February 2021
A Message from the State Librarian
Arizona libraries are amazing!  Staff are always looking for opportunities to do more to serve your communities.  This month we want to highlight grants as one of those opportunities that you pursue in order to provide additional resources and services.  Below is an article about exemplary LSTA subgrant projects, highlighting recent projects by Grand Canyon University Library, Phoenix Public Library, and Pima County Public Library. Kudos to all three libraries!
 
There are many other opportunities for grant funding available, and we’ve recently learned of three Arizona libraries that have received funding for some very exciting projects. Congratulations to Camp Verde Community Library, Chandler Public Library, and Safford City-Graham County Public Library!
 
Camp Verde Community Library has been selected as one of 20 U.S. libraries to participate in Community Connect: Digital Access at Home. The WiFi-lending project is an initiative of the American Library Association and Capital One that offers cash grants to help rural libraries offer internet access and financial education for their patrons. Coupled with a Yavapai County Foundation grant that enabled laptop-lending, Camp Verde Community Library patrons can now “check out” the internet as well as devices. 
 
The Chandler Public Library has been chosen as one of 25 U.S. libraries to participate in Resilient Communities: Libraries Respond to Climate Change, an initiative of the American Library Association that will help libraries engage their communities in programs and conversations on the climate crisis. The grant award will enable a seed library to be developed and housed at the Chandler Sunset Library. Programming will also be provided.
 
Safford City-Graham County Public Library is one of 12 public libraries receiving a STAR Net STEAM Equity Project award.  STEAM Equity was created to help public library workers in small and rural communities offer outstanding, culturally responsive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programming and exhibitions for their patrons, especially often-underreached Hispanic/Latino populations. The project is offered by the Space Science Institute's National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL/SSI), ALA, Twin Cities PBS (TPT), Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI) and Education Development Center (EDC), with funding from the National Science Foundation.
 
We know there are many more outstanding grant projects taking place in Arizona libraries. If your library has recently received a grant, please share the news with us! 
 
Stay safe and well,
 
Holly Henley
State Librarian
Dates & Deadlines
Mark your calendar for upcoming professional development events, grant deadlines and other important dates.

FEBRUARY 2021

February 4, 10:00-11:30 am

February 4, 2:00-3:30 pm

February 5, 12:00-1:00 pm 

February 9 - March 8

February 9 - March 8

February 10 1:00 pm

February 10, 12:00-1:00 pm 

February 10, 12:00-1:00 pm

February 11, 10:00-11:30 am

February 11, 12:00-1:00 pm

February 11, 2:00-3:30 pm

February 16 - March 15 

February 17

February 17, 2:00-4:00 pm 

February 18, 10:00-11:30 am

February 18, 1:00-2:30 pm 

February 18, 2:00-3:30 pm
Grant News
ARIZONA LSTA 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

The State Library would like to congratulate three projects from the 2019 LSTA grant cycle that were nominated for “Exemplary” status on the final report to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. These three projects demonstrated an ability to use resources, achieve work that will serve their communities over the long term, and manage their projects in the difficult circumstances of a pandemic effectively and efficiently.
 
The three projects were Phoenix Public Library’s MACH1 To-Go Kits Project, Pima County Public Library’s Inventory Project, and Grand Canyon University’s Historical Archives Project. The Phoenix Public Library adapted their project to COVID-19 circumstances so quickly that they didn’t miss a beat in serving their public, despite having to do a complete 180 of their concept. Pima County took what is expected of any library – collections management – and turned it into a rally cry for their professional library community, implementing new processes along the way. Grand Canyon University produced a significant volume of work accessible worldwide for a growing student and alumni community, while also preserving a bit of Arizona history. While all of 2019’s projects were wonderful, these three stood out as embodying what the IMLS grants can truly be, and we were pleased to highlight them in our final report.
 
Related, if you missed the LSTA 2021 Grant Application Information Session on January 19th, the recording is now available on Niche Academy and YouTube. The presentation discusses tips for grant project management and ways to thrive in the application and project management process. Don’t forget that the final deadline to apply for LSTA grants is March 5, 2021.
News From Around The State
Sedona Red Rock News Now Online
Over the past year the Sedona Historical Society partnered with the State Library to digitize the Red Rock News and Sedona Red Rock News from 1960s through 1980s with publisher permission from the Larson Family.

This project was made possible by Historian, Janeen Trevillyan, Sedona Historical Society. Digitization work was done to the Library of Congress standards, and is compatible with the National Digital Newspaper Program. The project started in the spring of 2019, and just finished at the close of 2020.

