Southeast Library System invites you to attend our free summer reading workshop at the Walt Branch Library of Lincoln City Libraries
December 13.

REGISTER HERE for this free workshop!

A few details:

Registration and Refreshments begin at 9:40

Sessions go from 10 am to 3:15 with a break for lunch. (There are many restaurant choices!)

We have a lineup of sessions designed to help you prepare for a memorable summer!

• Enhancing Summer Programming at Your Library with Nebraska Artists. One way to incorporate artists into your programming this summer is to work with the Nebraska Arts Council. This session will give you a brief overview of a NAC grant program designed to help you host a Nebraska artist at your library. In addition, you will hear a few short presentations by individual teaching artists to explain what they do at library programs—different in each case!
• 4-H Reading Connections – Tying in with “Color Our World”. This isn’t just any set of reading program resources—it’s packed with STEM activities, interactive storytelling, and hands-on learning designed to ignite young minds.
• Some of the Best Books to “Color Our World”. We will hear about a wide variety of books for the upcoming summer. These brief book recommendations cover titles suitable for readers ranging from preschool to high school, offering potential new additions to your library’s collection.
• Crafting Engaging Summer Storytimes. Discover the art of creating unforgettable summer storytime experiences that captivate and inspire young audiences. We will explore some of the essential elements of sharing engaging stories and creating interactive programs. Learn effective techniques to incorporate music, movement, creative use of props, and interactive activities.

Join us for the SELS Training Extravaganza at Seward Memorial Library! The 10:00 keynote is by the incredibly dynamic speaker Dr. Ferial Pearson. She will be adressing the topic of Building a Multicultural Library. Both library staff and board members are welcome. The cost is only $25, which includes refreshments and a catered lunch! Register here!

The agenda for day is as follows:

9:30-9:50
Registration and Refreshments

9:50-10:00
Housekeeping and Introductions

10:00-11:00
Keynote: Building a Multicultural Library
Learn how to identify and select authentic and powerful multicultural literature for children
and youth in order to build a balanced and diverse collection of picture books and novels.

11:10-12:00
Talking Book and Braille Service: Continuously Evolving
An informational session about Nebraska’s library for the blind and visually impaired. This
presentation will cover who qualifies, how to sign up for the service and how you can help,
and improvements and changes to the program.

or

AI Tools for Librarians with Todd Schlechte
Here are a few tools you might consider playing around with to see whether they could be
useful in your personal and work life.

12:05-12:50
Lunch
Lunch will include Roast Beef, Twice-baked potatoes, Salad, Green Beans, and a roll.
You can choose a vegetarian or gluten-free option on the registration form

1:00-1:50
Choosing Multicultural Books with Dr. Ferial Pearson
Participants will engage in activities to help them choose appropriate, authentic, and current
multicultural literature for children and youth that will fill in gaps that exist in their libraries.

or

Get Your Library Tech Ready for 2025 with Andrew Sherman
Come to this session for information about money for tech equipment and fast internet, the
new WIFI standard and how the NLC can assist you with adapting, getting ready for the
end of support to Windows 10, and more.

2:00-2:50
The Thing About Teens… with Mari Vasquez Trying to connect and understand teenagers can be difficult and overwhelming at times. So how do you attract teens to the library and keep them engaged? This presentation will offer tips on how to connect with teens, build relationships, along with programming ideas to keep them coming back. Maybe they’ll even bring their friends!

or

Think Outside the Box: Transformative Training with Breakout Challenges with Tammi Thiem You have all likely heard of breakout boxes. Join me to learn and discuss creative ways this tool can help make learning fun. These can be used for children and for adults, and the possibilities are endless. I will share what ideas I have explored, and it will be exciting to hear of any suggestions others have to offer!

3:00 Closing Announcements

This activity is supported with funding from the State of Nebraska and from the Institute
of Museum and Library Services under the provision of the Library Services and Technology
Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.

On Wednesday, March 27, at 11 am we invite you to join us virtually as we explore the capabilities of the database NoveList Plus with Susan Knisely.

