Next in Big Ideas Book Discussions

The Art Of Talking With Children
November 17th

The last title in this year’s Big Ideas Book Discussion series is The Art of Talking With Children (c2022) by Rebecca Rolland.  The subtitle itself provides a good description “simple keys to nurturing kindness, creativity, and confidence in kids.” This book is sure to appeal to youth services staff, not to mention patrons and caregivers with children in tow

From Amazon, here’s more “Science has shown that the best way to help our kids become independent, empathetic, and happy is by talking with them. Yet so often, parents, educators, and caregivers have trouble communicating with kids. In The Art of Talking With Children, author Rebecca Rolland arms adults with practical tools to help them have productive and meaningful conversations with children of all ages—whether it’s engaging an obstinate toddler or getting the most monosyllabic adolescent to open up. The Art of Talking With Children shows us how quality communication—or rich talk—can help us build the skills and capacities children need to thrive.” 

In Big Ideas Book Discussions, State Library staff and partners facilitate discussions using books outside of library management, but with plenty of application to library management. Choosing books on leadership, customer service, presentation skills, etc. we connect those ideas with public library service.

Participants are encouraged to purchase books used throughout the Big Ideas series for local collections.  Join us for the next good read: The Art of Talking With Children.

Register For Big Ideas In IALearns

 2024 TItles To Be Announced October 18th

All Iowa Reads is a long-standing program sponsored by the State Library … 20 years long to be exact.  In recent years, this statewide reading program added titles for teen and children along with the adult selection.

Now, the titles that have been chosen for the 2024 AIR program will be announced LIVE on Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa. Tune in on October 18 at 10:00AM; the All Iowa Reads reveal will begin at 10:40AM.  Talk of Iowa from Iowa Public Radio brings a mix of regular guests and a range of experts to the microphone to discuss what’s happening in Iowa and what makes this a special place to live.

IPR host Charity Nebbe will be joined by Kamryn Kronschnabel with Charles City Public Library and member of the All Iowa Reads selection committee, along with Janee Jackson-Doering, State Library Youth Services Consultant.  Janeé is also on the AIR Committee and she will introduce the children’s book and the teen book selections.

Listeners can stream the program live from Iowa Public Radio or tune in to their local IPR station on the radio.

About All Iowa Reads

Established in 2003, the purpose of All Iowa Reads is to foster a sense of unity through reading. Iowans are encouraged to come together in their communities to read and talk about a single book in the same calendar year. All Iowa Reads now consists of three programs, each with one title chosen per year: an adult book, a teen title for ages 12-18, and a children’s book for ages 8-12.  At the button below, see past AIR titles with archived discussion guides and more.

More About All Iowa Reads

October presents an opportunity to recognize the efforts of Library Friends Groups during National Friends of Libraries Week October 15-21.  And it’s United For Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, that coordinates Friends of Libraries Week each year.  2023 marks the 18th annual recognition as a time to promote local Friends Groups, raise awareness of their efforts, and thank them for their work in support of libraries everywhere. 

The United For Libraries website has lots of ideas, including a sample press release, promotional materials, graphics, and stories about how Friends Groups across the country support their libraries in fun and effective ways.  You can also watch recorded webinars that offers ideas on how to celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week within your library and throughout the community.  And hear about the ALA Store’s customizable products designed specifically for Friends.

United for Libraries offers a variety of resources for library friends, foundations, and trustees.  Some of their materials are behind a pay wall, accessible to paid members. Other materials are freely available, among them are these publications

- Libraries Need Friends: Starting a Friends Group or Revitalizing the One You Have (PDF)
- Friends Groups: Critical Support for School Libraries (PDF)
- Power Guide for Successful Advocacy (PDF)

Download these docs and more at the button below. 
And boast about your Friends Group on LibraryTalk

Celebrate Friends of Libraries Week 2023

 This Week ...

Skills For Community-Centered Libraries
Virtual via ZOOM.
October 10. 9:00-11:00AM 

As a follow-up to the in-person Learning Circuit on September 28, the State Library is pleased to offer 3 additional Zoom sessions to those interested in continuing the conversation around engaging their communities. Here are our follow-up dates & topics:

October 10. 9:00-11:00AM Effective Communication

October 24. 9:00-11:00AM Program Development

November 7. 9:00-11:00AM. Community Engagement

The curriculum is based on WebJunction's Skills for Community-Centered Libraries.  It's most helpful, but not required, for people to have attended the Learning Circuit last month

Register in IALearns

Library for the Blind: UDL and Libraries. 
October 12.  1:00-2:00PM

 This webinar will provide information about Universal Design in Learning (UDL) and show how it can be used in libraries to ensure accessibility. UDL is a way of using a variety of strategies to create resources and set up physical spaces to reach all individuals. The webinar will go over the basics of UDL as well as some real-world examples of how you can use UDL in your libraries.

Register in IALearns

Bridges User Group Meetings

All libraries subscribed to Bridges are encouraged to join user group meetings this month, online via ZOOM. Attendees will hear about the present structure of Bridges, the selection committee, the current budget, and recent changes to the service.  There are three sessions to choose to accommodate the most people—you only need to attend one. 

Because these are meetings meant for information exchange, there is no C.E. credit given.  Also no need to pre-register—simply choose the session that best matches your schedule and log in.  The first one took place last week, but there are two more remaining. The ZOOM room link will be provided prior to the meetings. 

Remaining Schedule

- October 19 @ 10:00-11:00 AM
- October 23 @ 1::30-2:30 PM

Click Here to view the State Library Of Iowa News : Monday Morning Eye-Opener October 9, 2023