Past Events

September 29, 2017
Millis Public Library, Millis, MA. Media Smart Libraries, an IMLS grant-funded program, is coming to Massachusetts! In this two-part hands-on workshop, you will first learn about Stop Motion Animation and take a turn creating your own film. Participants will discover how to easy it is to engage...
September 28, 2017
Connecticut State Library, Middletown, CT.  Media Smart Libraries, an IMLS grant-funded program, is coming to Connecticut! In this two-part hands-on workshop, you will first learn about Stop Motion Animation and take a turn creating your own film. Participants will discover how to easy it is to...
September 27, 2017
Mid-State Libary, Berlin VT. Media Smart Libraries, an IMLS grant-funded program, is coming to New England! In this two-part hands-on workshop, you will first learn about Stop Motion Animation and take a turn creating your own film. Participants will discover how to easy it is to engage patrons of...
September 26, 2017
  Hooksett Public Library, Hooksett, NH.  Media Smart Libraries, an IMLS grant-funded program, is coming to New England! In this two-part hands-on workshop, you will first learn about Stop Motion Animation and take a turn creating your own film. Participants will discover how to easy it is to...
July 23, 2017
WE'RE BACK FOR ANOTHER AMAZING SUMMER! Overview. This six-day institute focuses on how literacy is changing as a result of emerging media and technologies. We'll consider the implications of this cultural and technological shift for teaching and learning. Join us in exploring innovative approaches...
June 13, 2017
Computer Coding with Scratch Tuesday, June 13, 2017 4:00 - 6:00 pm William Hall Library, Cranston   Presenters: Janice Kowalczyk, FabNewport   Learn the fundamentals of computer coding using Scratch, a free web-based software program.  Participants will come away with some background knowledge of...
May 16, 2017
  Tuesday, May 16, 2017 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm East Greenwich Free Library Series: Media Smart Libraries in conjunction with ILART Speaker(s): Group Discussion “We have Google, why do we need librarians?” We have all faced this question. At a time when our President has proposed eliminating funding,...
May 01, 2017
Monday, May 1, 2017 Deering Middle School Library, West Warwick 4 pm - 6 pm Series: Media Smart Libraries Facilitator: Rhode Island Computer Museum This workshop is for librarians who want to learn about the Raspberry Pi for possible new programming opportunities and makerspace activities for...
April 24, 2017
Webinar Series Session #1 Monday, March 20, 2017,. 4:30 - 6:00 pm Session #2 Monday, April 24, 2017, 4:30 - 6:00 pm Series: Media Smart Libraries Facilitator: Claudia Haines, Coordinator of Youth Services, Homer Public Library, Alaska In our media saturated world, the way families connect to the...
April 05, 2017
West Warwick Public Library Virtual follow up session: Wednesday, April 5, 2017 5-6 pm Facilitator: Lauren Plews, State Data Coordinator, OLIS Many libraries capture data but find it difficult to report and share. In this workshop you will be introduced to best practices in effective graphical...
April 04, 2017
Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 4-6 pm Grace School Library, Meeting Street campus, Providence Facilitator: Wendy Kirchner, Librarian and Technology Education Coordinator, Meeting Street School, 1000 Eddy Street, Providence, RI All children deserve access to library programs and services that will...
March 31, 2017
Friday, March 31st, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm  South Providence Library Facilitator: Lee-Ann Galli, Narraganset Public Library.   Sonic Pi is an open-source programming environment, where you can design new sounds with code in a live coding environment.  High school teens who are participating in the Media...
March 30, 2017
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 4:30 - 6:30 pm East Greenwich Free Library Facilitator: Dr. Julie Coiro, University of Rhode Island Have you ever considered that when a reader clicks on links while researching information on the Internet, that they are actually constructing their own “book”? Join...
March 22, 2017
March 22, 2017 6-7pm Webex (You'll receive an invitation prior to the event) At the original workshop, you found out how libraries of all kinds are already using Twitter to good effect. Whether it is to broadcast your library events, converse with other professionals, or follow experts and...
