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G2S Project Code: 2022-MT-91797
State: Montana
Fiscal Year: 2022

Grantee
Montana State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Tracy Cook
Director Phone: tcook2@mt.gov
Director Email: 406-431-0685

General Information
Title: Lifelong Learning
State Project Code: LSTA 22 LLP, EARLY L
Start Date: 07/01/2022
End Date: 06/30/2023
Abstract: Montana State Library provided lifelong learning support in four key areas, early literacy, summer reading, virtual programming, and STEM education. Through these initiatives, libraries delivered learning opportunities for Montanans of all ages. Preschoolers benefited from new early literacy programs offered by 17 librarians that attended the Ready2Read Rendezvous. School-aged children attended summer reading programs organized around a shared theme, "All Together Now." Adult learners enjoyed virtual programs co-hosted by 29 libraries on high interest topics like mushroom foraging. Finally, families dove into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math topics using trunk programs circulated to 51 different libraries.
State Goal: Outreach and Lifelong Learning

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$103,856.85

$0.00

$103,856.85

Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Literacy

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Early Literacy Training
Narrative: Representatives from 14 libraries convened in Lewistown in October 2022 at the Ready2Read Rendezvous to develop and practice story time techniques taught by early literacy experts, Dr. Harriette Bailey (UNC-Greensboro) and Jennifer Strauss (Story Be Told). A new addition to this year's training, state library staff facilitated a session on project design and goal setting, culminating in a comprehensive, specific plan for applying concepts in a self-designed project. For example, the Butte Public Library adapted early literacy tips from the Ready2Read text message service by incorporating them into song sheets which they displayed in the children's library and sent home with parents after story time. All Rendezvous attendees received four post-conference check-in calls, delivered in three-month increments to track project progress.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 240
Number of sessions in program: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 17
Number of times program administered: 1

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: BITTERROOT PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 306 STATE STREET
City: HAMILTON
State: MT
Zip: 59840
Name: BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 626 E MAIN STREET
City: BOZEMAN
State: MT
Zip: 59715
Name: BUTTE-SILVER BOW PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 226 WEST BROADWAY
City: BUTTE
State: MT
Zip: 59701
Name: CONRAD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 15 4TH AVENUE SW
City: CONRAD
State: MT
Zip: 59425
Name: HAVRE-HILL COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 402 3RD STREET
City: HAVRE
State: MT
Zip: 59501
Name: JUDITH BASIN COUNTY FREE LIBRARY
Address: 93 THIRD STREET NORTH
City: STANFORD
State: MT
Zip: 59479
Name: LEWISTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 701 WEST MAIN
City: LEWISTOWN
State: MT
Zip: 59457
Name: LIVINGSTON-PARK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 228 WEST CALLENDER STREET
City: LIVINGSTON
State: MT
Zip: 59047
Name: MINERAL COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 301 2ND AVE EAST
City: SUPERIOR
State: MT
Zip: 59872
Name: NORTH LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 2 FIRST AVENUE EAST
City: POLSON
State: MT
Zip: 59860
Name: PETROLEUM COUNTY SCHOOL-COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 305 SOUTH BROADWAY
City: WINNETT
State: MT
Zip: 59087
Name: PHILLIPS COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 10 SOUTH 4TH ST EAST
City: MALTA
State: MT
Zip: 59538
Name: SIDNEY-RICHLAND COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 121 3RD AVE NW
City: SIDNEY
State: MT
Zip: 59270
Name: WEST YELLOWSTONE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 23 N DUNRAVEN STREET
City: WEST YELLOWSTONE
State: MT
Zip: 59758
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 7
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 9
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Virtual Programming Series
Narrative: Montana State Library offered five virtual programs in partnership with 29 host libraries and their branches. The host libraries shared these events with their communities by offering watch parties or sharing information about how to connect to the program through Zoom at home. The series offered high-quality presentations by professional speakers and provided an opportunity for Montanans to connect with others around the state for learning and conversation on a shared topic of interest. Program themes included the Titanic, foraging for wild mushrooms, fiber arts, the Little Shell Tribe, and the graphic novel Thunderous. In addition to the 622 live attendees, event recordings were viewed on-demand by 1,021 people on YouTube.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: Virtual

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 60
Number of presentations/performances administered: 5
Average number in attendance per session: 125

