[Libs-Or] Welcoming Oregon Libraries: October 2025

Wed Oct 1 15:35:45 PDT 2025

Happy October, Oregon Library Community!

There is so much happening in October. While I can't fit everything into one monthly email, there is still plenty shared below (and attached as a PDF) to keep you busy and learning throughout the entire month and beyond. I do want to draw special attention to a couple of things happening this month, so they are not missed:

Banned Books Week<https://www.ala.org/bbooks/banned>/ Freedom to Read Week is October 5-11. This year's theme is "Censorship is so 1984. Read For Your Rights.". The week of celebrating banned books<https://bannedbooksweek.org/events/> culminates with Unite Against Book Bans' Let Freedom Read Day of Action<https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/let-freedom-read-day/> on October 11th. Learn more about promoting and celebrating Banned Books Week by visiting OLA's Intellectual Freedom Committee<https://www.olaweb.org/intellectual-freedom-committee-home> (OIFC)'s Freedom to Read + Raffle<https://www.olaweb.org/assets/IntellectualFreedom/IF_Resources/OLA_IFC_Tue_Topic_2025-09_pt2_Banned_Books_Week.pdf> Tuesday Topic memo. The American Library Association<https://www.ala.org/bbooks/banned> (ALA) also has free downloads and supplemental resources available.

I also want to highlight REFORMA Oregon<https://www.reformaoregonchapter.org/>'s Mock Pura Belpré event featuring author/illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh, followed by the division's quarterly meeting, happening Saturday, 10/18 from 11a-4:30p at the Happy Valley Library<https://www.happyvalleyor.gov/community/happy-valley-library/>. More information can be found here<https://www.reformaoregonchapter.org/meetings-events> .

As always, please reach out with any questions, concerns or needs. Happy learning!

Warm Regards,

[Text, letter  AI-generated content may be incorrect.]
Ericka Brunson-Rochette (she/her/hers)
Community Engagement Consultant
State Library of Oregon
ericka.brunson-rochette at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:ericka.brunson-rochette at slo.oregon.gov> | 971-375-5126
www.oregon.gov/library/libraries<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
[Logo for the Library Support & Development Services division at the State Library of Oregon]<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday
Community Engagement LibGuide<https://slo.oregon.gov/CommunityEngagement>

VIRTUAL MEETUPS
All virtual meetup groups are for individuals employed, volunteering, or looking for work in Oregon libraries. Managers and supervisors are permitted to join. Confidentiality of attendees, conversations and information shared in these meetups is required.

AFFINITY MEETUPS:

Disability & Neurodivergence Affinity Meetup (First Tuesday of every month)
For people who identify as neurodivergent, have a disability, or hold intersecting identities falling into both these groups---to include those with diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or suspected conditions.
Tuesday, October 7th , noon-1p | Meeting details and link<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/DisabilityNeurodivergenceAffinityMeetup>

2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Affinity Meetup (Third Tuesday of every month)
For Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and/or not listed as it pertains to sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression.
Tuesday, October 21st  noon-1pm | Meeting details and link<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/_2SLGBTQIAAffinityMeetup>

BIPOC Virtual Affinity Meetup (Fourth Tuesday of every month)
For Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.
Tuesday, October 28th, noon-1p | Meeting details and link<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/BIPOCAffinityMeetup>

GENERAL MEETUP:

DEI Virtual Meetup for Oregon Libraries (Second Wednesday of every month)
For anyone engaged in diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging work in Oregon libraries.
Wednesday, October 8th, 3:30-4:30p | Meetup Link<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81502980247?pwd=fpyomcb21US548fuDgTaavCoo6dlIt.1>

You can join us via computer (with or without video) or via phone:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81502980247?pwd=fpyomcb21US548fuDgTaavCoo6dlIt.1

One tap mobile
+16694449171,,81502980247# US
+16699006833,,81502980247# US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 815 0298 0247
Passcode: 598104

FUNDING/ GRANT OPPORTUNITIES/ SCHOLARSHIPS
^ Grant information provided by The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)<https://www.arsl.org/>

T-Mobile Hometown Grants<http://t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants>^
T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through 2026 to support small towns, villages, and territories across America by funding community projects to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. FAQ's<https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants#FAQs> | Applications open Winter: October-December 2025

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants<https://www.walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines>^
Grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 are awarded to address specific community needs. The project should align w/ Creating Opportunity, Advancing Sustainability, Strengthening Community, and/or Centering Racial Equity. Must be located within the service area of a Walmart store, Sam's Club, or distribution center. | Applications open until Oct. 15, 2025