March 20, 2017
Webinar Series Session #1 Monday, March 20, 2017,. 4:30 - 6:00 pm Session #2 Monday, April 24, 2017, 4:30 - 6:00 pm Series: Media Smart Libraries Facilitator: Claudia Haines, Coordinator of Youth Services, Homer Public Library, Alaska In our media saturated world, the way families connect to the...
March 10, 2017
Friday, March 10, 2017 2:00 - 2:45 pm Alger Hall, RIC Panelists: Marianne Mirando, Westerly High School; Susan Murphy, Feinstein Middle School; Bevin Winner, Exeter-West Greenwich MIddle School Find out how Makerculture is being implemented from the perspectives of these trailblazing colleagues....
March 10, 2017
Friday, March 10, 2017 1:00 - 1:45 pm Alger Hall, RIC Panelists: Lisa Casey, Jamestown Elementary School; Esther Wolk, Tiogue and Hopkins Hill Elementary; Jane Perry, Pell Elementary; and Alyssa Taft, GSLIS School Library Media student Find out how Makerculture is being implemented from the...
March 07, 2017
Tuesday, March 7 , 2017, 4-6 pm West Warwick Public Library Virtual follow up session: Wednesday, April 5, 2017 5-6 pm Series: Media Smart Libraries Facilitator: Lauren Plews, State Data Coordinator, OLIS Many libraries capture data but find it difficult to report and share. In this workshop you...
February 28, 2017
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 4-6 pm Cumberland Public Library Facilitator: Lynette Owens, Founder and Global Director of Internet Safety for Kids and Families Social media is here to stay and it is more important than ever to know why and how to use this powerful tool to minimize risks and maximize...
February 25, 2017
SPECIAL SCREENING: My Life as a Zucchini (Ma vie de Courgette)  Saturday, February 25, 4:15 PM – RISD Auditorium, 17 Canal Walk (across from RISD Museum), Providence. TICKETS REQUIRED ($8 Youth / $10 Adults). Details: www.pcffri.org Presented in partnership with Media Smart Libraries in...
February 25, 2017
Special Screening + Discussion: The Power of the Documentary @ Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, Providence Saturday, February 25, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Reel Connection program Special screening and discussion geared for professional filmmakers, educators, students and documentary fans. Ages...
February 24, 2017
Filmmaking Workshop: Stop-Motion Animation @ Wanskuck Library (Providence Community Library) – 233 Veazie Street, Providence Friday, February 24, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Stories come to life at the library! Our library animation workshop includes a screening of animated shorts to inspire, and hands-on...
February 23, 2017
Film Screening: Magic Carpet Ride 2017 (PCFF Curated Shorts Collection) @ Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick – may be followed by Reel Connection program Thursday, February 23, 10:30 AM – Noon Jump on the PCFF magic carpet and get ready to ride! You will witness balancing submarines,...
February 22, 2017
Film Screening: Finding Your Voice (PCFF Curated Shorts Collection) – followed by Reel Connection program @ Knight Memorial Library -275 Elmwood Avenue, Providence Wednesday, February 22, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM For most people it takes some time to feel confident in who they are or what they do well....
February 22, 2017
All the Wiser (PCFF Curated Shorts Collection) @ Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick Wednesday, February 22, 10:30 AM – Noon – followed by Reel Connection programFilm Screening:Some of the most effective lessons we learn in life are through unplanned experiences. A hedgehog’s...
February 21, 2017
Filmmaking Workshop: Animate the Library! @ Washington Park Library (Providence Community Library) – 1316 Broad Street, Providence Tuesday, February 21, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM  Share your library love and learn the craft of animated storytelling as you create a collaborative short film! Ages: 8+/ 120...
February 21, 2017
Mini Doc Film Screening: Ashley Bryan’s World @ Providence Athenaeum – 251 Benefit Street, Providence Tuesday, February 21, 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM – may be followed by Reel Connection program The mind of this 93-year-old artist from Maine skips and jumps like a child’s. Yet he is a spiritually deep...
