FYI,   I am currently conducting a series of Building Equity-Based Summers (BEBS) trainings for NJ library staff, but here’s an opportunity to apply to participate in a slightly different series of sessions with colleagues around the country. ~Sharon   ************   CSLP is partnering with Building Equity-Based Summers (BEBS) to offer an exciting learning opportunity for library workers at CSLP member libraries nationwide. You are invited to apply to participate in a sequence of four online learning ses ...Continue Reading

Hello, Public Library Youth Services Staff,   Many, but not all public libraries, received Smokey Bear Reading Challenge materials last year from me. I apologize for not having time to get the materials out to all of your libraries.   The US Department of Agriculture (USDA)  Forest Service is excited to learn about how the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge went at your library if you participated.  If you can please take just a few moments to complete the following survey, that would be greatly appreci ...Continue Reading

FYI,   Saw this from the Seed Library Network with some helpful free resources for starting and maintaining a community seed library, as well as information about Seed swap Day. I thought I would pass it along in case some of you have seed libraries.   *Seed Swap Resources* The Seed Library Network has created free resources to help you organize a successful seed swap. Visit *SeedLibraryNetwork.org/seed-swaps* for the following key tools: *How to Organize a Seed Swap*: A step-by-step guide to help you plan ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   FYI,   *_Public Library Summer Reading Workshops - Registration Opens January 21, 2025_* The Statewide Summer Reading Committee has scheduled the dates for the 2025 Summer Reading Workshops for public library staff, two of which will be in person and one will be a virtual craft/activity session where all committee members and participants are invited to share ideas.   The in-person workshops will start at 10 am, with registration at 9:30 am. The virtual session will start a ...Continue Reading

Please excise cross postings   FYI,   Color Our World with Citizen Science: From Space to Sea*February 4, 2025 at 3:00 pm EST/Noon PST* (CSLP) Join SciStarter, STAR Net, and the Collaborative Summer Reading Program (CSLP) for an engaging webinar that explores how libraries can bring the 2024 Summer Reading Theme, Color Our World, to life through Citizen Science. Discover hands-on STEM activities for all ages, from exploring the wonders of space to uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea. Learn how these act ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   Hello, Public Library Youth Services and Reference Staff,   Each year CSLP seeks feedback from participating public library staff for future summer slogan and theme suggestions for the summer reading programs for children, teens and adults. Public libraries from across the U.S. also contribute, and together, we come to consensus. Now is your time to be heard! Please complete this brief survey: https://shorturl.at/vQZsE to suggest a slogan for the 2028 theme of Mythical Creatur ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   FYI,   Color Our World with Citizen Science: From Space to Sea*February 4, 20253:00 pm EST/Noon PST *Join SciStarter, STAR Net, and the Collaborative Summer Reading Program for an engaging webinar that explores how libraries can bring the 2024 Summer Reading Theme, Color Our World, to life through Citizen Science. Discover hands-on STEM activities for all ages, from exploring the wonders of space to uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea. Learn how these activities align with ...Continue Reading

FYI,   If you love lists of best books as much as I do, you might be interested to know that YALSA released the lists of finalists for the Morris and Excellence in Nonfiction awards and NCTE announced the winners of the Orbis Pictus and Charlotte Huck awards yesterday.   ~Sharon     All the best, *Sharon Rawlins, MLS (she/her/hers)*/Youth Services Specialist/ /Library Development Bureau/*New Jersey State Library* *P.*  609-278-2640 x116    *E.*  sraw...@njstat ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   FYI,   ALSC's Early Childhood Programs & Services Committee is excited to announce an updated version of /ALSC's /*Babies Need Words Every Day booklist!*  This *FREE *resource provides libraries' youngest patrons and their caregivers with age-appropriate books to build literacy skills and introduce topics including daily life, math, bodies, and family. You can find a printable 2-page PDF of the booklist here, which we encourage you to share with your ...Continue Reading

FYI,   I’m passing this along for informational purposes from my colleagues in Delaware ~ Sharon * * *2024 Rural Library Network eSummit* *_Registration is open_**…*   Partners for Rural Impact’s *2024 Rural Library Network eSummit scheduled for December 4th at 12-5:30pm ET*. The purpose of the Rural Library Network eSummit is to celebrate the work by rural libraries in the community, connect and convene rural library professionals committed to moving outcomes for rural children and families, provid ...Continue Reading