A Message from the State Librarian |
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Happy Love Your Library Month!
What a wonderful opportunity to highlight the history and contributions of Black Americans, and in particular Black Arizonans, recorded in our library collections throughout February as we also celebrate Black History Month!
Here are some resources gathered by the State Library. We invite you to explore them and share the links below:
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Holly Henley
State Librarian
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Mark your calendar for upcoming In-person Training, Webinars, Deadlines, and Public Events.
FEBRUARY
February 15, 2024 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
February 15, 2024 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
February 21, 2024 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
February 23, 2024 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
February 24, 2024 - 9:00am - 3:00pm
February 28, 2024 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
MARCH
March 1, 2024 - 9:00am - 10:00am
March 6, 2024 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm
March 8, 2024 - 5:00pm
Deadline to Submit LSTA Subgrant Applications
March 13, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
March 14, 2024 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
March 20, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
March 27, 2024 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
March 27, 2024 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
March 28, 2024 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
March 28, 2024 - 9:00am - 4:00pm
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Digital Equity and Inclusion News
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Continuing our ongoing effort to spotlight what’s new in Digital Equity and Inclusion at the state and federal level, we want to highlight some important information.
At the state level, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) published the Digital Equity Plan for public comment. That closed at the end of the day on February 1st. Libraries play a critical role in digital equity and inclusion work, so thank you to all who participated in that process.
On the federal level, in 2021, Congress established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, appropriating $14.2 billion. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was tasked to develop and implement the program as well as ACP outreach and awareness activities.
As of January 2024, with the assistance of libraries nationwide, over 22 million households were enrolled and receiving the ACP monthly benefit. The allotted $14.2 billion to fund the ACP is projected to run out in April 2024. (This date is an estimate and may change). As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind down the ACP, which means:
- ACP applications and enrollments will not be processed after February 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.
- Households who have applied, been approved, and are receiving the monthly internet discount before February 8, 2024 will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out, as long as the household remains enrolled in the program. After the ACP funds run out, households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts.
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Introducing the State Library's New Grants Consultant
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The State Library is delighted to announce that Chris Guerra will be the new Library Development Grants Consultant starting February 19. Chris has been with Library Development since 2010, starting as a project specialist supporting the BTOP 2 program and emerging technologies. In 2020, Chris became the State Data Coordinator (SDC), overseeing the annual Public Library Survey data collection and reporting. Chris will continue as SDC as he also takes on this new role coordinating the Library Services and Technology Act federal grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, State-Grants-in-Aid, and State-Grants-in-Aid- Construction programs.
For questions about grants or any other Library Development services, please contact libdev@azsos.libanswers.gov to connect with Chris and the rest of the Library Development team.
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Are you ready to launch a new project, expand an existing library service, or partner with a local organization to offer more resources in your community? Consider applying for a Library Services and Technology (LSTA) General or Express Grant.
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Adventure of Summer Reading with Jen Strauss
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Register today before they fill up!
This hands-on workshop will focus on the summer reading theme of Adventure Begins at Your Library as it relates to Children, Tween/Teen, Adults and Multigenerational groups of patrons and include creative tips for marketing, decorating, tracking reading, engaging community partners, finding resources, and planning programs. Jen will spotlight and extend activities and ideas from the Collaborative Summer Library Programs 2024 Manual along with sharing ideas that will help you enjoy the theme of Adventure while streamlining programming for patrons of all ages.
Participants will receive extensive workshop handouts, the slide deck, and future access to the presenter for questions and consultation. Each workshop will include time for group brainstorming, discussion, questions and will include time for breaks and lunch.
With 30 years of experience as a Summer Reading Performer, Speaker, and a Library Consultant, Jen Strauss will introduce librarians to a variety of summer reading experiences that promote adventure, exploration, investigation, creativity and of course, reading.
Presenter Jen Strauss uses her passion for story to help educators, organizations and individuals connect with others, communicate ideas, and achieve goals. Following ten years as a public-school educator, Jenifer combined her love of teaching and storytelling and in 1993, founded her business, Story Be Told.
Now traveling nationally, Jen offers interactive story performances, dynamic conference keynotes, workshops, trainings and coaching along with writing workshops and long-term involvements as an Artist-in-Residence.
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Arizona Talking Book Library Serves Patrons with Print Disabilities
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The Arizona Talking Book Library serves anyone who has a “print disability.” This term refers to a person who cannot read standard print or hold a book. In addition to those who have difficulty reading due to blindness or low vision, individuals who have a physical disability or reading disability also qualify for our service.
Examples of physical disability could include Parkinson’s disease, paralysis after experiencing a stroke or multiple sclerosis.
It is thought that reading disabilities affect up to 20% of the population and the most common example is dyslexia.
Any individual experiencing a visual or physical disability, even on a temporary basis, is eligible for service.
Librarians who encounter qualifying individuals in a library setting and can verify a patron’s condition may sign off as a “certifying authority” on our applications.
For more information about our service, please call the Arizona Talking Book Library at 602-255-5578 or 1-800-255-5578.
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Celebrate Smokey’s 80th Birthday by Joining the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge
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The USDA Forest Service is excited to collaborate with the Arizona State Library to distribute the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge kits in celebration of Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday. This program is designed to be a fun and easy way to engage children in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers, while exploring their local environment.
