Author Archives: Jennifer Wrampe

Nebraska Library Innovation Studios Makerspace Partnership

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Jennifer Wrampe

The five final Nebraska libraries have been selected to host Nebraska’s Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities makerspaces. They join the 26 initial libraries chosen in October, 2017 and December, 2018. The Nebraska Library Commission was awarded a National Leadership Grant of $530,732 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for this partnership project with the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, Regional Library Systems, and local public libraries.

The project uses Library Innovation Studios makerspaces hosted by public libraries to support community engagement and participatory learning experiences by providing access to technology and innovative learning tools not readily accessible locally. This is expected to stimulate creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas to facilitate entrepreneurship, skills development, and local economic development.

The newly selected library partners that will host one of the four rotating makerspaces are:

La Vista Public Library
McCook Public Library
Superior Public Library
Nelson Public Library
Lied Pierce Public Library

They join those selected over the last two years:

Plattsmouth Public Library
Ainsworth Public Library
Ashland Public Library
Crete Public Library
Loup City Public Library
South Sioux City Public Library
Neligh Public Library
Broken Bow Public Library
Bridgeport Public Library
Norfolk Public Library
North Platte Public Library
Ravenna Public Library
Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
Wayne Public Library
Geneva Public Library
Central City Public Library
Nebraska City Public Library
Kimball Public Library
Beatrice Public Library
Hastings Public Library
Chadron Public Library
Blue Hill Public Library
Hastings Memorial Library, Grant, Nebraska
Plainview Public Library
Verdigre Public Library
Laurel Community Learning Center

This project began July 1, 2017 and will conclude June 30, 2020. For more information about the project or equipment that will be featured in the rotating makerspaces, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/InnovationStudios.

“Nebraska’s public libraries are the natural gathering points for people to come together to share materials, knowledge, and experiences,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner. “Whether the materials and tools are high tech or low tech, digital or analog, art or science, the focus is to create, invent, tinker, explore, and discover using the tools, materials, and knowledge available. Libraries have always been dedicated to community partnership, collaboration, and the free exchange of ideas—makerspaces are the next step in that progression.”

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information. The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Nebraska’s Regional Library Systems are four non-profit corporations governed by boards representative of libraries and citizens in the region. Systems provide access to improved library services by facilitating cooperation among all types of libraries and media centers within the counties included in each System area.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past twenty-two years, their grant making, policy development, and research has helped libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (Grant #LG-95-17-0046-17)

The Nebraska Innovation Studio—the UNL makerspace—is the creative and collaborative hub of UNL’s Nebraska Innovation Campus, where makers and builders team up to conceptualize, prototype, and iterate projects that solve problems and influence change. The primary focus is on creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, and education.

Nebraska Extension is one of three components of UNL’s land-grant mission. It is a dynamic educational organization that puts research to work in local communities, businesses, and individuals’ lives. Extension professionals are recognized for subject matter competence, excellent teaching skills, and community presence. They live and work in Nebraska communities across the state and engage with local and state partners in educational program delivery to address critical issues identified by constituents.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

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FREE Library Advocacy Webinar on June 10

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Jennifer Wrampe

FREE Webinar:

Local, State, and National Library Advocacy: A Grasstop Approach

Monday, June 10, 1 p.m. Eastern

Speakers: Julius Jefferson, 2020-2021 ALA president; Kathi Kromer, associate executive director of ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office; and Skip Dye, 2018-2019 United for Libraries president and vice president of library marketing and digital sales at Penguin Random House.

Library Trustees, advocates, Friends, Foundations, directors, and staff are invited to hear from experts about the difference between grassroot and grasstop advocates, how to identify them in their communities, and how to engage them in their efforts. Attendees will learn how to build key library advocates to cultivate allies and develop constituencies in support of their positions at every level of government.

To register for the webinar, visit www.ala.org/united/advocacywebinar. If you cannot attend the live session, register and you will receive a link to the recording the day after the live session.

Skip Dye is Vice-President of library marketing and digital sales at Penguin Random House and 2018-2019 president of United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, a division of the American Library Association. Dye has been a corporate at large member of the United for Libraries board since 2015. Kathi Kromer is the associate executive director of ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office. ALA’s advocacy and public policy staff work to secure information technology policies that support and encourage efforts of libraries to ensure access to electronic information resources as a means of upholding the public’s right to a free and open information society. Prior to joining ALA, Kromer was vice president of strategy and outreach for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association for 11 years. Julius C. Jefferson Jr., section head of the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., was recently elected as the 2020-2021 president of the American Library Association. An active member of ALA for 15 years, Jefferson currently serves on and has been a member of ALA Council since 2011, and most recently completed a three-year term on the ALA Executive Board (2015–2018).