This readers’ advisory database is available through NebraskAccess. Find out how it can help you identify book, author, and series read-alikes; familiarize yourself with diverse genres; and mix and match story elements (appeal terms, themes, and genres) to find just the right book for your patron. At the end of this session attendees should feel more confident in their ability to answer the patron question What should I read next?

REGISTER HERE and we will send you a Zoom link the day before the workshop. Worth 1 CE.

SELS is offering this special Zoom workshop on Tuesday, February 13, at 11 am. The description is below, and you can register here!

The pandemic is over and yet, mental health issues continue to plague our lives, increasing numbers of people deal with crippling anxiety, and many employees report feeling “angry, stressed, and disengaged” (Wall Street Journal, 2023). While thought leaders in corporate America are engaging in prolific discussions about “healthier work cultures”, it is much harder to find commentary geared towards those of us in service professions.  How do we, in libraries, work towards happiness, wholeness, and fulfillment as we constantly pour out and over others?  How do we foster work cultures that enable such things for our teams?

This presentation will offer a working definition of “occupational wellness” without dismissing accountability and excellence. It will also include strategies that can help nurture a work culture in which everyone is empowered to thrive.  How do we dedicate our lives in service to others AND protect our personal wellbeing?  Let’s start the discussion. 

Fuhrmans, V. and Ellis, L. (November 27, 2023). Why is everyone so unhappy at work right now? The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/workers-morale-pay-benefits-remote-52c4ab10

On Friday, October 13th Southeast Library System will host a special “two for one” workshop at Ashland Public Library from 10 am to 3 pm. Attendees will receive 4 CE for attending sessions entitled “Pitch Decks for Librarians: How to Get Your Ideas Across Better,” and “Bystander Intervention Training.” You can examine a description of the day’s schedule below before you decide whether to use this registration link.

9:45 Registration and Refreshments

10:00 Introductions

10:05 “Pitch Decks for Librarians: How to Get Your Ideas Across Better” with Amanda Sweet, Nebraska Library Commission

Libraries think of new and innovative ideas all day, every day. New events, partnerships, outreach efforts, marketing changes, technology, and projects of all shapes and sizes. Long story short, when you want to try something different, you will have to convince people it’s the right thing to do. That’s where pitch decks come in handy. Pitch decks are most famously used by startups trying to get investors or get people to use their product. That’s pretty much what libraries want: funding and more “customers”.

In this workshop you will learn the process of building a convincing argument by combining data with storytelling, and how to format your pitch in a slide deck. After you learn the tricks of the trade, you will practice building your own pitch deck from a template, and present it to other librarians. You can use an idea you already have, or choose from an idea bucket just for this workshop. Trust me, it’s better to practice in front of your fellow librarians than with the powers that be in your community!

It’s time to make your ideas a reality!!

12:00 Catered Lunch

1:00 “Bystander Intervention Training” with Alexandra Pecoraro and Megan Heidenreich

Bystander Intervention Training teaches how to effectively identify a problem situation in or outside a library setting, recognize barriers of intervention, and effectively intervene utilizing the 5Ds of bystander intervention. Participants will practice taking an active role in building healthy communities and will receive information regarding supportive community and national resources.

3:00 Evaluations

You can register here until October 10!

August 31 & September 1

Swanson Center

Camp Carol Joy Holling (near Ashland)

Register Here!

The complete schedule for the retreat is as follows:

Thursday (August 31)

8:30 Sign-in

9:00-9:50  Fund Your Program with a Youth Grant for Excellence with Christa Porter

 Do you have an idea for a youth or teen program, but you lack the funds to make it happen? The Nebraska Library Commission’s Youth Grants for Excellence could be the answer! Christa Porter will provide an overview of the grant, including eligibility requirements and grant guidelines, the application process and grant review, timelines and deadlines. She will also share other youth and teen services grant opportunities that can make your programs and projects a success.

