CPLS Summer Reading Workshop Rescheduled

Due to the possibility of difficult driving conditions, the Central Plains Library System is postponing our final Summer Reading Program workshop from Wednesday, March 27, to Tuesday, April 2. Pretty much everything else will remain the same. This workshop is designed to help you prepare for the 2024 Summer Reading Program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library.”  Hear about summer reading book picks, participate in demonstrations of crafts and activities, and learn about event opportunities!

Ravenna Public Library
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Registration begins at 9:30 am
Workshop runs from 10am – 3:30pm
5 CEUs
$10 fee per attendee (Lunch is Included)

Date for Postponed SRP Workshop

Due to the terrible weather and treacherous road conditions that started Tuesday, January 17, and continued through Friday, January 20, the Central Plains Library System’s workshop for the 2023 Summer Reading Program that was originally scheduled for Friday, January 20, will now be held on Wednesday, February 1st.

This workshop will be held in the same place, the Grand Island Public Library, and at the same time as originally published. We moved all registrations from the original date to February 1st. Please let us know if you will not be able to make it. If the new date works better for you, and you now want to attend in Grand Island, please register using this link.

Reluctant Readers Workshop

Librarians love to put books in children’s hands and share the joy of reading. But… what do we do if they don’t want our books? What do we do if they don’t enjoy reading? Given the life-long impact of reading and literacy, these questions are worthy of our time.

Join Erica Rose as she examines the definition of “reluctant readers” and offers alternative terminology and approaches for working with this group. The discussion will explore opportunities for librarians to inspire, encourage, and engage with every type of reader in ways that remove barriers and break the mold. Titles, formats, and engagement strategies are all included as key pieces of the puzzle and audience ideas, questions, and experiences are always a welcome addition.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21st via Zoom
11AM – 12PM
1 CE AVAILABLE

Reluctant-Readers-Flyer

Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF)

The FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is a new, one-time $7.17 billion program included as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It will help K-12 schools and public libraries provide the tools and services their communities need for remote learning during the COVID-19 emergency period. ECF will help provide relief to millions of students, school staff, and library patrons and will help close the Homework Gap for students who currently lack necessary Internet access or the devices they need to connect to classrooms.

For eligible schools and libraries, the ECF Program will cover reasonable costs of laptop and tablet computers; Wi-Fi hotspots; modems; routers; and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons. The initial 45-day application window will be open from June 29, 2021 – August 13, 2021.

This recorded webinar provides an introduction and overview of the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund.

Presenter: Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.

Book Repair on a Budget

Below is a link to the “Book Repair on a Budget” workshop that was held on Monday, April 19. During the workshop, I highlighted Kapco book repair products. Here is a link to their webpage. If you want to participate in the group order for book repair tools and supplies, please contact Kay in the System office by Friday, May 14, 2021. The supplies are already priced very competitively, but I will be contacting them to request a discount when I know the quantities we will be purchasing. Please expect to spend the website price and if I can get things for a little less that will be a bonus.

“Book Repair on a Budget” — https://youtu.be/t2iqRcD5T-I

Handout

Using YA Literature to Inspire Teen Girls Interests in STEM

Do you find it difficult to include teens in your STEM or STEAM programs? Is it especially hard to find things that interest teenage girls? Join Dr. Melissa Cast-Brede as she shows you how to use YA Literature to inspire interest for all things STEM related in teens using literature!

Thursday, May 6, 2021
11am – 12pm
1 CE Credit

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/GmzQxXoNBWZ99WNA7

E-rate: What’s New for 2021?

These important workshops are now open for registration! Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all workshops will be held online only via GoToWebinar.

NOTE: This online workshop is being offered on multiple days and at varied times. The same information will be provided at each workshop, so you only need to attend one session. A recorded version will also be made available after all of the live sessions have been held.

What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate?

E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and public libraries on the cost of their Internet Access and Connections to make these services more affordable. This includes Broadband, Fiber, and Wi-Fi Internet access as well as Internal Connections, such as wiring, routers, switches, and other network equipment.

The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) is your online portal for all E-rate interactions. With your organizational account you can use EPC to file forms, track your application status, communicate with USAC, and more.

In this workshop, Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, will explain the E-rate program and show you how to access and use your account in EPC to submit your Funding Year 2021 E-rate application. Dates and times:

·         November 17 – 1:00-4:00pm Central / 12:00noon-3pm Mountain

·         November 19 – 9:30am-12:30pm Central / 8:30-11:30am Mountain

·         November 23 – 1:00-4:00pm Central / 12:00noon-3pm Mountain

·         November 24 – 9:30am-12:30pm Central / 8:30-11:30am Mountain

To register for any of these sessions, go to the Nebraska Library Commission’s Training & Events Calendar and search for ‘e-rate 2021’.