Please see the ConnectedLibFEST invitation from Mega Subramaniam for small & rural libraries below.

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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Hello everyone,

In collaboration with public library staff nationwide, the ConnectedLib team (from the University of Washington and University of Maryland) built the ConnectedLib Toolkit to provide continuing education opportunities to library staff in rural and small libraries on how to embed connected learning principles into teen programs and services. As part of a nationwide initiative to learn connected learning together, the team is organizing ConnectedLibFEST. This FREE virtual experience takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, March 15 and 16, 2023, from 1 PM to 5 PM Eastern. 

Each day brings together library staff, researchers, and community members to learn from and with each other about bringing connected learning to small and rural library settings. Small and rural libraries are already using the principles of connected learning in their work. They do this by building relationships with youth, community members, and stakeholders; fostering interests of teens through library services; and creating opportunities for academic and life success. You can learn more about connected learning at the ConnectedLib website.

• Do you work in a small or rural library?
• Do you work with small and rural library staff? 
• Have you thought about how connected learning and small and rural libraries are a match made in heaven?
• Do you want to learn more about connected learning and small and rural libraries and communities?

Did you answer "yes" to any of these questions?

If so, then ConnectedLibFEST is the event for you! 

We recently added a program to the ConnectedLibFest, featuring Dr. Mimi Ito, who will join us to have a conversation with rural library staff. 

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Potential Topics:

• What is connected learning and why is it something small and rural libraries should know about?
• How do I get started designing connected learning services in my small or rural community?
• What are some ways to build community-centered connected learning services?
• How to transform existing services, using your library's and community's assets, to align with connected learning?
• And others that you might suggest.

If this sounds like something you would like to be involved in either as an attendee or a presenter, fill out our form by December 15, 2022, and we will be back in touch.

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Mega Subramaniam
Professor
University of Maryland, USA
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