Resources

 

Diverse BookFinder Metadata Community of Practice

Are you invested in questions about who (which racial/cultural groups) is being represented in children's books featuring Black and Indigenous People and People of Color (BIPOC) and how (what messages are being sent) they are represented? Are you a conscientious reader of picture books, early readers, middle grade and young adult literature?  

If so, the Diverse BookFinder (DBF) Metadata Community of Practice may be for you! 

The Diverse BookFinder seeks applications for the 2024-2025 Metadata Community of Practice to code books for children and youth featuring BIPOC characters. The DBF is an online, searchable database designed to facilitate the discoverability and exploration of multicultural books for children and youth. Our goal is to diversify and balance bookshelves everywhere, so that all children can find themselves reflected and celebrated in libraries, schools, and homes across the nation. 

We've just completed programming under a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) titled "Middle Grade and Young Adult Books with Black, Indigenous People, and People of Color: Where Are They?". This grant allowed us to build upon our existing infrastructure to integrate early readers, chapter books, middle grade books, young adult books, and graphic novels into the picture book database and Collection Analysis Tool (CAT). 

We believe BIPOC communities must be centered in the work we do, and we encourage applications from those who identify as BIPOC. We also specifically seek candidates with a critical understanding of race, culture, gender, and power and a strong interest in the application of this knowledge to analyses of BIPOC representation in children's and young adult books. We envision a world overflowing with books by and about BIPOC, reflecting the diverse voices and experiences of BIPOC-identified people and communities. 

Metadata Community of Practice members will:

To learn more about the Metadata Community of Practice please view the document linked below: 

Diverse BookFinder Metadata Community of Practice Information Sheet 

 

Meet Up & Eat Up – Summer Food Service Program

Turnip the Beet 2024 

The Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Turnip the Beet Award recognizes outstanding SFSP sponsors across Michigan who work hard to offer high quality meals that are appetizing, appealing, and nutritious during the summer months. Three award levels are available: Bronze, Silver, and Gold and are open to all sponsors. 

Continue your Farm to Summer week success by applying for the 2024 Turnip the Beet award!  The Turnip the Beet nominations (form, menu, and supporting documents) are due by Thursday, September 5, 2024, via email to mde-sfsp@michigan.gov. Winners will be notified by the Michigan Department of Education in early 2025. Turnip the Beet 2024 Nomination Packet 

In the News…

Too much screen time? U-M pioneers digital wellness program for youths – UMich News, 4/16/24

Boost Summer Learning with Science of Reading Elements (urbanlibraries.org) – 6/18/24

 

Stay cool & adventure on!

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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