I'm currently reading the memoir Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. I have recently been obsessed with psychotherapy or whatever other means to help oneself become more aware of life and struggles. I think time spent in libraries during COVID-19 has brought me to this vulnerable place of how to lead during a time of stress and sickness. I have been reading a lot and learning about myself and my relationship to stress.
photo credit: https://lorigottlieb.com/
#ReadingGoals
Reading goals... we've all got 'em. My reading goals are usually set with the New Year, which means I "hit the books" pretty hard in January so that when I fall behind later in the year (as is my habit), I'm still on pace to meet my goals. So this month, as an ode in the form of micro-reviews, I want to share some of my favorite reads so far this year.
Late last year I fell into love with graphic novels again after reading the hot title, Gender Queer. I've checked out a few using hoopla since last year, but one that was recommended to me that I really enjoy for Leslie Hung's art style, as well as the story co-created by Bryan Lee O'Malley, is Snotgirl. There are a few volumes available on hoopla- I read issues 1-5, compiled into Vol.1: Green Hair Don't Care, and recently checked out Vol. 2: California Screaming. Graphic novels are one of the few ways I read on my phone, and help me break the mindless scrolling we can all get sucked into.
Speaking of the scroll, I saw a poignant quote about banned books on my Instagram recently, so I looked up the originator, YA author Jeff Zentner. One of his books was available immediately on Libby, so I downloaded to listen. I found myself cooking dinner with my AirPods in, listening before bed, and taking my dog on longer walks even in frigid temps, just to listen to another chapter. Is that the audiobook equivalent of "couldn't put it down"? I found myself wondering how I missed this book, as it was published in 2016 (life, is how). I'm talking about The Serpent King, which broke my heart, and also made me grab Zentner's newer book off the nearest shelf. Jeff Zentner will be coming to Bozeman for our Teen Book Fest in May, which I learned after devouring this 9-hour listen in two short days, and thrills me.
When people ask me for a book recommendation, I'm suggesting one book more than others right now- Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. And if I'm being perfectly honest, I think this 640 pager is a must-read. But I beg you to give yourself time. I wish I paid more attention to every detail in this story- Anthony Doerr is a magical, lyrical author with a such a gift of storytelling. The different narratives we follow through this story are so unique and vivid- I found it amazing how well they were woven together, a true testament to Doerr's style. By the end of this story, the intricacies of the details were so impressive that I found myself wanting to re-read it right away. However, this title has a long holds list at my library, and I didn't want to rush through it again. I'll have to wait until it moves out of 14 day check out, or buy a copy. That's huge, as I rarely actually buy books. Public Library Life, amiright?
Consider submitting a microreview for the next issue of Focus in April! We all know libraries are more than just books, but we still love sharing them. If you're curious about what else I'm reading, find me on Goodreads (it's also a goal of mine to track my reading there, as well as on paper).
Corey Sloan
Co-Editor MLA Focus
photo credit above: https://aislnews.org/
photos below: https://www.goodreads.com/
[Corey Sloan can be reached at csloan@bozeman.net ]
Reimagining School Readiness
The Montana State Library is excited to announce its participation in the Reimagining School Readiness Train-the-Trainer program, as part of a larger grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services that was awarded to the Pacific Library Partnership (PLP). PLP is partnering with the Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) and the California State Library (CSL) to train libraries across the country on how to use the Reimagining School Readiness Toolkit to positively impact families and children in their communities. This program is now in its third year, and Montana is excited to participate.
What is the Reimagining School Readiness Program?
The Reimagining School Readiness Train-the-Trainer program is a professional development program designed to train library staff to use the Reimagining School Readiness Toolkit. The Toolkit, originally developed by the Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) in collaboration with the California State Library (CSL), is a set of free resources which includes tips and strategies for librarians, and activities for children and caregivers that prepare children for success in school. The current program is offered as part of a nearly $250,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded to Pacific Library Partnership (PLP). PLP is partnering with BADM, and CSL to train libraries across the country on how to use the Reimagining School Readiness Toolkit to positively impact families and children in their communities. This program is now in its third year, and Montana is excited to be participating.
Please read more about BADM, the Reimagining School Readiness Toolkit, and the IMLS grant at the following links:
What will the RSR Toolkit program look like in Montana?
As a part of this cohort, the Montana State Library will do the following:
Send two Montana librarians to attend two virtual trainings with the Bay Area Discovery Museum in January 2022. The two librarians attending the 2022 trainings are:
Amelea Kim, Lifelong Learning Librarian at Montana State Library
Bayley Gibson, Public Services Librarian at the Madison Valley Public Library
Plan and design workshops to train Montana librarians in the toolkit resources and research behind the resources. These workshops will be virtual, with the possibility of in-person opportunities as circumstances allow.
Provide annual trainings in future years to refresh and reenergize those who have already been trained, and to introduce new librarians to the toolkit and help them learn how to use it.
How can I find out more about Reimagining School Readiness training events?
Information on scheduled trainings will be posted to this webpage, sent out on WIRED, and posted in the ASPeN Training Calendar once they are scheduled. Virtual trainings will be recorded and posted to MSL's Vimeo channel as well. You can also email Amelea Kim at akim@mt.gov for information at any point in time.
Who can attend the Reimagining School Readiness training events?
Any Montana librarian is welcome to attend these trainings! These trainings would be most interesting and applicable to librarians who work directly with young children (0-5) and their families. Once the IMLS grant ends, we will be able to hold trainings for librarians and any community partners as well.
Scheduled Training Dates
All trainings are virtual, unless stated otherwise. These training times might change, depending on the content learned at the Train-the-Trainer session in January 2022.
March 15th, Tuesday, from 1 - 5 pm
Two Part Workshop: You are expected to attend both sessions of the workshop
April 5th, Tuesday, from 1 - 3 pm
April 12th, Tuesday, from 1 - 3 pm
If you have any questions, please contact Amelea Kim at akim@mt.gov.
Submitted by Amelea Kim
Hannah Stewart-Freeman(Co-Editor)
Email: mlaFOCUSeditor@gmail.com
Website: mtlib.org/focus
Phone: 406-657-8295
