Libraries Lead with Digital Skills Expands Economic Opportunity
Apply now for $2,000 toward virtual workforce programming

The COVID-19 crisis has forced libraries to pivot into virtual services in lieu of face-to-face programming. Recognizing the critical role libraries play in supporting America’s workforce when millions file for unemployment, Libraries Lead with Digital Skills has expanded its initiative to offer public libraries $2,000 to provide virtual programming, outreach, and education to address the digital skills gaps of job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
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Who should apply? Public libraries that want to start virtual digital skills programs or those that are interested in testing out new resources.

> > Click here to learn more in PLA's announcement.

Please check the NEWI list of free webinars to find online continuing education opportunities you can attend from where you are, whether at work or at home. Most sessions are 60 minutes long, and are provided – at no charge to you – by associations, agencies, companies, and library systems.
 
For webinars on COVID-19, click on a title to register:

• Being Still in an Emergency – 1pm on Tue, May 5
• Reopening Lives with the Library – 1pm on Wed, May 6
• Guidelines for Reopening Wisconsin Public Libraries <-click to join at time of webinar – 2pm on Thu, May 7
• Safety Tips for Reopening Your Library (Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, presenter) – 1pm on Tue, May 12
• Maximizing and Measuring Virtual Programs – 1pm on Wed, May 13
• Connections Summit Online Conference includes these sessions:
  • Preparing Your Library for a Post-Quarantine Environment – 10:15am on Tue, May 19
  • Preparing and Implementing Tools to Re-Open Post Quarantine – Noon on Tue, May 19
• In Times of Crisis: Managing Key Relationships – 2pm on Thu, May 21

CSLP put together a set of modified summer library program materials for service during the time of COVID-19.
 
Below you will find instructions for how to access the additional resources (PDF download from CSLP, or editable docs using CSLP login). Beneath the instructions, you will also find a letter from CSLP about these materials.

How to Access: Online access will be made available at https://www.cslpreads.org/. A PDF version will be located on the front page of the website for easy printing and download capabilities (a red rectangular button—the large PDF downloads as soon as you click it). For a more editable version CSLP members are encouraged to sign into their CSLP account and access content from the online manuals.

Once logged into the Online Manual:

1. Scroll down to the “Artwork and Program Files” section of the manual
2. On the righthand sidebar locate the “Summer 2020 Reimagined” category
   
3. Click on the checkbox to the immediate right of “Summer 2020 Reimagined” to bring up a list of all the files, or
4. Click on the “+” icon to the right to bring up the age group categories.

Click here to view the webinar recording for WiscNet Community Conversation: Connecting People & Strategies in Strange Times.

Posted 4/28/2020
It's not too late to join WiscNet for a special WiscNet Community Conversation: Connecting People & Strategies in Strange Times next week, May 5 from 10:00-11:00am.

Normally WiscNet Community Conversations bring WiscNet to you as they travel around the state to different areas and help WiscNet members connect to one another locally. Obviously they can't do that right now, so they're Zooming at you instead.

Partaking in a panel discussion will be a few of your wonderful WiscNet Board Members: 

• Brian Casey from Stevens Point Area Public School District
• Tom Lange from Chippewa Valley Technical College
• Sarah Lipke from CESA 10
• August Neverman from Brown County

They'll discuss what’s working for them right now, and what’s not; how they’re connecting with their communities and improvements to be made; and how they’re reaching out to students, staff, and/or citizens that are most disengaged/vulnerable. We’ll also pick their brains about the future: how will they take what they’re learning now and apply it when this happens again?

There will also be time for you to share your own situations, experiences, expertise, and lessons already learned as well as ask questions of each other.

RSVP on WiscNet's website to join.

Learn more at https://mailchi.mp/wiscnet/well-be-online-next-tuesday-may-5-for-a-special-wiscnet-community-conversation?e=d9587b45b8

Kim Meyers is the new director at the Gillett Public Library.

Kim is from Sobieski, Wisconsin and has lived here all her life. She has worked in libraries since 2011, and has a Masters degree in Library and Information Science.

When she's not working, Kim likes to knit, crochet, read and write. She's very interested in history and genealogy.  A fun fact about Kim is that her cousin is Charles Ammi Cutter.

Kim looks forward to getting to know the Gillett Community and applying what she learned in library school.

If you want to send Kim a note, you can email her at kmeyers@gilpubliclibrary.org.

"While our in-person NLLD 2020 was canceled, ALA is hosting a week's worth of advocacy training and activities for library advocates of all kinds. Typically, NLLD has a registration cost and specialized trainings, like the Congressional Management Foundation webinar, are available to ALA members only. During this critical moment, we are opening access to everyone. Our vision is that library advocates will have the opportunity to hear from each other, to train virtually, and to continue creating connections and relationships with decision makers at every level of government. 

This is an unsettling time, but here's the truth: advocacy is more important now than ever before. This week of training aims to prepare us to take the leap forward, to expand our skillsets, and to pioneer new forms of digital outreach.
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Knowing we are all balancing screen time with multiple responsibilities at home, the week is a "design your own path" program based on your preference and availability. Tune in every day between May 4 and May 8 for live afternoon sessions and complete advocacy actions when you can. All trainings are free and recordings will be available on our website through May 31."

Below are the headlines from the 05/01/2020 - 📢 Nic News Weekly:

• NFLS Libraries Offering Curbside Pickup
• WLA Leadership Development Institute ​Conference Scholarship
• WLA 2020 Conference Call for Program Proposals: Deadline Extension to May 29th
• Ancestry Library Edition: Remote Access Extended
• CE Opportunities Added Recently
• Virtual Training on BadgerLink Resources
• Guidelines for Reopening WI Public Libraries Released
• Beanstack: Investment in Online Reading Platform & Mobile App for Wisconsin Libraries
• Wisconsin Humanities Cares Grant
• Magician Daniel Lusk's ONLINE Magic show Package
• Colossal Fossils Online Summer Programs: Dinosaurs and Dragons