As we continue to grapple with the ramifications of COVID-19, many libraries in Colorado have closed to the public, or have paused programming in order to limit the assembly of large groups in an effort to Flatten the Curve. As such, the Friday Grab Bag is going to look a little different this week. Going forward, I’m not sure what the format or schedule will be – we’re in uncharted territory here, but we are in it together! If you have suggestions for content or topics that you would like to see covered in upcoming grab bags, or would like to share what how your library is coping during these “interesting” times, please feel free to reach out to me at mwood@coloradovirtuallibrary.org.
On a lighter note, whether you are bored at home, adjusting to remote work, disinfecting stuff and surfaces, or stressed about how to achieve recommended social distancing in a library that is open to the public, engage in some distraction oriented self care with this fun quiz at MeTV: Can you tell if these women are in a catalog in 1970, 1980 or 1990?
And, this is delightful from 9 News: There’s a Parks and Rec-style feud happening between JeffCo’s libraries and open spaces, and we’re here for it
If you don’t understand this reference, congratulations! You can watch Parks and Rec, which is basically the television equivalent of a warm hug, that is also haha funny, for the very first time.
Finally, a silver lining to the evolving COVID-19 crisis, in a surprise announcement on Wednesday, Macmillan abandoned its controversial embargo on new release e-books in libraries, effective this week.
And now into the bag…
Streaming Storytime & Virtual Programming
Storytime is one of the bedrocks of public library programming. With kids out of school and libraries closed, authors, publishers, illustrators, and librarians are stepping up to fill in the void.
Let’s Keep Reading! This calendar of Live Interactive Read Alouds, streaming events, and recorded webcasts from The LivBits has lots of options that might be of interest to your homebound patrons. Draw with Jarret (author/illustrator)! Daily Shark Storytime! Facebook Live Author Visit with Ben Clanton aka Let’s Draw and Eat Waffles! So much more!
Fine more livestream events, from virtual yoga, live concerts, zoo school, and more on this Livestreamed Events during the Great Staycation calendar.
Amigos is offering free access to the archive recording of their Virtual Storytime Workshop. Register by March 31 to receive access for three months.
Storyblocks is a project of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL), working in partnership with Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Services. It is a collection of 30-60 second videos designed to model to parents, caregivers, and library staff some songs, rhymes, and fingerplays appropriate for early childhood. Each video clip includes helpful early literacy tips to increase caregivers’ understanding of child development and pre-literacy needs.
Pernille Ripp has compiled this extensive list of Picture Books Read Aloud Videos for Lesson Use.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.
There’s some overlap, but this piece from School Library Journal, Kid Lit Authors Step Up To Help Educators, Students, and Parents covers a bunch of read alouds, drawing demos and workshops, crafts, and author Q & As, and also touches on the issues surrounding the creation and posting of recorded readings of copyrighted works.
More from School Library Journal on Fair Use and Copyright for online storytime:
Publishers Adapt Policies To Help Educators
As educators move to remote learning, many are worrying and wondering about reading books aloud online and possibly violating copyright laws. In response, many children’s publishers have temporarily altered policies.
**Will be updated as publishers release information.
A Crisis—as in School Closures Due to Coronavirus—Justifies Fair Use, Say Librarians
A group of college, university, and public librarians released a statement Friday outlining why they believe the extraordinary circumstances meet qualifications that would extend fair use beyond its usual parameters
Learning for All
Free Webinar: The Necessity of Joy | March 20 @ 12:00 pm MDT (TODAY!!!)
Join Pat Wagner for a look at why humans need Joy, especially in difficult times, what Joy can do for us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and how Joy can be applied to workplaces and family life.
Library 2.0 Special Webinar – “Librarians Respond to Coronavirus and Other Pandemics” | March 26 @ 2:00 pm MDT
Three librarians active in state, regional, and national initiatives, will discuss roles librarians in all types of settings can take on during public health emergencies such as the current coronavirus outbreak.
How to Combat COVID-19 Related Misinformation | March 20 @ 10:30 am MDT
SOLD OUT: Recording will be available on March 23.
