Well, I guess we all made it through the polar vortex (vortices?) last month, and now it’s time to hunker down for a few more weeks and endure the rest of this long winter. Luckily there are a few great program offerings to help make it a little more bearable!
If you’re ready to jumpstart your summer reading planning, consider attending the Free Form Free For All on Friday, February 7, from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM at Forsyth Public Library. In the morning check out a brainstorming session where all share programming ideas, crafts, games and favorite new books, and plan to stay for the Performer’s Showcase in the afternoon. This event is open to all who do programming for youth services. Please bring copies of a summer reading craft or activity to share with the group. Please call the Forsyth Public Library at 217-877-8174 or email sandihayes.fpl@gmail.com to register. FREE
Find new ways to get creative with WebJunction’s The Iron is HOT: Libraries as Innovative & Creative Community Catalysts Tuesday, February 11, from 1:00 PM – 2 PM. Renew your sense of hope for the longtime viability of public libraries. Presenter Mary Lou Carolan (director, Wallkill Public Library, New York) sees amazing and out-of-the-ordinary opportunities for your library to serve as a vibrant and active community center. The library can be the creative catalyst to ignite community enthusiasm. Learn about the ‘Inside/Outside Approach’ and other engaging and fun marketing practices. Find out how to implement ‘placemaking’ for lighter, quicker, cheaper ways to attract more users. And catch the sense of urgency that libraries need to act now: Hope,Opportunity, Time – strike while the iron is HOT! This webinar is hosted in collaboration with Geek the Library, a community awareness campaign. REGISTER FREE
LACONI is back this month with a couple of great programs. Middle managers should check out LACONI Middle Managers Section: Transforming with Change, Friday, February 14 from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM at Gail Borden Public Library. As a middle manager, how do you turn change into opportunity at your library? Our speakers bring expertise from a variety of departments in the library. Panelists include Michelle Roubal (Reference), Stephanie Carlile (Circulation), Mary Adamowski (Children’s) and Jill Boreham (Human Resources). To register, use the link at http://www.laconi.net to pay online or print a registration form. Please note that there is a registration fee which includes lunch: Members $35.00; Non-members $45.00. If you have any questions, please contact Keisha Hester at khester@calumetcitypl.org. Register
Digitization is looming on the horizon for everyone, and RAILS is meeting this challenge head on by presenting their webconference What You Need to Know About Starting a Digitization Project Wednesday, February 19 from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM. Whether you’re a community repository just dipping your toes into digitization, or you need to digitize old materials to save space and enable greater access, the ability to plan and begin a digitization project is quickly becoming an essential skill for librarians. In this free workshop, digitization expert Susanne Caro will show you what you need to get started if you are new to digitization. You’ll learn about how to assess different materials for digitization, how to get buy-in and resources for your project, and ways to familiarize yourself with the different tools that can help you do the work. This is a group viewing of a workshop hosted through Webex. This webinar may only be viewed from one of the viewing locations found here: REGISTER FREE
Finally, LACONI YSS presents another program that addresses another growing concern for all of us in Libraryland with Libraries as Safe Spaces Friday, February 28 from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM at Orland Park Library. Safety has been a hot topic in many communities across the country. As public librarians, many of us wonder what we can do to deal with tense situations and keep our spaces safe without losing our accessibility and warmth. What method will work best for your library? In this workshop we will talk about common problems that might come up and learn about different approaches and strategies. Presented by Warren Graham (The Black Belt Librarian), Donald Gault, from the Wakanheza Project, and Officer Christopher Radz from the Alsip Police Department. Please fill out form and mail in with payment by February 21st. If necessary mail in form by date listed and bring payment on program date. Cost is $30 for LACONI members and $40 for nonmembers. One registration form per person, please. Fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch and the program. Mail registration and check (made out to LACONI YSS) to Joyce Arellano, Franklin Park Library, 10311 Grand Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131. Register
See you next month!
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