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October 2025 | |
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Adult Services Notes |
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Refresh Your Find It VA Skills
October Sessions |
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JobNow/VetNow
Support your job seekers with live career coaching, résumé writing, and job skill development needs, as well as live unemployment assistance, career assessments, and test prep resources and practice tests and career credentialing information for over 140 specific careers.
When: Thursday 10/9, 1 pm ET
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Introducing the new NoveList Plus
NoveList Plus has been redesigned for everyone - from patrons to pros. Join us for an introduction to the new NoveList and learn how easy it is to discover fresh content and find the perfect read.
When: Thursday 10/16, 1 PM ET
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Universal Class
Help your users access more than 600 self-paced, online courses in 35 subject areas, many of which offer accredited CEUs. Real human instructors grade assignments and provide feedback to build deeper understanding and mastery of subject matter. The wide range of subject areas serves both professionals looking to upskill and lifelong learners exploring new topics for fun.
When: Thursday 10/23, 1 pm ET
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News from Library Development
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Professional Competencies for
Reference and User Services Librarians |
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ALA's Reference and User Services Division (RUSA) has just issued an updated set of competencies for reference and user services librarians.
These guidelines "identify the behaviors that lead to successful performance in organizations providing reference and user services to patrons," and can be useful in developing training, setting performance goals, and promoting self-evaluation for library staff serving on reference or information desks.
Explore the updated competencies. |
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RUSA Online Training Reports |
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In partnership with ALA's Reference and User Services Association, the Library Deveopment Division is delighted to offer training opportunities for Virginia library staff.
Scholarship recipients are asked to report out on key points or topics. Read the most recent report below. |
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| Libraries and Aging 101
Victoria Ritchson, Hampton Public Library
Libraries and Aging 101 provided an overview of older adults, inclusivity, programming, and funding--a lot was condensed into a short span of time! The first week had us focus on older adult demographics in our area using census data and introduced learners to Agencies on Aging and how these organizations can be a hub of information as well as a potential partner when it comes to programming. The following week had us examine inclusivity with an example of ageism and had us look into our library’s current mission, vision, and values to ensure that older adults were not being excluded due to the language used. It provided me with an opportunity to revisit my library’s strategic plan and get started thinking about the direction we want to go in as we plan our next one. We were also expected to prepare a survey to get feedback on programming from this demographic, which I found very useful.
Weeks two and three overlapped in some aspects because in week two the programming aspect of this course was introduced and assignment due dates were spread throughout these two weeks. Using the logic model, we were assigned to come up with an original program and prepare a PowerPoint highlighting the audience, outcomes, rationale, and partnerships of the program. The final week was all about grants, which I wasn’t anticipating, but was a welcome surprise. Mostly resources were shared for that week, and I was excited to see Candid, a service my library provides to its patrons, get a shout out.
One of the things I found most beneficial from this class was how interactive it was and the great discussions students had in the forums. I loved getting to read and respond to what libraries across the country are currently doing and provide insights on this large and diverse demographic. Thank you to the Library of Virginia for providing the opportunity for me to take this course; it was very enlightening. |
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New Fall Training Series from LVA
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The state of Virginia has a wealth of resources that librarians should be aware of, as they offer useful content and support when working with library patrons.
From financial information to small business to health and wellness to the arts, state agencies are there to help residents of the Commonwealth.
Many state agencies are also interested in collaborating with public libraries to better serve Virginians, offering programming opportunities and more. |
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This new online training series will feature guest speakers from the State Corporation Commission, the Commission for the Arts, the Virginia Open Data Portal, and the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services to talk about how they and their colleagues provide resources, programming ideas, and assistance to public libraries and their users. All the programs will be recorded and shared in the LVA Niche Academy.
Details and registration links below: |
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Virginia Commission for the Arts: Partnering with Local Artists – Practical Tips and Funding Resources
Join the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) for an informative session showcasing exciting educational and performing arts opportunities made possible through VCA funding. In addition to highlighting examples of successful projects, this presentation will explain how to apply for the VCA’s non-competitive grant programs and cover practical tips for finding and collaborating with local artists.
Discover how your library can leverage these state resources to enrich your existing programs and foster vibrant, creative community engagement in your region.
