FYI,

 

Just passing this along for informational purposes only ~ Sharon

 

Hello, everyone,

 

Are you a librarian interested in connecting your community across differences, but would feel more confident with additional training, resources, and support? 

Applications are now open to join a year-long (2025) community of practice hosted by StoryCorps. Find all of the details and apply here by December 18.  

 

WHAT IS THIS?

Through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, StoryCorps is developing tools to support public programs at libraries aimed at connecting people across divides, expanding the reach and impact of our One Small Step program. One Small Step brings people with different views together to have conversations — not to debate politics — but simply to get to know each other as people. Learn more at takeonesmallstep.org

 

To support these efforts, we are hosting a year-long (January - December 2025) community of practice for ten library staff interested in building confidence, skills, and peer support to host community programs at their library supporting local bridge-building activities using insights, stories, and resources from StoryCorps' One Small Step program. 

 

What you receive: 

• $1,200 for your library to offset the cost of running programs 
• Six virtual sessions centered around civic engagement
• Program materials and activities you can adapt for your library
• A network of fellow librarians to collaborate with
• Support from StoryCorps staff and experienced mentors
• Professional development in fostering community dialogue
• Opportunities to share your insights with the national library community via webinars and conferences

What you commit to:

• Attend a welcome and orientation session on January 31
• Join six online sessions (two hours, every other month) 
• Try at least one One Small Step activity at your library
• Tell us what works and what could be better
• Write one blog post about what you learned
• Help measure how the program affects your community

 

LEARN MORE

Join a webinar hosted by StoryCorps' Claire LeBlond and Cristy Moran, Adult Library Services Senior Consultant at the Colorado State Library, on December 9 at 2pm PT / 3pm MT / 4pm CT / 5pm ET to learn more about StoryCorps' One Small Step program and the 2025 community of practice. Register here. 

Or reach out to Emily and Claire directly at ...@storycorps.org" style="color: #2199e8; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">lear...@storycorps.org

 

APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 18 

Selected applicants will be notified by January 17. 

 

We look forward to learning more about you and your libraries!

 

 

Emily Janssen

Director, Learning & Engagement

she/her/hers

 

 

STORYCORPS | storycorps.org

80 Hanson Place, 8th Floor

Brooklyn, NY 11217

...@storycorps.org" style="color: #2199e8; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ejan...@storycorps.org

 

 

  Forwarded by:

 

Sharon Rawlins, MLS (she/her/hers) Youth Services Specialist Library Development Bureau New Jersey State Library P.  609-278-2640 x116    E.  ...@njstatelib.org%0b" style="color: #2199e8; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">sraw...@njstatelib.org W.  www.njstatelib.org   185 West State Street P.O. Box 520, Trenton, NJ  08625