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: BILLINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 510 NORTH BROADWAY
City: BILLINGS
State: MT
Zip: 59101
Name: BOULDER COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 202 S MAIN
City: BOULDER
State: MT
Zip: 59632
Name: BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 626 E MAIN STREET
City: BOZEMAN
State: MT
Zip: 59715
Name: DANIELS COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 203 TIMMONS ST
City: SCOBEY
State: MT
Zip: 59263
Name: DRUMMOND SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 124 FIRST STREET
City: DRUMMOND
State: MT
Zip: 59832
Name: DUTTON/TETON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 22 MAIN ST W
City: DUTTON
State: MT
Zip: 59433
Name: FALLON COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 6 WEST FALLON AVE
City: BAKER
State: MT
Zip: 59313
Name: GARFIELD COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 228 MAIN ST
City: JORDAN
State: MT
Zip: 59337
Name: GLACIER COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 21 1ST AVENUE SE
City: CUT BANK
State: MT
Zip: 59427
Name: GLASGOW CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 408 THIRD AVENUE SOUTH
City: GLASGOW
State: MT
Zip: 59230
Name: GREAT FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 301 2ND AVE NORTH
City: GREAT FALLS
State: MT
Zip: 59401
Name: HARLEM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 37 1ST AVENUE
City: HARLEM
State: MT
Zip: 59526
Name: HARLOWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 13 SOUTH CENTRAL AVE
City: HARLOWTON
State: MT
Zip: 59036
Name: IMAGINEIF LIBRARIES
Address: 247 1ST AVE EAST
City: KALISPELL
State: MT
Zip: 59901
Name: JAMES E. SHANLEY TRIBAL LIBRARY
Address: 605 INDIAN STREET
City: POPLAR
State: MT
Zip: 59255-0398
Name: LINCOLN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Address: 220 WEST 6TH STREET
City: LIBBY
State: MT
Zip: 59923
Name: MANHATTAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL LIBRARY
Address: 200 W FULTON AVE
City: MANHATTAN
State: MT
Zip: 59741
Name: MEAGHER COUNTY/CITY LIBRARY
Address: 15 FIRST AVENUE SE
City: WHITE SULPHUR SPRING
State: MT
Zip: 59645
Name: MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY-NORTHERN
Address: 300 W 11TH ST
City: HAVRE
State: MT
Zip: 59501
Name: NORTH JEFFERSON COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Address: 3 NORTH MAIN STREET
City: CLANCY
State: MT
Zip: 59634
Name: NORTH LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 2 FIRST AVENUE EAST
City: POLSON
State: MT
Zip: 59860
Name: NORTH VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 208 MAIN STREET
City: STEVENSVILLE
State: MT
Zip: 59870
Name: PHILIPSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 102 S SANSOME
City: PHILIPSBURG
State: MT
Zip: 59858
Name: RED LODGE CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Address: 3 WEST 8TH STREET
City: RED LODGE
State: MT
Zip: 59068
Name: RONAN CITY LIBRARY
Address: 203 MAIN STREET SW
City: RONAN
State: MT
Zip: 59864
Name: ROSEBUD COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 201 NORTH 9TH AVENUE
City: FORSYTH
State: MT
Zip: 59327
Name: SHERIDAN COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 100 WEST LAUREL AVE
City: PLENTYWOOD
State: MT
Zip: 59254
Name: STILLWATER COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 27 N 4TH ST
City: COLUMBUS
State: MT
Zip: 59019
Name: WEST YELLOWSTONE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 23 N DUNRAVEN STREET
City: WEST YELLOWSTONE
State: MT
Zip: 59758

Activity Details
Title: Summer Reading Program Resources
Narrative: Montana State Library supported public libraries in the delivery of summer reading programs for all ages by sharing digital resources and brainstorming sessions. All public libraries received access to the Collaborative Summery Learning (CSLP) manual which provided staff with tools such as clipart and program ideas. Through a group contract, six libraries in Boulder, Dillon, Clancy, Polson, Ronan, and Sidney tracked reading program participation using the ReadSquared app. These and 51 other Montana librarians reported 32,665 people attended summer reading programs, predominately students ages 6 to 11 which aligns with an important summer reading objective to help combat academic slide between school years in elementary students.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Other
Format: Digital
Other: Summer reading manuals and tracking app

Quantity

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 82
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: STEM Trunk Programs
Narrative: To aid libraries in the successful integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) topics into programs and services, the Montana State Library circulated trunks on six different topics. Each kit included materials, activities, and presenter guides that helped librarians deliver educational events on NASA, geography, aquatic life, bats, bears, and solar eclipses. Learners had the opportunity to learn about STEM career pathways and to explore STEM using hands-on experiences. For example, a room-sized map of Montana and chain links helped students calculate the distance between their town and key areas of the state such as Yellowstone National Park. This exercise taught mathematical and spatial reasoning skills and inspired conversations about careers in the park and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Over 4,500 kids interacted with the trunks at 51 libraries.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Other
Format: Physical
Other: STEM education trunks with materials, activities, and guides

Quantity

Partner Information

Public Libraries: 51
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Comments from Ready2Read Rendezvous participants: "The content was relevant, interesting, and motivating. The speakers were knowledgeable and fun to be around. I appreciated the opportunity to meet other librarians across the state and hear their stories as to what they are doing and how they are doing it. I really enjoyed the hands-on break times. Overall- I had a FABULOUS experience. Thank you!!"; "I have been actively trying to put these ideas into practice. For Bat Week I combined storytelling with the pictures from the book and added sounds/instruments for my Head Start group, both my story hours, and even took it to the school for my after school reading. It was a fun change and the kids really liked it."
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Well-trained children's librarians play a vital role in helping preschoolers enter the public school system prepared to read. This is especially important now, as many children experienced disruptions to their education during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Montana Office of Public Instruction, fewer than half (46.1%) of Montana students read at or above grade level (2022). Montana State Library will continue to prioritize early literacy training and program development to help Montana libraries address this important issue in their communities.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Librarians at the Ready2Read Rendezvous reported that they especially valued early-literacy training because it helped increase their confidence in providing services to patrons. Participants also valued the chance to connect with peers around the state so that they could build a community of practice focused on early literacy.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: early literacy, summer reading, virtual programming