WSL Updates for August 24, 2017

WSL Updates for August 24, 2017

Volume 13, August 24, 2017 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) OUTSIDE THE LINES – LIBRARIES REINTRODUCED

2) GIRLS WHO CODE – FREE STARTER KITS

3) READERFEST 2017

4) BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL

5) AUTISM WELCOME HERE

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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1) OUTSIDE THE LINES – LIBRARIES REINTRODUCED

Libraries and library staff are skilled in their ability to adapt to meet the changing needs of their communities. Step into today’s library, and you might find expanded collections that include everything from telescopes to fishing poles to sewing machines. Libraries have embraced ideas and services that help communities to be their best, whether that’s by providing access to the latest technology or facilitating life-long learning through programming for all ages.

Yet, despite these innovations, many outdated perceptions of libraries linger. For the library industry as a whole, the challenge remains: How do we help our communities understand that libraries are more relevant than ever? Outside the Lines, now in its fourth year, is an international grassroots initiative aimed at doing just that.

Outside the Lines is a weeklong celebration – September 10-16, 2017 – demonstrating the creativity and innovation happening in libraries. Libraries of all types–small, large, urban, rural, public, academic–are invited to participate in an effort to reintroduce themselves to their communities. To do this, organizations agree to host at least one event or campaign during Outside the Lines (OTL) that gets people thinking and talking about libraries in a new way.

For more information and ideas, visit www.getoutsidethelines.org/ or this WebJunction page.

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2) GIRLS WHO CODE – FREE STARTER KITS

Computing skills are the most sought-after in the US job market, but girls across the US are being left behind. Today, less than a quarter of computing jobs are held by women, and that number is declining. By 2020, there will be 1.4 million open jobs in computing, but fewer than 1 in 5 computer science graduates are women. With women making up almost half of our work force, it’s imperative for our economy that we’re preparing our girls for the future of work.

Reshma Saujani, the founder and CEO of the national non-profit organization Girls Who Code, has taught computing skills to and inspired more than 10,000 girls across America. At the opening general session of the 2017 ALA Annual Conference this past June, Reshma spoke about Girls Who Code, how they are working to teach 100,000 girls to code by the end of 2018, and the organization’s many intersections with libraries.

Ms. Saujani is motivated to make sure that libraries—especially those who are interested in developing coding resources and programs—know about her free resources. She invites ALA members and advocates to join the Girls Who Code movement. To request a free Girls Who Code Starter Kit, including tips for leaders, giveaways and more, email: [email protected]. For more information, visit girlswhocode.com/clubs or (for the ALA connection): sos.wa.gov/q/code.

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3) READERFEST 2017

Join beloved local storytellers and authors from around the world September 9 for a free all-day festival at Magnuson Park in Seattle, WA. The event runs from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and has both indoor and outdoor events for all ages: live music, creative activities for kids, thought-provoking panels with noteworthy authors, and a wealth of diversity in participants and vendors. Headliners include Nisi Shawl, Nebula finalist for 2016, and Salina Yoon, author of more than 100 children’s books.

Readerfest is also seeking “rogue librarians,” storytellers, and others who would be interested in presenting a reading, or telling a story during the event. For more information, visit www.Readerfest.com or contact Karen Junker [email protected] 425-429-3698 or 425-443-3895 cell.

Readerfest is a nonprofit organization in Washington formed for the purpose of creating more free literary events in Seattle that are fun for all ages.

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4) BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL

Breaking the Fourth Wall is the theme for the Pacific Northwest Library Association’s 2018 Conference. The 2018 PNLA conference will be held from August 1 – 3 at the Red Lion Hotel Kalispell, Montana. Mark your calendars today for this great event!

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5) AUTISM WELCOME HERE

The “Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More” grant is sponsored by Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected. Each year, a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded. Depending on the applications received, one grant for the full amount or multiple grants for smaller amounts totaling $5,000.00 may be awarded.

  • 2018 grant applications are now available.
  • Applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2017.
  • The application deadline is December 1, 2017.
  • The grant funding period is April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.
  • For more information and application materials, visit librariesandautism.org/grant.

Any type of library in the United States or Canada can apply, and the proposal can fund projects and services for any age group. Applicants may propose to initiate a new, creative program or service, bring an already-existing, successful program or service to their library for the first time, or enhance a program or service they already offer. All programs or services proposed must benefit people with autism or their families, directly or indirectly. Funds may be used to hire a trainer to present a workshop, to buy program materials, to pay for staff, etc.

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6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

Monday, August 28

Tuesday, August 29

Wednesday, August 30

Thursday, August 31

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DISCLAIMER: The State Library regularly highlights third-party events and online resources as a way to alert the library community to training and resource opportunities.  By doing so, we are not endorsing the content of the event, nor promoting any specific product, but merely providing this information as an FYI to librarians who must then decide what is right for them.

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