The Sedona Historical Society used the microfilm that was held by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records to create copies for the digitization. Sedona Historical Society paid for digitization work, and the nearly 30,000 images are hosted on the Arizona Memory Project through the State Library. Also, over 20 years of the newspaper were digitized, from 1963-1987.
The first issue of the Red Rock News was published in the fall of 1963 by Robert and Loretta Larson. The inaugural issue, October 3, 1963, was assembled in the Larson home and contained 8 tabloid pages. The paper changed the title to the Sedona Red Rock News in April 1980. It is still published today.

You can read the editions here: Sedona Red Rock News
If your library would be interested in partnering or learning about the project contact, Sativa Peterson.
2021 Arizona Teen Services Summit
In 1926, Estelle Lutrell and State Librarian Con Cronin recognized the need for a strong association of librarians to improve Arizona libraries. Through the years, the State Library and AzLA have continued to collaborate to improve library service and librarianship in Arizona.

The theme of this year’s Summit was - Lift Library Services for Teens. When library staff spend time learning, preparing, planning, and promoting teen library services, they lift their ability to make a difference in the lives of teens and their community.

This year’s Summit included sessions on Restorative Justice: The Key to Creating Spaces for Teens with Stephen Jackson, Oak Park Public Library, the Virtually Yours @your Library panel of your library peers, sharing programming ideas, You Can Transform Teen Services with Linda Braun, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) and a book discussion based on the book Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, facilitated by Patty Jimenez. Over the course of the day, 118 participants attended the live sessions and many more have viewed the recorded presentations available on the Arizona Libraries YouTube channel.
Upcoming Events
Arizona Archives Summit
2021 Arizona Archive (Virtual) Summit
February 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 2021

The Arizona Archives Summit is an annual two-day workshop sponsored by the Arizona Historical Records Advisory Board (AHRAB) with support from the Arizona Archives Alliance. This event is an opportunity for archivists from all over the state to get together, network and participate in professional presentations and discussions.
 
This year's Summit will be presented via Zoom with two sessions on each Thursday in February, one at 10:00 and the other at 2:00 pm.
Registration for each session will be available via the Arizona State Library Events Calendar
Ten Years of Celebrating STEM in Arizona
SciTech Institute is excited to announce the 2021 Arizona SciTech Festival season begins Jan. 30 and runs through Feb. 28, marking 10 years of inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) across Arizona. Arizonans of all ages will enjoy fun and engaging events and activities offered during this annual celebration while building their STEM knowledge.  

Here is the Virtual Overview of 4 weeks of celebrating STEM.
  • Week 1: Getting Started in STEM
  • Week 2: Exploring Options in STEM
  • Week 3: Thinking About STEM
  • Week 4: 10 Seasons of Celebrating - Highlights

Virtual Events occur throughout the week and on Saturdays. There are many different events, virtual tours, STEM activities, and many more...
Event links are available for easy viewing here, with more being added each day! You can also browse the online calendar of events.
Arizona Genealogy Day
The Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board and the Arizona State Library, Archives, & Public Records are pleased to present the first Arizona Genealogy Day, a free, virtual event on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

We have big name speakers lined up: David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS will be giving two lectures, Arizona’s Genealogy Resources from A-Z and Beginning Irish Genealogy – Where to Start, Bonnie Belza’s lecture Learnings from the Hatbox Baby Mystery, and Brandy Helewa’s lecture AMPlify Your Genealogy Research with the Arizona Memory Project

We would appreciate any efforts you make to share this information with your library's patrons. Space is limited. You and your patrons can see more details and register at: here

Save the Date

Theme: Moving the Boundaries of Librarianship: Leading from Arizona
When: October 27- 29, 2021
Where: Prescott Resort and Conference Center in Prescott

Libraries are not simply what is contained in a physical building, and the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the necessity to reimagine our library services in new and innovative ways. As we move into the future, libraries will continue to face ever-progressive challenges, and in order to tackle them, we will have to move the boundaries of librarianship to continue providing high-quality services to our communities.

Join us as we navigate these challenges and lead the movement of those boundaries from Arizona.

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please email Dr. John Walsh president@azla.org

Calls for program proposals will be sent out early 2021.

Contact admin@azla.org with any questions. 
The Learning Path
Media Literacy in the Library: A Guide for Library Practitioners 

The American Library Association has created a suite of free resources to help libraries respond to the need for adult media literacy training. There is a downloadable Practitioner’s Guide that provides media literacy strategies for library staff. Beginning in 2021, there will be a series of webinars with even more information. All sessions are an hour long and start at 12:00 pm.
Arizona Archives Alliance (AzAA) Scholarship Program in Support of Institutional Internships 
 
AzAA invites Arizona-based institutions interested in directing archival internships to apply for the AzAA Scholarship Program. A number of grants, up to $1,000 each, are available to institutions in support of student internships. Host institutions may also match or contribute to the funds provided by these grants.

