CRPLSA

Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators

Tag: LARL

Hot Reads in LARL

SELCO Winter Reading Program 2017

Lake Agassiz Regional Library is thrilled to invite it’s reading public to participate in Hot Reads for Cold Nights, an annual winter reading program for adults.

The LARL program rules are simple: read or listen to four books, audiobooks, eBooks, or eAudiobooks for a chance to win prizes.  The program will begin on Monday, January 2 and end Tuesday, February 28. All of LARL’s 22 locations are offering this reading opportunity. Prizes include mugs, totes, calendars and more!

LARL even offers an online resource of title suggestions to make reading choices easier.  Use Next 5 Books, LARL’s recommendation program

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.

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!

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

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.

Bremer Trust Supports Libraries

Working diligently towards its goal to build healthy and vibrant communities, the Otto Bremer Trust recently awarded grants to Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) and Northwest Regional Library (NWRL).

  • The Moorhead Public Library, LARL headquarters, received a grant from the Otto Bremer Trust to update the Library’s community meeting rooms. The grant for $20,000 with an additional $10,000 in matching funds was used for new carpet, paint, furniture and equipment for the heavily used meeting rooms.
  • NWRL received a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation in the amount of $17,670. to remodel the restrooms at the Godel Memorial Library in Warren. The project will convert existing facilities and make them more accessible.

More regional broadband support

By adding their names to the Minnesota Broadband Vision, regional library boards are showing their support for a future in which residents of all generations and backgrounds will have access to affordable, high-quality broadband. Included on the growing list:

MN Broadband Vision 2016Great River Regional Library (GRRL) – March 15

Kitchigami Regional Library (KRLS) – March 17

Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) – March 17

Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) – March 17

Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) – March 17

Viking Library System (VLS) – March 15

With its many community interests, The Blandin Foundation initiated the Minnesota Broadband Vision campaign.  This includes sharing news and information on broadband use, policy and trends.  There is even an “I Endorse the Minnesota Broadband Vision” Facebook page to “like” as well as post local support.

LARL hosts popular author tour

LARL Beat Goes On logoMinnesota Book Award author Jack El-Hai toured three of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) branches to talk about his book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Goering, Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of the Minds at the end of WWII. These events had the highest attendance of LARL’s Fall Series and attendees raved about it.

Local author, Eric Bergeson was at the event in Fertile, MN and shared this amazing story of a Minnesota man and this infamous Nazi .  A 90 year old audience member, Art Olson, had been a guard at the prison where Goering had been held.

Coming Soon – LARL Mascot

Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) is excited to announce its design for a new mascot!

LARL mascot 2015During spring and summer 2015, library staff and community members were engaged in this endeavor.  In April,  LARL’s 95 employees voted on a list of five possible mascot characters/animals: Owl, Squirrel, Raccoon, Fox, and Eagle.  From May through July, LARL presented the Drawing Together: A regional community art and storytelling experience in every LARL branch.   Drawing Together featured drawing classes for youth, a chance to vote on which character should represent LARL, as well as suggesting the mascot’s favorite book and telling stories about the mascot.  A Drawing Together form was available on the website and in all 22 LARL locations. Over 200 entries were received from LARL customers of all ages. An owl was ultimately chosen and LARL is still in the process of voting on a name.

LARL worked with Minnesota artist, Janette Louden, to create images of the new mascot for promotional purposes. Minnesota based company, Vee Corporation, was chosen to
create the costume, which should be ready by the end of 2015.

Migrations abound

ECRL logo newEast Central Regional Library (ECRL)  completed the migration of their Evergreen open source library automation system from PALS hosting to Equinox.  With the benefit a multiple migrations, Director Barb Misselt reported that “nothing went awry. In fact, we weren’t even sure that the switch-over was complete.”  The only item of consquence concerned the NCIP communication necessary for MnLINK – the referring URL (name vs IP address). Resolution took about 2 weeks, not because of complexity but because it had to get on OCLC’s schedule to upload a file. During that time, ECRL interlibrary loan staff reverted to manual processes which kept materials moving into the hands of patrons. A good reminder of how much labor NCIP saves library staff each day when processing ILLs.

The migration went well and LARL technology staff are thrilled with the progress thus far,  excited about future flexibility and the user-friendly interface. The public catalog is live and functioning, always a major public service factor.  LARL and NWRL staff report the usual small glitches that occur  with any migration one of  which have resulted in a slowdown of collection development due to acquisition issues which will be remedied shortly.

