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DLD Staffers Represent the CT State Library at the National Book Festival in DC!

DLD staff members, Suzanne Kiss and Kym Powe joined Susan Muro and Scott Wands of the CT Center for the Book and CT Humanities in Washington, DC on Saturday, August 24 for the 24th annual National Book Festival! Thousands of booklovers visited Connecticut’s booth to learn about our beautiful state and receive a stamp for their U.S. maps as a part of their journey through the "Roadmap to Reading."

Connecticut-based children's author, Cindy Rodriguez signed postcards and shared information about her book, Three Pockets Full. Ned Blackhawk, Connecticut-based author of The Rediscovery of America, stopped by our booth to say hello before his presentation at the festival.

With so many people in one place to celebrate the power of books and reading, it was an exciting, fun, and inspiring day for all!

The CT team with CT children’s author, Cindy Rodriguez. Right to left: Scott Wands, Cindy Rodriguez, Kym Powe, Susan Muro, and Suzanne Kiss. 

Connecticut children’s author, Cindy Rodriguez signs postcards about her book, Three Pockets Full for visitors at the Connecticut booth. 

DLD’s Kym Powe with Ned Blackhawk, author of The Rediscovery of America and one of the featured speakers at this year’s National Book Festival. 

DLD’s Suzanne Kiss greets visitors and stamps Roadmap to Reading maps at the CT booth. So many folks were excited to learn about our "small but mighty" state!

Suzanne Kiss and Kym Powe stopped in at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) photo booth to show how much they both love books!

Thousands of bibliophiles turned out at this year’s National Book Festival to share their love of and support for books, stories, authors, and libraries nationwide.

IMLS staff responsible for library discretionary grants have launched this year’s National Leadership and Laura Bush grants application window, but with a twist to reach more libraries of all types and sizes. The “Community-Centered Implementation” option focuses on local implementation of a model, tool, or practice that already exists, with a project span of 1-2 years, and a funding range of $25K-100K (no cost share required). There is only one application per institution for this project type. The deadline for both grants is Friday, September 20.

We encourage you to connect with an IMLS Program Officer listed on the grant pages by subject matter:

• IMLS Laura Bush 21^st Century Library Program Grants

• IMLS National Leadership Grants

DLD has been the recipient of over $1,300,000 in IMLS discretionary grants including Transformation for Libraries: EXCITE (2 awarded grants), Transformation for Libraries: The Futures School (2 awarded grants) and Connecticut State Library: Designing and Implementing a Replicable Regional Navigator Sharing Plan. We will be happy to consult with you on successful community needs assessments using DLD proven tools such as Empathy Mapping and Foresight techniques, as well as data analytics and the drafting of compelling narratives. 

For more information on how DLD can help, please contact Dawn La Valle, Director, Division of Library Development at Dawn.Lavalle@ct.gov.

The GELS Grant is a six-month grant initiative to support a library on their journey to providing equitable services in their community. Principal public libraries can apply for up to $3,500.

Important dates:

• Applications accepted – Tuesday, September 3-Thursday, October 31, 2024
• Application deadline – Thursday, October 31, 2024, by 4:00 pm
• Grant awards announced – Monday, December 2, 2024
• Grant period – Thursday, January 2-Monday, June 30, 2025
• Midpoint Report due – Tuesday, April 1, 2025, by 4:00 pm
• Grant funds must be fully expended – Monday, June 30, 2025
• Final Report due – Wednesday, July 31, 2025, by 4:00 pm

Learn more and find all related grant materials including Instructions, Applications, and Reports on the GELS Grants LibGuide page.

We will host a GELS Grant Information Session on Tuesday, September 17 at 10 am. For more information and to register, please see the listing in the Workshops & Programs section below.

Naturally, we want to know what our communities think of this core offering. Does summer reading make folks feel welcome? Does it make people want to return to the library? We are all seeking to remain in connection with and relevant to our communities. Measuring and understanding outcomes feeds this work.

DLD supports and encourages libraries to think deeply about the outcomes we’re working toward and what difference we want to see in skills, behaviors, and attitudes. Going beyond outputs to outcomes will help you to better understand the assets and challenges of your communities and how the library can continually work with stakeholders and community members to support the entire community during the summer months.

