COVID Parkland Update April 23, 2020

Attachments:

Parkland Update April 23, 2020

This update includes information on:

1. Parkland Updates
2. Public Library Services Branch (PLSB) Updates
3. Professional Development Opportunities
4. Wellness Resources

1. Parkland Updates:

New temporary eResource

Parkland now has access to a trio of science learning resources for kids! Available until June 30, Twig, Tigtag, and Tigtag Junior are UK based services that provide science videos and lesson plans for students of various ages. They will be available on Parkland’s Support Site Resources page:

Twig (ages 11–14)

Tigtag (ages 7–11)

Tigtag Junior (ages 4–7)

Book sculpture needs a home

Several years ago, PRL staff created a book sculpture. Please see the attached pictures. It is proving a challenge to find a place to display it in our new building. The sculpture is designed to look unstable but is in fact extremely sturdy. If anyone is interested in providing a home for this display, or you would like additional pictures, please send an email to operations@prl.ab.ca We will deliver!

2. Public Library Services Branch (PLSB) Updates:

Minister Madu Letter to Public Libraries

Included with this Update is an important message from Kaycee Madu, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, regarding provincial operating grants. Alberta libraries would have received this letter directly, but with boards and staff working atypically at the moment, we want to make sure that you see it.  

Webinar from PLSB

The Public Library Services Branch (PLSB) is pleased to announce their upcoming webinar. The topic is Library Board Governance During the COVID-19 Pandemic, and they will expand on the information they have sent out over the past several weeks. Attend this session to learn more about:

• Library board governance basics
• Board meetings during the pandemic
• How policies, plans of service and other governance tools can assist you in this time
• PLSB support

This session is open to library board trustees and library managers. Sessions will be held online via webinar at the dates and times listed below:

• Monday, May 4 from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/167075261
• Tuesday, May 5 from 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/722087493
• Wednesday, May 6 from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/302823197
• Thursday, May 7 from 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/964068349

There is no charge for this training session, and registration is not required. Each of the above sessions covers the same material, so you only need to attend one. Please note that they are not able to record sessions at this time.

3. Professional Development Opportunities:

Inclusifyy has partnered with Placemaking 4G and the Nova Scotia Career Development Association (NSCDA) to provide free webinars on diversity, equity and inclusion, and innovation and Kaizen (continuous improvement).  We found out yesterday that the NSCDA is opening-up the registration to non-members.

• 8 webinars (see attached document for details.  They have already done two, and the next one is Thursday, April 23)
• Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30-10:30EST for the next two weeks
• Registration required:  https://bit.ly/3cETU1W;
• Cost: Free

4. Wellness Resources:

1. The Wellness Society has developed a Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook that may be of use to many during these difficult times.
2. A “one-stop shop” online portal, Wellness Together Canada provides a stepped care model offering services that range from immediate crisis support to mental health screening and self-assessment tools, peer-to-peer support, educational resources, e-courses, access to virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and access to counselling support by phone, text or live chat.
3. The Text4Hope program is a free service providing three months of daily cognitive behavioral therapy-based text messages written by mental health therapists. This evidence-based tool helps people identify and adjust the negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors a pandemic might be expected to provoke. The messages offer advice and encouragement helpful in developing healthy personal coping skills and resiliency. To subscribe text COVID19HOPE to 393939.

Take care and stay well.

Kara Hamilton, APC
Office Administrator
Parkland Regional Library | 5404 56 Ave Lacombe AB T4L 1G1
403-782-3850  | 1-800-567-9024  | prl.ab.ca

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