The TALK Team is presenting 3 sessions, starting this Monday, for participating TALK libraries:

• TALK: Getting Started - Do you prefer to attend a Zoom training rather than watch training videos and read user guides? Come to this general TALK training where you can ask questions as we walk you through the basic steps of navigating your MCLS account to access promotional materials and schedule event messages.
• TALK: Tips for launching  

When we developed and tested TALK in Washtenaw County, we found that the back-to-school season was the best time to get parents excited about TALK. Are you ready to launch the TALK program at your library this fall, but are not sure where to start? Have you launched TALK already and want to ask questions about how to get more parents to sign up, or share your success with others? Join us for a conversation where we share stories about what worked in our county and answer questions to help you navigate a successful launch. We’ll talk about the promotional materials we chose to print professionally or in-house, and the early partnerships we formed. 

• TALK: Working together for success

Join us for a conversation about how to collaborate with other libraries in your area to help make the TALK program more effective. We will discuss cost sharing, printing materials, promoting within your county or region, and collaborating on events. We will also help you connect with neighboring libraries to get started on a fall launch. 

You do need to be a participating library to attend, so Sign Your Library Up for the Free TALK Program Today!

Just want to know more? Check out the informational webinar on Ypsi's free TALK service: https://youtu.be/zOZhlbQmpCs, hosted by the Library of Michigan. The webinar provides an overview on "Bringing "TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten" to Your Library."

All libraries are encouraged to sign up for this important and FREE service to support the building of pre-literacy skills in your service populations. TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten sends fun activities parents can do with their babies and preschoolers at home. Developed by librarians and based on Every Child Ready to Read, TALK activities are designed to get kids ready for school success. The messages align with tips librarians share with parents at storytime, but because they are delivered via text message, you can reach parents you don’t see at the library. Anyone in Michigan can sign up to receive the messages, but libraries that sign up to promote TALK can send two messages per month to users in their zip codes advertising library events and services, and get access to award-winning promotional materials, from flyers and yard signs to social media posts and QR codes. Tools and guides to help you develop community partnerships to reach parents you don’t already see at the library are also included.

Sign up now to begin reviewing TALK resources you can use for a successful launch, then attend training sessions on Zoom later this summer to ask questions and get more in-depth information on using the provided resources.

FAQ For Libraries

Email Additional Questions to textandlearn@gmail.com

From TextToLearn.com, a free service of the Ypsilanti District Library.
In partnership with HighScope, MCLS, and Library of Michigan through funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Thank you,

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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