Reimagining Youth Librarianship

Since June I have been participating in the COVID-19 Reimagining Youth Librarianship project. Now is not only an opportunity but the absolute necessary time to rethink how we meet the needs of and remain significant within our communities. 
Here is an article about the project from facilitators Linda Braun and Mega Subramaniam: https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=covid-19-is-an-opportunity-to-rethink-youth-librarianship-reimagining-libraries


From the work of the group over the last few months has come the following: https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=wake-up-libraries-curbside-pickup-is-not-the-answer-reimagining-public-libraries-youth-services

Are we asking ourselves who in the community does our current decisions serve and how do we know what we are thinking is actually true? 9/3/20 article from the Reimagining Libraries group: The Right and Wrong Way to Make Decisions in a Crisis.

The Harwood Institute agrees–we NEED to step forward, have these conversations, build a shared responsibility within our communities, and help build sustainable change.

Rethinking Our Role to Better Serve the Community During and Beyond Times of Crisis by Beth Yoke, Chief Strategy Officer, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

Health Literacy & COVID19

The pandemic has revealed some weaknesses in our Nation’s health care and proven without a doubt that the more unhealthy you are, the more at risk you are.

https://www.mdatl.com/2020/04/silent-killer-epidemic-of-low-health-literacy-makes-covid-19-worse/?fbclid=IwAR3L76pt0GtInrKreUFQw63Wz5_b1wXrdPqGA5RI2S7j0qGbL5mEv7i89YU

Even though our doors may remain closed to patrons, we can continue to promote health literacy in our communities. The National Library of Medicine offers excellent trainings and resources for free. https://nnlm.gov/

In addition to offering resources on your website and via other online methods, and hosting health talks or webinars via zoom with local professionals, what can you do to reach over the digital divide? Remaining cognizant of non-English speaking patrons, here are a few ideas:

Remember–FACTS not fear will stop COVID 19

If you are interested in participating in a group that works through the Palouse Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course available online for free together. https://palousemindfulness.com/ Sign up HERE

Homeschooler Ready


You may find yesterdays blog from Abby the Librarian relevant as school’s struggle with plans for the new school year rapidly approaching. More and more parents are opting to homeschool and/or continue with remote learning. What a wonderful time for the public library to offer resources and support to school systems, homeschool organizations and families if you do not already have a strong partnership. 

Abby the Librarian: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2020/07/recent-books-on-homeschooling-update.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+abbythelibrarian%2FjEsv+%28Abby+the+Librarian%29NH DOE & Home

Helping Homeschoolers at the Library webinar August 2020 with Homeschooling Consultant Barbara Hettle. Thank you to Amy Olson, Youth Services Consultant, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.

https://zoom.us/rec/play/vsEkIuGsqDw3GdyQswSDBfR6W9W5eK-shHQW-ftfzR2zVnlWZgWnZ7cQZOGkNF95Z92LxAvrLlEpdwmu?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=k_WWFEVpTMehD1qnGnymfw.1598446529895.2b59172b74a5154f4c59d3b396c8d633&_x_zm_rhtaid=105

Passcode: 1!#g^P2%

Note: For NH specific resources see Education:  https://www.education.nh.gov/pathways-education/home-education

The Lane Memorial Library and the North Hampton Public Library had a panel of homeschool parents and the NHHC’s Portsmouth rep. to share their experiences with homeschooling. The session included a Q&A from the audience and directed questions from the host libraries.  Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/N5xHSx5_hm0