to libraries on trauma-informed services, mindfulness, self-care, and more.
Beatriz developed a Trauma-Informed Services Professional Development Curriculum that highlights the prevalence of trauma and provides library staff with essential skills to recognize and respond to trauma. Beatriz launched the “Empowered, Confident, and Thriving: A Mental Wellness Program for Library Staff'' that focuses on promoting mental well-being by practicing self-care, building resilience, and gaining the tools and strategies needed to navigate life’s challenges. Beatriz earned her MSW from Rutgers University and her Trauma Informed Professional Certification from Barry University.
Join us for more GELS sessions this spring with Beatriz – see the Workshops section below or head straight to the Continuing Education Calendar.
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Submit to CT Pages!
How do you do community engagement?
Do you have a creative program, service, activity, partnership, or project that you want to share with your library neighbors?
We are always seeking submissions for consideration.
Submit your idea!
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CT Pages is a channel for sharing community engagement success stories by libraries with and for their communities. We partner with CT libraries to create and release short video conversations with the library staff who make things happen. | |
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Customizable Flyers and Chart Creators Available for Your Library!
CT Library Fact Flyer
Create a flyer specifically for your library. Visit the link above to view a sample and see instructions for requesting yours.
Attention CT Public Library Workers! Would you like to see your collective FY23 accomplishments highlighted on a flyer? Head on over to the CT Fact Flyer's page to download your copy of the CT Public Libraries Annual Report Fact Flyer FY2023.
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The Benton Foundation introduced a new feature in this version—the ACP Risk Score for each zip code included in the tool, which indicates the degree to which households in a given zip code are at risk of losing or reducing internet connectivity should the ACP benefit lapse. A high score (on a scale of 0 to 100) is a sign that households in that zip code may be more likely to lose internet connectivity than households in areas with a lower score.
If a zip code area has a risk score above 70, it stands a good chance of having its households face significant disruption from ACP's demise. Losing connectivity could mean giving up home internet service completely or choosing between having a wireline or wireless subscription plan.
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Seasonal Book Bundles at MLSC!
Spring is finally HERE! Stock up on spring and upcoming holiday books for your story times and displays by reserving a seasonal picture book bundle.
Book bundles include a mix of 15-20 titles, have a 90-day loan period, and the books included can be lent to your patrons or students. If you have specific requests, you can let us know in the reservation form.
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Important Changes to the Military Saves Program
As part of their ongoing commitment to support our transitioning military personnel, veterans, and their families in achieving financial well-being, Military Saves is transitioning to Veteran Saves.
This move is a focused effort to enhance the support and resources provided to financially empower veterans as they transition from military service or as they continue their journey as a veteran.
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Veteran Saves is dedicated to addressing the unique financial challenges and opportunities faced by veterans, transitioning service members, caregivers, and their families. The initiative is built around the essential pillars of Financial Stress, Housing, Banking, and Employment, offering practical tips and resources to support your financial journey.
The Military Saves website and resources will remain accessible during this transition, with announcements on when content will move to VeteranSaves.org.
Please send any questions about these changes to info@militarysaves.org.
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Hiking Through History Kicks Off
This Month!
The Museum of Connecticut History at the Connecticut State Library presents Hiking Through History, a series of free hikes that are open to the public. Now in its fourth year, Hiking Through History will visit historic sites throughout the state including Barn Island in Stonington, Lover’s Leap in New Milford, downtown Hartford, and Dismal Brook Preserve in Granby.
Beginning this month with a visit to the Windsor Locks Canal, the hikes begin at 10am and will occur once a month through October. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve a spot, please contact Patrick Smith at Patrick.J.Smith@ct.gov.
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Professional Development & Continuing Education | | |
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Join us for the first of our two-part webinar where we'll delve into the guiding principles of trauma-informed services tailored specifically for library settings. In this session, we will explore the core concepts of safety, trustworthiness and transparency, and peer support.
This session will emphasize the role these guiding principles have in creating a secure environment for library staff and patrons, understand their significance to foster trust within the community, and recognize the importance of building a healing-focused library community. Through interactive scenarios and hands-on activities, this webinar will equip library staff with the tools needed for day-to-day implementation of trauma-informed services.
Recording & Slides: This program will be recorded. The recording and slides will be made available on the GELS Trauma Informed Services Libguides page.
