CRPLSA

Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators

Category: Regional News

LARL 1000 Before Kindergarten

larl-1000-b4k

Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) is happy to announce the launch of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a program designed to foster relationship-building and brain development while preparing youth for kindergarten. Thanks to the Minnesota Department of Education through a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, LARL is committed to offering this program to the residents of the seven counties served by LARL, including Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Norman, Polk, and Wilkin Counties.

This free program encourages parents and caregivers to read to youth from birth to kindergarten and beyond. Each participant will receive a book bag with information about the program, information about the benefits of reading to young children, a library card application, and reading logs for tracking books read. LARL will provide incentives and celebrations for youth and families who complete the program each year.

In effort to best serve youth of this age, and bridge the opportunity gap, LARL will be looking for partnering agencies and organizations to help spread the word about this program. We hope to use this program as a tool to establish new relationships with outside agencies and organizations who currently serve birth-K, in addition to strengthening relationships already in place. Partnering agencies currently include various ECIs, County Health Agencies, and Headstart.

Legislative Update 2016-12-02

The following information was shared via email with the library community by Sam Walseth, Capitol Hill Associates, in his role as the MLA-ITEM lobbyist.

State Budget Forecast Released

State officials released the November budget forecast for the state of Minnesota on Friday, December 2nd. The forecast estimates that the state will close its current fiscal biennium next June 30th with $678 million left on the bottom line. That figure takes into account $334 million that will be automatically transferred to the state’s budget reserve as required by law. This action will bring the state’s budget reserve to $1.9 billion, just shy of its $2 billion statutory goal.

The forecast shows a $736 million surplus for the next fiscal biennium (FY 18-19). When added to the $678 million current fiscal year projected surplus you get the “$1.4 billion surplus” figure you’re seeing in the headlines. There are two important factors here. The first is that a significant portion of the $1.4 billion surplus figure is one-time money carried forward from the current fiscal year. The second is that there’s no inflationary assumption built into the forecast. If the state applied an estimated CPI factor into the forecast, the FY 18-19 surplus shrinks to $87 million.

The ‘tails’ forecast for FY 20-21 is also important to note. Friday’s data show a $1.5 billion surplus for the tails, but again with no inflationary factor. If an inflationary factor is assumed for the tails that surplus figure disappears and could actually look like a deficit. The bottom line is that while the headline numbers look good, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about the economy moving forward. The current forecast assumes GDP growth just above 2% for the foreseeable future instead of figures north of 3% that were hoped for a year ago.

Legislative Response

The major players in St. Paul are all indicating that a special session is a definite possibility. They’re targeting December 20th as the date to come in and tackle some of the major unresolved issues from this year, including; the Tax bill, the Bonding bill and a new proposal to buy down insurance premiums for those buying health coverage through MNSure’s individual market. The Bonding bill is the most significant interest to libraries as it contains $2 million for library construction grants.

For more information on the budget forecast

Samuel P. Walseth, Capitol Hill Associates

Minnesota Loves Libraries close to launch

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It’s almost here — Libraries throughout the state are nearly ready to launch the first-ever, statewide Minnesota Loves Libraries campaign! The time has come to begin gathering stories of how libraries make a difference in people’s lives so we can share those stories with our legislators during the 2017 session.

There will be two ways of collecting stories from library users — 2-sided postcards that libraries may print and cut for patrons to write on and leave at the library and an online form that can be filled out anywhere. Libraries may promote either or both methods, whatever works for a particular location.

A special Minnesota Loves Libraries website has been created for collecting comments. There is a tab on the site with resources for library staff — posters, postcards, and images for use in social media. Some of the posters contain a QR code that will enable patrons to immediately access the website on their mobile devices.  Check out the website for FAQs.

A statewide press release will be issued early next week and more details will be shared then, so stay tuned.

CRPLSA thanks the hard working statewide team (Jon Tatting – ECRL, Bernadette Stevens – GRRL, Hillary Stevens – LARL, and Jennifer Harveland – SELCO) that developed the campaign.  We hope it will be fun and rewarding for all who participate!

First Legislative Update for the 2017 Session

The following information was shared via email with the library community by Sam Walseth, Capitol Hill Associates, in his role as the MLA-ITEM lobbyist.

House and Senate GOP leadership announced committee structures and chairs today. They worked to align the committees as closely as they could between the two bodies.

