This summer the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) plans to offer a new audiobook player, replacing the first generation of players introduced in 2009.

The free DA2 is NLS’s new digital player with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 28GB storage, Text-to-Speech, easy-to-use buttons, and support for NLS cartridges and USB drives. Get the details on the DA2 on the NLS website.

Supplies are limited, so eligible users should contact the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL) to add their name to the waitlist. To contact MBTBL, call 1-800-722-0550 or email mn.btbl@state.mn.us.

Do you know about these resources to make sure kids in your community can access nutritious meals all summer long?

Print promotional flyers in multiple languages from the Free Meals for Kids webpage , or let patrons know about the variety of ways to find open Summer Food Service Program sites throughout Minnesota. 

• Download the summer food app, Free Meals 4 Kids provided by Hunger Impact Partners to your phone or device. 
• Call the 211 Hotline – In the Twin Cities metro area: 651-291-0211; Greater Minnesota: 1-800-543-7709; TTY: 651-291-8440. 
• Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151, available from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time. 
• Use the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) texting service. Text "Summer Meals" to 914-342-7744. Spanish speakers, text "Verano" to 914-342-7744.

Library Strategies is working under the oversight of the Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators (CRPLSA) to assess the need for revamped state library standards, or related resources/supports to equip Minnesota public library staff. Their first step to inform the topic is an online questionnaire surveying public library staff across Minnesota.

CRPLSA would like to hear from as wide a range of folks as possible on challenges they experience while serving their community, and their ideas for new or revamped state-level resources to meet those challenges.

If you work in a public library, could you take a few minutes to share your thoughts?

Take the survey on Library Staff Challenges and Resource Needs.

The survey is open through Friday, August 1. 

Libraries Without Borders US (LWB) is expanding their Library-School Partnership initiative! The initiative brings public library resources directly into school communities. LWB is looking for new public library partners across the US to join a Fall 2025 cohort.

LWB will partner with five library systems, increasing access to public library resources for families through local schools, working with school librarians, and developing partnerships that build bridges between school and public libraries. Learn more at the Library-School Partnership website.

Applications will be accepted through Thursday, July 31. 

What do you love explaining or discussing about your job? Would you consider turning that into an online course?

Minnesota Libraries Learning Network (MLLN) is seeking training proposals to support the Minnesota library workforce. MLLN provides accessible training and professional development opportunities tailored to the essential skills and needs of Minnesota’s diverse library community.

You can submit a proposal for a Quick Bite—a short (under one hour) introduction to a topic of interest—or a Full Course, offering deeper exploration with options to incorporate videos, readings, exercises, and assessments.

Submit the proposal form and/or reach out with questions at mlln-admin@umn.edu.