The migration went well and LARL technology staff are thrilled with the progress thus far,  excited about future flexibility and the user-friendly interface. The public catalog is live and functioning, always a major public service factor.  LARL and NWRL staff report the usual small glitches that occur  with any migration one of  which have resulted in a slowdown of collection development due to acquisition issues which will be remedied shortly.

New LARL Sculpture

LARL sculpture in DL 2015The Detroit Lakes Public Library’s Once Upon A Time sculpture by Becker County resident, Hans Gilsdorf was unveiled on September 10th. Over  100 community members were in attendance for the community art celebration. Gilsdorf will serve as a guest presenter at the Library Club kickoff meeting on October 27, 2015.

The Library has received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the sculpture, which was funded in part by the Detroit Lakes Library Fund  and LARL’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Funding for Library Legacy activities. The sculpture is comprised of re-bar and over 24 Tons of concrete with a a special sculpting epoxy that gives it a bronze-like finish. The sculpture depicts a child lying on the ground, reading a book.

Fargo – Moorhead Host ARSL in 2016

ARSL-logoThe Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) announced Friday, July 31 that Fargo-Moorhead will host the 2016 ARSL Convention.  This event will be a bi-state effort between North Dakota and Minnesota.  The ARSL Board succeeded in reaching its laudable goal of negotiating room rates for $99 – a hallmark of previous conventions and a great plus in making this an affordable learning opportunity for small libraries with small budgets.

Mark your calendars for October 26-29, 2016!

General information about ARSL and the 2015 conference in Little Rock

2nd annual Comic-Con in LARL

LARL Comic ConHaving called all heroes, villains, fans of science fiction and fantasy and comic book lovers, the Moorhead Public Library hosted its second annual Comic-Con on Saturday, May 9. The event was held from 2-5 p.m. and included speakers, an open discussion panel, trivia, a costume contest, and face painting provided by the Minnesota State University Moorhead Illustration Guild!

The Moorhead Public Library Comic-Con event featured special guests from Paradox Comics-And-Cards, August Moon Anime, and graphic artist Joel “MOjo” Moen. This is an event for all ages and attendees were encouraged to bring their library cards to check out items from the library’s graphic novel collection.

More Moo! Adventures with Mike, David & Cow

Hello everyone following Cow’s Adventures,

Cow (and Mike and David) have been on the road again, traveling from Moorhead to Inver Grove Heights. Cow has had lots of adventures already this month, and is eager to share her latest photos, so here they are. I’m sorry there are so many, but believe me, this is less than what Cow wanted to send.

We started out with two shows at the Probstfield Center for Education in Moorhead on April 2, with 200+ attendees at the first show and 150+ at the second show. At the Burnhaven Library in Burnsville on April 4 we had about 40 attendees, and in Inver Grove Heights we had about 30 in the audience. At the Maplewood Library where Monica Stratton had LOTS of handouts for the kids, there were 120 attendees. Then today at our two shows at the Northtown Library in Blaine, we filled the room with 125 kids and adults at each show, and had to turn away about 40 folks at each show (one of the librarians gave an impromptu storytime for those who couldn’t fit in our meeting room, and those kids at least got free copies of the book).

We continue to be amazed at some of the wonderful promotion and extension-activities libraries and librarians have been doing with MOO! We are very proud to be part of OUR.

David, Mike, but mostly COW

PS – For the pictures of Cow’s latest travels and earlier library visits

Once Upon a Reader, the Moo! Trunk Shows, and all of Cow’s Adventures are made possible with money from Minnesota’s Art and Cultural Heritage Fund and the people of Minnesota for Library Legacy activities.

Lead the Change coming to MN

Lead the Change 2015 graphic

Lead the Change: Professional Development for Library Staff is a full-day, live, interactive workshop that will transform library staff into leaders. Participants will learn their strengths and receive the tools needed to increase their effectiveness and performance and contribute to their library’s success.

May 19, 2015 at the Brookdale Library

Register

Presenters:

  • David Bendekovic – Program Developer and Lead Instructor at the Pennsylvania Library Association Academy for Leadership Studies
  • Kit Hadley – Library Director, St. Paul Public Library
  • Liz Lynch – Director, Lake Agassiz Regional Library

Be a part of this on-going, national movement as Lead the Change travels from city to city providing insights, best practices, dynamic presentations and leadership tools.

Lead the Change website

Lead the Change 2015 locations

LARL hosts mini Maud Hart Lovelace Award gala

Lovelace LARL voting 2015The Moorhead Public Library, a branch of Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL), will host a Voting Gala for area youth to vote on the 2014-2015 Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award nominees on Monday, March 23.

The Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award is a national children’s choice award established in 1980, named after the American author of the same name, best known for writing the “Betsy-Tacy” series. Each year, a group of nominated titles are chosen in two divisions: grades 3–5 and grades 6–8. Children who have read at least three books in the relevant category can cast a vote for their favorite.

The Moorhead Library will partner with Moorhead Public schools to host this Gala. Elementary-aged students from across the area are invited to the library for social time, voting, and refreshments. A lively book discussion lead by the school Media Specialists will allow students to debate the merits of their favorite titles with their peers. At the end of the night, the votes will be tallied and the top titles announced. Based on previous years experience, the media specialists and librarians expect several hundred children and their families to attend this event.

One parent attendee in the past remarked, “Our daughter never speaks up. I’ve never heard her talk in front of a group like this, or with such conviction.” Jenna Kahly, LARL Youth Services Librarian states,  “The students become very passionate about their favorites and the media specialists expertly guide the discussion eliciting thoughtful responses and opinions about the various nominees.”

The official Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award winner will be announced on Maud Hart Lovelace’s birthday, April 25.

MnLINK Gateway Product Demos

PrintThree vendors have been invited to demonstrate their solutions in response to the MnLINK Gateway RFP that was issued in October 2014. Each vendor will be spending one day with the MnLINK Gateway RFP Committee. Minitex has set aside two hours each day for a public demonstration of the products being considered. The sessions will all be held online via webinar from 8:30-10:30 AM.

The schedule of companies and dates for the public demos are:

  • Wednesday, February 25, 2015 – Relais International
  • Thursday, February 26, 2015 – OCLC
  • Friday, February 27, 2015 – Innovative

The product demonstrations will also be available for later viewing for those of you who aren’t able to attend the live session(s). Information on accessing the demonstrations will be provided in the coming weeks.

LARL, SELCO and TdSLC currently have staff members serving on the RFP Committee.  For more information contact the Mintex office.

CRPLSA at AMC

Each December for over 100 years, the Association of Minnesota Counties’ (AMC) Annual Conference gathers more than 600 county elected officials, department heads, and staff, come together to learn and discuss the important topics and trends affecting county government. CRPLSA has joined the group for over a decade using this time to keep libraries in the minds of county officials and to offer appreciation for previous support.

With a 2014 conference theme – commit. communicate. collaborate. connect. – CRPLSA is a successful contributor.  For additional photos from the two-day conference, check CRPLSA’s Flickr album.

LARL successful bus tours

LARL logoLake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) has been experimenting with bus trips to a variety of locations. Two recent tours include a trip from the Detroit Lakes Public Library to the Charles A. Lindbergh House and Camp Ripley Military Museum in Little Falls and a bus trip from the Crookston Public Library to the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County: Stave Church and Viking Ship in Moorhead. Both trips were very well received. LARL will continue to plan trips exploring sites both within the region and around the state.

Storytimes for Everyone

Every child ready to read logoEasy as Sing, Read, Talk, Write and Play: Storytimes for Everyone

Adults as Partners in Developing Language and Literacy in Young Children

The Minnesota Department of Education, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is proud to bring renowned early literacy educator Saroj Ghoting to Minnesota for a series of workshops designed to give librarians and early childhood educators background in early literacy best practices. The workshops are rooted in the Every Child Ready to Read research-based curriculum released by the Public Library Association in 2011.

Attendees will learn to enhance storytimes and other reading interactions by incorporating information for parents and caregivers into them. Sessions include an overview of the five practices (sing, talk, read, write, play) and real-world techniques for planning storytimes that include valuable content for children and adults.

~Storytimes for Everyone~
Thu., Sept. 4, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Prior Lake Library
16210 Eagle Creek Avenue SE, Prior Lake

~Storytimes for Everyone~
Fri., Sept. 5, 2014, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Owatonna Public Library
105 N. Elm Avenue, Owatonna

~Storytimes for Everyone~
Mon., Sept. 8, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Redwood Falls Public Library
509 S. Lincoln Street, Redwood Falls

~Train the Trainer Workshop~
Tue., Sept. 9, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville

~Storytimes for Everyone~
Thu., Sept. 11, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
MN State & Community Tech College
900 Highway 34 East, Detroit Lakes

~Storytimes for Everyone~
Fri., Sept. 12, 2014, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Grand Rapids Area Library
420 N. Pokegama Avenue, Grand Rapids

Visit http://tinyurl.com/ploppce to register. There is no fee to attend, but optional lunch fees may apply, depending on location. Registration is limited.

For more information, email Jackie Blagsvedt or call 651-582-8805.