February 21, 2017
Film Screening: Gotta Be Me (PCFF Curated Shorts Collection) Providence Athenaeum – 251 Benefit Street, Providence Tuesday, February 21, 10:30 AM – 11:40 AM As Henry David Thoreau stated in Walden: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer...
February 16, 2017
Thursday, February 16, 2017 6-8 pm Weaver Library, East Providence Series: Media Smart Libraries Facilitator: Catherine Damiani, Emerging Technologies Librarian, Weaver Library Back by popular demand! At this workshop, you will find out how libraries of all kinds are already using Twitter to good...
February 08, 2017
Wednesday, Feb 8, 2017 3:30 - 5:30 pm Rochambeau Library, Providence Series: Media Smart Libraries Facilitators: Leah Lubman, Branch Manager, Washington Park Library; Maureen Nagle and Yulie Lee, Moses Brown School Oral histories are a powerful means to help us learn about the past and preserve a...
January 26, 2017
Raspberry Pi Basics Thursday, January 26, 2017 Cranston Public Library, 10 am - 12 noon Series: Media Smart Libraries Facilitator: Rhode Island Computer Museum This workshop is for librarians who want to learn about the Raspberry Pi for possible new programming opportunities and makerspace...
December 05, 2016
Starting a Makerspace in your Library: Tips and Tricks Monday, December 5, 2016 4-6 pm Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior High School Facilitator: Bevin Winner, School Librarian, Exeter-West Greenwich Junior High School Libraries are embracing the maker movement and here is your chance to find...
November 09, 2016
Wednesday, Nov 9, 2016   6:00 - 8:00 pm Cole Middle School, East Greenwich, RI Presenter: Bonnie Epstein, Director, Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art Stop motion animation is a fun way to create films and has the potential to be an engaging library program for children and teens.  Learn the...
November 07, 2016
Children's Independent Film Discussion:  Join the PCFF Film Jury Night Media Smart Libraries Workshop Monday, November 7, 2016 6 pm - 8 pm. Cranston Public Library Presenter: Eric Bilodeau, Director of Programming,Providence Children’s Film Festival Join the Providence Children’s Film Festival for...
November 03, 2016
GiveMe5 Media Teachers Lab Thursday, November 3, 2016, 4-6 pm University of Rhode Island, Kingston campus Facilitator: Sherilyn Brown, Director of Education Programs, RI State Council on the Arts The GiveMe5 Media Teachers Lab is a time for film/media educators, school and public librarians, and...
November 03, 2016
3 November 2016 East Bay Educational Collaborative 9:25-10:55am Are you looking for some new tools to get you out of your presentation rut? Do you find yourself using Powerpoint again and again? This workshop, based off of Jennifer Thomas' first Media Smart session last spring, will give librarians...
October 15, 2016
15 October 2016 The Florence Gray Center.  1 York St., Newport, RI “After eight successful years of the RI Mini Maker Faire (held in Providence) and our very successful inaugural faire in Newport last year – We are pleased and excited to announce the 2nd annual Rhode Island Mini Maker Faire: East...
October 04, 2016
  Tuesday, October 4, 2016 4:00 - 6:00 pm North Kingstown Free Library Panelists:  Kristin Almeida, School Librarian, Westerly Middle School; Suzanne Costa, School Librarian, Barrington High School, Lee-Ann Galli, Reference and Technology Librarian, Narragansett Public Library; Suzanne Jordan,...
October 04, 2016
Media Smart Libraries is a IMLS-grant funded program awarded to the URI Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. Our goal is to increase the digital and media literacy skills of school and public librarians. We are currently taking applications for our second cohort to become Media Smart...
September 27, 2016
Media Literacy without Judgment: Strategies for Engaging Young People in Reflection about the Media They Use and Create Tuesday, September 27, 2016 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Cranston Public Library Facilitator: Faith Rogow, Ph.D. Author and Media Literacy Consultant, Insighters Education Sometimes it...