Towards this, we offer you the tools we've developed and offered in recent years. Though the Summer Reading Report has always been optional, we strongly encourage taking advantage of the Summer Reading Reports for 2024:

2024 Summer Reading Report - Due Friday, October 4 at 4:00 pm

We will accept any portion of the report you’re willing and able to complete and would love to hear directly from CT residents via the patron survey.

Don’t forget to take a look at the Summer Reading 2024 Fact Flyer template accessible via Canva. 

Do You Need Help Filling Out Your Summer Reading Final Report?

It’s report season for all of us and it can feel like a big undertaking. If you need a helping hand with the Summer Reading Final report, we’re here to help!

On our Summer with the Library Reports Libguides page, there is a brief thirteen-minute video where our Children/YA Consultant, Kym Powe will walk you through every cell.

Our Frequently Asked Questions page, though short, is very insightful and offers concise answers to questions that seemed like they deserved their own space!

Last, but certainly not least, Kym is always available via email at Kymberlee.Powe@ct.gov. Library workers are also welcome to bypass email and set up a virtual meeting through our Bookings page! Just click Continue as Guest.

Book time with Kymberlee Powe: Office hours 

Happy reporting season to all!

Planning Ahead for Summer with the Library in 2025?

Sign up for the 2025 iREAD Resource Guide!

Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024

We know that preparing, planning, and implementing summer reading is practically a yearlong cycle- which is why we are thinking ahead!

If you are a principal public library and interested in accessing the 2025 iREAD Resource Guide, visit the iREAD Page and sign up in the digital form.

Each library system will receive one email with an access code to the iREAD resource guide. Files must then be shared with relevant departments and branches. Please check with all staff members that run summer programs prior to submitting the form, to prevent duplicate entries. The access code email will be sent to the first person who submitted the form. 

The theme for 2025 is Level Up at Your Library: “Play is one of the ways we learn to relate to others, to think in new ways, and to foster friendships, new and old. Level Up at Your Library is an all-ages summer reading program based around puzzles and games. Whether you’re playing with STEM concepts or gamifying your reading logs, learning to play chess or how to code video games, iREAD 2025: Level Up at Your Library reminds us that libraries are not just a space for knowledge, they are a space for fun!"

As with previous years, each library is free to make the best decisions for their community, which may be a different library theme, or no theme at all.

For any questions about the iREAD resource guide, summer reading, or summer reports, please check the Frequently Asked Questions page. If you need further assistance, reach out to Children/YA Consultant Kym Powe at Kymberlee.Powe@ct.gov.

Workshop descriptions are provided below:

Friday, September 27, 10:00 am-noon: GIANT Creative STEM Framework for Community Building. Join this interactive professional learning workshop to discover, reflect, and discuss ways to implement creative STEM-based family programs to energize community building and bring families to libraries.

Friday, October 4, 10:00 am-noon: GIANT Methodology of Prompting to Amplify Community's Voices. Join this interactive professional learning workshop to discover, reflect, and discuss best strategies to help families own their creative journeys. The goal is to maximize engagement and help families make memories while connecting to their community in new ways.

Friday, October 11, from 10:00 am-noon: GIANT Methodology of Prompting to Amplify Community's Voices. In this hands-on professional learning workshop, educators will design and plan programs for their community, as well as share and receive feedback on the approaches they take to their space. The goal is to help librarians leverage GIANT methodologies in their practice.

**Please register using the links available in the Workshops & Programs section.**

Visit the GIANT Room Libguide for more information and pictures from some of the pilot library programs.

To learn more, explore the Libraries Without Borders LibGuide.

Assessing External Community Assets, Needs and Barriers

Thursday, September 5 | 1:00-4:00pm

Register for Assessing External Community Assets

Assessing Internal Library Assets and Staff Capacity

Wednesday, September 25 | 1:00-4:00 pm

Register for Assessing Internal Library Assets

Assessing Library Utilization and Awareness

Wednesday, October 9 | 1-3 pm

Register: Assessing Library Utilization

Using Data to Inform Program Design and Library Services

Tuesday, October 29 | 1-4 pm    

Register: Using Data

Social Media as Effective Awareness and Promotion Strategies (Part 1)

Wednesday, November 13 | 1-4 pm

Register: Social Media (Part 1)

Social Media as Effective Awareness and Promotion Strategies (Part 2)

Thursday, November 14 | 1-4 pm

Register: Social Media (Part 2)

