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This Week in Connecticut Libraries
May 19, 2025
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It's a really busy week at CLC. Tomorrow starts our three-part media training series. These won't be recorded so, if you're interested, sign up. You never know when the press is going to call for comment on a story. It's worth it to be prepared.
We're also hosting two post-card parties, one in Oxford and one in Middletown. Think of these as social gatherings with a dash of library activism. You buy the drinks, we'll bring the postcards for you to write to your local, State or Federal legislators. This is your opportunity to stand up for libraries. I'll be there on Friday. Hope to see you there.
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Well, this is big news. The Connecticut ebook bill SB 1234, passed the House last week and now heads to the Governor's office for signature.
CLC, CLA, CASL and the State Library have been working on this bill since 2022. Although it has changed significantly over the last four sessions of the CT General Assembly, and even though the law will not go into effect unless other states pass a similar law, without a doubt it is a significant contribution to the national conversation about library ebooks.
Stay tuned, we'll be scheduling a few info sessions for CT librarians about what the bill says and what it might mean for CT libraries.
A little update on SB 1271. There is an uncalled amendment proposed by the Dems that limits the authority of the Board of Education in the event of a challenge appeal to only ruling on whether the challenge process was followed not on whether the book should be removed. This amendment, which is supported by a gaggle of Senate Democrats, is giving me a little hope that 1271 is not dead. You can see the amendment here.
There are only two full weeks of session left and there is a lot to do. Any bill that doesn't pass both the House and the Senate by midnight on June 4th is dead.
And, on the Federal side, you likely saw the ruling from the Rhode Island district court ordering the Trump administration to roll back the attempts to dismantle IMLS. If you're reading this live (aka Monday morning), I believe that State Librarian Deborah Schander and CLA President Scott Jarzombek are on Where We Live this morning talking about federal funding for libraries. I'll link to the recording next week.
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DIGITAL CONTRACTS EXTENDED - The following CLC digital resource contracts have been extended to June 30, 2027: Arly, Brainfuse, Cavendish Square, Chatstaff, Craft & Hobby, Data Axle Reference Solutions, EBSCO, Equinox, FactCite, Follett, Hein, Hiveclass, Librarica, LibraryH3lp, Mackin, Midwest Tape/hoopla, Niche Academy, Rosen, Scholastic, Transparent Language/Universal Class, Turnitin, Tutor.com, Unique. Other contract extensions are still in progress. More updates to come.
CRAFTY VENDOR WEBINARS - Making crafts at vendor webinar? Really? Yes! On 5/28, meet Craft & Hobby and learn to make a custom bookmark. On 6/3, meet WT Cox and learn to make a simple crochet project based on content from their magazine platform, Magzter.
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THIS WEEK'S CLC EVENTS
May 19-23
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Tuesday 5/20
Media Training for Librarians Session 1: When the Press Calls
10:00am, Online
This session demystifies media interactions and introduces the essential tools and concepts for responding calmly and confidently. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of what to expect - and what to avoid - when approached by the press. Part 1 of a 3 part series.
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Tuesday 5/20
Office Administrators Roundtable
10:30am, Berlin-Peck Memorial Library or Online (hybrid)
Library office administrators and managers, financial managers, bookkeepers, HR staff, and other library admin professionals, join your colleagues in person in Berlin or on Zoom. Our topic is "Reconnect, Refocus, Recharge."
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Tuesday 5/20
Readers' Advisory Roundtable
11:30am, Online
Topic: Adult Graphic Novel Collections. How can we get more adults into graphic novels? We'll talk about display, promotion, and accessibility. We’ll also brainstorm ideas for Summer Reading 2025.
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Wednesday 5/21
Library of Things Roundtable
4:00pm, Online
This will be a general discussion about Libraries of Things. Please bring questions, success stories, and topics to brainstorm with the group.
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Wednesday 5/21
Postcard Party
6:00-8:00pm, Black Hog Brewing, Oxford
Join CLC and area colleagues for a relaxed, drop-in Postcard Party - a community gathering where we’ll write postcards to our legislators in support of libraries.
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Thursday 5/22
Meet Libraria!
12:00pm, Online
Join us for a webinar with new CLC book vendor Libraria, formerly Children’s Plus, Inc. Libraria offers everything schools and libraries need in a single source solution for children's and YA collections. Hear from their rep about what it's like to work with them.
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Friday 5/23
Postcard Party
6:00-8:00pm, Forest City Brewing, Middletown
Join CLC and area colleagues for a relaxed, drop-in Postcard Party - a community gathering where we’ll write postcards to our legislators in support of libraries.
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Monday 5/26
CLC Office Closed
Happy Memorial Day!
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Tuesday 5/27
Media Training for Librarians Session 2: Building Your Message
10:00-11:00am, Online
This session, part 2 of a 3-part media training program for library professionals, digs deeper into crafting values-driven messages, using case studies to help participants respond to controversy without compromising their mission. Learn a flexible messaging framework you can apply in a variety of situations.
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Wednesday 5/28
Department Heads & Supervisors Roundtable
10:00-11:00am, Online
Easton Public Library's Mary Beth Rassulo will talk about combating burnout for middle managers. Learn how to take care of yourself while managing your department, your job, and your life!
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Wednesday 5/28
Create Transparent Bookmarks with Craft & Hobby!
3:00-3:45pm, Online
Craft & Hobby is a library instructional video platform that helps patrons connect to their passions and creativity. In this webinar we will learn about CLC's contract with Craft & Hobby, and create custom, colorful bookmarks to inspire your reading adventures - made with everyday items you can find at home (or library)!
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Thursday 5/29
Academic Library Access Services Roundtable
2:00-3:30pm, Ruth A. Haas Library, WCSU Midtown Campus, Danbury
Join colleagues in person at WCSU for a conversation on Controlled Digital Lending (CDL). This session will explore the nuances, challenges, and opportunities surrounding CDL and its socioeconomic importance in the evolving digital landscape.
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Friday 5/30
Postcard Party
6:00-8:00pm, Brewery Legitimus, New Hartford
Join CLC and area colleagues for a relaxed, drop-in Postcard Party - a community gathering where we’ll write postcards to our legislators in support of libraries.
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Thoughts about this newsletter? Drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you.
Ellen
Ellen Paul, Executive Director
epaul@ctlibrarians.org | 860.740.3043
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