Author: Amy (via allregions listserv)

MLAA 2026 Scholarship information

The Massachusetts Library Aid Association (MLAA) Committee on Aid to Small Public Libraries is pleased to announce its Scholarship Program for Fall 2026. MLAA’s goal is to support staff development in small public libraries.
  • Applications available: Monday, June 15, 2026
  • Applications due: Friday, August 14, 2026, at 5 pm. No applications are accepted after this date.
To be eligible for the MLAA Scholarship Program, applicants must currently work (for a minimum of one year) in a Massachusetts Public Library in a community of 35,000 population or less, and their annual salary may not exceed $45,000.
Problems sending the application or Questions?
Contact: MLAA Liaison, Barbara Friedman bibliogal@gmail.com

Known Hoopla issue

Friday, June 12, we discovered that Hoopla is experiencing an issue with its server connectivity. This is causing users to receive an error message about access. Some people are fairly alarmed and unhappy about this. We have reported it. Hoopla is working on a fix and a temporary workaround. Please apologize for the inconvenience and refer people to Research & Reader Services with questions. We will provide more information and offer other alternatives for accessible digital downloadable content in the meantime.

Pay It Forward Tutors

We have two teen tutoring groups as we end the school year that are earning service hours. One is through Meghan M. and they know to come to the Ref desk to sign in for their hours. They only do these sessions on Saturday afternoons, and it is almost over.

The second one is through Michelle, and it’s called Pay It Forward. They know to come to the GF desk to check in. There is a labeled binder at the desk they use to sign in and out. Please hand them the binder to do so. They come in during school days.

If you have any questions, please see Michelle or Meghan.

Gettin’ Messy With It

Hi everyone! We’re having a Messtival in June and are looking for some supplies to help us have a fun, messy time:

  • Twister (but only if you’re okay with it being covered in shaving cream)
  • Towels you don’t mind us using to dry kids off
  • Used sand toys for a kinetic sandbox

If you’d like to donate any of these items please talk to someone in Children’s or bring them to the second floor!

Thanks!

A shoe-in!!?!

Our dramatic play space for next month is going to be a shoe “store” and we need YOUR creative ideas for a catchy name for our temporary brand! Reply to this post if you are inspired!!

We are also interested in unusual footwear for the store. If you are cleaning out and have some gently used cowboy boots or some special sparkly sandals (or anything else to looks fun or interesting), we will take them!

KultureCity Training

LEADERBOARD
  • R&R     100%
  • BS          83%
  • Admin   75%
  • CR          50%
  • TS           50%
  • LT           43%
Thanks so much to everyone who’s completed the training!  If you haven’t gotten to it yet, don’t worry, there’s still time!
Let me know if you have any questions.
KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Training  (to be completed by January 31)

RPL is working towards being certified as a Sensory Inclusive institution with KultureCity.  KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive program is designed to help guests with sensory needs like PTSD, autism, dementia, and strokes, just to name a few, feel welcomed.

Museum Passes

Patron donated 4 passes to the New Bedford Whaling Museum – no dates on them.  They are at the Borrower’s Service Desk.  Enjoy to whoever would like them!!!