Senate GOP Chairs

This morning Senate GOP leaders announced a committee structure and chairs for the upcoming 2017-18 biennium. The newly elected Senate will serve a four year term, so this structure is likely to be in place through 2020.

The E-12 work has been divided up between a Finance and Policy committee. Sen. Carla Nelson (GOP Rochester) will chair E-12 Finance and Sen. Eric Pratt (GOP Prior Lake) will chair E-12 Policy. Merging and slitting the E-12 Finance and Policy committee work has gone back and forth under both DFL and GOP leadership in the Senate.

The Capital Investment Committee will be chaired by Sen. Dave Senjem (GOP Rochester). Senate Taxes will be chaired by Sen. Roger Chamberlain (GOP Lino Lakes).

Legacy Funding goes to Sen. Carrie Ruud (GOP Breezy Point) whose committee is titled “Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance”.

House GOP Chairs

The House committee structure remains largely the same, but due to a few retirements there is some reshuffling. Education will stay the same with Rep. Sondra Erickson (GOP Princeton) at Policy and Rep. Jennifer Loon (GOP Eden Prairie) at Finance.

The more notable House changes are with Rep. Dean Urdahl (GOP Grove City) going to Capital Investment and Rep. Paul Torkelson (GOP Hanska) going to Transportation. Tax committee stays with Rep. Greg Davids (GOP Preston) and the Property Tax committee stays with Rep. Steve Drazkowski (GOP Mazeppa).

Rep. Bob Gunther (GOP Fairmont) will chair the Legacy committee.

Link to the House Chairs

KRLS & MELSA make it an even dozen!

Hand writing formula on blackboardWith board action by the Kitchigami Regional Library System (KRLS) and MELSA trustees, the library community has unanimous support by 12 regions for a 2017 legislative initiative to change the Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) formula.

This new initiative will request a $3 million per year increase in the annual RLBSS appropriation, well as a change to the current formula.  The formula change will reduce the Equalization factor from 25% to 15% and increase the Basic System Services factor from 5% to 15%. The formula changes reflect increased costs in basic operation and use of public library service and lessens the volatility of the formula associated with Adjust Net Tax Capacity (ANTC). In addition, the proposal requests that the formula be based on the population and tax capacity figures as reported by the Minnesota State Departments of Demography and Revenue respectively by January 1 of the year in which the grants are awarded.  This will enable regional libraries to prepare budgets based on accurate calculations rather than estimates.

Proposal to amend current statutory language tied to a funding increase

Children Play & Learn in ECRL

Children hardly needed a tutorial in how to interact with the new Play and Learn space during an open house November 2, 2016, at North Branch Area Library of East Central Regional Library (ECRL). Parents and their little ones learned as they played with the Duplo table and sets, a wall mounted submarine, a sky pilot and safety road activity and more. Funds for the space were made possible by an anonymous donor. Refreshments during the open house were served by the Friends of the North Branch Area Library.

New TdSLC Director Announced

TDS-logo-2013On Thursday, November 17, the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) Board of Directors formally endorsed the hiring of a new Executive Director. The new Executive Director will be Ms. Ann Hokanson, currently the Director of the Austin, Minnesota, Public Library. She has a B.A degree (History and International Relations) and a Master’s degree in Library Science, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ms. Hokanson brings with her a wide range of experience working with libraries. She has been the Director in Austin for the past thirteen years. Prior to that, she was the Director of the Prescott, Wisconsin, Public Library. She also has experience working as an archivist for the Wisconsin Historical Society and served with the Peace Corps. During her years in the Peace Corps, she worked as a volunteer and trainer for the Trnava District Library, Trnava, Slovakia.

The hiring of Ms. Hokanson completes a long and difficult process for the Board, which is extremely pleased that she has accepted its offer. She will start work in the Mankato office on the first of January. The Board is comprised of one appointee from each of the area’s nine counties, plus a representative from public, school, and academic library staff.

Libraries Respond

libraries-respondThe ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services has created Libraries Respond as a space for us to help keep current events in conversation with libraries’ ongoing work in and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This page will be a resource for the library community to share information, find resources, and connect as they serve their communities.  Join the Conversation!

#librariesrespond on Twitter

#librariesrespond on Facebook

VLS Endorses RLBSS Formula Change

Hand writing formula on blackboardOn November 15, 2016, the Viking Library System Board approved a resolution supporting a change in the formula by which Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) is calculated and the state aid is distributed to the 12 regions.  The resolution also included the Board’s support for a funding request.  The last increase in RLBSS was approved by the Legislature in 2009.