10:00-10:50  “Booktalk” Your Favorites (But Not Books).

We invite you to come to the retreat ready to share a favorite website, craft, resource, program, etc.  Usually we are able to allot about 5 minutes to each person who “booktalks,” depending on how many have something they would like to share.

11:00- 11:50 The Nebraska Golden Sower Award with Kelly Warehime and Aura Sewell.

This presentation will address the nature of the award, describe the award process, and provide updates.

12:00 Lunch

1:15-2:-05  Bring Your Creativity to Life…for Free. 

Central Plains Library System will show you how to find a plethora of free images, fonts and sublimation ideas to use in your makerspace for tween, teen and adult programming. Then Geneva Public Library will give us the downlow on how to use the Extension/UNL offices to your advantage when programming tween/teen food program activities as well as different games and activities they do for teen nights that won’t break the bank.  And finally, Ashland Public Library will help you harness the power of Canva to promote your library and your programs. Unlock Canva Pro for free as a non-profit.

2:15-3:05  Fun, Easy, and Inexpensive ways to Organize a Successful Teen Night with MaryJo Froid.

Fun, Easy, and Inexpensive ways to keep teens returning to your library again and again. Hopefully keeping your sanity all at the same time!

3:15-4:05 No Zombies Were Harmed in the Making of this Teen Event with Amanda Winkler and Chelsea Foust.

After Covid restrictions further beleaguered engagement with tweens and teens, we wanted to put on an event that would reach this demographic and strengthen the library’s relationship with the neighboring middle school. Enter zombie prom! We expected an attendance of around 50, but 120 teens showed up. Amanda and Chelsea will describe their highly successful experience and one of the retreat participants will get a Zombie makeup wound before our eyes.

4:10-5:50 Activity Possibilities:

Participate in a digital scavenger hunt at Ashland Public Library.

Get made up as a Zombie (limited to about 5 people)

Bring your favorite board game and rope some other librarians into playing it with you

Take a walk

Network

6:00 Supper (For those staying overnight)

Friday’s Schedule (September 1)

For those staying overnight, please check out of your room before 9 am

8:00 Breakfast (for those who stayed overnight)

8:30 Sign-in (for Friday-only participants)

9:00-10:50 Taking STEM off the Shelf: Incorporating Informal STEM Learning Experiences into Library Programming with Dr. Ren Renke

Librarians will learn best practice for the seamless integration of STEM initiatives into their existing services. We’ll explore the value of STEM education, examine successful STEM library programs, discuss potential resources, and delve into the importance of inclusivity and accessibility

11:00-11:50   Creative Problem Solving with Group Brainstorming:

As part of your registration, you can submit one problem you struggle with at your library. At the retreat we will break into small groups and use submitted problems for small group brainstorming. Then the small groups would report back to the large group on possible solutions.

12:00: Lunch

1:15-2:45 Author Presentation and Discussion with Bidong Tot. 

Bidong recounts a portion of his childhood in the book A Boy in Akobo, South Sudan. He is working on an additional book about the 5 years he spent in a refugee camp in Ethiopia before immigrating to the United States. During his presentation, Bidong will read his book(s) and speak about his work, talk about his experiences, and answer questions. He will also be available for conversation and to sell and sign books (depending on his current supply) throughout the day on Friday.

2:45-3:15 Time to finish evaluations, last chance to buy books from, and talk to, Bidong.

June 7, 9 am to 12 pm, via Zoom

Join us for the following topics!

9:00 am: ChatGPT: Exploring Potential & Pitfalls of AI in Education with Tammy Lind and Adam Kurth

10:00 am: Promote Your Library by Maintaining a Meaningful Library Website and Engaging  through Social Media with Joy Harvey and Emily Jacobs

11:00 am: A Digital Studio in Your School Library: Creating Studio Space where Students can Practice Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity with Sara Friest

Register by June 5. Registrants will receive a Zoom link on June 6.

Sponsored by Southeast Library System, Lincoln Public Schools, and the Nebraska Library Association.