September 26, 2016
September 26th, 2016 9:30am - 3:30 pm Warwick Public Library WARNING:  Maven of Media Literacy Education Approaching Dr. Faith Rogow will join Media Smart Libraries for two cannot-miss workshops: Warwick Public Library. ABCs of Media Literacy (Sept. 26th).   Cranston Public Library. Media...
September 24, 2016
Kids Coding Day: Cultivating Curiosity Date: Saturday, September 24, 2016 This hands-on drop-in event will help inspire a generation to create and innovate through computer coding activities. Aimed for elementary school families, children will have the opportunity to use their imaginations to...
August 11, 2016
Session 4A: Computer Coding with Scratch - A Media Smart Libraries Workshop  Presenter: Jennifer Robinson, School Library Media Specialist, Newport Public Schools Support the CS4RI initiative and bring computer coding activities to your library. Computer coding promotes critical thinking, problem...
July 27, 2016
Maker Mindset: The Art of Letting Go Presenters: Mary Moen, Allison Barker, Alyssa Taft Come to this session to continue and deepen the conversation on the ideas that Keynote Chris Lehman inspired us with this morning! The Maker Movement is going full STEAM ahead! Schools and libraries are...
June 22, 2016
You're invited to a Makerspace Tour, on Wednesday, June 22nd in Boston, MA. This tour is designed for librarians to explore Makerspaces, their equipment, and their pedagogy. The three Makerspaces we will be touring are Lesley University Makerspace, the Boston Public Library's Makerspace, and South...
May 25, 2016
For more information click here
May 14, 2016
MakerspacesMay 14, 20162:30 - 3:15 pm In Partnership with the School Librarians of Rhode Island Annual Conference Memorial Union, University of Rhode Island Facilitators: Phyllis Humphreys, Library Media Specialist, Cole MIddle School, East Greenwich, RI Michelle Steever, Library Media Specialist,...
May 10, 2016
Making Presentations Pop with TechMay 10, 20164-6 pmTiverton Public Library Facilitator: Jen Thomas, Paul Cuffee School LOOKING TO SHAKE UP YOUR PRESENTATIONS?  As librarians, we are advocates for our programs, spaces and jobs. Sometimes finding the right technology tool to help us communicate with...
May 02, 2016
Summer Learning Programs: GSLIS Student IdeaFestMonday, May 2, 20169:30 am - 11:30 amRochambeau Library, ProvidencePresenters: URI Graduate School of Library and Information Studies Students and Mary Moen, GSLIS Instructor Need some new ideas for your Summer Reading program?  Students in the URI...
April 27, 2016
How to be Dangerous with MinecraftWednesday, April 27, 20164:00 pm - 6:00 pmCranston Public LibraryPresenter: Emily Brown, Coordinator of Youth Services, Cranston Public Library Slides from Presentation: http://www.slideshare.net/cplyouth/minecraft-for-media-smart-libraries They say a little...
April 16, 2016
Using Digital Media to Empower Youth Saturday, April 16, 2016 2:00-4:00pm Cumberland Public Library, Cumberland, RI Facilitators: Jenn Cournoyer & Catherine Damiani   Teens, parents, and educators are invited to join a conversation on Empowering Youth through Digital Media! The ability to...
April 12, 2016
Twitter Tips for LibrariansTuesday, April 12, 20166: p.m. - 7:45 p.m.East Greenwich Free LibraryPresenter: Catherine Damiani, Digital Services Librarian, East Providence Public Library Slides of the Presentation: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1L6OhfreDj9WVpYRDdEejYtLXRFU05BbFJONGhkV0N5OFQw ...
March 22, 2016
Starting a Video Program in Your LibraryMarch 22, 20164-6 pmNarragansett Pier Middle School Facilitator: Joan Mouradjian, Library Media Specialist, Narragansett Pier Middle School Film production is an engaging way to help increase children’s critical thinking, technology competencies, and literacy...