Misselt to Retire

After nine years at the helm of East Central Regional Library (ECRL), Barbara Misselt will retire April 1, 2017.  In a letter accepted by the ECRL Board, she wrote:

Thank you for the opportunity to lead this organization in providing library service to the region for the past 9 years.  I appreciate the support and positive commitment of the Board as well as our partner counties.

I believe that ECRL is in a good position to continue positive growth with a competent leadership team and staff.  I have enjoyed the relationship with staff and board team and found this a fulfilling career.

SELCO approves formula change initiative

Hand writing formula on blackboardThe SELCO Board of Directors unanimously supports the resolution to seek a formula change and an increase in the annual appropriation of Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS).  The proposed formula change will reduce the Equalization factor of the formula from 25% to 15% and increase the Basic System Services factor from 5% to 15%.  This will will minimize volatility and stabilize the flow of state financial support.

Proposal to amend the current RLBSS formula tied to a funding increase

SELCO’s approval of the proposed legislative initiative, brings the tally of regional votes to nine of 12, with a goal of unanimous endorsement for future support by the Minnesota Library Association.

St. Cloud Library Reopening

The headquarters of the Great River Regional Library (GRRL)  – the St. Cloud Public Library will offer limited services beginning Monday, October 24 as cleaning and restoration work in the St. Cloud Public Library continues. The closing and cleanup work was a result of an arson incident which took place on August 17. The fire caused structural damage and spread smoke and soot particles throughout the building.

1-minute photo montage of library restoration work

St. Cloud Public Library Revival (1-minute video essay)

grrl-cleanup-2016Library staff, city officials and seven different cleaning and restoration contractors have worked diligently to make sure the St. Cloud Public Library is back to pre-fire condition and a safe environment for patrons and staff. The damages totaled nearly $1 million dollars. Most of the cleaning has been completed. Final structural repairs will begin this week on a window, window frame, and granite cladding on a structural pillar.

“It has been a huge undertaking! The library building is 115,000 square feet with more than 250,000 items. We know it’s taking a long time but we want to make certain we are being thorough and complete to ensure the building is safe for our entire community.” said Karen Pundsack, GRRL Executive Director.

Services available next week will be holds pick-up, fine payment and pick up of Summer Reading Program prizes during regular hours. Existing meeting room reservations will be honored. However, no new reservations will be taken at this time. Access to the collection and computers will be available at a later date. For more information about library programs, contact the St. Cloud Public Library at 320-650-2500.

Formula change support grows!

Hand writing formula on blackboard

Recent action at mid-month board meetings on October 20 moved forward the possibility of a 2017 legislative initiative to change the Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) formula.  The most recent approvals were from:

  • Lake Agassiz Regional Library
  • Northwest Regional Library
  • Pioneerland Library System
  • Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative

Proposal to amend the current RLBSS formula tied to a funding increase

GRRL & PCLS Support Formula Change

Hand writing formula on blackboardThe regional library boards governing Great River Regional Library (GRRL) and Plum Creek Library System (PCLS) approved supporting resolutions to seek a statutory formula change tied with an increase in the  annual Regional Library Basic System Support appropriation.  The formula change will reduce the Equalization factor of the formula from 25% to 15% and increase the Basic System Services factor from 5% to 15%.  This will will minimize volatility and stabilize the flow of state financial support.

Proposal to amend the current RLBSS formula tied to a funding increase

With the GRRL endorsement on October 18 and PCLS action on October 19, the tally of regional resolutions increases to four following action by ECRL and ALS.  Additional regional meetings are scheduled within the next few weeks.

GRRL Board Members have committed to working actively at the Capitol during the upcoming 2017 legislative session and the county commissioners on the PCLS Board will be working through the Association of Minnesota Counties for complimentary support.

ALS Endorses RLBSS Change

Hand writing formula on blackboardThe Arrowhead Library System (ALS) Board unanimously approved a legislative initiative to amend Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) formula on October 13. The initiative seeks an annual funding increase of $3 million, a change to the statutory funding formula that will shift funds from the equalization factor to the base, and modifies the year from which state data will be used.

