Hello World Southern Adirondack Library System

Table of Contents:

• Winter Edition
• Software You Might Not Know You Have Access To!
• Webinars of Interest
• Grants
• Olympics
• Fonts!
• Accessibility
• Why Sans Serif?
• Reading Mode in a Web Browser
• Notary Public Program Spring 2026
• Tax Season--IRS tips
• SALS Wrapped 2025

Winter Edition

This initiative supports children, child care providers, and families as they explore their world. To do this, this initiative encourages you to explore the world together by reading these amazing books and by getting outside into New York’s state parks.

Software You Might Not Know You Have Access To!

• Newsela: Newsela is a news story-based platform that aims to help students improve their literacy skills with real-world content. https://app.newsela.com
• Canva Education Edition: If you use Canva and want to use their paid images or templates. Let me know, and I can get you an educator's account that gives you access to all the goodies.
• Niches Academy: There are short videos about how to use Excel, Heritage Question, NovelNY, Social Media, Trustee Training, and much more. Visit here and create an account: https://my.nicheacademy.com/salsedu-staff
• Read Squared: For reading tracking and some games & puzzles. Track summer reading, winter reading, or even 1000 books before K, all online. If you need assistance getting to your site, please let me know, and I'll get you all set up.
• Free Webinars: Find our curated calendar of upcoming free webinars. https://salsblog.sals.edu/calendar/

Webinars of Interest

• Summer Reading Children's Programs Workshop
• Summer Reading YA Program Workshop
• Forming a More Perfect Union: Library Construction Projects and NY State Funding Online

Grants

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant (Apply by February 2, 2026) --Must be a member of ALA or ARSL The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is an annual grant that recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming. This grant aims to help ease budget challenges by annually awarding three libraries $2,500 to support a proposed program, program series, or programming effort. Applications for the award will be accepted from December 1, 2025, to February 2, 2026: Read the grant guidelines and apply online. Each year, the grant will focus on supporting a specific type of library programming. For the 2025–2026 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications to support programming related to strengthening community ties through libraries as third spaces. As one of the few remaining "third spaces"-public spaces where individuals can gather outside their homes or workplaces-libraries are uniquely positioned to bring people together and strengthen communities.  Example proposals could include (but are not limited to): an intergenerational gardening program, a program series engaging adults in play-based programming, or a visual arts performance at the library in partnership with a local theater group. Proposed programs should include how it will bring people in your community together, how the program will foster connection amongst participants, and how the program can help folks share space with other people in the community. ----- Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant (Apply by February 2, 2026)--Membership NOT required The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant recognizes, promotes and supports innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. It will provide two grants of $2,000 for a school, public, academic, tribal or special library to expand its community engagement efforts. Applications will be accepted between December 1, 2025, and February 2, 2026. View the full award guidelines and apply online at www.ala.org/LTCEG. Libraries are invited to apply by designing and outlining activities for a library-led community engagement project. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members – be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations – to address issues for the betterment of the community. Each year, the grant will focus on supporting a community engagement project with a specific theme.  For the 2025–2026 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a community engagement project that focuses on the concept of "Libraries as a Lifeline: Building Belonging for All." Libraries should work collaboratively with community members and at least one partner organization to develop a project that addresses a local issue and builds upon community assets.  Libraries should collaborate with community members and at least one partner organization to develop a project that addresses a local issue and builds upon community assets.

Olympics

I saw this in the Association for Rural & Small Libraries' email list. If you are looking for some easy programming in February, why not have some Winter Olympics watch parties? I got in touch with the licensing folks at NBC, and here are the rules for showing:

• Use NBC broadcast feed (no Peacock events)
• No charge for attendance
• No sponsorships/association between watch party host/any third party and Team USA, the Olympics, the Paralympics, or LA28.
• Attendance at the viewing party generally should not exceed 200 people

No cost, no permission forms. Since the games are in Italy and shown in prime time there, most medal events will be around 1pm Eastern time. Perfect for library events!

Fonts!

Since fonts are in the news these days, maybe we should take a look at what makes them special. Did you know fonts have been used to solve crimes--the Font Detective

Accessibility

First, neither Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) nor Section 508 specifies typefaces nor even a minimum font size.

Why Sans Serif?

Most print publications use a serif font, one with the small flourishes at the tip of letters such as Times New Roman. With serif fonts being the norm in print, it might seem odd accessibility regulations require sans serif but there is good reason. For people with good vision, a typeface with serifs is slightly easier and faster to read than one without serifs. Typically, for people with low vision, the serifs significantly degrade legibility. The importance of using a sans serif typeface is especially important for digital content since it is typically read on-screen and not in hardcopy print. It’s okay to use serif fonts for headings or other emphasis. Sans serif is most important for body text and fluid reading.

Reading Mode in a Web Browser

Did you know your browsers have reading mode? Reading Mode reformats a webpage to make it easier and more comfortable to read

When you turn on reading mode, the browser: • Removes ads, pop-ups, sidebars, and menus • Keeps just the main text and important images • Uses a clean layout with better spacing • Often lets you: • Change font size • Switch fonts (including dyslexia-friendly ones) • Adjust background color (light, dark, sepia) • Sometimes listen to the text with text-to-speech Why people use it • Less distraction • Easier on the eyes • Better for long articles • Helpful for accessibility and focus Common browsers • Safari: “Reader” button in the address bar • Firefox: Reader View icon (page symbol) • Edge: “Immersive Reader” • Chrome: Available via settings/flags or extensions