Equity, Diversity and Inclusion with ALSC: Updates, Tools and Takeaways

Session Description

A panel discussion covering ALSC’s current work and initiatives around equity, diversity, and inclusion, and what current and former task force members are doing at their own library systems and communities that can be easily replicated.

Presenter(s)
Vicky Smith, Children’s Editor, Kirkus Reviews, Kirkus
Nicole Rawlinson, Teen Services Librarian, Kitsap Regional Library
Sophie Kenney, Assistant Manager, Children’s Services/Early Literacy Specialist, Aurora Public Library, Illinois
Ayn Reyes Frazee, Teacher Librarian, Portland Public Schools, Oregon
Danielle Jones, Youth and Teen Librarian, Multnomah County Library, Oregon
Evelyn Keolian, Librarian, Chicago Public Library

Engaging Families with Informational Text through PBS KIDS and Molly of Denali

Session Description

PBS KIDS Family & Community Learning (FCL) engages families in hands-on learning through creative play in community settings, including libraries. Over four workshops, children ages 3-8 and grown-ups are introduced to tools to develop knowledge, practices, and perspectives while fostering collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. This session will focus on the newest FCL, featuring the PBS KIDS series Molly of Denali, which encourages families to engage with and create their own informational texts. Modifications that can be used during times of social distancing will also be shared.

Presenter(s)
Elyse Steven, Director, Ready To Learn Community Engagement, Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Lavanya Mohan, Director of Family and Community Learning, PBS
Elizabeth Nicolai, Youth Services Coordinator, Anchorage Public Library, Alaska
Stephanie McFadden-Evans, Community Engagement Manager, Alaska Public Media

Curiosity Kitchen – Promoting Healthy Living Through Programming and Partnerships

Session Description

Learn how Anoka County Libraries partner with 4-H, the YMCA and county health and wellness agencies to provide quality cooking classes for children and families. Curiosity Kitchen programs use learning lessons employing Charlie Carts – compact, mobile kitchens – that allow participants to connect healthy habits, food and cooking. Using math, language arts, science, and social studies concepts, these lessons are perfect for cooperative learning.

Presenter(s)
Jill Wujcik, Library Associate [Mississippi Library], Anoka County Library, Minnesota
Becky Walpole, Branch Manager [Crooked Lake Library], Anoka County Library, Minnesota

Collaborating to Create Welcoming Spaces for Children, Youth and Families

Session Description

Where do you start when you want to make a change to a library space? How do you create buy-in with stakeholders who hold different knowledge and multiple perspectives? This session will present how Hennepin County Library answers these questions and include a panel of librarians, project managers and architects to answer your questions. Whether your project is large or small, you will leave with a toolbox of ideas and strategies you can use immediately.

Presenter(s)
Dana Bjerke, Youth Services Librarian, Hennepin County Library, Minnesota
Adele Murray, Youth Services Librarian, Hennepin County Library, Minnesota
Amy Kennedy Fosseen, Capital Projects and Operations Manager, Hennepin County Library, Minnesota
Liz Veaderko, Design & Construction Architect, Hennepin County Library, Minnesota