The Idaho Commission for Libraries’ Read to Me program is excited to host the biennial Read to Me Rendezvous this fall. This two-day convening for Idaho library staff has been held for over 25 years, and focuses on how library staff can support early literacy/early learning through programs and services.

2023 Theme: Foundations and FUNdamentals

A “foundation” is the base on which something is built. “Fundamentals” are the basic components used to build something else. The Rendezvous this year is focused on helping new and novice library staff establish an early learning foundation based on the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children younger than six, then learn some fundamentals that can be used to offer high-quality early learning programs that include literacy, math, music, and science concepts.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Brain development in young children
  • Early literacy skills (Every Child Ready to Read)
  • Creating safe and welcoming spaces for children and families
  • Storytime basics
  • Resources and professional development for library staff

Presenters:

Jane Zink and Amanda Mills, Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children

Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, Mother Goose on the Loose; Dr. Ericka Zippert, University of Pittsburgh

Who should attend?

This hands-on library training is geared toward public library staff who have been in the library for less than three years, or who have never participated in an Every Child Ready to Read training, or who have no or limited experience with conducting developmentally-appropriate storytimes.

Up to two staff from each library branch may attend, as long as both are considered “new” or “novice.”

Location:

Oxford Suites Boise
1426 South Entertainment Avenue Boise, ID 83709

Cost:

There is no registration cost. This event is sponsored by the Idaho Commission for Libraries, and is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the Library Services and Technology Act. Those traveling at least 50 miles are eligible for lodging at the hotel venue and reimbursement for certain travel costs. See below for more details.

For detailed information about travel and lodging, please refer to the ICfL Non-Employee Travel Guidelines.

NOTE: You must attend the event in its entirety in order to request reimbursement for travel. A form will be provided to you at the close of the event, and you will have two weeks in which to submit the required information and receipts to ICfL. A check for reimbursement of eligible travel costs will be mailed to the address you specify.

Traveling at least 50 miles one-way: Mileage is calculated from the employee’s library address to Boise

  • Mileage reimbursement for one vehicle per library
  • Lodging at conference location for November 14*
  • If the event’s start time (8:30 a.m.) requires that travel start before 6:00am**, lodging will be provided for the evening prior to the event, November 13.* A $25 meal stipend will be reimbursed.
  • If an attendee leaving by 30 minutes past the end time of the event (4:15 p.m.) will not arrive home by 8:00pm, lodging will be provided for that evening.** A $25 meal stipend will be reimbursed.
  • An attendee reserves the right to waive Safe Travel Times guidelines and/or the offer of lodging.

*You must contact the Oxford Suites and reserve your room with a library or personal credit card. Let them know you are with the ICfL event. When you check in the cost of the room will be billed directly to ICfL; however, you may need to provide a personal credit card for incidentals.

**Google Maps will determine drive time calculations based on the shortest, safest route.

Air Travel: 

  • The above eligibility for lodging and meal stipends apply.
  • Airfare booked at least two weeks before travel will be reimbursed at the lowest available rate for coach, economy, and similar classes of airfare.
  • See Non-Employee Travel – Idaho Commission for Libraries for details regarding “the most efficient and cost-effective mode of travel” details, as well as additional eligibility and logistics for travel by air.

Registration is limited to 50 attendees. Registration will be open on a first-come, first-served basis until filled.

Registration is open to public library staff only, as the content focus will be on providing programs and services to children under the age of six and their families in the public library setting.

The following meals will be provided during the event:

Coffee, tea, hot chocolate mix, and water is provided. You are encouraged to bring your own water bottle.

Day 1 – Light breakfast snacks, lunch, afternoon snacks. A dinner stipend is provided in accordance with ICfL’s Non-Employee Travel Guidelines for those traveling at least 50 miles one-way.

Day 2 – Hot breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks.

Tuesday, November 14, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8:30 – 9:30: Registration & light breakfast snacks (provided)
9:30 – Noon: Welcome and introductions; Strengthening Families through Library Service (Jane Zink, Amanda Mills)
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch (provided on-site) and table discussions
1:00 – 4:30: Every Child Ready to Read 101
4:30 – 5:00: ICfL Resources and Professional Development

Wednesday, November 15 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
7:30 – 8:30: Breakfast (provided on-site)
8:30 – 12:00: Building Blocks of High-Quality Programs (Dr. Betsy Diamont-Cohen, Dr. Ericka Zippert)
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch (provided on-site)
1:00 – 3:30: Building Blocks, continued
3:30 – 4:00: Power to the Profession: Professional development, professional goals, professional partnerships and involvement
4:00 – 4:15: Wrap-Up and Evaluation

Can school librarians attend this event?
The focus this year is on public library service. Seating is limited; however, if seats remain at the close of registration, there is a possibility we can admit some school librarians who serve preschoolers in their libraries. Reach out to Staci to express interest.

I am not a new or novice librarian, but I would like to attend the event with another staff member at my library who is new/novice. Can I register?
The short answer is “no.” Much of this content has been shared at past Rendezvous events, and is being reintroduced for the benefit of those who have not yet received it. Unlike past Rendezvous events, seating at this year’s event is limited. We want to prioritize those who will benefit the most and reach as many new staff people as possible. However, if seats remain at the close of registration, there is a possibility we can admit some experienced library staff who would like to team up with their new staff and attend together. Reach out to Staci to express interest.

I would like to attend the event, but I can’t be present for all the sessions. Can I register?
There are two answers: 1) If you plan to request travel reimbursement and lodging, you must attend the entire event from beginning to end. 2) All content presented at this event is relevant and is designed to build cumulatively to create a foundation for success.  We expect all attendees to attend the event from beginning to end.

Will this event be made available virtually?
No, this event is live and in-person only. We plan to offer other mini-trainings/workshops/info sessions throughout the year for those who are not able to attend the live event, or who are not eligible to attend the event.

I would like to extend my stay in Boise. How does that work with lodging and travel reimbursement?
You are welcome to come to Boise early or stay additional nights; however, ICfL will only provide lodging and travel reimbursement for eligible costs, as outlined in the Non-Employee Travel Guidelines. You would need to cover any additional costs. For example, if you are traveling from Pocatello and would like to stay the night after the event ends, ICfL would cover your room cost for the night of the 14th, but not the night of the 15th. You will work this out with the front desk when you check in, and ask them to charge your personal credit card for the night of the 15th. Reach out to Staci with questions.

I am traveling from North Idaho. Should I drive or fly?
ICfL will reimburse travel costs for the cheapest, most efficient mode of travel. Add up all travel costs for both air travel and ground travel and compare.  Typically you will choose the cheapest mode of travel; however, there may be additional “efficiency” factors that affect your choice (such as carpooling with someone from your library or a nearby library, or having to report for a work shift after the event). If the cheapest and most efficient mode is not the mode you choose, ICfL will only reimburse the costs you would be eligible to receive otherwise. See ICfL’s Non-Employee Travel Guidelines and reach out with questions before you register.

Register to attend by October 21!

Before registering, please read through ICfL’s Travel Reimbursement Guidelines to determine how travel will be reimbursed and what lodging you are eligible for:

Non-employee Travel Guidelines

Travel Reimbursement Explained

"Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. I had a great time, I learned a lot, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. My favorite part was all the new people I got to meet, and the new relationships I now have to build from."

~ 2022 Rendezvous Participant
Staci Shaw

Staci Shaw

Youth Services Consultant
Email / 208-639-4178
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