Craft Ideas for Youth Services!
List any successful craft ideas that you have done with youth at your library! This could be for your youngest children, school-age, or tweens and teens! Some suggestions for what to include in your post: Links to directions, or information on where you
Storytime Resource Thread
Please post any storytime-related resources here. Examples of things to post would be: Recommended books (and explanation why) Favorite songs/rhymes Opening or closing rituals Finger plays, or hand motions Call and responses Early literacy tips for parents
1000 Books Before Kindergarten - Montana Libraries
This is a discussion thread for Montana libraries participating in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten to share any resources, files, or ideas that have been helpful for their programs. Anyone is welcome to post and share!
Using the Tagging System in Forums
Zoho only allows for 5 tags per post Each post should have the following kinds of tags: Resource Type: program, craft, performer, resource, activity, display, outreach, publicity Age Group: children, teens, adults, older adults, all ages, families, 0-5
Using the Tagging System in Forums
Zoho only allows for 5 tags per post Each post should have the following kinds of tags: Resource Type: program, craft, performer, resource, activity, display, outreach, publicity Age Group: children, teens, adults, older adults, all ages, families, 0-5
Teen Programming Ideas
Here is a collection of teen programming ideas and resources for librarians to use. Feel free to share and add to this list! Paintball Murder Mystery Art Night: Spray paint art, watercolors, balloon art Movie Night Hide and Seek in Bannack Water Balloon
Sharing Monday Resources from WIRED
Every week, the State Library sends out a weekly digest with a list of resources, webinars, information, and news that might be relevant and interesting to the Montana Library community. The digest is sent out via email through the WIRED list serv, which anyone can subscribe to. Here is a collection of the Sharing Monday emails, so people can search for past resources and information. Please contact Amelea Kim at akim@mt.gov with any questions you have.
Makerspace Resources
If you have any makerspace resources, activity ideas, equipment, etc that you'd like to suggest, please post them here!
Teen Space at the Library Discussion
Here is the discussion thread for Teen Spaces at the Library! Please feel free to share any questions, ideas, pictures, comments that you have regarding teen spaces. This can cover, but is not limited to the following topics: What furniture do you have
Digital Literacy from Microsoft
Ran across a nice series of videos on digital literacy skills from Microsoft via LinkedIn Digital Literacy | Microsoft Covers basics on computer use as well as safety and Internet skills. I think it's well worth checking out and using as a resource for
MLA Children's and Youth Services Interest Group
Notes from 2021 MLA Conference Meeting: Incoming Chairperson: Dusty Deans R2R Rendezvous Updates – 2021 will be virtual (September 30th, more details TBD on WIRED and on MSL website), 2022 will hopefully be in-person (pending funding) General Training
COVID-19 Meet-Ups: Weekly Summaries
Each week, the Montana State Library has been holding weekly COVID-19 meet-ups for librarians to come and share ideas, ask questions, and debrief about how their library is reacting and adjusting to COVID-19. These are summaries from these meetings, to give people a high-level idea of the topics discussed and what precautions libraries are taking during this time. To view the recorded discussion, please visit our Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/showcase/6692430
Example Communication Materials for COVID-19
Here are some publicity templates for libraries to use to communicate changes in service with the public: Press Release Template: *Taken from the Lewis and Clark Library press release in 10/2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact [insert your library contact name] [phone number and email of library contact] ***MEDIA ADVISORY*** [insert date, (Location, MT)] - Out of an abundance of caution, the [insert library name] is closing effective immediately. [Insert Director Name], Director of the [insert library
COVID-19 Library Discussion: Lessons Learned/Reflection
Please feel free to share any questions, comments, and ideas around important lessons that your library has learned during COVID-19. This will hopefully help us prepare better for anything else that might come up in the future! Some potential topics to discuss are: - Preparing for remote work - Communication with staff/patrons/city/health departments - Closing the library - Helping patrons/community stay informed - Plans and processes that would have been helpful to have beforehand
COVID-19 Library Discussion: Safety
Please feel free to share any questions, comments, and ideas around safety precautions and processes that your library has put in place during COVID-19. What safety precautions are you taking? (Plexiglass, disinfectant, etc) Cleaning schedules? PPE requirements? Staff screening? (temperature monitoring) Limiting number of people in the library? Separate entrance/exit? Rearranging spaces? Bathrooms?
READSQuared Discussion Thread
This is the discussion thread for anything READSquared related. This could include: - Questions/troubleshooting - Sharing responses from tickets submitted to READSquared - Brainstorming on different ways libraries are configuring programs - Ideas for missions/challenges - Anything else that you would like to consult with your peers on! You are always welcome to submit a help ticket directly with READSquared through your admin portal, in the "Help" section, or you can contact Amelea Kim at akim@mt.gov!