About Beatriz De La Espriella, LCSW: Beatriz De La Espriella is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health expert in anxiety, stress, and trauma. Beatriz works with individuals and libraries to improve the mental health and well-being of library staff, so they can feel empowered to serve their community and thrive personally and professionally. She provides training and coaching to libraries on trauma-informed services, mindfulness, self-care, and more.
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Upcoming Workshops in the GELS: Trauma-Informed Services Webinar Series:
Tuesday, April 30 (see description below) - GELS: Creating a Trauma-Informed Library Environment
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988, Youth and Adult Mobile Crisis Service
Tuesday, April 9 | 10:00-11:00 am
Register for 988, Youth and Adult Mobile Crisis Service
What number do you call when you need police, fire or emergency medical services? You call 911. But, when you or someone you know has an emotional or mental health crisis, which number do you call? Hope has a new number, and it’s 988, which can be called from anywhere in the United States.
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The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) is a direct three-digit call/text and chat service that is helping millions of Americans, including thousands of CT residents, of all ages access support and services when experiencing any emotional and mental health crisis, not only thoughts of suicide.
The CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will provide an overview of the CT 988 Contact Center located at the United Way of CT/211, and information on the crisis service system advancements within the youth and adult mobile emergency crisis services available to CT residents.
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Lead Your Library | Practical Management of Public Libraries
The Toilet is Backed Up! Hands on Facility Management with Jerry Nichols
April 10 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Register for Facility Management
Review the basics of managing your building and creating a healthy, safe, and inviting environment for staff and patrons.
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Topics will include a discussion of facility evaluation, maintenance, safety, and security, as well as working with contractors. This workshop provides a practical perspective for living with your library building, regardless of its age or condition. Note: This session will be recorded. | |
This session is part of a collection of introductory workshops for public library administrators and the “hands on” issues they face every day. This is a Wednesday afternoon virtual series running from March through June. Attend all if possible, or as many as you can!
Upcoming Workshops in the Lead Your Library series:
Keeping Staff Happy and Motivated: Supervision and HR Basics with Jerry Nichols
May 1 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Register for Supervision and HR Basics
Knowing the fundamentals of staff supervision as well as the cycle of Recruitment: Orientation & Training; Evaluation and Discipline is critical to your success as an administrator. This overview of Human Resources will introduce you to the basics and provide you with guidance to expand your understanding of this essential field. Note: This session will be recorded.
It’s Not About Math: Understanding Budgeting and Financial Reporting with Jerry Nichols
May 22 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Register for Budgeting and Financial Reporting
Though finance and budgeting are often the least favorite tasks library administrators face, they are skills that are essential to understand in order to assure the viability of your organization. We will review the tools and tasks that must be mastered including accounting standards, internal controls, the budgeting process, audits, and insurance. Note: This session will be recorded.
Save the Date!
June 12 from 10 am-3 pm as a possible in-person workshop to conclude this series.
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Augmented Reality Books to Explore
Thursday, April 11 | 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Register for Augmented Reality Books to Explore
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that is transforming how we interact with the world around us, and now it's revolutionizing how we read books! Augmented Reality books are a fascinating way to experience the world of literature and bring stories to life like never before. We will examine titles that have augmented reality with details to order these interactive resources for your library.
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Construction Grant Information Sessions with Dawn La Valle
Tuesday, April 16 | 10:00-11:30 am
Register for Construction Grant Session
Wednesday, May 15 | 10:00-11:30 am
*Please note: There will only be TWO mandatory construction grant information sessions for the upcoming construction grant cycle. If your library is planning to submit a Notice of Intent, you MUST ATTEND one session along with designated officials (indicated below).
Who should come?
Anyone considering a public library renovation or construction project, including library directors/administrators, library board chair and members, municipal leaders, procurement officers, and building committee members.
Who must attend?
Association Libraries: Library Director and Building Committee Chair
Municipal Libraries: Library Director, Town Manager or chief executive (Mayor, First Selectman).
Workshops will have captions enabled. If you require another access service to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 7 days prior to the event.
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In this session, we'll explore the remaining guiding principles of trauma-informed services such as collaboration and mutuality, empowerment, voice and choice, and cultural, historical and gender issues. Participants will engage through practical exercises, open discussion, and obtain resources that will support them in implementing these principles.
