WebJunction just reached out with a corrected link to the “Free for All” story: https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/free-for-all-doc-celebrates-lib.... 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<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://lists.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/miyouth> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. “The thing I remember best about successful people I’ve met all through the years is their obvious delight in what they’re doing … and it seems to have very little to do with worldly success. They just love what they’re doing, and they love it in front of others.” ~ Fred Rogers From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) via Michlib-l Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 9:20 AM To: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Subject: [Michlib-l] WebJunction content and upcoming webinars CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov<mailto:abuse@michigan.gov> WebJunction content and upcoming webinars - February 12, 2025 Highlighted Content Rooted in connection: Libraries designing for belonging and community<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/rooted-in-connection.html> Despite living in an age of unprecedented digital connectivity, people are feeling the increasing effects of loneliness and isolation. These challenges extend beyond individuals, weakening the health, resilience, and trust of entire communities. The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, reveals that loneliness can harm our health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. While the impact is profound, there are clear and achievable solutions within our reach. Read how libraries can bring intentionality to designing programming and services that deepen engagement and create environments where everyone feels they belong. "Free for All" documentary celebrates public libraries<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/rooted-in-connection.html> Imagine having an easy way to engage your library patrons in a conversation about the importance of your library. That’s the idea behind Free for All: The Public Library, an exciting new documentary premiering on PBS Indie Lens this April. The film chronicles the evolution of the nation’s public libraries, tracing the battles over who can enter, what belongs there, and who makes these decisions while exploring how public spaces are defined and defended. Best of all, your library can host a free screening. PBS Books and Indie Lens Pop-Up offer educational resources, discussion guides, and booklists to help you engage your community. Read the full story and join the conversation in your community. Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 4 February 2025<https://hangingtogether.org/advancing-ideas-inclusion-diversity-equity-accessibility-4-february-2025/> This Hanging Together blog post, is part of a regular series<https://hangingtogether.org/tag/IDEA/> on issues of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, compiled by a team of OCLC contributors. WebJunction Webinars These upcoming webinars are open for registration. If you can’t attend a live session, all WebJunction webinars are recorded and available for free in the Course Catalog<https://learn.webjunction.org/>. Turn strategy into action with Theory of Change Wednesday, February 26, 2025 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/turn-strategy-into-action.htm... You're getting ready to implement a change at your library, from a new strategic plan to a major project. How do you get your staff, partners, or community to understand and align with this new direction? Theory of Change is a powerful tool to help you define a shared vision that everyone can strive for together, while allowing flexibility and autonomy in how they get there. In this webinar, you’ll learn how one library is using Theory of Change to drive strategic alignment while reducing bureaucracy. You will learn how to identify the core concepts of Theory of Change and how they relate to change in libraries and apply the principles to a strategic change in your library. Embracing neurodiversity: Cultivating an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent staff Tuesday, March 4, 2025 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/embracing-neurodiversity.html Work environments that are made up of people who think differently bring more ideas and perspectives to the table. In fact, research consistently shows that diverse teams are better at problem solving, are more innovative, and are more effective. As our workplaces become more diverse, it becomes everyone's responsibility to learn how to embrace differences. In this webinar, gain an understanding of the term 'neurodiversity' and learn about the strengths of those who are neurodivergent. In addition, attendees will learn about ways they can support inclusion of neurodivergent colleagues to help create a more supportive and welcoming environment for all. Supporting communities impacted by incarceration through library services Thursday, March 13, 2025 ◆ 3:00 pm Eastern / 12:00 pm Pacific ◆ 60 minutes Registration: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/impacted-by-incarceration.htm... Public libraries are often on the frontlines of serving communities impacted by incarceration, with many patrons facing the challenges of trauma, stigma, and reintegration. This webinar will explore how libraries can effectively support individuals and families affected by incarceration-whether through outreach to local jails or providing services to those re-entering society. Learn about successful initiatives, funding opportunities, and service models that address the lasting impacts of incarceration. Gain strategies and resources to enhance your library’s role in creating supportive, inclusive services and spaces to help build stronger, safer communities for all. This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<https://lists.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/miyouth> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services.