What a great connection to the Adventure Begins at Your Library summer theme. This reading challenge can be run concurrently with summer reading or before or after your normal summer reading schedule. We request that participating libraries track the number of participants and report them on a very brief survey by the end of November 2024.
The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge kit will include:
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One roll of 500 Smokey Stickers
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50 Smokey Cards
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Smokey Stamp for use on paper challenge, completion certificates, and other items.
The kits will be sent to the State Library in January 2024 and distributed to public and tribal libraries during our summer reading workshops in March 2024. If no one from your library can attend any of the workshops, please contact dthrockmorton@azlibrary.gov to arrange delivery.
Request your Smokey Bear Reading Challenge kit here. The deadline for submissions is February 28.
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2024 Arizona Author Series
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These events are free and open to the public. Please share widely. Watch parties are encouraged!
Can’t make it? Presentations will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel.
Join us for these upcoming virtual events:
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Arizona Genealogy Day 2024
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Save the Date! The Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board and the Arizona State Library, Archives, & Public Records are pleased to present their fourth annual Arizona Genealogy Day, a free, virtual event for the public from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
To register and learn about our speakers, visit
Call for Content: During the downtime between sessions, we plan to display a rolling PowerPoint with information about genealogical resources located in the libraries, museums, archives, and genealogical societies of Arizona. If you would like to highlight your resources, please submit a PowerPoint slide or an image to Dianna Manasse, Assistant Administrator, State of Arizona Research Library, dmanasse@azlibrary.gov.
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Literacy Awards from Library of Congress
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The Library of Congress recognizes organizations that promote literacy through the Library’s Literacy Awards Program and is now accepting applications for the 2024 awards.
The purpose of the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program is to draw attention to the importance of promoting literacy by recognizing organizations in the U.S. and abroad that have outstanding and effective literacy programs. This year, the total amount of Literacy Awards prizes available is $525,000 and up to 24 organizations will be recognized this September.
Should you be selected for the 2024 Literacy Awards, you will:
- Receive a cash prize with no stipulations to further your mission and program goals.
- Gain public recognition by the largest library in the world for your work.
- Join a growing network of past winners and honorees to help further your mission and program goals.
To learn more about the 2024 Literacy Awards, please see this press release and visit the Apply Page on the Literacy Awards website. You will be able to download the application instructions and application forms as well as explore Frequently Asked Questions.
The deadline to apply is February 19, 2024 at 11:59PM EDT.
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IMLS 2024 Native American Library Services Basic Grants: Applications Open
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The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting applications for Native American Library Services Basic Grants through March 1, 2024.
Native American Library Services Basic grants are noncompetitive one-year grants of $6,000 to $10,000. The grants are available to federally recognized Native American tribes and Native Alaskan villages, corporations, and regional corporations and are designed to assist Native American tribes in improving library services for their communities.
Some examples of what grant funds may be used for include: purchasing library materials and furnishings, renewing subscriptions, funding salaries and staff training, and providing internet connectivity and computers.
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Arizona Humanities supports innovative and participatory humanities-based literacy programs in K-12 classrooms through AZ Reads. AZ Reads provides resources and funding for literacy programs led by Arizona educators in partnership with K-12 schools and nonprofits that serve Arizona schools.
They invite program proposals that foster literacy in the humanities, including but not limited to:
· Reading and discussion programs
· Storytelling and creative writing
· Peer-to-peer learning and discussion
· Cultural learning/sharing
Amount: up to $2,500
Deadline: March 15, 2024
For more details, please see the AZ Humanities website.
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The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2024, the AARP Community Challenge will be accepting applications for three different grant opportunities:
- Flagship Grants
- Capacity-Building Microgrants
- Demonstration Grants
Please see the AARP website for more information and application instructions. The deadline to apply is March 6, 2024.
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The Arizona State Library has a limited number of registrations available at no cost for Arizona library staff to take InfoPeople courses. To register, please contact Melissa Kummen, CE Consultant, at libdev@azsos.libanswers.com.
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The Bounce-Up philosophy is a transformative approach to navigating change in today's ever-evolving world. Developed by MJ, this program encourages individuals to embrace the unexpected as an opportunity for growth and positive communication. The Bounce-Up Framework™ equips attendees with actionable tactics to rebound higher in the face of challenges.
During this webinar, individuals will learn how to identify energy drains, replenish, and recharge, and accelerate proactive communication to uplift their workplaces and patrons.
The Bounce-Up™ philosophy offers practical tools and trademarked techniques to navigate the complexities of change with resilience and confidence. This program promises to boost Bounce-Ability—enhancing communication, energy levels, and mindset.
By embracing change, transforming challenges, and accelerating success, the Bounce-Up™ philosophy becomes a ticket to thriving in our ever-evolving world.
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Interested in adding Arizona-themed Titles to Your Catalog for Free?
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Reading Arizona is a collection of fiction and nonfiction eBooks and eAudiobooks for all ages about the people, places, and history of Arizona.
Best of all: it’s free for you and your patrons!
Free rack cards are available for your circulation and reference desk.
MARC records for perpetual titles are available for your library to help improve accessibility and visibility. These records are available in MARC-8 or UTF formats.
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This publication is supported in part with federal funds from the
Institute of Museum and Library Services
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