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Two full-day Library Symposiums – one in Medford on April 17 and one in Klamath Falls April 18 – reached more than 80 library staff and provided training on topics from weeding outdated books to adding diverse books to school library collections.

Attendees came away with a wealth of new knowledge, along with new hardcover books for their collections and a tote bag one attendee called ā€œfabulousā€. ā€œThe book talks were fantastic and I loved the fresh ideas for my space! Well worth the time,ā€ another library staff member said.

Sponsored by Southern Oregon Education Services District, the library events were organized by four contract librarians: Marie Fegentrager, Thomas Moll, Michelle Wardrip, and Miranda Doyle. Other presenters included Jen Maurer, the school library consultant for the State of Oregon, and several public librarians, who did a series of booktalks and shared their library resources. The training sessions were open to any interested librarians and paraprofessionals.

ā€œI especially appreciated the session taught by Jen Maurer on collection development, emphasizing ā€˜windows and mirrors,ā€™ recognizing bias, representation, etc.Ā  We need to hear that again and again,ā€ one symposium attendee commented.

A grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the State Library of Oregon provided a professional book called ā€œGame Changer! Book Access for All Kidsā€œ to each participant, at least one diverse book of their choice, and also treated attendees to coffee and working breakfast/lunches during the symposiums.

In addition to the presentations, library staff from around Southern Oregon took this rare chance to gather and network. ā€œThe interaction and discussion with other library workers was also useful as it’s not an opportunity that arises often,ā€ one person in attendance commented. ā€œGood mix of learning, bonding, and asking how others have done things.ā€

Another noted, ā€œThe camaraderie was really nice, especially the appreciation for paraprofessionals like me.ā€

Special thanks to SOESD Administrative Assistant Nancy Hayes, who took care of all the details for both events (including the sought-after tote bags), and to Mark Angle-Hobson, SOESD Director of School Improvement Services, who made all of it possible.

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