It has been my pleasure to work with Minnesota’s libraries for over 30 years, the last eight at State Library Services. The library community in the state is strong and vital; you do good work!

Thank you for the support, feedback and guidance you’ve given me over the years. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been rewarding.

I wish you well and invite you to be in touch. My new email, effective February 2, is jnelson@njstatelib.org.

Library construction grant applications and program materials for 2021 are now available through the Department of Education’s Competitive Grant Opportunities website.

For answers to your questions, or to receive a recording of the informational webinar from January 26, please contact Hannah Buckland (hannah.buckland@state.mn.us).

This April, join Minnesota’s Futures School Cohort to learn a strategic framework that enables you to continuously learn-unlearn-relearn and to lead discussion and action in the transformation of libraries.

This unique training program is presented in partnership with Kedge and The Futures School. It emerged from a growing realization among leaders and organizations that success in the 21st century landscape of rapid change means we must embrace new pathways to the future.

Intrigued? Watch Futures School Co-Founder Yvette Montero describe Strategic Foresight, or read the Future of Libraries Focal Issue that this cohort will explore.

This will be a three-day, live online workshop from April 6 to 8, 2021. To participate, you must commit to the three full, consecutive days of training.

Register for the Futures School Cohort by February 26.

Registration is limited. We are looking for a diverse group of library staff to participate, including academic, public, school and special library staff.

If you have additional questions, please contact Ashley Bieber at Ashley.bieber@state.mn.us.

Did you miss the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL) 2020 national event? You can still catch some waves by participating in the free Data Boot Camp Series, featuring highlights from December's curriculum.

Come ready to participate in a variety of interactive learning activities, some of which will occur in small groups in breakout rooms. Each webinar will also have a companion 60-minute follow-up recorded lesson that you can watch at your convenience if you want to dig deeper into the topic.

January 27, noon - 1:30 p.m. – Observations: Data Hiding in Plain Sight
February 2, noon - 1:30 p.m. – Can You Hear Me Now? Communicating Data to Stakeholders
February 23, noon - 1:30 p.m. – Nothing for Us, Without Us: Getting Started with Culturally Responsive Evaluation
March 2, 1 - 2:30 p.m. – Meaningful Metrics for Your Organization
March 16, 1 - 2:30 p.m. – Evaluation + Culture = Change

To learn more about each webinar and register, visit the RIPL Boot Camp page. All webinars will be recorded.

Ignite Afterschool’s M3 Huddle is a great way to support your team in applying continuous program improvement to library programs.

In the time of COVID-19, Ignite has developed a virtual version of this workshop. In February 2021, Ignite will be co-hosting two open Virtual M3 (Making Meaning with Multiple Data Sets) Huddles.

The two-day virtual version is spread over two consecutive days. If you are interested in participating, please register for ONE of the following options on behalf of your team:

Register for Option 1: February 11, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and February 12, 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Register for Option 2: February 4, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., and February 5, 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Not sure you’re ready for a Huddle? Check out this decision tree to determine whether the upcoming Work With What You Got session is a better fit. Questions? Contact Jennifer Griffin-Wiesner (jennifer@igniteafterschool.org) for a consultation.

In partnership with Sprockets St. Paul, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, and United Way Central Minnesota: Partner for Student Success.

The Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) recognizes that there are people working in small and rural libraries who would benefit from a comprehensive leadership institute, so they created Outstanding in Their Field as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Participants, a.k.a. “Outfielders,” will undertake 18 months of online and in-person interactive sessions to gain skills and confidence as leaders and build a network of colleagues throughout the country.

There are 30 spots open, and applications are due February 24, 2021. More information including the Outstanding in Their Field application can be found in the ARSL website.

Apply to Girls Who Code’s Virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) for an unforgettable summer experience! During this 2-week virtual program, students will learn the computer science skills needed to make an impact, get an inside look into the tech field, and join a supportive lifelong sisterhood — all while being virtually hosted by influential companies like Twitter, AT&T, Bank of America, Walmart, and more.

Girls and non-binary students in grades 9 to 11 are eligible to apply. SIP is 100% free; need-based stipends of up to $300 are available for those who qualify.

Apply to Virtual Summer Immersion Program

To receive priority consideration, apply by February 17, 2021, and indicate State Library Services as your community partner. General applications are due by March 19, 2021.

Sign up to attend the SIP Application Party on February 1 at 3:30 p.m. Join a Girls Who Code staff member and other students to help start your application and ask any questions!

Congratulations to two Minnesota libraries selected to be part of the American Library Association's (ALA) competitive grant opportunity, Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Focus on Small and Rural Libraries. This was a very competitive process, so it is quite the accomplishment!

• New Ulm Public Library; Project Director: Paulina Poplawska
• Tyler Public Library; Project Director: Shelly Finzen

Participating libraries receive training in how to lead conversations through an ALA e-course on basic facilitation skills; host at least one conversation (in-person or virtual) with community members on a chosen topic; and receive $3,000 to support community engagement efforts.

ALA has just opened a second application round for this grant and will be giving out 450 additional grants to small and rural libraries. Applications for funding close on March 4; you can read more about the process on the project page.