StoryWalk Stats
I have seen a few ideas about stats for a StoryWalk, like having a sign in sheet, or something similar. We didn't do that and I was just wondering if there was a good way to keep track, or do I guess-timate, or do I even count it as a program, or what? Looking for some guidance. Thanks! Carly Vauthier Harlem Public Library
2020 CSLP Discussion Thread: Imagine Your Story
Here is the main thread for general discussion regarding the 2020 CSLP Summer Program. Put any and all questions, comments, and ideas here! You can follow this thread too, if you would like to be notified anytime a new comment is posted. Theme: Fairy Tales/Mythology/Fantasy Slogan: "Imagine Your Story" Artist: LeUyen Pham Info about the Artist, LeUyen Pham: LeUyen Pham is the award-winning and critically acclaimed illustrator of more than sixty books for children. LeUyen (pronounced Lay-Win) is the
NYPL - Raising the Bar Professional Development Curriculum
Direct Link: https://nypl.teachable.com/ From the website: "The New York Public Library proudly presents a FREE four-part training series developed in collaboration with CUNY’s Professional Development Institute and funded by the Institution of Museum and Library Services. Libraries are often the first introduction to early childhood learning for countless families, and we believe the twenty-first century children’s librarian has a unique role as a community anchor, educator, and ambassador of early
READsquared reading group points
“How are other libraries tracking reading progress for different age groups in READSquared? Currently we have things set to: Adult group (18+): 1 point per page Teen (12-18): 100 points per book Children’s group (5 – 13 yrs): 50 points per book Pre-K group: 25 points per book Our logic was that children and youth read bigger books, they should get more points per book, compared to the Pre-K group. Some patrons are questioning this logic, especially when parents are reading books to their children
Anti-Racism Reading Lists and Resources
Taken from a WIRED email on 6/4/20: Hello Montana, In light of recent events around Black Lives Matter, George Floyd’s murder, as well as the pandemic, I wanted to share some resources that I’ve received around anti-racism reading lists and resources, especially some that are aimed at children. PDF of Anti-Racism Reading Lists from Oklahoma PDF of Resources from Vermont (attached below) I think all of us are aware of the fact that even though children might not understand what is happening, they
Montana Comics at Biblioboard - Summer 2020
The Montana State Library has partnered with Biblioboard to offer a free summer 2020 resource, Montana Comics at Biblioboard, for anyone in Montana to use. Through the Montana Comics web portal, any Montanan has free, online, instantaneous access to almost 3,000 graphic novels and comics! There are a variety of genres, age groups, and topics to choose from as well - classic comics, to newer titles, to biographies and more. You can also choose to read them on a web browser, or download the app and
Alzheimer's Association Resources and Programming
4/20/20 Update: The Alzheimer's Association is offering free virtual programming for anyone who wishes to attend. They are also looking for organizations to work with to deliver more virtual programming. Please see the attached PDFs at the bottom of this post for more information, and feel free to contact them at montana@alz.org! The Alzheimer's Association has great information available for libraries and the public to use. Here are a few of their resources highlighted: Alzheimer's Help and Support:
2020 CSLP Performers Discussion Thread
Hello Everyone! Here is the thread for all interested libraries to discuss potential performers for the 2020 Summer Reading program, as well as to coordinate bookings and schedules. Particularly with out-of-state performers, they often give discounts if they are able to book multiple gigs in one trip, so keep a lookout for libraries around you that comment and see if you can bring a performer together! I will also list performers who have expressed interest in coming to Montana, or have been recommended
Native American Literature Suggestions
Taken from a discussion thread on the School Library list serv in February 2020, these are all suggestions that are appropriate from middle school/high school that are written by/about Native Americans. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie Trail of Lightning, by Rebecca Roanhorse Counting Coup by Larry Colton Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac Who Will Tell My Brother? by Marlene Carvell Rain is Not My Indian Name, by Cynthia Leitich Smith The Marrow Thieves, by Cherie Dimaline
Summer Food Programs at the Library - Discussion
SFSP Update from May 2020:Sharing in case you haven’t seen this update from the USDA, released on Friday. During the public health emergency, meals have been distributed to children under the USDA Summer Food Service Program (with schools closed and students unable to access meals through the National School Lunch Program). The USDA allowed states several waivers of specific SFSP rules through June 30. These waivers have now been extended through August 31. Libraries that serve as SFSP sites may
Library Art Exhibit Policies
If your library allows for temporary/rotating art exhibits in your building, please consider posting your policy here to share with others! Some information that would be great to know: - Length of exhibit - Terms of loan (how it should be displayed, what the library provides, what the artist provides) - Insurance/liability Feel free to attach policy drafts, or respond with the policy text in a comment!