MnLINK RFP Committee Created

MnLink LogoMinitex has formed an RFP group for the MnLINK Gateway.  This committee will prepare, solicit and review RFPs to replace the current Fretwell-Downing VDX interlibrary loan software, as well as investigate a discovery layer for the MnLINK Gateway.  The individuals on this working group represent different types of libraries, varying areas of expertise and metro/outstate locations.

MnLINK RFP Committee Members

Nick Banitt – Minitex
Ken Behringer – Dakota County Library
Ruth Dukelow – CLIC
Sonja Eilertson – PALS
Raquel Franklin – Minitex
Cheryl Hill – SELCO
Ann Hutton – SELCO
Karen Kilbride – Hennepin County Library
Beth Lunn – Pioneerland Library System (PLS)
Nicole Murphy – Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL)
Dixie Ohlander – Augsburg College
Becky Ringwelski – Minitex
Greg Sauve – Rochester Public Library
Jill Smith – Anoka County Library
Darla Sorenson – Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC)
Paul Swanson – Minitex

Becky Ringwelski, Minitex Associate Director, will chair the committee and Valerie Horton, Minitex Executive Director will participate as an ex officio member. The recommendation of the committee will go to Valerie Horton who will make the final decision on the system to replace the current ZPortal/VDX software. A member of the University of Minnesota Purchasing Department will work closely with the committee during this process.

LSTA Mini-Grants Announced

IMLS logoState Library Services is pleased to announce the recipients of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Mini-Grants for Expanded Learning through Libraries and Play and Learn Space.

The Hoyt Lakes Public Library (ALS), Ogilvie Independent School District (ECRL), and St. Paul Public Library (MELSA) are eligible for a maximum award of $5,000 in the Expanded Learning through Libraries category.  These mini grant projects will support activity-based partnerships between schools and libraries to help connect students with meaningful out of school time opportunities that improve literacy and academic achievement.

The Play and Learn Space mini-grants will establish or enhance engaging and welcoming spaces for children ages 0-8 and their caregivers in public libraries. Each Play and Learn Space offers a variety of play activities that support early learners’ growth and exploration across the six domains of Minnesota’s Early Childhood Indicators of Progress.  Successful applicants include:

  • Anoka County Library (MELSA)
  • Carver County Library System (MELSA)
  • Dakota County Library (MELSA)
  • East Central Regional Library (ECRL)
  • Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL)
  • North Mankato Taylor Library (TdSLC)
  • South St. Paul Public Library (MELSA)
  • Stillwater Public Library (MELSA)
  • Waseca-LeSueur Regional Library System (TdSLC)
  • Washington County Library (MELSA)

Here is an example of the type of activities being undertaken for Play and Learn Space projects by CRPLSA members, ECRL and LARL:

ECRL – A new play and learn space at the Cambridge Library, tying into the city’s motto, “Minnesota’s Opportunity Community” will be created.

LARL – Comfortable furniture for caregivers and children, child-sized furniture, and interactive toys will create a play and family friendly space for the children’s area at the new Bagley Public Library.

Details of each project

LARL Endorses RLBSS Initiative

Hand writing formula on blackboardThe Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) Board will support a 2015 legislative proposal to modify the Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) formula as outlined in Minnesota Statutes 134.355. The proposal would adjust the portion of funds assigned to Subdivision 6, Adjusted net tax capacity per capita distribution, and shift a small percentage to Base aid distribution outline in Subdivision 5.

Minnesota Statutes 134.355

Proposal to amend current statutory language

Lives Change @ LARL

LARL logoLake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) launched an initiative to gather stories from library supporters leading up to Minnesota Library Legislative Day on March 5. Visit the LARL website and click on the Lives Change @ LARL slider to read letters from library advocates. LARL will continue to gather stories through National Library Week, April 13-19.

Rich Legacy Calendar in LARL

LARL Beat Goes On logoThe Winter/Spring 2014 Legacy Series: The Beat Goes On is currently in session throughout Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL). The series includes the following performers and performing groups:

  • Irish Music & History in the Red River Valley with Jim and Bonnie Haney
  • Irish Music with Poitin
  • Lake Agassiz Drawn to History with Steve Stark
  • Clara Dillon Darrow: Pioneering Women with Dawn Duncan
  • Musical Reading Celebration with the Zinghoppers
  • Original Folk Songs with Lehto and Wright
  • CommunityDrum Workshop with Spirit
  • The Magic of Dr. Seuss with Robert and Lynn Halbrook

In addition, the Detroit Lakes Public Library staff have arranged for a bus trip in May from Detroit Lakes to the Minnesota History Center. Three other LARL branches will be leading bus trips this summer.

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