Community Canvassing as Effective Awareness and Promotion Strategies

Tuesday, December 10 | 1-3 pm

Register: Community Canvassing

Optimizing Community/ Library Partnerships

Wednesday, January 15 | 1-4 pm

Register: Optimizing Partnerships

Models for Expanding Access through Community Partnerships

Tuesday, February 4 | 1-3 pm

Register: Models for Expanding Access

Developing Internal Processes and Systems for Ongoing Outreach

Thursday, March 6 | 1-4 pm

Register: Developing Internal Processes

Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

All information, programs, resources, and services related to CT libraries have been curated and organized and is only a click away! The information you need can be found on DLD's LibGuides, which offers the most comprehensive overview of library information in CT, including:

• Professional Development Workshops and Programs
• CIPA requirements
• Numbers and types of CT Library Outlets
• Legal issues pertaining to CT Libraries

Bookmark our homepage and add it to your desktop! 

And remember, your DLD Library Liaison is also your go-to resource for answers to all your questions.

Public libraries are required by statute CGS Sec. 11-25 (a) to submit an Annual Report in order to receive borrowIT payments or other state appropriations. Participating in this survey is critical for state and national data gathering on public libraries.

We are offering a webinar on Wednesday, September 4 at 3:00 pm (register in the Workshops & Programs section below) to review how to use the new platform and highlight question changes and some common mistakes and misconceptions.

Can’t make the webinar but would like a walkthrough of the new platform? Schedule an appointment with Barbara at your convenience. 

Incoming monthly estimates are up by 10% from FY2023 and up 18% from pre-pandemic numbers! Thank you to all the libraries who participate by submitting their statistics to us!

In an effort to ease the transition, the CT State Library will be providing training, best practices, resources, and office hours to successfully prepare libraries to navigate this process.

New Requirements

Beginning this fall, each affected library, must do the following:

• File a Form 470. Libraries who need to file a Form 470 should make time to upload this outreach to vendors during September, October, or November.
• Evaluate vendor responses according to a USAC-model rubric. Libraries must set aside hours to evaluate internet provider bids before January 10.
• Select their vendor before they can file for a discount during the January-March application window.

Transition Assistance

The CT State Library E-Rate Consultant, Christine Gauvreau will provide training, office hours, and Zoom screen shares for groups that need assistance with this transition.

Daily training sessions will be held during the week of September 9. More information and registration links can be found in the Workshops & Programs sections below.

Please contact Chris Gauvreau at Christine.Gauvreau@ct.gov or (860) 704-2224 with any questions or for more information.

The FY2024 Annual Report is due by 4 pm on Tuesday, October 1st.

Participants will leave with the tools to build and implement their own data collection strategy. This workshop includes a working session for participants to draft a community data collection plan for their own library.

This session is part of the Reimagining Library Outreach and Access series of 10 workshops taking place through March 2025 that will provide library staff with strategies, tools, and frameworks to expand their reach and impact within their communities. Using their own library and local data, participants have the opportunity to evaluate barriers to access within their own communities and to reconsider their approach to outreach utilizing their existing assets and structures.

For more information and to register for future workshops in this series, please see the full description in the Initiatives & Announcements section above.

Library staff need only attend ONE of the workshops. Please register for the date and time that work best for you using the links below:

Register for E-Rate Workshop on Monday, September 9 | 9:00-10:00 am

Register for E-Rate Workshop on Tuesday, September 10 | 3:00-4:00 pm

Register for E-Rate Workshop on Wednesday, September 11 | 9:00-10:00 am

Register for E-Rate Workshop on Wednesday, September 11 | 12:00-1:00 pm

Register for E-Rate Workshop on Thursday, September 12 | 12:00-1:00 pm

Register for E-Rate Workshop on Friday, September 13 | 3:00-4:00 pm

Training Session Requirements

Before attending a training session, please review the following USAC resources:



• Watch the FCC Form 470 and Competitive Bidding Video Instructions (25 minutes)
• Watch the Filing the FCC Form 470 and Competitive Bidding Webinar (1 hour 15 minutes)
• Complete the EPC Training Site Request Form. We will use this training site during the information sessions. 

Introversion brings a needed balance to a workplace and, with its unique approach, can yield remarkable results. That said, the introverted manager faces a unique set of opportunities and challenges in achieving their goals and feelings of being valued and successful.

You should attend this full day program if you want to better lead and manage others by putting your unique skills to work.