Proposal to amend current statutory language tied to a funding increase

Contact MN Senators

ala-take-action-for-librariesEmail or call your Senators Franken and Klobuchar and ask our Minnesota Senators to co-sponsor S. 3391, the Museum and Library Services Act.

Every year, nearly $200 million in federal library funding is awarded to every state by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  In Minnesota, a large portion of approximately $2.8 million underwrites critical library services covering operational costs at the Braille and Talking Book Library.  In addition, these federal funds are used for our state’s competitive LSTA grants.

IMLS can do the work of distributing funds because Congress passed and periodically” reauthorizes” the Museum and Library Services Act. It’s time for Congress to renew this important landmark legislation and library champions in the Senate have just introduced a bill, S. 3391.  With just a few weeks remaining after the November elections to get it passed, however, those Senators need to help from their colleagues.  The American Library Association wants every Senator to hear from his or her constituents asking them to “co-sponsor” S. 3391.

Send an email

Talking Points:

  • S. 3391 is a bi-partisan bill with broad support from the library and museum communities, and in Congress;
  • S. 3391 highlights the role of libraries as community hubs, equipped to meet ever evolving community needs, including: literacy, education, lifelong learning, workforce development, economic and business development, digital literacy skills critical thinking, financial literacy skills and new and emerging technology;
  • S. 3391 requires the use of data driven tools, including research, analysis and modeling, evaluation, and dissemination to assess and assure the impact and effectiveness of funded programs; and
  • S. 3391 will enhance IMLS’ collaborative efforts by expanding the number of federal agencies able to fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting and meeting the needs of Americans.

ECRL Endorses RLBSS Change

Hand writing formula on blackboardThe East Central Regional Library (ECRL) unanimously endorsed a legislative initiative that will seek a formula change and a funding increase in Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS).

The proposal requests a $3 million per year increase in the annual RLBSS appropriation, well as a change to the current formula.  The formula change will reduce the Equalization factor from 25% to 15% and increase the Basic System Services factor from 5% to 15%. The formula changes reflect increased costs of basic operation and use of public library service and lessens the volatility of the formula associated with Adjust Net Tax Capacity (ANTC). In addition, the proposal requests that the formula be based on the population and tax capacity figures as reported by the Minnesota State Departments of Demography and Revenue respectively by January 1 of the year in which the grants are awarded.  This will enable regional libraries to prepare budgets based on accurate calculations rather than estimates.

CRPLSA members present at an October 4, 2016 meeting voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation.

Proposal to amend current statutory language tied to a funding increase

ECRL is the first regional library governing board to authorize this 2017 legislative initiative.  In addition, the ECRL Board will seek advocacy support from the Association of Minnesota Counties.

MNLINK Discovery Layer

All new this week — the MNLINK discovery interface.

This easy to navigate new search tool provides library users access to library collections around the state, as well as the Electronic Library for Minnesota, Ebooks Minnesota, Minnesota Reflections and much more.  In celebration of this new service, Minitex created a fun and informative video introducing MNLINK to library users.

Libraries may add a link or embed the video on local websites so patrons can learn more about the new MNLINK.  Enjoy!

TdS Executive Position Open

TDS-logo-2013The Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) is looking for an Executive Director.  This dynamic and challenging position will manage a cooperative that serves libraries in a nine county area around Mankato, Minnesota.  Mankato is a vibrant, fast-growing city, home to Minnesota State University, Mankato and a thriving business community.  The Executive Director reports to a fourteen member Board of Directors.   Members include twenty public libraries (representing nearly forty branches), school media centers and academic libraries.

Services provided to member libraries include a Sierra (III) online catalog and circulation system, cataloging, delivery, inter-library loan, continuing education, programming and much more through a staff of twelve.   Minimum requirements include a Master’s in Library Science from a program accredited by ALA and at least two years of public library administrative experience.

For further information check out www.tdslib.org or call 507-386-3022.   Letters of application, resumes and references to:  chaugen@tds.lib.mn.us  Salary from $88,000 per year and up, depending on experience, and generous benefits.  Applications received by October 15 will receive top priority.

Fire at St. Cloud Public Library

GRRL fire damage 2016The St. Cloud Public Library experienced a fire set by an arsonist on the second floor of the building on August 17th. Currently, regional operations continue including daily delivery to the other 31 Great River Regional Library (GRRL) libraries and interlibrary loan. Open hours are extended temporarily at the Waite Park and Clearwater locations until the St. Cloud Public Library can be reopened. Due to structural damage and the scope of the clean-up and restoration required, GRRL has coordinated with the City of St. Cloud for bids. GRRL staff anticipate clean-up will begin in late September with reopening planned for early October. WJON covered the news story.

