JULY 2024

Summer Reading is taking off!

I've had some great Summer Reading visits so far and lots more scheduled for July!

You can read about my visit to Erna Fergusson in Albuquerque on the NMSL website - and I also stopped into Placitas Community Library and Jemez Springs Public Library this month. We also had a wonderful Smokey Bear visit at the Pecos stop of the Northeast Bookmobile!

Please read below for updates and news - we've got a Drop-In YS meeting this month on July 19th to answer any questions about the surveys. - Kelly

Summer Reading sign at Erna Fergusson Library.

CALENDAR - Meetings and Events

JULY Monthly Youth Services Meeting

Drop-In Meeting / Q and A

Friday, July 19, 10:00-10:40am

Topic: Summer Reading Survey

Ask any questions about the Summer Reading Survey - due August 31, 2024 - or any other topics!

Zoom Link HERE

Get ready for Library Card Sign-Up Month in September!

How will your library celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month this year?

You can access lots of free tools from ALA HERE.

NEWS

ALL SURVEYS ARE DUE AUGUST 31, 2024

Parent/Caregiver Surveys:

There are amazing Summer Reading programs happening all over New Mexico! Don't forget to ask your families to fill out the Parent/Caregiver Survey so we can get statewide feedback on the impact of SRP to your communities.

You can link to the surveys directly:

Link for English Survey - https://forms.gle/sAaNqFXyJrUEt8Xu6

Link for Spanish Survey - https://forms.gle/TtbydchPzMZ6WNkm8

Or, look on the Surveys page of the Niche Academy module to print paper copies or a flyer to direct families to the survey with a QR code.

Library Survey:

The Summer Reading Survey for Libraries will open on July 15 and is DUE August 31, 2024. You can see a preview of the questions on the Niche Academy page. You must complete the survey to remain eligible for Summer Reading support for 2025. Only one person per system should complete the survey.

Early Literacy Calendar

Visit the Niche Academy course to download all months (in English and Spanish) of the Early Literacy Calendar.

Calendars can be given to parents and caregivers, shared out on social media and websites, and assist library staff and volunteers in learning new songs, rhymes, and activities.

Shuter Library of Angel Fire shares the calendar out on their Facebook page.

@ SEEN ON SOCIAL

Summer Reading is happening all over New Mexico!

Smokey Bear Reading Challenge

Don't forget you can access lots of materials in the Smokey Bear Digital Toolkit including Certificates, bookmarks, games, and more! The national program runs through November 28, 2024, so feel free to have programming in the Fall.

READSquared and NM Public Libraries

New Mexico now has a statewide contract with READSquared to provide online reading tracking software and challenges.

Each library site will come pre-loaded with CSLP Summer Reading, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, and the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge.

If you want to get your library registered, or have more questions, email Kelly McCabe.

Remember: El Portal Isn't Just for Patrons!

You have FREE ACCESS to library science publications through El Portal and the Gale Academic OneFile Database to access professional book reviews and articles. Including:

Library Journal
School Library Journal
Computers in Libraries
Publisher's Weekly
Horn Book Magazine
Booklist

Go to www.elportalnm.org to begin researching.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

DIGITAL SAFETY AND PRIVACY FOR LIBRARIANS

Wednesday, July 10 @ 12noon MT

How do we help patrons in this area and what guidance should and can we offer them in protecting themselves online? What are the best tools and resources? What privacy and digital safety issues might we be overlooking in our own library?

Full Information and to register - click here

Work It Out @ Your Library

with the Wombats!

Thursday, August 8, 2024, 1:00-2:00PM MT

This webinar will introduce you to Work It Out @ Your Library! a new program for families in your community, built around Work it Out Wombats! a national PBS KIDS television series for 4- to 6-year-olds. Through hands-on activities, library storytime sessions, animated videos, and a family app, this flexible program helps library staff guide families through the exploration of computational thinking.

More information and TO REGISTER

Leaves, Leaves, Leaves Workshop

These are free workshops to train YOU on the subject matter, so you can then conduct the program at your library. For virtual programs the first 20 registrants receive mailed kits of supplies.

Leaves, Leaves, Leaves

Thursday, July 25, 10am-12pm, Virtual

Discover the variety in leaves and observe them up close! Explore how special leaves are by testing their strength, flying ability, and more!

Full details and to register

Flipbooks and Stop Motion Animation

Thursday, August 22, 10am-12pm, Virtual

Discover ready-to-go activities which will support young students’ understanding of sequencing and storytelling. Explore digital tools appropriate for learners of all ages.

Full details and to register

Floaters and Sinkers Workshop

Wednesday, August 28, 2-4pm, Virtual

Roll up your sleeves and experiment! Modify materials to make them float or sink, and design a foil boat that will carry a cargo. Connect the activities to literature and discover ideas you can immediately apply!

Full details and to register

Looking Ahead: Professional Conferences

There are many general and specialized conferences for library staff. Plan ahead to attend! Remember: LSTA funds can be used to send library staff to professional conferences.

ARSL (Assoc. of Rural and Small Libraries) - Sept 11-14, 2024, Springfield, MA

ALSC (Assoc. Library Service to Children) - Sept 19-21, 2024, Denver, CO

NMLA (NM Library Association) Conference - Oct 23-25, 2024, Carlsbad, NM

ATALM (Tribal Libraries, Archives and Museums )- Nov 12-14, 2024, Palm Springs, CA

ALA LibLearnX - Jan 24-27, 2025, Phoenix, AZ

ALA National Conference - June 26 - July 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA