Upcoming Opportunities
Descriptions below are provided by host organizations.
TEENBOOKCON
April 9, 2022
TeenBookCon 2022 will be a hybrid event—in-person with virtual access available—on April 9 at Davis High School in Aldine ISD. Attendance is FREE, but registration is required. This year, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from 16 young adult authors including a keynote conversation with Julie Murphy and Marissa Meyer. The keynote and one panel per time block will be streamed virtually via Zoom webinar. For more information such as the schedule, educational resources, volunteer opportunities, visit the conference website.
MIDDLE EASTERN & NORTH AFRICAN VOICES VIRTUAL WRITING PROGRAM
April 10, 2022
The Providence Community Library has partnered with the West Warwick Public Library to offer a grant-funded intensive virtual writing program that culminates in a published anthology of Middle Eastern and North African voices. They’re currently recruiting Middle Eastern or North African writers who are aged 16 and up, based in the United States, and interested in a free opportunity to learn from industry professionals and to be paid for the publication of their work. Applications are being accepted through April 10 For more information, visit the program website.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR LIBRARIANS
April 19, 2022 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM, EST
The U.S. Department of Education announced temporary changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Through October 31, 2022, federal student loan borrowers may receive credit for past payments that would not otherwise qualify for PSLF. Join Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), in collaboration with ALA’s Chapter Relations Office, for this webinar designed to help you understand the steps to qualify and apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. To register, visit the webinar page.
TRANS 101 & TRANSGENDER INCLUSION FOR LIBRARIES WORKSHOPS
May 3, 2022 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
The following workshops are hosted by the University of North Texas Libraries
Trans 101: This is for those who have little or no current knowledge about trans and gender diverse people. The session will cover the basics of what gender identity is, as well as how to handle common issues such as misgendering. The focus will be on the nuances and complexities of gender and how to break cisnormative habits. Participants will be given the tools and resources to learn more on their own.
Transgender inclusion for libraries: This session has an emphasis on the nuances and complexities of treating trans people respectfully and how to learn more about gender identity. Then covers basic recommended practices for library workers on how to support trans and gender diverse patrons and employees. Resources will be shared for learning more about trans inclusion in specific aspects of library work. Time is provided for in-depth discussion and questions about specific topics or examples.
To register, complete the workshop survey.
Ongoing Tools
Descriptions below are provided by host organizations.
Child & Community Well-Being Video Series
The Collaborative Summer Library Program’s Child and Community Well-Being Committee (CCWB) is excited to announce a new video series about library programming in support of youth mental and physical health. This series was developed to share successful well-being-focused programs and activities that can be replicated, scaled, or adapted to suit other libraries, communities, and situations. The video series takes note of the crisis in youth mental health, exacerbated by disruptions caused by the pandemic, and points to ways that libraries can help – and are already making a difference. You’ll be introduced to libraries around the USA who have developed programs and services to address the mental and physical needs of the people they serve.
COME AS YOU ARE:
GETTING STARTED WITH EDI COMMITTEES IN YOUR LIBRARY
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committees are a great first step towards strategically ensuring that those facing barriers to library services in our communities are given access and opportunities. During this webinar, three different libraries will share their experiences with starting, maintaining, and moving forward with EDI committees. They’ll share what inspired them to begin, how they formed the committee, where they are now, and how they hope to keep growing in the future. To access the recording and accompanying tools, visit the training’s website.
LET’S MOVE IN LIBRARIES
The Let’s Move in Libraries project focuses on supporting healthy living in public libraries. The project was inspired by Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, which focused on increasing Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) among Americans. Mrs. Obama worked to increase physical activity through museums. This project continues her legacy by working to increase physical activity through libraries in the U.S., Canada, and other places in the world. For more information, visit the project website.
NATIONAL STUDENT POETS PROGRAM
The National Student Poets Program is the nation’s highest honor for youth poets presenting original work. This partnership between IMLS and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognizes student poets’ achievements at the national level and highlights the importance of literacy. Each year, a national panel of literary luminaries selects five National Student Poets from gold and silver national medalists in the poetry category of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The young poets, nominated while in grades 10 and 11, are appointed at a special ceremony. During their year of service, the poets lead readings and workshops at libraries, museums, and schools, and participate in a range of regional literary and arts events. For more information, visit the program website.
RACIAL EQUITY IN LIBRARIES TOOLKIT
The State Library of North Carolina‘s Racial Equity In Libraries Toolkit is a freely accessible, interactive resource. The purpose of this toolkit is to increase awareness and knowledge around structural racism in the United States, North Carolina, and within the library profession. Available for all library staff through the SLNC Niche Academy, the modules are broken into lessons of self-paced content that include activities for self-reflection and knowledge checks. The toolkit was created in partnership with the North Carolina Library Association’s Roundtable on Ethnic and Minority Concerns and with consultation from Dr. Love Jones of Interwoven Consulting. Questions regarding the toolkit can be directed to slnc.ld@ncdcr.gov.
SUMMER MEAL PROGRAMS
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meal Programs provide healthy and nutritious meals after the school year ends to children 18 years and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has developed no-cost, online resources and printed materials you can use to promote the availability of these meals for families in need. Please visit the program’s resource page to order no-cost, print materials today!
TEXAS SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH
Research shows that students who are taught skills for managing emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making have better academic performance, and students whose mental health needs are met with effective school and community support are more likely to stay in school, graduate, and have positive life outcomes. The Texas School Mental Health website strives to provide districts and campuses with the resources and tools needed to develop a comprehensive school mental health system. For more information, peruse the Texas School Mental Health website.
VIRTUAL OCEAN PROGRAMMING FROM NOAA*
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries hosts virtual reality videos to immerse the audience in their national marine sanctuaries. These 3-5 minute interactive videos can be viewed on various devices including a screen, computer, projector, tablet, or VR headset. Each video is accompanied by fact sheets and drawing sheets, and for additional free activities, videos, and photos visit the education web page.
*This resource coordinates well with the CSLP 2022 slogan “Oceans of Possibilities.” For the associated programming resources, graphics, and book lists, peruse the 2022 program manual on the CSLP website.
WEB ACCESSIBILITY GUIDANCE
On Friday, March 18, 2022, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) released guidance on making websites accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. For more information visit the DOJ update.
Need more resources?
Check out our webinars that focus on Youth Services. Click here for information.
Questions?
For more information, visit our youth services page, contact Christina Taylor at ld@tsl.texas.gov, or call 512-463-5465.