When: Tuesday, October 7, 1 pm ET
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Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services: Dementia Services
The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Commission, DARS and the Virginia Department of Health launched the Dementia Capable Virginia initiative in 2022 to provide high quality resources and information to individuals and families, providers and researchers about dementia and related supports and services available in the state. This presentation will introduce you to Dementia Capable Virginia and provide the tools you need to help guide patrons as they seek information about memory changes and dementia. It will also cover Dementia Friendly initiatives and how libraries can leverage these to support their communities.
Join George Worthington from DARS to:
learn how identify resources available through the Dementia Capable Virginia initiative understand how to help people access DARS services and programs locally
When: Tuesday, October 21, 1 pm ET
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State Corporation Commission
Virginia's State Corporation Commission (SCC) promotes public awareness and education by providing Virginia residents with free resources and tips to conduct research to Invest Wisely. Carmen Clifford, Principal Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Division of Securities and Retail Franchising at the SCC, will provide library staff with tips and resources they can use to help library patrons conduct research before investing and/or hiring an investment professional.
Carefully researching an investment opportunity and the person offering it, as well as any person offering their services as an investment advisor and/or broker dealer, is vital to avoiding falling prey to investment fraud. The SCC is an independent state regulatory agency that oversees many industries in Virginia such as Insurance, Utilities, Railroads, Securities, and more. The Division of Securities and Retail Franchising is a part of the SCC and regulates the securities and franchising industries in Virginia, providing regulatory oversight and public awareness.
When: Tuesday, November 18, 1 pm ET
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Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services: No Wrong Door Initiative
The Virginia Easy Access website is your place to Search, Connect and Learn about services, programs and information in your area to support older adults, adults with disabilities, veterans and caregivers. The site offers tools and resources to easily find and connect with services and information, with an emphasis on each person’s unique needs which often span multiple life domains and social determinants of health.
Virginia Easy Access is a core tool of the No Wrong Door Virginia initiative from DARS, in partnership with VirginiaNavigator and 211 Virginia.
Join Val Murphy and Sarah Arnold from VDARS to learn How to use the main features, tools and resources available on the Virginia Easy Access website How the 25 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are key partners providing services and building networks of resources The goals and values of the No Wrong Door Virginia initiative
When: Tuesday, December 2, 1 pm ET |
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Virginia Open Data Portal
Join staff from the Virginia Office of Data Governance and Analytics to explore the Virginia Open Data Portal: a gateway to public government data for Virginia.
Librarians work with all sorts of patrons, researchers, journalists, students, advocates, or curious citizens, and this session will equip you with the skills to help them effectively use Virginia's comprehensive data resources.
The Virginia Open Data Portal is the largest state Open Data Portal, hosting over 19,000 local, state, and federal datasets and it is constantly growing! Virginia librarians are encouraged to both utilize and share the platform with library patrons across the Commonwealth.
You will learn how to
Navigate the Virginia Open Data Portal with confidence and efficiency Search, filter, and access datasets across state agencies and programs Create engaging story pages and data visualizations directly on the platform Transform raw data into compelling narratives that inform and engage your audience" When: Tuesday, December 16, 1 pm ET |
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Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Contest |
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The Library of Virginia’s Creative Expressions contest, sponsored by Dominion Energy, is now open!
High school students in Virginia are invited to honor outstanding African Americans by participating in Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia’s Strong Men & Women in Virginia History student contest. This year’s contest is built around the inquiry process of project-based learning and is designed to hit grade-specific standards through a multidisciplinary approach.
Encourage high school students to enter for a chance to win an Apple MacBook Air and $1,000 for their school. Submissions can be performance pieces, digital projects, or creative writing works.
The contest deadline is Nov. 16, 2025. Find this year's prompt and submission information. |
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Readers' Advisory Tips and Tricks
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Supporting Book Discussion Groups |
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Working with book clubs can be an essential part of a library's readers' advisory services. Whether these are library-sponsored or patron-run book clubs, helping people come together to share their reading interests places the library at the heart of its community of readers.
Here are some ideas that can help book clubs take a fresh look at their discussions. |
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One way to help book clubs have more satisfying and engaging discussions is to introduce the participants to the concept of appeal as a new way to think about themselves as readers and to think about the books being discussed. Appeal factors are those story elements that draw a particular reader into a title, and they relate to things like the characters, pacing, tone, and mood of the story.
