Mohawk Valley Library System

Category: Youth Services

  • Free Webinar – Creating Accessible Digital Content

    Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2023
    Time: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
    Place: Online at https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/10288264
    Presenter: Sarah McFadden & Al Oliveras
    Cost: Free

    Please plan to join us for the next online Summer Reading Lunch & Learn session scheduled for Thursday, March 23 on “Creating Accessible Digital Content.”

    Accessibility is especially important as you plan for Summer Reading programs and other events, and create promotional materials to share information within your communities and library networks.  You want to make sure the content is inclusive and accessible for ALL members of your community!

    This session will cover the basics of web accessibility and some simple practices for creating accessible digital content across the library organization, with an emphasis on creating inclusive and accessible materials to support Summer Reading at your library.

    Presenters are Sarah McFadden and Al Oliveras, of the New York State Library Digital Services Unit.

    The program will be recorded and available for future viewing.  Questions?? Contact Sharon Phillips at nyslyouth@nysed.gov

     

  • Grant Opportunity – Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants

    Schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations who help students that are below grade level or having trouble reading are eligible to apply. Grant funding is provided to assist in the following areas:

    • Implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs
    • Purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives
    • Purchasing books, materials or software for literacy program.

    CLICK HERE to apply for a 2023 Youth Literacy grant.

    Deadline to apply: April 27, 2023 (by 10 pm CST)

    Grant announcement: August 17, 2023

    Maximum grant amount: $4,000

  • YSS Spring Conference

    The 2023 YSS Spring Conference will be held in Lake George at the Courtyard Marriott on Friday, April 28th.  We hope you’ll join us at the “Queen of American Lakes” for a great line-up of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities. The event features a full day of programming for those working in youth and teen services. 

    Highlights include the keynote address by Alex Gino, breakout sessions on a wide variety of topics, a luncheon with Chris Grabenstein, and a Space Science Institute Preconference Workshop (the eclipse is coming!).  It’s a great opportunity to network with staff from area libraries and to come away with some new ideas from your colleagues across the state!

    Check out the link below for the brochure and registration details.  Early bird registration rates end on March 17.

    https://www.nyla.org/2023-yss-spring-conference/

  • Free Webinar – Reading Buddies

    Date: Thursday, March 02, 2023
    Time: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
    Place: Online at https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/10277306
    Presenters: Katie Barker, Joe Burke
    Cost: Free

    This is the second in a series of Summer Reading Lunch & Learn sessions that will be presented.

    Over the past two summers, Altamont Free Library has teamed up with Literacy Coaches at Altamont Elementary School for their Summer Reading Buddies Program. Summer Reading Buddies (SRB) pairs rising first grade students who struggle with literacy skills with high school students who have been trained in early literacy instruction skills. Throughout the summer the students and tutors meet weekly to play literacy games, read to one another, practice sight words, and browse the library shelves for books of particular interest to the students. Students in the SRB program have shown improved literacy test scores and demonstrated an increased interest in reading, while tutors have gained teaching skills and increased senses of empathy, leadership, and responsibility. SRB is a low-cost, high-impact program that can work in nearly any library. We hope to see SRB expand to additional libraries and school districts in the coming summer.

    Contact person: Sharon Phillips, Youth Services Program Manager, nyslyouth@nysed.gov

  • Free Webinar – How to Make the Most of Virtual School Visits

    Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
    Time: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
    Place: Online at https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/10282537
    Presenters: Tamelee Young, Deborah Kinirons
    Cost: Free

    This is the first in a series of Summer Reading Lunch & Learn sessions that will be presented. Join librarians Tamelee Young and Deborah Kinirons of the Uniondale Public Library on Long Island as they explain how they organized and conducted visits to the seven elementary schools in their library district and the positive effects of that outreach. Learn how to carry out a similar initiative, leading to lasting relationships with teachers and administrators in schools in your community.

    Contact person: Sharon Phillips, Youth Services Program Manager, nyslyouth@nysed.gov

    This webinar is supported in large part with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds that were awarded to the New York State Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).