Library Legislative Day is today and in true fashion, librarians have shared how much we love our communities. I won't recap the day because Eryn Duffie will send a follow-up email with links and resources. Instead, I want to immediately act on a recommendation Don Reynolds shared during the session sharing the ALA One Voice Toolkit. 

Don's question was "how are school libraries meeting the needs of parents and inviting them to use those spaces?" He also wondered if public and school libraries are working together to serve parents. I noted in the chat that while some communities are capable of collaborating in such a way, there is no general practice across the board. Thus, a recommendation that we create a way for all to invite parents into this work. 

I am convening a work group that will focus on building a sustainable library ecosystem in Tennessee. This group will be charged with creating a strategy and resources for creating a more cohesive connection between all of our libraries to strengthen our ecosystem. One of the specifics of this will include developing an effective way for public and school librarians to collaborate on ways to engage parents in schools. Another will be to create bridges for secondary schools and colleges and universities. And finally, a plan for how all libraries can work together collaboratively to serve our communities. After all, as stated in the ALA One Voice Toolkit, "no library exists independent of the library ecosystem."

This is my call for volunteers to serve with the group to meet these goals. Eryn Duffee will lead this group. I am seeking to add one of the following types of librarians OR library workers: TSLA, FoTL, school, academic, special, rural, urban, regional, public, and LIS student. If you would like to volunteer or know someone who would be a great addition, please email me by February 19. 

Thanks,