Talking with your club about how to use the language of appeal is a great opportunity to promote your library's subscription to NoveList Plus. Understanding appeal also helps you become a better reader by developing a vocabulary for why you like a book and being able to articulate it to others, and that makes for better book discussions because group members have a common language to use in talking about books (this gets the discussion beyond the “I liked it” phase). To find out more about appeal, see the NoveList Appeal Factors index.
Another great tool in NoveList that can help both library and community book clubs choose titles is the Book Club Best Bests list. Here you will find over 3,900 titles including both fiction and nonfiction, that make for great discussions. Along with appeal information, the NoveList pages for specific titles include reviews and author information that can be useful for discussion leaders.
Long-established book clubs can often find themselves in a rut, with dis-satisfying selections and flagging discussions. Here are some ideas, garnered from RA specialists around the country, that can help reinvigorate your book club:
Think outside your usual book type—try poetry, nonfiction, or genre fiction for a change Meet somewhere different—coffeeshops, breweries, parks can all be places that can get folks thinking differently Hold a session that is a mini book buzz, where members each bring a book and hype it up themselves Do a Read It/Watch It—pair a book with its film adaptation Use December as a Readers' Round Up meeting: Spend the time talking about reading/watching/listening of members during the past year Try a book group where you have a theme (loose or restricted) and readers choose their own book, then give a two- or three-minute book talk about it as you work around the group
Don't forget you can also offer support to community book groups. It’s all about building relationships with your community of readers. Here are some things to consider:
Start a book club newsletter (it can be challenging to get folks to subscribe, but signage and an announcement in your regular communication tools can be helpful) Offer lists of best bet titles (see NoveList for ideas) Promote NoveList as a tool for book group leaders to find reviews, author information, readlikes, and title ideas Promote what your library can do to support book groups Promote your library’s clubs
The writer bell hooks said "For most people, what is so painful about reading is that you read something and you don't have anybody to share it with. In part what the book club opens up is that people can read a book and then have someone else to talk about it with. Then they see that a book can lead to the pleasure of conversation, that the solitary act of reading can actually be a part of the path to communion and community." -- bell hooks, from All About Love: New Visions.
Our business in libraries is building relationships, and supporting book clubs can be a key tool for keeping the library on that "path to communion and community." |
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Libraries Transforming Communities:
Accessible Small and Rural Communities |
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The Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant will offer more than $14 million dollars in funding to small and rural libraries to "increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities."
Eligible libraries must have a legal area population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area |
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The grant application period is September 11, 2025, to December 11, 2025.
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Featured Virginia Programs
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Central Rappahannock Regional Library
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1775 -2025: 250 Years of Marine Corps History and Heroes
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Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) users can explore the 250 years of the United States Marine Corps, from the defense of the New Republic and birth of the USMC as a Global Expeditionary Force to the first and second World Wars, to Korea and Vietnam. For each period of history, a broad perspective will be provided to attendees to allow an understanding of the important contributions of the USMC along with focused stories on the individual actions of various Marines. Presented by Wes Barta, Christine Russ, and Task Force ONTOS members from the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
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Mr. Wes Barta, the Museum's Education Specialist, has a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the Virginia Military Institute and a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers School of Law - Camden. He has a cumulative seven years of museum education experience with a passion for history and the United States Marine Corps. Ms. Christine Russ is the Stafford County Teacher in Residence for the Museum. Ms. Russ has been teaching for twenty-three years and has a bachelor's degree in education/history and a master's in technology. The ONTOS artifact presenters are USMC veterans, volunteer docents from the museum, and educational specialists in United States Marine Corps History. ONTOS members volunteer their time and expertise in the museum galleries as well as school and public functions.
If you are interested in attending this upcoming event, it will be at CRRL's Porter Branch on Saturday, October 11, 2:00-4:00 and the Howell Branch on Saturday, November 15, 11:00-12:30.
Read more about CRRL's other VA250 programming. |
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For more info, contact Jeffrey Stainbrook, porter.as.manager@crrl.or
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| Recent articles on topics of interest to Adult Services |
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This newsletter is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. It is published by the Library of Virginia Library Development Division.
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