Teen Dialogue Accelerator for (Public) Libraries<https://cortico.ai/news/apply-now-teen-dialogue-accelerator-for-libraries/> (Cortico<http://cortico.ai/>, in collaboration with the MIT Center for Constructive Communication<https://www.ccc.mit.edu/> (MIT CCC) and PBS FRONTLINE<https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/>)
A grant opportunity for public libraries to become hubs of youth-led civic dialogue.10 public libraries across the U.S. will be selected to pilot this innovative program, and will receive: $14,000 grant funding for staff, fellows, and programming; training, coaching, and tools to support youth-led dialogue, and national storytelling amplification through PBS FRONTLINE. Applications close Oct. 13, 2025 @ 11:59 ET

Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small & Rural Communities<https://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities/access> Round 4^
More than $14 million in grants will be offered to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities. Libraries must serve a population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area. Individual grants range from $10,000 to $20,000, distributed across four rounds over four years. | Round 4 Applications are open until December 11, 2025

Current Oregon Library Association<https://www.olaweb.org/> (OLA) Scholarships:

OLA Leadership Development Scholarships<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVUZLi6AReESpEVOhgsOv4GgQm7_U29RpyM5xv8i4BGCCBTQ/viewform>
Apply for a scholarship up to $1000 from OLA's Leadership Committee<https://www.olaweb.org/leadership-committee-home>. Scholarships are awarded 3x/year; next application deadline is October 31. Priority for at least one scholarship is given to individuals from diverse cultural/ethnic backgrounds and/or historically underrepresented groups. Visit the FAQ<https://bit.ly/44ENhJ6> to learn more. (OLA membership required)

OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee's Professional Development Scholarships<https://ola.memberclicks.net/ola-edi-antiracism-scholarships>
Scholarships to support EDI & Antiracism professional development for library staff, volunteers, and library-job seekers in Oregon.  Application reviewed on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. For more information and link to application, visit here<https://ola.memberclicks.net/ola-edi-antiracism-scholarships>. (OLA membership is not required)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Free Virtual
Find additional trainings: State Library of Oregon's Continuing Education Calendar<https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/conted/free#s-lib-ctab-24120710-1>

Creative Aging in Action: Practical Strategies for Libraries<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1156&reset=1> (Infopeople<https://infopeople.org/>)
Tuesdays, Oct 7, 14 & 21 | 9-10a | Register here<https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_teUXh9HtQkuxBgbk9roqYw> for one or all three:

     *   10/7: Why Creative Aging? A Practical Guide for Libraries
     *   10/14: Creative Aging in Rural & Small Libraries: Models & Solutions
     *   10/21: Building Buy-In: Gaining Support for Creative Aging at Local & State Levels

Strategy-Culture Connection: How Culture Powers Strategic Change <https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/webinars>  (Nonprofit Learning Lab<https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/webinars>) | Monday, October 27, 8a | Register here<https://www.nonprofitlearninglab.org/webinarregister>

edWeb.net<https://home.edweb.net/> - October webinar offerings (For full calendar, check here<https://home.edweb.net/webinars/>):

     *   Dyslexia Awareness Week<https://home.edweb.net/dyslexiaweek2025/>- 3 Day webinar series (Sponsor: Voyager Sopris Learning<https://www.voyagersopris.com/>) | Tues-Wed, October 7 & 8, 10-11a; Thurs. October 9, 12-1p

     *   Assessing Biliteracy: Understanding Student Performance When Learning in Two Languages<https://home.edweb.net/webinar/clrt20251008/> | Wednesday, October 8, 11-noon

     *   Family Engagement Strategies That Break Barriers and Build Bridges<https://home.edweb.net/webinar/engagement20251022/> | Wednesday, October 22, 11-noon

Right To Be<https://righttobe.org/>- October training offerings (For full calendar, check here<https://righttobe.org/upcoming-free-trainings/>):

Calling People in at Work to Build Respectful; & Inclusive Culture<https://righttobe.org/events/calling-people-in-at-work-to-build-respectful-and-inclusive-culture-3/> |
Wednesday, October 1, 12-1p

Bystander Intervention to Support the Immigrant Community
Thursday, October 2<https://righttobe.org/events/bystander-intervention-to-support-the-immigrant-community-7/>, 11a-noon &  Monday, October 20<https://righttobe.org/events/bystander-intervention-to-support-the-immigrant-community-8/>, 1-2p

Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American & Xenophobic Harassment<https://righttobe.org/events/bystander-intervention-to-stop-anti-asian-american-and-xenophobic-harassment-27/> | Friday, October 3, 1-2p

Targeted Violence Prevention: A Community Centered Approach
Monday, October 6<https://righttobe.org/events/targeted-violence-prevention-a-community-centered-approach-3/>, 12-1p & Thursday, October 23<https://righttobe.org/events/targeted-violence-prevention-a-community-centered-approach-4/>, 1-2p

Bystander Intervention to Stop Hate Based Harassment<https://righttobe.org/events/bystander-intervention-to-stop-hate-based-harassment-4/> | Friday, October 10, 10-11:30a

Bystander Intervention to Stop Antisemitic, Xenophobic, & Islamophobic Harassment<https://righttobe.org/events/bystander-intervention-to-stop-antisemitic-xenophobic-and-islamophobic-harassment-11/> |Tuesday, October 14, 12:30-2p

Bystander Intervention for Youth: How to Show Up for Others |<https://righttobe.org/events/bystander-intervention-for-youth-how-to-show-up-for-others-12/> Tuesday, October 21, 2-3p

Bystander Intervention for Educators<https://righttobe.org/events/bystander-intervention-for-educators-15/> | Wednesday, October 22, 12-1p

Native Ways of Knowing Virtual Book Club & Webinars<https://online.flippingbook.com/view/25268529/> (California Indian Education for All<https://www.caindianeducationforall.com/> & San Diego County Office of Education<https://www.sdcoe.net/>)
Select Thursdays through June 2026, 3:30-5p | Register here<https://bit.ly/NWOK-Learn>

On-Demand

Building Cultures of Trust in 21st Century Organizations<https://youtu.be/MWtm89SCd2o> (Knology<https://knology.org/article/building-cultures-of-trust-in-21st-century-organizations>)|
On-Demand Webinar | Recorded June 2025

Fee-based Virtual* (see information below about scholarship opportunities)

Infopeople<https://infopeople.org/> Courses | 4-week courses w/two online sessions | Cost: *$200

Beyond Basic Spanish for Library Staff<https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=1152> | Oct. 7- Nov. 3

De-escalation Strategies in the Library: Creating Safe & Positive Interactions<file://wpsloappl02/NetworkShare/LD/Community%20Engagement%20Consultant/Welcoming%20Oregon%20Libraries%20Emails/Monthly%20DEI%20Emails/September%202025/De-escalation%20Strategies%20in%20the%20Library:%20Creating%20Safe%20and%20Positive%20Interactions> | Oct. 14-Nov. 10

In-Person Learning *(see information below about scholarship opportunities)

OREGON:

Oregon Association of School Libraries (OASL) Fall Conference<https://sites.google.com/oasl.olaweb.org/oasl-2025/registration-hotels>
October 4 | North Eugene High School, Eugene | Various Pricing, *$170-200
Registration open until day of conference. Meals not guaranteed after 9/26

Oregon Humanities- Beyond 250: Reflective Conversation<https://oregonhumanities.org/programs/services/trainings-for-libraries/>
October 22-23 | Corvallis-Benton Public Library | Free<https://www.tfaforms.com/5170020>

NATIONAL:

Radically Rural Summit<https://radicallyrural.org/theme-plenary-sessions/>
October 7-9 | Keene, NH | *Various Pricing<https://whova.com/portal/registration/3rw6EDJMiYB-ewxsRdTV/>

AASL (American Association of School Librarians) National Conference<https://aasl.secure-platform.com/2025>
October 16-18 | St. Louis, MO | *Various Pricing

Washington Association for Bilingual Education- Dual Language Institute<https://wabewa.org/fall-institute/>
October 24-25 | Tacoma, WA | *Various Pricing, $225-325+

Othering & Belonging Conference<https://belonging.berkeley.edu/conference> (Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkley<https://belonging.berkeley.edu/>)
March 31-April 1, 2026, | Louisville, KY | *Prices unknown, Registration open<https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=855671>

SAVE THE DATE, 2026-2027 (registration not yet open):

American Library Association Annual Conference<https://2026.alaannual.org/> (ALA Annual)
June 25-29, 2026 | Chicago, IL | McCormick Place- Chicago

