Youth Services
The Office of Library and Information Services offers consultation services to youth services librarians in the areas of collection development, programming, services, facilities, policies, planning and evaluation. OLIS is a pro-active advocate for children and teens, and library services for youth and collaborates with other agencies for information sharing, cooperative projects and school/public library cooperation.
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OLIS coordinates three statewide reading programs for children, teens and adults to develop, maintain or strengthen reading skills and critical understanding.
Kids Reading Across Rhode Island
Kids Reading Across Rhode Island is Rhode Island's One Book, One State community read program for kids. This program, offered by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services in partnership with the Rhode Island Center for the Book, encourages students across the state in grades 4 through 6 to read the same book, and engage in community discussions and programs.
Rhode Island Children's Book Award
Children in grades 3 to 5 have the opportunity to vote on their favorite book from a ballot of 20 selections nominated for the Rhode Island Children’s Book Award by a panel of librarians, reading specialists and teachers.
OLIS sponsors the statewide Summer Reading Program to keep kids and teens reading for fun while strengthening their skills over the summer. Adults can join in too—discovering new genres, pursuing interests, and setting an example for young readers. Public libraries receive iREAD materials to support engaging activities for all ages. This program is supported by OLIS with funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
OLIS provides youth services library staff with training, workshops, resources, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and networking to strengthen programs and services in Rhode Island libraries.
OLIS supports the continuing education of librarians, library staff and trustees and the development of statewide programming for the public.
Each fall Rhode Island librarians gather to select the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children in a "mock" version of the Newbery Medal award. Over the course of several meetings, participants discuss the merits of the year's best children's books to create a final list of books eligible for consideration at the voting meeting. Participating in the Mock Newbery is an opportunity to read the newest children’s books and to discuss them with other passionate readers.
RI Young Adult and Children's Services Discussion List (RIYAC)
Library staff serving youth are invited to join the RI Young Adult and Children's Services Discussion List (RIYAC). RIYAC is a space for public library staff to ask each other questions, seek advice, and share successes.
Teen Services Discord
The Teen Services Discord server is a community of teen services librarians connecting on various topics specific to teen services and teen issues. To join the Teen Services Discord contact Danielle Margarida.
Monthly newsletters are emailed to public librarians and library staff serving children and young adults. These emails include information from OLIS as well as current events and continuing education opportunities that are relevant to youth services.
Building Community-Based Summers
The Office of Library and Information Services is one of six state library agencies to have piloted the IMLS grant-funded initiative Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS). Led by the California Library Association, this project builds on the work of CLA and the California State Library in developing a shared language and a set of tools and resources for library staff to use to build community-centered summer services for youth, families, and communities.
As part of this work, OLIS and participating state library agencies are:
- Engaging in co-design processes to reach a shared understanding and language related to this work.
- Reviewing, discussing, and customizing materials developed as a part of the CLA/CSL project.
- Co-designing training for library staff in pilot states on community and summer services.
- Recruiting public libraries, selected to represent a diversity of communities, to work with on community in summer services planning and implementation.
- Working with selected public library staff and supporting implementation - through coaching, mentoring, and a community of practice - of community-based summer services.
While the grant period ended in June 2025, OLIS continues to support BCBS by offering cohorts and collaborating with other state library agencies.
October 11, 2024 - The West Warwick Public Library, in partnership with the RI Office of Library and Information Services, has been selected as one of 12 libraries nationwide to participate in the University of Maryland's IMLS-funded project, Ready NOW: Supporting Youth and Families During Crisis. This initiative equips library staff across the United States to better serve their communities in times of crisis, guided by the framework outlined in Library Staff as Public Servants: A Field Guide for Preparing to Serve Communities in Times of Crisis.
The West Warwick Library team for this project includes Rashaa Al-Sasah (Head of Youth Services), Sam Sylvia (Youth Librarian), and Maria Rivera Saillant (Language Programs Coordinator/Community Liaison), alongside State Library Agency Representative Danielle Margarida (Youth Services Coordinator, RI Office of Library and Information Services). Their focus for this initiative will be addressing food insecurity within the West Warwick community.
The library has already made significant strides in combating food insecurity. It created and operates a Basic Needs Pantry, initially funded by an ARPA grant in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, with support from a Centerville Bank grant, the library added a refrigerator to the pantry, which is stocked with fresh foods such as eggs, vegetables, and fruits through a partnership with Farm Fresh RI. Alongside dry goods and hygiene items, the pantry is primarily sustained by community donations. Additionally, the library has participated in the Summer Meals program and has been providing after-school snacks to children and teens for several years.
By participating in the Ready NOW cohort, the library staff aims to build upon their existing efforts and further improve access to healthy and nutritious food for all library users.
Additional Information About Ready NOW
Ready NOW is designed to enhance the ability of library staff to serve as proactive community partners before, during, and after crises. The initiative builds on a Field Guide developed in 2020/2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to help libraries navigate challenges faced by their communities.
The Field Guide offers practical resources for library staff to engage effectively with historically marginalized youth and families in a wide variety of crisis situations, including pandemics, natural disasters, and social issues such as educational inequities and information access.
In 2021, OLIS provided six months of training based on Library Staff as Public Servants: A Field Guide for Preparing to Serve Communities in Crisis. OLIS is excited to continue this important work with the West Warwick Public Library through the Ready NOW project, ensuring that public libraries remain strong community partners in times of need.