Good response to ARSL in ND!

ARSL-logoAt the close of Early Bird registration,  448 people are registered for this year’s ARSL conference and 129 are from Minnesota!  There are 42 states represented, Washington, D.C., and Saskatchewan, Canada.  There are many new and returning vendors.  All signs promise a successful conference.

Things are really starting to heat up as it gets closer to the conference.  The Holiday Inn is full, The Holiday Inn Express behind the hotel is full and the Holiday Inn Express on 45th has maybe 2 or 3 rooms for Wednesday and Thursday only.  Conference planners are working to find another backup hotel!

Even though Early Bird registration ended on Friday, September 2, interested individuals  can continue to register.  See you in Fargo!

LSTA 2016 Results

IMLS logoThe results of the most recent Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) competitive grant round have been released and three public libraries are among the recipients.  These include MELSA member: Hennepin County Library and SELCO members:  Albert Lea Public Library and Austin Public Library.

Albert Lea Public Library – $72,505 for Check Out the Internet @ ALPL
Albert Lea Public Library (ALPL) will bridge Freeborn County’s digital access gap with a mobile technology lending program. Grant funds will capitalize on a popular pilot project by adding 60 Wi-Fi hotspots and 25 iPad Airs to its circulating collection. In partnership with Albert Lea Community Education, ALPL will present classes and hands-on demonstrations of the mobile technology to Adult Basic Education students.

Austin Public Library – $43,064 for Austin Area Science Fair Mentoring Project Expansion
Austin Public Library (APL) will take a pivotal role in expanding the Austin Area Science Fair Mentoring Project, a successful community initiative that pairs local STEM professionals with third and fourth grade science fair participants. In doing so, APL aims to increase science literacy and students’ interest in STEM careers. The project will double the number of mentor-student pairs, increase science fair participation and success rates, and connect science fair participants with the library’s mobile technology and high-quality STEM resources.

Hennepin County Library – $53,544 for Strengthening Families Affected by Incarceration
Five percent of Minnesota children have had a parent in jail or prison at some point in their childhood. Hennepin County Library (HCL) will create programs and resources to strengthen families affected by incarceration. Additionally, HCL will educate librarians and other social service professionals about the unique needs of families impacted by incarceration.

Five successful school districts will receive the balance of the $544,843 awarded in the 2016 LSTA competitive grant round.  Click here for a list of all eight grant recipients and the project abstracts.

Stand Up for Standout Friends 2016

MALF_HORIZ_VECTOR

MALF is pleased to introduce a new initiative, Stand Up For Standout Friends. Each and every member organization is invited to put forward the name of one individual for this special annual honor, in thanks for standout efforts in furtherance of Friends of the Library work.

Each MALF member organization may submit one name per year for the Standout Friends honor. Any Friend is eligible, provided he or she is part of a Friends of the Library group current in its MALF membership and is willing to have his or her name shared on award materials distributed across the state. In order to prevent duplicated efforts, MALF asks, but does not require, the nomination be submitted by the current president of each member Friends group.

Fill out the Standout Friend Nomination Form and return to MALF by email. If necessary, you may also mail a paper copy to the MALF office (MALF, 1080 Montreal Ave., Ste. 2, St. Paul, MN, 55116). Applications must be received by Wednesday, August 31.

More information

Coming Soon – New MNLINK Interface

MNLINK Logo - 2016MNLINK is getting a face-lift this  fall!

Sporting a new logo, the greatly improved user interface will feature responsive functionality, allowing users access on the go and from any device.  While a bigger launch announcement will come at a later date when the interface goes live, some pre-launch items have been created for library staff.

The MNLINK Marketing Committee has prepared information for distribution to patrons and staff which you can download, print, and cut as needed.  The announcement to patrons conveys the message about the change to the user interface that is coming soon.  The committee has also created a FAQs document to assist your staff in responding to user queries.  We expect to update the FAQs as we hear more from you about the information users are seeking.