Joint Conference of Librarians of Color<https://www.jclcinc.org/conference/2026/> (JCLC)
October 7-11, 2026 | Spokane, WA | Spokane Convention Center

REFORMA National Conference RNC IX<https://www.reforma.org/national-conferences>

2027| Denver, CO

* OLA EDI & Antiracism Committee's Professional Development Scholarships. For more information and link to application, visit here<https://ola.memberclicks.net/ola-edi-antiracism-scholarships>

INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION

[Storytelling with solid fill]

Read:

(Book) A Library Worker's Guide to Saying No to White Supremacy Work Culture<https://ccrls.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/oslpublic/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:2032204/ada?qu=library+workers+guide+to&d=ent%3A%2F%2FSD_ILS%2F0%2FSD_ILS%3A2032204~ILS~0&h=8> (Christina Fuller-Gregory; Bloomsbury, August 2025)

(Article) Autistic Librarians in the Academic Library Hiring Process<https://americanlibraryassociation.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMjA5NDUyOSZwPTEmdT0xMTk5NDczMDUwJmxpPTExNzYzMjk3Mw/index.html>. (R. Cohen, P. Cooke, M. Holt, M. Lounsberry, E. Roga, K. S. Farrell, and J Squires; ACRL, College & Research Libraries; September 2025)

(Digital Resource Library) Narrative Strategies for Belonging<https://belonging.berkeley.edu/narrative-strategies-belonging?emci=915ae0aa-4884-f011-b484-6045bdeb7413&emdi=b196ab19-dd88-f011-b484-6045bdeb7413&ceid=18613407>: Resources on Narrative, Pluralism and Transformative Change (Narrative Resource Library created by a Narrative Community of Practice co-led by the Othering & Belonging Institute<https://belonging.berkeley.edu/> and the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council<https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/center-inclusion-belonging/>; September 2025)

[Television with solid fill]
Watch:

(Animated Story) A Knock at the Door<https://storycorps.org/animation/a-knock-at-the-door/> (2 min; original audio October 2027, StoryCorps<https://storycorps.org/about/>)
Listen to the original StoryCorps interview audio here<https://storycorps.org/stories/juliet-jegasothy-and-sheena-jacob/>

(Short Talk) The Crucial Role of Indigenous Elders - Doreen Spence<https://youtu.be/Ipvy8yVTVoQ?si=4WhYCxWzsFzOkPZI> (Cree) (>8 mins; 2017, WalrusTalks<https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/walrustalks>, YouTube)

[Headphones with solid fill]
Listen:

(Podcast) Trauma Informed Care & Cultivating Safety in Libraries w/Nisha Mody<https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/episodes/17925004>
(96mins, September 2025; S4: E6 OVERDUE: Weeding Out Oppression in Libraries<https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067> from the Oregon Library Association's EDI & Antiracism Committee<https://www.olaweb.org/ola-edi-antiracism-committee---HOME>)

(Podcast) This Filipino American Life: Storytelling with Randy Ribay<https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/2025/07/25/episode-236-storytelling-with-randy-ribay/> ( 55mins, July 2025; Episode 236, This Filipino American Life<https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/>)

[Head with gears with solid fill]
Reflect:

October Monthly Observances (not a complete list):

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month<https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/>

Breast Cancer Awareness Month<https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/>

Dyslexia Awareness Month<https://dyslexiaida.org/october-is-dyslexia-awareness-month-2/>

Filipino American History Month<https://asianart.org/cultural-celebrations/celebrate-filipino-american-history-month/>

Global Diversity Awareness Month<https://thediversitymovement.com/global-diversity-awareness-month/>

National Physical Therapy Month<https://www.apta.org/national-physical-therapy-month>

Sensory Processing Awareness Month<https://aaed.org/sensory-processing-awareness-month/>

World Blindness Awareness Month<https://www.med.unc.edu/ophth/2023/10/october-is-world-blindness-awareness-month/>

October Daily Observances (not a complete list):

October 1: International Day of Older Persons<https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day>

October 2: International Day of Non-Violence<https://www.un.org/en/observances/non-violence-day>, on the birthday of Mahatma Ghandi

October 6: Mid-Autumn Festival<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival>

October 10: World Mental Health Day<https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2025>

October 11: National Coming Out Day<https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/national-coming-out-day>

October 13: Indigenous Peoples' Day<https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/columbus-day-myths> (in the U.S.)

October 16: International Pronouns Day<https://pronouns.org/day>

October 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day<https://isad.live/>

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