Happy Summer Reading!

There is so much happening in New Mexico this summer at our public libraries! I've been getting out and about to libraries with our summer interns - sharing and showcasing the broad range of programs underway! What a great summer of reading and community. In June I was able to visit Vista Grande Public Library, Santa Fe Public Library (all 3 branches), Los Lunas Public Library, Belen Public Library, Moriarty Community Library, Estancia Public Library, Rio Rancho Public Library, and Martha Liebert Public Library. Whew!

I'm excited about the visits I have scheduled for July - it is always inspiring to see your spaces. Our summer interns wrote about our visit to Moriarty and Estancia for our NMLS website - take a look here.

We'll be back to our monthly Youth Services meetings in August - August 18th to be exact. We'll talk about the Parent and Library Surveys that are due at the end of August, and any other issues you would like to bring up. Please reach out in the meantime with any needs.

-Kelly

Monthly Youth Services Meeting

On vacation for the summer!

We'll resume our monthly Youth Services meetings in August - August 18, 2023 @ 12noon. We'll talk about the Library and Parent Surveys.

In the meantime, never hesitate to reach out with any needs!

SRP Surveys for Libraries and

Parents/ Caregivers

ALL SURVEYS DUE August 31, 2023

Remember to keep track of your Summer Reading programs and attendees throughout the summer. The survey gives us state-wide data on programming and participation - vital when we are advocating for library funding.

Library Survey:

Libraries that complete the Library Survey will earn a voucher toward SRP24 materials.

Complete the library survey:

• If you had a summer reading program;
• If you didn't have a summer reading program;
• Regardless of what "theme" you used.

Parent/Caregiver Survey:

Have your patron caregivers complete the Parent/Caregiver Survey for feedback and evaluation. You can share the direct survey link with families, or have a library staff member input the paper surveys.

English Survey Link

Spanish Survey Link

All online links and printable PDFs can be found in the CSLP Niche Academy course under Surveys.

Please contact Kelly for any assistance with the surveys.

How are you using the Early Literacy Calendar?

Don't forget - You can download all months in English and Spanish from the Niche Academy course - here.

I was happy to see them out recently at Vista Grande Public Library (right). Send us a picture of how you are using them at your library.

JULY is Disability Pride Month



Here are 16 Middle Grade and YA Books Featuring Non-Apparent Disabilities for Disability Pride Month from School Library Journal.

Thinking Money for Kids, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, strives to teach children and their parents, caregivers and educators about financial topics — like saving, spending, sharing and budgeting — in a way that is both meaningful and fun. 

ALA and the FINRA Foundation invite public libraries to apply to receive a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit, a collection of expertly vetted resources to help libraries offer financial education for children ages 3 to 12, both in the library and in children’s homes.

Approximately 200 public libraries will be selected to receive a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit (estimated kit value: $2,000). Libraries will keep all kit contents after the grant period ends.  ALA will accept online applications for this opportunity from June 15 to September 8, 2023. For full details and to apply: Click here

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. for Rural and Small Libraries) - Sept 20-23, 2023 - Wichita, KS

New Mexico Library Association Conference - Oct 25-27, 2023 - Albuquerque

YALSA (Young Adult Library Services) Symposium - Nov 10-13, 2023, St. Louis, MO

Public Library Association - April 3-5, 2024, Columbus, OH

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