Please access the links below for these materials:

MNLINK quarter sheet 

MNLINK FAQ

Share the FAQs with staff so they’re prepared and share the quarter sheets with the public so they know what’s coming.  The MNLINK Marketing Committee is currently working on new brochures and bookmarks that will be made available prior to the implementation of the new system.  Training webinars will be provided to alert staff of the functionality that the new interface brings.

MNLINK Marketing Committee Members

  • Nick Banitt (Minitex)
  • Carrie Braaten (Anoka County Library – MELSA)
  • Marjorie DeJong (PLS)
  • Sarah Hawkins (ECRL)
  • Zach Miller (Minitex)
  • Becky Ringwelski (Minitex)
  • Reagen Thalacker (SELCO)

Ramsey County Library

MELSA logo 2016Ramsey County Library was awarded a $806,500 Library Construction Grant to build a regional library for the Ramsey County Library in Shoreview. The new building will join Maplewood and Roseville as the third regional library in the county system.

Ramsey County Library’s grant is from an allocation made by the 2014 Minnesota Legislature. The Library Construction Grant is a competitive dollar-for-dollar matching grant program funded by state bonds. The program provides public libraries with funding for renovation, construction, and improvement projects that result in more accessible library facilities.

New GRRL Core Values & Strategic Plan

GRRL web logoDuring 2015, Great River Regional Library (GRRL) went through a process to review its core values and strategic plan. The process included public feedback obtained through surveys and community meetings, as well as input from regional stakeholders and the GRRL Board of Trustees. The goal was to make sure the everyone knows where they are going, and that everyone is headed in the same direction!

2016-2020 GRRL Strategic Plan

Here are the highlights —

Strategic Plan for 2016-2020

  • The library mission is: Explore, Learn, Connect.
  • The library’s vision is: The neighborhood gateway: Inspiring Central Minnesota to shape the future through exploration, knowledge and connection.
  • The library is a patron centered organization, and this commitment
    is expressed through three core values: Exceptional Service, Forward Thinking, and Community Focus.

The library’s service priorities are:
Literacy: All users will have the resources they need to develop and improve their literacy skills in order to succeed in school, meet their personal goals and fulfill their responsibilities as students, parents, citizens and workers.
Access: All users will have access to reliable sources of information in welcoming virtual or physical spaces that support community connection and engagement.
Lifelong Learning: All users will have the resources they need to explore topics of personal interest, continue to learn and complement their quality of life.

The library’s organizational priorities are:
Exceptional Service: We will be an empowered, engaged, well-trained staff ready to provide exceptional service.
Operational Excellence: We will use resources effectively in order to be adaptable to future needs.
Community Focus: We will enhance our service to current and future patrons by embracing the diversity of our communities

Time for the MLA Silent Auction

Call for nerdy paraphernalia, etc. 

Did you love the Ryan Gosling care package, the sexy librarian apron, the Lego Batman Pinata, or any of the amazing gift cards at last year’s MLA silent auction? These awesome items and many more were all donated by local businesses, organizations, and librarians like you!

If you haveMLA 125 logo handmade items, themed gift baskets, gift certificates or nerdy paraphernalia just randomly sitting around  and you keep asking yourself, “Self, what should I do with this?” consider donating to the MLA silent auction! We would love to see what you can come up with!

We ask that all donations be sent in by September 15, 2016.  Donations can be dropped off or mailed to either of these locations:

St. Paul Drop off:
CLIC Office
Silent Auction
1619 Dayton Avenue, Suite 204
St. Paul, MN 55104		 Duluth Drop Off:
Kathryn A. Martin Library
416 Library Drive
Office L274
Duluth, MN 55812

Please include the MLA 2016 Silent Auction Donation Form when you drop off your wonderful items!

Questions? Contact Erica Ross

New duties for State Librarian

An announcement from Kevin McHenry, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Assistant Commissioner, regarding operational changes to State Library Services and the Charter Center —

I’d like to share some important news about some operational changes at MDE. Effective today, State Library Services and the Charter Center will now operate under the divisional leadership of Jennifer Nelson. This change was made in order to better meet the business needs of our customers and MDE.

The Charter Center has undertaken several new initiatives in the last couple of years, implementing a first of its kind authorizer evaluation system, a redesigned and transparent complaint process, as well as continued implementation of our federal charter school grant which helps to recognize high-quality charter schools. With all of these changes, now is a perfect time to take a step back and evaluate how we continue to support the work moving forward.

