Community-centered libraries engage staff in promoting and supporting positive change in their local communities. However, the steps for authentically engaging the community in problem-solving are often unclear. In this webinar, participants will be introduced to the SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) Model and learn how to use it as a facilitation tool for conducting meetings with their library communities. The role of digital programming as a SOAR response to the challenges of COVID-19 will be explored, with presenters and participants alike sharing their successes and challenges. This webinar is part 3 of a series on community-centered libraries made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information and to register visit here: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/exploring-the-soar-model.html

Our communities are made up of people and their stories. And what better place is there to help tell, share, and preserve these stories than the library! Sparked by the efforts of the Keene Valley Library in New York, OurStoryBridge is a project which helps libraries capture and share the rich social and cultural history of their communities. The project has released a free toolkit of resources for library staff and volunteers to create online, three-to five- minute oral histories, a format that appeals to young and old today. The toolkit includes everything a library needs to know to start a story project, such as step by step instructions, “how-to” videos, sample documents, and a guide to help teachers engage their students in community stories. Join the creator of OurStoryBridge and staff at two libraries who have implemented the program to hear their experiences with this inspiring and impactful project and learn how your library can participate.

Presented by: Jery Y. Huntley, Founder, OurStoryBridge and Adirondack Community, Keene Valley Library (NY); AJ Gooden, Supervisor, Igiugig Tribal Library (AK); and Debby Carter, Assistant Librarian, Tremonton City Library (UT)

Whether you’re talking to patrons about Covid-19, searching for a job, going to college, or deciding where to live, money is often a key concern. Guiding patrons through a complicated financial landscape, can be challenging and confusing, and can be unfair when the playing field is not level. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), is focused on using all of their tools, including enforcement, rule-writing, and research to address systemic racism and economic inequality in the consumer financial system. One of the ways to address wealth inequality in the U.S. is through empowering people who are developing their financial knowledge. With the right tools and resources, you can start conversations on this essential topic which touches all our lives.

The CFPB provides a comprehensive tool, Your Money, Your Goals (YMYG). YMYG is a set of free financial empowerment materials for organizations that help people meet their financial goals by increasing their knowledge, skills, and resources. Join this session to explore resources you can use with patrons working on their financial goals and hear from the Norfolk Public Library about how they are using YMYG resources to close the financial literacy gap in their community. And also learn about ALA’s Financial Literacy Interest Group—a place to find support and share best practices for financial literacy in all libraries and communities.