Hi All, In March, NNLM (National Network Of Libraries of Medicine) and Webjunction will be collaborating to bring public libraries a brief course on how PLs can bring health programming to their communities. We know over 60% of Internet users look for health information online and many retirees on fixed incomes look for free and low-cost ways to stay active. Young families also search for free and fun activities. There is probably a need in your town for more community health programming, even if it's only during a certain time of year.

This webinar series can help you learn about community health needs and practical program ideas to try. I would also be happy to host a Zoom meeting of the Maine attendees to discuss and work on the final course assignment (a strategic community health goal for the library). We can schedule it together after the first webinar. Hope to see your there. Deb

Course description and registration link follows:

Dates: March 3 - 13, 2020 (live sessions March 3 and 10, 2020 at 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET)
Developed by: WebJunction with funding from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine
Length: 4 hours
This two-week, instructor-led course will guide public library staff learners through the process of identifying and selecting specific ways in which their library can support health in their community, and create a related goal statement that can be added to their library's strategic plan.
In this course we will look at the broad range of attributes and benefits of a healthy community and especially the vital role the public library can play. We will explore a wide range of activities, initiatives, resources and programing libraries are providing to support the health of their communities with a special focus on the value of collaborating with local community agencies and health providers.
Learners in the course will:
*        begin discovering the health needs and challenges specific to their communities
*        brainstorm potential activities, services or programming that address those needs
*        identify potential community collaboration partners who can provide specific skills and knowledge for those activities
By the end of the class, each learner will have written a strategic goal statement that can guide their library's efforts toward being an effective partner in the health of their community.
Details:
*        4 hours total learner time includes two scheduled live sessions and two hours of reading, research and activity assignments
*        Successful completion of the course will require viewing both live sessions or their recordings, and completing all assigned work.
Register at:
https://learn.webjunction.org/course/search.php?search=nnlm442&_ga=2.167407867.459541095.1580393678-2030931190.1579711236


Deborah A. Clark, MLIS
Library Management Specialist
Maine State Library
Portland Public Library, Third Floor
5 Monument Square
Portland, ME 04101
(207)871-1765
1-800-649-7696 Ext. 765
Fax: (207)871-1703
E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>

"Great Libraries Build Strong Communities"