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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.

OLIS coordinates three statewide reading programs for children, teens and adults to develop, maintain or strengthen reading skills and critical understanding. 

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.

 

Announcements

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.