Information on Phase 2 from MSL (5/21/20)
This information was sent in an email on WIRED on 5/21/20 by Tracy Cook, Statewide Library Consultant at the Montana State Library Hi, As many of you may know, the Governor announced on Tuesday that he believes we can move to Phase 2 of the re-opening process. He is scheduling that to happen on June 1. He wanted to give organizations time to prepare. You can watch the Governor’s announcement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ASqDIfwhpE [youtube.com]. The two key differences that phase 2 brings
COVID-19 Library Discussion: Programming
Please feel free to share any questions, comments, and ideas around changes in programming that your library has made during COVID-19. Some potential topics can include: - Meeting room policy changes - Virtual programming: What have you moved online, and what new programs have you created? - Set-up for virtual programming: Livestream? Recordings? Social media? - What resources are you using to help with new kinds of programming? Any helpful websites/blogs/Facebook groups? - What contingency plans
Wedsworth Public Library Reopening Plan
*As of May 7th, 2020 PHASED REOPENING OF LIBRARY LIBRARY WILL FOLLOW FEDERAL, STATE, AND COUNTY DIRECTIVES REGARDING COVID-19 PHASED REOPENINGS PHASES TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL In response to the escalating coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis, we want to inform the public that Wedsworth Memorial Public Library has implemented important health and safety measures. The library has been monitoring updates from the Cascade County Health Department, state and national library agencies,
Montana State Library Statement on Reopening (4/30/20)
Originally sent on WIRED from Jennie Stapp, Montana State Librarian, on 4/30/20 Hello Friends, We have received questions about where libraries fall in the Governor’s Re-opening plans. As many of you have noticed the Governor did not specifically address libraries. This fact is not surprising given that he also did not address libraries in his stay-at-home directives. As I said at that time, I am grateful that the Governor never announced that Montana libraries are closed because most of us are still
COVID-19 Library Discussion: Collections
Please feel free to share any questions, comments, and ideas around changes in collections that your library has made during COVID-19. - Are you doing curbside? If so, how are you doing it? What rules/structures do you have in place? - ILL/Delivery: What are you thinking for this, both now and for the future? - Collection Development: Is this on hold for you? Are you moving things into digital collections? - Digital Collections: Have you changed policies/priorities around digital collections
COVID-19 Library Discussion: Staffing
Please feel free to share any questions, comments, and ideas around changes in staffing, scheduling, etc that your library has made during COVID-19. How many staff allowed in the building? Staggered shifts? Changes in duties? Continuation of teleworking?
COVID-19 Library Discussion: PR/Communications
Please feel free to share any questions, comments, and ideas around how to best communicate changes in service during COVID-19. - How are you communicating to your patrons about changes in service? - How are you communicating with your local government/city commissioners/health organization? - What channels of communication seem to work best? - What signage have you put in the library to help patrons navigate new structures and policies? Feel free to share the exact text that you use in your comment.
Example Library 3 - Library Reopening Plan
*All identifying information has been redacted from this document so that it can be shared publicly. Please see bottom for PDF version of text. Stages for re-opening in-person operations The following document is intended to be used as a tool to propose and analyze various phases of re-opening as deemed safe and appropriate by Library Leadership, the local public health officer, professional library organizations, CDC guidelines and Montana Governor’s orders. All stages are dependent upon triggers
Example Library 2 - COVID-19 Reopening Plan
*All identifying information has been redacted from this document so that it can be shared publicly. Any location names have been replaced with “Montana.” MONTANA PUBLIC LIBRARY STAGED APPROACH TO SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: STAGE 3: Library is closed to the public. Custodians maintain building and grounds. All other staff work remotely. Library provides service through telephone and online means. Phone is staffed Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00. Youth programing is offered online
Example Library 1 - COVID-19 Reopening Plan
*All identifying information has been redacted from this document so that it can be shared publicly. Any location names have been replaced with “Montana.” MONTANA Public Library: Coronavirus Emergency Operations In response to the escalating coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis, we want to inform the public that MONTANA Public Library has implemented important health and safety measures. The library has been monitoring updates from the MONTANA County Health Department, state and national library
Wildlife Habitat Council On-Demand Webinars
WHC On-Demand Webinars Website Description: Whether you are new to a project or an experienced volunteer, our WHC webinars and educational opportunities offer guidance and instruction on a wide spectrum of corporate conservation topics. We continuously improve and enhance our offerings to ensure they are relevant and timely.
Daily Creativity Challenge - MAPS Connect Montana
MAPS Connect Montana Website Link Creativity Challenge Description: Creativity has always been a powerful tool during challenging times - a means of expression, a way to unite, a salve for stress. During these days of social distancing and isolation, people are coming together every day to connect in remarkable ways. These expressions bring messages of hope, of being together, even when we're alone. MAPS is deeply committed to keeping our student community creatively engaged. One effort is
Maker Camp - DIY/Makerspace Resource
Welcome from Founder Dale Dougherty website link Family Maker Camp encourages making and hands-on learning at home. Making is fun and engaging for kids as well as adults. What is making? It can be many things and use all kinds of materials and tools. Making is usually defined as a project shaped by your ideas and interests. Making is as much about the process of taking an idea and bringing it to life. Making integrates science and technology as well as arts and crafts. Family Maker Camp provides
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