Recording & Slides:
This program will be recorded. The recording and slides will be made available on the GELS Trauma Informed Services Libguides page.
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Actively Anti-Racist Service to Leisure Readers
Wednesday, April 24 | 10:00-11:30 am
Register for Actively Anti-Racist Service to Leisure Readers
Increasing the collection and circulation of titles written by underrepresented authors is not a trend. Providing robust readers’ advisory service that values equity, diversity, and inclusion principles is essential to all library service.
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However, moving from being a neutral, well-meaning library where systemic racism is acknowledged to an actively anti-racist organization involves work - some of which can be uncomfortable at first.
In this program you will begin that work, learning tangible skills to help build enthusiasm for reading and discovering "diverse" books, to deepen RA service through thoughtful inclusion of EDI principles in all interactions with leisure readers, and to be a steward of the anti-racist mindset for your organization.
Readers’ Advisory and Collection Development expert, Becky Spratford will move your team from merely discussing "why" putting EDI concerns at the forefront of all of your work with leisure readers is important to the "how," including an honest look at action steps for all staff. While it may seem uncomfortable in the beginning, Becky will help you shift your focus allowing your entire organization to craft an actionable plan to incorporate EDI values into your normal RA practices. All you need is a little nudge in the right direction and a commitment to begin the march forward.
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Capital Projects with Libby Post
Thursday, April 25 | 10:00-11:00 am
Register for Capital Projects
Tuesday, May 21 | 1:00-2:00 pm
Register for Capital Projects
So, you got a state construction grant and . . . it may not be enough to complete your project. Or it’s enough but you need to make sure the community and your local elected officials are behind you.
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This capital projects workshop will walk you through how to tell the story of your project to enhance community engagement, build project champions and, if you need to, raise money!
Workshops will have captions enabled. If you require another access service to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 7 days prior to the event.
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GELS: Creating a Trauma-Informed Library Environment
Tuesday, April 30 | 10:00-11:00 am
Register for Creating a Trauma-Informed Library Environment
In this webinar, we will unravel what creating a trauma-informed library environment looks like. Participants will be able to identify potential triggers within library spaces and discuss strategies for minimizing their impact.
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This session will focus on creating physical spaces conducive to emotional safety and well-being, including the role of signage, layout, and visual elements. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will develop a comprehensive plan that will assess their library’s environment, address any changes needed and develop staff training programs that recognize and respond to trauma triggers. | |
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The eGO CT Program Includes a Great Collection of Spanish Language Titles!
Over 15% of our eGO CT eBook collection are Spanish Language titles. When we order any title, we check to see if Spanish language version is available.
We order titles in all ten of our focus areas - Children & YA, Biography & Memoir, EDI, Professional Development, Home Life and DIY (including Maker Titles), Self Help, Mysteries & Backlist Bestsellers, Veterans and Military Families, CT Authors and CT as Subject, and Spanish Language - and we have current titles from many bestselling authors in both eBook and eAudio format.
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We continue to connect with the few remaining libraries that are not yet fully configured in the Palace Project app. So far, 145 public libraries, 18 academic libraries, and 136 K12 sites are now participating in the eGO CT program.
During the month of March, we added a total of 950 items for both platforms - there are now over 35,000 items provided for free to participating institutions! This includes 21,956 open access titles provided by Lyrasis in the Palace Bookshelf.
Don’t forget, you can read or listen this year’s All CT Reads titles in the Palace app!
Have questions about eGO CT or the Palace app? Please reach out to Brad Bullis at Brad.Bullis@ct.gov.
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New eAudio Titles Now Available in the Palace Project app! | |
Professional Development Titles | |
Stay Connected! Join our Email Lists
Our many email discussion lists for the library community help you connect with your peers. Conntech has the greatest reach across the state, and both Goodnightmoon for children's services and Speak for YA services have lively discussions and professional interchange.
Scout the full list and subscription information.
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Middletown Library Service Center
Open Hours: Monday-Friday | 8:00 am-4:30 pm
MLSC staff, whether in the office or telecommuting, are responding to voicemail and e-mail during business hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except for state holidays.
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Connecticut State Library | Division of Library Development
Middletown Library Service Center
786 South Main Street | Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 704-2200 | libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld
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