The objective is to provide interns with hands-on experience working with a wide variety of archival collections in order to gain a better understanding of archival principles and fundamental practices. The institutional host/supervisor will determine project responsibilities, internship length, and learning objectives and outcomes.

Upon completion of the internship, the submission of a short, written summary detailing the internship experience of both the student intern and the project supervisor will need to be completed and submitted within two months of the project’s end.  
 
This year, in addition to traditional in-person internships, we are also accepting proposals for virtual or online internship projects. 
 
How to apply: 
If your institution is interested in applying, please contact Renee D. James, Internship Coordinator (Renee.d.james@asu.edu) for a grant application. Applications are due February 17, 2021 and awards will be announced on March 22, 2021. 
Virtual Leap into Science Training:
Light & Shadow
Leap into Science is a nationwide program developed by The Franklin Institute Science Museum that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books, designed for children ages 3-10 and their families. The program empowers educators to offer workshops in community settings like libraries, museums, and out-of-school time programs to engage underserved audiences in accessible and familiar settings.


Cohort 2 - 2:00 pm on Tuesdays - February 09, 16, and 23
Cohort 3 - 10:00 am on Fridays - February 12, 19, and 26

NEWUpon completion of the 3 training sessions, each organization (up to 50 organizations) will receive supplemental material for "take and make kits" to complement the Leap into Science Virtual Programs.

If this is your first year participating you may also receive an educator kit that provides materials needed to present a Leap into Science Light and Shadow workshop. To receive the educator kit, you are committing to the following:

  • Leading at least three (3) Leap into Science workshops for children and families by Fall 2021.
  • Posting each workshop to The Connectory, a searchable directory for STEM programs across the country.
  • Leading Leap into Science activities during National Leap into Science Week, (June 7-13, 2021)
  • Completing a workshop report following each workshop.
  • Participating in quarterly calls with other trained educators in your state.

Contact Donna Throckmorton dthrockmorton@azlibrary.gov or Alyson Smith smitha@azscience.org with any questions.

Learn more and register at here to participate in the upcoming trainings.
Video Editing for Public Library Staff 
Public libraries, and more specifically public programming librarians, have unique needs when it comes to video creation and editing. From live-streaming library programming, to pre-recording demonstration videos and creating fun promotional material, video creation and editing opens up a whole new world of service and outreach for public librarians. 

There are lots of different video creation and editing tools to choose from, including both open access and proprietary tools. However, for a novice video creator, the process can feel overwhelming. This workshop can help!

Join Carly Lamphere for this series of trainings on Video Editing for Public Librarians. The last in this series is on February 5, 2021 at 10:00 am. Register here.
Big Talk From Small Libraries Conference 
 
This free one-day online conference is aimed at librarians from small libraries – the smaller the better! Each of our speakers is from a library serving fewer than 10,000 people, or directly works with small libraries. 

Topics range from technology to programming to new roles for the library. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the innovative things your colleagues are doing in their small libraries. 

Everyone is welcome to register and attend, regardless of how big or small your library. But, if your library serves a few hundred to a few thousand people, this is the day for you! 
This conference will be held on February 26, 2021 from 7:45am-4:00pm. Registration can be found hereThis conference is organized and hosted by Christa Porter of the Nebraska Library Commission and is co-sponsored by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries
Public Programming in the Pandemic

Library Journal is offering "Public Programming in the Pandemic with three sessions, March 23, March 30 and April 6, 2021. In this timely course, you’ll find out how leading libraries have pivoted to meet their communities’ changing needs. You’ll learn best practices for running a digital event, tackling essential services like workforce training and student support, and offering asynchronous programs like storywalks and scavenger hunts. 

It will also cover how to engage users without access to devices, an Internet connection, or comfort with technology—or who are simply all Zoomed out. You’ll also hear about clever program ideas that peer librarians have already translated to the digital or socially distant environment, such as a parking lot gaming tournament or a musical alternative to a book club and generate ideas of your own. It will address how to document your impact to show funders and voters how effective library service is regardless of whether the building is open. 

The Arizona State Library has purchased a limited number of seats to this course for Arizona library staff. To request a seat, register here. We would like to make this opportunity available to as many different libraries as possible so please register no more than two people per library. Deadline for registration is February 12 or when all seats are full. 

One of the outcomes of this course is to produce three replicable program ideas for your library and a plan to implement them. At the end of the course, you will be asked to submit your replicable program ideas for our newsletter by April 22 to be featured in the May newsletter.  
The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records is a division of the Secretary of State. Programs and activities of Library Services and Archives are supported in part with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Holly Henley
State Librarian and Director of Library Services, Archives and Records