Based on her exemplary work in State Library Services, which led to the division receiving a Governor’s Continuous Improvement Award, I am confident Jennifer will provide excellent leadership and guidance in her expanded role. Our ongoing continuous improvement efforts will allow us to further streamline and align our support to stakeholders and schools and develop new strategies to ensure service delivery in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible.

As always, we thank you for the work you do in support of our students, educators and stakeholders.

— Kevin McHenry, Assistant CommissionerMDE Logo 2013

GRRL Read Down Fines

GRRL web logoThe Great River Regional Library (GRRL) Read Down Your Fines took place   Monday, June 20 through Saturday, June 25.   This event is for children and teens who hold ‘minor’ cards and are unable to borrow library materials because of outstanding fines. It gives them the opportunity to regain library privileges just by reading at the library.

Individuals taking part in the program receive a coupon from the library desk on which
they the record time spent reading in the library. They are allowed to read materials
of their choice, but it must be physical print materials such as a book or magazine. For each 15-minutes spent reading, they eliminate $1 in fines.

Read Down can only be applied to fines for late return of materials. It can’t be applied to
fines or processing fees for lost and damaged items.

Public donations totally funds Read Down Your Fines. Since 2013, more than 800 teens and children have taken advantage of this program and begun using the library again. The average Read Down fine payment is $5.

SELCO’s Camp Read-a-Lot in a month

Plans are underway for SELCO to host its 8th Annual Camp Read-a-Lot!
Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Camp is a professional development opportunity for library staff, teachers, and interested adults who work with children’s literature, focusing on specifically on grades 2-5.Camp Read-A-Lot Logo COLOR  Campers have the chance to read from a set list of books prior to Camp and then spend the day discussing the titles.  Campers will have a chance to hear from Lisa Von Drasek, Curator of the Children’s Literature Research Collection at UMN Libraries and Minnesota children’s book author Trisha Speed Shaskan.

More details on the SELCO Camp Read-a-Lot website

Library advocacy theme unveiled!

PrintLibrary advocates from across Minnesota began planning for the 2017 Minnesota Legislative session during the annual Library Legislative Forum on July 12, held at the St. Cloud Public Library (GRRL).

Minnesota Loves Libraries will be unifying theme for 2017 library advocacy efforts.  A  smart-looking new logo was unveiled. The original art for the logo is the work of Bernadette Stephenson, GRRL.

Details about the new campaign are still in development  by a CRPLSA Advocacy sub-committee.  Regional staff include:

  • Jon Tatting – ECRL
  • Bernadette Stephenson – GRRL
  • Hillary Stevens – LARL
  • Ken Behringer – MELSA
  • Jennifer Harveland – SELCO

ECRL Director Barbara Misselt is the 2016 Legislative Chair of the Minnesota Library Association.  She is working closely with the sub-committee.

As proof that Minnesotans do indeed love libraries. State Librarian Jen Nelson reported to the Forum that there were 24,340,258 visits to Minnesota’s 355 public libraries in 2015. She also said that 3,860,346 library card holders checked out 52,512,434 physical and electronic library items.

Appreciation for MNBA Support

MNBAThe Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, as the Library of Congress-designated Minnesota Center for the Book, expressed their appreciation to CRPLSA for financial support of the 28th Annual Minnesota Book Awards.

2016 MNBA Appreciation Packet for Outreach Partners

The Minnesota Book Awards year begins with nominations opening in August, promotion of the finalists in February and March, and culminates with the Awards Ceremony in April. This is followed by statewide outreach celebrating the winners throughout the spring and summer. And, during each phase, CRPLSA support and involvement expands MNBA horizons to the entire state.

Lunch at the Library

Public libraries are helping make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session by hosting summer food programs.

  • Once again this summer, Northwest Regional Library (NWRL) staff are reading at meal sites that provide free meals for children and their caregivers in Thief River Falls. The Library Ladies read stories to children as they eat their lunches. NWRL also uses the Once Upon a Reader story strolls to promote early literacy.
  • The Winona Public Library in SELCO is collaborating with the Winona Area Public Schools to provide a FREE lunch program at the library for children ages 18 and under, June 13 – August 26, from 11:30 am-1:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. Children can “grab and go from the lunch bus” or may eat in the bus or on the library’s old front steps.
SELCO Winona Public Library Lunch Bus 2016-06
The Lunch Bus at the Winona Public Library
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