MBLC Service Update
April 29, 2020
Past Updates
April 1, 2020
April 8, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 22, 2020
As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues. Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.
Stay-at-home extended; advisory board formed
At his press conference yesterday, Governor Baker extended the stay-home order to May 18 and continues the ban of gatherings of more than 10 people.
More
Note: The MBLC is contacting Lt. Governor Polito with information about library re-opening and the role libraries will play in economic recovery.
Federal Budget
Individual libraries are eligible for CARES Act funding. Applications for CARES Act grants will open on May 4. Interested organizations can visit MassHumanities.org/Cares-Act to preview the application, learn more about eligibility, and find additional resources.
Mass Humanities will award grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the size of the organization’s operating budget.
More
Re-opening/Library Advisory
Contact: Sarah Sogigian (MLS)
Rob Favini (MBLC)
This week the MBLC and MLS, through the automated library networks, will be holding a series of virtual sessions to learn what issues you face as you start planning for the resumption of full services. Schedule of sessions. In preparing for these sessions we have found several library organizations who have shared their resumption of service plans. They highlight a wide range of considerations that may be helpful to you as you begin to formulate your plan.
Recent article from Medium.com: https://medium.com/@john.alan.thill/a-phased-reopening-plan-for-libraries-as-covid-19-restrictions-are-lifted-2d96885c0c1d
Utah State Library: https://library.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Utah-Libraries-Plan-for-Moving-Towards-Full-Service.pdf
Indiana Library Federation: https://library.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/planelementsphasesofpandemic.pdf
Oak Park Public Library WY: https://library.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OAK-PARK-PUBLIC-LIBRARY-COVID-19-Library-Building-Reopening-Phases.pdf
Midlothianm WY: https://library.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tentative-Reopen-Plan-Midlothian-DRAFT-2.pdf
From the heart: Libraries share stories about how they’re stepping up to support their communities
Contact: Celeste Bruno
From Ellen Snoeyenbos, Director West Bridgewater Public Library
The West Bridgewater Fire Department took to Instagram to thank West Bridgewater Public Library for making face mask extenders for their responders. Ellen reported that she’s using the library’s 3D printer to make the extenders, “We’re up to 325 extenders shared out to nurses, MDs, physical therapists, transporters, EMTs, sheriff’s departments, prison guards, “ she said. “It’s been a labor of love and the need to feel useful.”
She also shared a bit about the process: With some inspiration from an involved patron, Ellen started the project. They moved the 3D printer out of the library and into her home in Halifax. She tweaked the print model a bit, in response to the feedback she got from the Good Samaritan nurses, making them thinner so they would bend around the head more comfortably. And she created a file that could crank out 5 at time. “My husband actually really got into it and I had him running the printer while I did other work from home for the library, “she added.
The library is also hosting Laughter Yoga, Family Trivia Night, and a bunch of online storyhours that are produced on a weekly basis, too. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmRwzeimVk-qzGy3a6H0UFwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TbUPnDUkCo
MBLC Monthly Board Meetings
Contact: Rachel Masse
The regular monthly business meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 7, 2020 by Zoom Videoconference Meeting. https://mblc.libcal.com/event/6201491
Contracts/Business Office
Contact: Tracey Dimant
The Business Office has worked with the state’s Administration and Finance department to set up the appropriation for new IMLS CARES Act funding; communicated with Administration and Finance, House Ways and Means, and Senate Ways and Means staff requesting information on the FY2021 budget (no news as yet); continued to process contracts, funding requests from affiliates, and invoices from vendors, as well as handling daily operations.
Preservation and Disaster Recovery
Contact: Evan Knight
ALA’s Preservation Week, in its tenth year from ALA/ALCTS, promotes and advocates for improving collections care at your library. There are a number of events, tips, and resources available from http://www.ala.org/alcts/preservationweek. The week culminates with a related promotion from the Society of American Archivists, called “MayDay,” supporting your institution’s Emergency Preparedness – tips an resources are available from https://www2.archivists.org/initiatives/mayday-saving-our-archives. MBLC and collaborative partner COSTEP MA will aggregate these links, and release original emergency preparedness content, on their website on Friday the 1st, “MayDay.” https://mblc.state.ma.us/costepma
Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
Rachel Masse (summer and the Bruins)
SUBMIT YOUR SUMMER SUCCESS STORY, even if you can’t do the challenge.
Here’s why: summer success stories help demonstrate that while summer programs are fun, they are also instrumental in helping kids and teens improve academically. Mrs. Baker will read the success stories and chose a library/libraries to visit. Stories can be sent to the MBLC here (please omit any identifying info) and will be part of the public facing page.
Order/re-order CSLP posters
We’ve decided to redo the ordering for the CSLP posters that we are making available for this summer. Since the order form was originally sent out in the beginning of March, circumstances have changed for everyone and summer reading is starting to look very different. We figured reordering is the best opportunity for those who want posters to get them, and those who can no longer receive them or use them to not. They can be sent to your home.
order form
poster designs
Summer Challenge: If you’re wondering how to do a summer program this year, the summer challenge may help. You’ll receive everything you need to participate- you just set your goal and track it. You’ll also be helping to demonstrate the importance of summer programs because we’ll be able to use the completed goal info to raise awareness of what libraries are doing even in these challenging times.
Description
Register and order materials
Poster
Goal tracker
State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn
The State Aid unit held three Q&A sessions last week that were attended by over 250 people. We are working on an FAQ based on the questions we received. It should be available early next week.
Library closure/status info
Liz Babbitt continues to update the Google Docs for both libraries and the public.
Links to the documents:
For Patrons
For Librarians
Changes and updates can be submitted through the LibWizard form
for both libraries and the public.
Statewide digital library – libraries.state.ma.us
Contact: Kate Butler (website issues)
Matt Perry (content additions)
Paul Kissman (virtual calendar)
New Statewide Calendar for Virtual Library Programs is LIVE!
Calendar
More Info
NEW Social media to help you spread the word!
Trustees and Friends
Trustees and Friends
Contact: Maura Deedy
Rob Favini
There are 3 Virtual Trustee Orientations scheduled for May.
Description: Are you a new library trustee eager to learn about your new, and very important, role? A “seasoned” board member looking for a refresher course? Trustee Orientations are a great opportunity to meet key staff at MBLC who work with trustees, to learn more and ask questions about your roles and responsibilities as a member of a library board. At each session we cover board responsibilities, library funding and State Aid, state laws with relevance to libraries, and how to be an effective advocate for libraries. Time is included for questions and answers. Orientations are aimed at new trustees, and all trustees and library directors are welcome to attend.
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2020
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Register
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
10:00am – 12:00pm
Register
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
10:00am – 12:00pm
Register