March 19, 2016
Navigating our Digital Lives: In School and BeyondSaturday, Mar 19, 20168:30 am-12:00 pmBarrington High School Partners/ Facilitators: EdTEchRI, Barrington High School, Common Sense Media Parents and educators are invited to join experts in a conversation around the powerful yet oftentimes ignored...
March 01, 2016
MSL Cohort Meeting  Tuesday, March 1, 2016  4-5:30 and 6-7:30pm  Newport Public Library   Please contact Mary Moen if you have any questions. 
February 16, 2016
MSL Cohort Meeting  Tuesday, February 16, 2016  2:00-4:00pm  Exeter Public Library, Exeter, RI   Please contact Mary Moen if you have any questions. 
February 14, 2016
Be a Cinema Detective: Discover, explore and inspire through filmSunday, Feb 14, 201610:30 am - 12:30 pmRISD Museum / Metcalf Auditorium - Chace Center, 20 North Main Street, Providence Partners/ Facilitators: PCFF: Anisa Raoof, Eric Bilodeau, and Sarah Yahm The Providence Children’s Film Festival...
February 03, 2016
Stop Motion Animation on a BudgetWednesday, Feb 3, 2016  4:00 - 6:00 pmMarian J. Mohr Memorial Library, Johnson, RI Presenter: Bonnie Epstein, Director, Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art Stop motion animation is a fun way to create films and has the potential to be an engaging library program...
January 27, 2016
Computer Coding with ScratchWednesday, Jan 27, 20164:00 - 6:00 pmNarragansett Pier Middle School Presenters: Janice Kowalczyk, FabNewport and Jennifer Robinson, Thompson Middle School Learn the fundamentals of computer coding using Scratch and Scratch Jr., free web-based software programs.  ...
January 16, 2016
EdCampRI Saturday, January 16th 8am-2pm Rhode Island College   This is a FREE professional development unconference for educators by educators.  This is a true unconference where people choose topics on the spot, you can go where you want, and anyone can share.    Register at edcampri.org  ...
January 08, 2016
For more information click here
January 05, 2016
For more information click here
December 09, 2015
Stop Motion Animation on a Budget Wednesday, Dec 9, 2015   6:00 - 8:00 pm Feinstein Middle School Library, Coventry, RI. Presenter: Bonnie Epstein, Director, Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art   Stop motion animation is a fun way to create films and has the potential to be an engaging library...
November 19, 2015
Starting and Growing a Film Program: Elementary Through High School Thursday, November 19, 20154:00pm - 6:00pmNewport Art MuseumSeries: Media Smart Libraries  Presenters/Discussion Leaders: Brien Jennings, Narragansett Elementary School; Nick Marcoux, Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts; Katie...
November 16, 2015
Children’s Independent Film Discussion: Join the PCFF Film Jury Night Monday, November 16, 2015   6 pm - 8 pm Cranston Public Library Presenter: Eric Bilodeau, Director of Programming, Providence Children’s Film Festival   Join the Providence Children’s Film Festival for this year’s third film...
November 03, 2015
Start a Conversation on Digital Voice in Your Library Tuesday, November 3, 2015 6 pm - 8 pm Hayden Center, Cumberland Public Library Presenter: Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, Executive Director, National Association for Medial Literacy Education   Many young people have vibrant lives online that often...
October 28, 2015
You are invited to a film distribution and licensing webinar 10/28 @11 am What: A free 60-minute webinar that helps you gain knowledge about the economics of independent film and media, understand "best practices" of film programming in public libraries, and appreciate the legal obligations of...
October 17, 2015
Exciting free conference coming up on Saturday, Oct. 17th at the RI Convention Center! Lunch included and reduced parking fee. Work toward your Media Smarts Badges by applying this as a 2 point activity. This is not a Media Smart Libraries workshop or event so it must be used as a 2 point activity...
October 06, 2015
TWITTER 101 MEDIA SMART LIBRARIES WORKSHOP Tuesday, October 6, 2015 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. East Providence Public Library Presenter: Catherine Damiani, Digital Services Librarian, East Providence Public Library Libraries of all kinds are already using Twitter to good effect. Whether it is to...