This webinar provides insights on how to counsel patrons when they ask you COVID-19 related questions, because even when libraries close, questions don’t stop. This means your reference lines will be critical assets to your community.
Don’t Stand So Close to Me – Strategies you need right now to respond to COVID-19 in your face-to-face and remote work spaces | March 20 @ 10:00 am MDT
Join Amigos for quick and not-so-dirty strategies to deal with COVID-19 updates regarding your library and community. Learn about the library’s legal obligation, ways to collaborate, communicate changes and mitigate challenges.
**Due to demand registration fees are being waived. If you are unable to attend the live session, you are encouraged to register anyway so you can receive the link to the recording**
AL Live—Libraries and COVID-19: Managing Strategies and Stress | March 20 @ 9:30 am MDT
Librarians from communities that have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis will discuss lessons learned during the initial response and how they are continuing to provide important services as public facilities close and commerce slows.
**You are probably seeing this after the live event, but you can view the archive HERE.
Census 2020
Is still happening, but the Census Bureau is emphasizing that it has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.
The 2020 Census: The Challenges Facing Libraries | March 25 @ 12:00 pm MDT
The 2020 Census will determine how money and services are distributed for the next ten years. For the first time citizens will be able to fill out their forms online. This webinar focuses on the importance of libraries helping reach hard-to-count communities.
Be the Census 2020 expert at your library with library-focused tools created and compiled by CLiC to inform and engage your community!
- CLiC Census 2020 Social Media Toolkit
- CLiC Census 2020 for libraries
- Questions on libraries and Census? Email: censushelp@clicweb.org
What’s New at the Colorado State Library
Learning Opportunities
CSL in Session Webinar: By the People For the People – Creating Community Profiles
- March 25 @ 12:00-1:00 pm
- Free – no registration required!
- Join online
CSL in Session: Disaster Planning and Assistance for Libraries
- March 26 @ 12:00-1:00 pm
- Free – no registration required!
- Join online
CSL in Session: Disaster Planning and Assistance for Libraries
- March 26 @ 12:00-1:00 pm
- Free – no registration required!
- Join online
Free Online Learning Opportunities for March
Have time on your hands? Here’s a list of free learning opportunities.
State Publications Blog
Colorado Virtual Library
Pandemic Preparedness for Colorado Libraries
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we’re continuing to monitor and update information to help you and your library respond.
Tips for working from home
New to working from home? We’ve go tips to help you adjust.
How Gunnison Dealt with the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic
Gunnison survived the worst of the Spanish Flu remarkably unscathed by (spoiler) limiting social interactions before it seemed necessary.
Learning Edge March 2020 #1
The Learning Edge March 2020 # 1 rounds up professional learning events, digital learning resources, and news from the education field.
Trustee Corner – March 2020
The March edition of Trustee Corner is chock full of info and resources on going Fine Free, pandemic preparedness, and more.
Digital Citizenship
Responsible digital citizenship includes the ability to use the Internet safely, and we’ve rounded up resources to assist in educating students about internet safety, ‘netiquette,’ and more.
Library Related Employment:
Are you thinking of making a change this year in your job? Check out Library Jobline for hot new library employment opportunities.
- Library Technician II: State of Colorado / Denver, CO
- Children’s Services Specialist: Pine River Library / Bayfield, CO
- Library Assistant–Part Time: Buena Vista Public Library / Buena Vista, CO
- Librarian- Children Focused: High Plains Library District (Riverside Library and Cultural Center) / Greeley, CO
- Temporary Part Time Public Services Assistant – Adult Services: Jefferson County Public Library / Arvada, CO
This post is part of the Spotlight on Sharing initiative, which aims to increase the visibility of resource sharing in Colorado libraries. Do you have a story from your library to share? Email Marisa Wood, mwood@coloradovirtuallibrary.org. Also, be sure to follow Colorado State Library on Twitter and Facebook.
- Friday Grab Bag, December 17, 2021 - December 17, 2021
- Friday Grab Bag, December 10, 2021 - December 10, 2021
- Save the Date – Successful Supervision 2022! - December 10, 2021