Idaho Commission for Libraries

February

February 1-7 – Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week. Inspire a life-long love of reading! During this annual event, authors and illustrators visit schools and libraries all over the country. See www.childrensauthorsnetwork.com/caiw.htm for more.

March

Information and Announcements for ECRTR participants:

Free & Reduced Cost List of CE published monthly by ICFL on libidaho

ICFL Resources

This program encourages public libraries to partner with up to 3 elementary schools, in order to garner support for summer reading from school administrators, teachers and parents.

This year's Read to Me meeting will focus on outreach to underserved families and incorporating the six early literacy skills into outreach. Priority for attendance will go to staff members from libraries who will be actively working on outreach in the coming year. Special guest presenters include national literacy consultant and author Saroj Ghoting, evaluation information with Dr.

Idaho Commission for Libraries’
Guide for Boards of Trustees

Each year, public libraries are required to make a report of operations for the last fiscal year. This report is collected and compiled by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

Do you know?

• Which shelves in your library are always empty?
• Which journals are most used --or lost?
• Who is not coming into your library?
• Who the local authors, artists, musicians, dancers are?
• What products are made in your community?
• What and how people celebrate?

A needs assessment process reveals the influences acting on the library. Information collected shapes the services and programs that best fit the library’s strengths and budget. Ultimately, it informs a vision for future development.

Results of a needs assessment can be used in a variety of situations:

• Commencing a strategic planning process

Once you know about the library, it is important to get that information out to the community.

Tips on ways to tell the public about the library:

• Bring up the library as a topic of conversation. Informally tell your friends and acquaintances about library services.