SALS to Participate in Aspen Institute Pilot Program

Saratoga Springs, NY, October 13, 2015 – The Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) is pleased to announce its participation in a pilot initiative for the Aspen Institute, an education and policy studies organization. The endeavor is meant to encourage professionals to rethink current services and reinvigorate outreach efforts; it complements the Institute’s 2014 report, Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries, available at: http://as.pn/libraries

The report identified four strategies for success:

Aligning Library Services in Support of Community Goals
Providing Access to Content in All Formats
Ensuring the Long-Term Sustainability of Public Libraries
Cultivating Leadership

The Institute has partnered with 23 libraries and systems from across the US for the 10-week project, set to conclude in mid-November. A website based on feedback from participants is planned for launch in early winter. The other New York institution participating is Red Hook Public Library in Northwestern Dutchess County (pop. 1,900).

“SALS is honored to be part of this pilot project. As a result, we hope the libraries in our region will be more engaged with their communities and become key partners in community life in the digital age,” remarks Sara Dallas, Director of the Southern Adirondack Library System.

The Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) is a voluntary association of 34 public libraries in New York’s Hamilton (pop. 4,700), Saratoga (pop. 224,900), Warren (pop. 65,000) and Washington (pop. 62,400) Counties. Chartered in 1959 by the New York State Board of Regents, SALS is one of 23 public library systems in New York State; its mission is to help member libraries meet community needs.
http://www.sals.edu

The Aspen Institute Dialogue on Public Libraries is a multi-stakeholder forum to explore and champion new thinking on US public libraries, with the goal of fostering concrete actions to support and transform public libraries for a more diverse, mobile and connected society. The Dialogue is managed by the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program, which focuses on projects and initiatives that address the societal impact of communications and information technologies and provides a multidisciplinary venue for considered judgment on communications policy issues. http://www.aspeninstitute.org

Summer Reading Planning Workshop

9:30-4:15
SUMMER READING WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 (SNOWDATE 2/11)
9:30 AM TO 4:15 PM
SOUTHERN ADIRONDACK LIBRARY SYSTEM

ARRIVAL & WELCOME 9:30-10 AM

EXERCISE YOUR MIND
Jen Ogrodowski, Saratoga Springs Public Library 10-11 AM
Even if you’ve never tried coding and don’t know where to begin, this presentation will offer some suggestions on how to get started in hosting an introduction to coding workshop or series of workshops at your library. We’ll go over the free courses offered by code.org and talk about how to pick and choose activities you may want to focus on to accomplish your program goals with the time you have. We’ll also take a look at how different activities offered by code.org can be useful if you have a class full of participants with different levels of previous experience.
BREAK
Kathy Ceceri, Author and STEAM educator 11:15 AM -12:45 PM
Kathy Ceceri, author of “Paper Inventions” and “Making Simple Robots,” will show you how to create light-up paper designs using only inexpensive LEDS, batteries, and conductive tape! Paper circuits teach kids about electrical circuits, switches and sensors. They can even be used to talk about smart devices, robots, and beginning computer programming concepts such as “if-then” statements and logic gates. For more information on Kathy’s hands-on STEAM activity books and programs for kids, go to www.craftsforlearning.com
LUNCH –BYO, SNACKS AND BEVERAGES WILL BE PROVIDED

MINI MAKER SHOWCASE 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Libraries throughout the 4 counties are offering maker programs or lending out maker kits. If you have a program to share, please sign up. Each person will have 5 minutes to explain their program or materials, then attendees can walk around the room to check out your stuff and ask questions. Space is limited to 5. Jennifer will contact you by January 22nd to let you know if you are one of the lucky 5. Register when you RSVP online.

ON YOUR MARK GET SET…
Adam Feldman, Go Kids 2:30-4:00
Go Kids uses “imagination” games and active storytelling to help children prepare socially, emotionally and physically for school and the broader community. Meet Adam, the founder of Go Kids, and learn some tips and tricks to get your community moving, playing, and learning.

WRAP UP

RSVP by Wednesday January 27th 2016.
Register online now!

Libraries as Health Literacy First Responders

Public Health and Public Libraries: Libraries as Health Literacy First Responders

Wednesday, October 21, 2015 ? 3 pm Eastern ? 60 min

Registration: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/public-health-and-public-libraries.html

Misinformation about health abounds in today’s info-glutted environment. What is the role of public libraries in addressing issues of accurate health information? Public libraries are uniquely positioned to contribute to healthy communities by providing informed access to reliable health information. This panel presentation provides an overview of the field of public health, highlighting innovative health promotion initiatives at public libraries, and covering training and funding resources for health-related library outreach and programming. Join the conversation about building your community’s health literacy.

Presented by: Lydia N. Collins, Consumer Health Coordinator, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region; Anita Kinney, Program Analyst, United States Access Board; Christian Minter, Nebraska/Education Coordinator, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region