In this program you will refine and expand your workplace skills by:

• Identifying your strengths in managing and leading others and how to further grow those skills
• Using Free Trait Theory to be who you need to be in any managing situation
• Growing your confidence and authority when speaking to a group
• Effectively managing your boss to stay on track and announce your successes
• Having a plan of action to shine as your introverted self with the people and departments that you manage and lead

NOTE: THIS IS AN IN-PERSON WORKSHOP AT THE MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY SERVICE CENTER

In this two-and-a-half-hour interactive workshop, learn the fundamentals of effective presentation skills.

Find out how solid eye contact is an anchor, learn about posture and why gestures are essential and make your content come alive. We'll also cover how to use your voice effectively, tips on crowd control, and how to regain the attention of a distracted audience, and we'll practice Q&A skills and discover why this part of your presentation is a great opportunity for you to shine.

Interactive and fun, join us live at the CT State Library for a session that will help you channel your nervousness so that you stand out every time you talk! 

P.S. Introverted or shy presenters are often the most effective once they learn how to engage the audience. 

NOTE: THIS IS AN IN-PERSON WORKSHOP AT THE MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY SERVICE CENTER

Applicants are required to submit a detailed description of how their service and/or program aligns with the mission of the GELS initiative and the needs or interests of the marginalized community group(s) with whom they intend to work.

• Topics to consider when setting up a Digital Navigation program
• Determining which aspects of Digital Equity your program will cover
• Community partnerships - collaborating on digital inclusion activities

Join us to learn about how eGO CT and The Palace Project help expand access to eBooks and support library communities. This session will be especially helpful for Public and Academic libraries.

Participants will leave with the tools to:

1) Identify internal library assets and resources

2) Evaluate library offerings in relation to community needs

3) Outline current staff capacity and establish goals for optimization

This workshop includes a working session for participants to draft a staff capacity analysis plan for their own library.

This session is part of the Reimagining Library Outreach and Access series of 10 workshops taking place through March 2025 that will provide library staff with strategies, tools, and frameworks to expand their reach and impact within their communities. Using their own library and local data, participants have the opportunity to evaluate barriers to access within their own communities and to reconsider their approach to outreach utilizing their existing assets and structures.

For more information and to register for future workshops in this series, please see full description in the Initiatives & Announcements section above.

Please register for our upcoming learning workshops with The GIANT Room using the links below:

Register for The GIANT Room Workshop 2 on October 4

Register for The GIANT Room Workshop 3 on October 11

Visit our calendar

While academic and school libraries showed a decrease in usage, usage in public libraries more than doubled compared with usage in FY23. In addition, libraries viewed Connecticut State Library Collections in Ancestry.com 11,433,849 times in FY 2024. The researchIT CT program saves the state's libraries and municipalities $42,051,020.

Get Ready for Fall and the New School Year with eGO CT!

Content purchased by the Connecticut State Library supports public, academic, and school libraries through the eGO CT Palace Project and the eGO Community Share Program for K12s. We currently have 175 sites that are live in the Palace app and sharing this amazing FREE resource with their patrons, and 162 school sites that are participating in eGO CT Community Share. If you are unsure of your school or library’s status, please contact us.

During the month of August, we purchased a total of 310 items for both platforms. We focused on content that supports the school curriculum, as well as titles that allow for pleasure reading for students.

DLD will continue to work with Baker & Taylor to connect Follett Destiny schools in Connecticut to eGO CT content purchased by the Connecticut State Library as part of the eGO CT Community Share Program. We are now offering a Baker & Taylor Boundless option for non-Destiny school sites for access to the Connecticut State Library eBook collection.



For more information about the eGO CT Program, please contact Brad Bullis, Digital Content & Innovation Coordinator, Connecticut State Library/Division of Library Development, at Bradley.Bullis@ct.gov.

New eAudio Titles Now Available in the Palace Project app!

Book bundles include a mix of up to 25 titles, have a 90-day loan period, and the books included can be lent to your patrons or students. Bundles can be reserved up to 365 days in advance, so you can book your themes all year long! Please leave a note in the reservation form with which topics you’d like included.

Not sure how to request items? Don’t worry, we made a video!

Do you work in a school? Have your MLSC items sent to the public library of your choice - either the town your school is in or the town you live in. Find deliverIT numbers using this link.

And remember, you can book items up to 365 days in advance and there are NO LATE FEES!