For information about other webinars offered by United for Libraries, visit http://www.ala.org/united/training/webinars.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. To join, please visit www.ala.org/united or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161.

Beth Nawalinski
Executive Director
bnawalinski@ala.org

United for Libraries General Inquiries: 800-545-2433, ext 2161
To reach me directly, call 800-545-2433, ext. 5868 or call 312-280-5868

United for Libraries
The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations
A division of the American Library Association
600 Eagleview Blvd., Suite 300
Exton, PA 19341

www.ala.org/united

Posted in Education & Training, General, Information Resources, Library Management, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Leave a comment

Gov. Ricketts Names Appointments to Nebraska Library Commission

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Jennifer Wrampe

Gov. Pete Ricketts recently appointed Arunkumar Pondicherry and Lois Todd-Meyer, both of Lincoln, to three-year terms on the Nebraska Library Commission. Gov. Ricketts also reappointed Debby Whitehill Bloom, of Omaha, to a second three-year term.

Arunkumar Pondicherry is a committed community leader serving on many committees representing the state. Pondicherry is currently serving his third term as the President of the India Association of Nebraska Lincoln, a nonprofit organization. He is also currently serving as the Finance Chair for the Lancaster County Republican Party and is in the Nebraska Republican Party State Central Committee. Pondicherry has served as a Fundraising Committee member and Executive Committee member for the Hindu Temple of Omaha Nebraska, a nonprofit organization. He has also served as a Charitable and Fundraising Committee Member for Telugu Samiti of Nebraska, a nonprofit organization. Pondicherry attended and represented the State of Nebraska at the White House Briefing for Hindu American Seva in 2014. Pondicherry has served in the Matt Talbot Kitchen as a volunteer, and currently helps fund and organize First Friday Lunch every month.

Pondicherry currently works as a Consultant for IS&T /OCIO – Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. In the past, he has been integral with his work as a consultant to the Nebraska Real Estate Commission in implementing critical legislative changes in their system. His work as a consultant has led him to projects with Central Data Processing /DAS/Child Support division /Medicare/Medicaid to fulfill many legislative changes and federal requirements for their statewide system.

Lois Todd-Meyer is a long-time Nebraska educator who has a deep understanding of the important role that public libraries play in supporting the education of Nebraska’s youth. She taught high school English/Language Arts for twenty-eight years in two rural Nebraska school districts and earned her Doctorate in Education from UN-L in 2015, as part of their second cohort of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate. The focus of her dissertation is adolescent literacy. She has been a member of Nebraska State Education Association throughout her career and serves on the State Government Relations Committee. Todd-Meyer is currently an adjunct English instructor at Southeast Community College and adjunct education instructor at Concordia University, teaching literacy classes at both the undergraduate and graduate level. She is a board member of the Nebraska Literary Heritage Association and Nebraska Center for the Book, for which she serves as board secretary. She is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international organization for key woman educators.

Debby Whitehill Bloom is an Investor Services Broker at TD Ameritrade and serves as Vice-chair of the Nebraska Library Commission. She is an entrepreneur with an MBA in finance and management, with specialties in recruiting, marketing, insurance, finance, and written communication. She holds series 7, series 63, life and health insurance licenses and is the owner of Whitehill Bloom Consulting, LLC, which provides recruiting services for national insurance institutions. She worked in marketing and accounting for Enron/Northern Natural Gas for eighteen years. She volunteers with King of Kings Church, Republican Party of Nebraska, Alpha Xi Delta, and Omaha Liberty Ladies. Whitehill Bloom is the author of two books: Wisdom, Whimsy and Drivel, an inspirational poetry book and Fall Textures, a children’s picture book. She is also working on other children’s books.

They join current Commissioners Michael LaCroix (Chair, Omaha), Charles Peek (Kearney), and Sandy White (Sidney) serving on the Nebraska Library Commission—the policy-making body ensuring that the agency is fully responsible for the statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library programs and services.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services—“bringing together people and information.”

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Posted in General, Uncategorized | Tagged Commissioners | Leave a comment

Treasurer Stenberg Encourages Young Readers, Nebraska Libraries To Participate in NEST Read to Win $529 Drawing

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Jennifer Wrampe

Lincoln, Neb. (June 27, 2018) – Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg is encouraging Nebraska youth ages 3 to 18 to take part in the summer reading programs at their local libraries for an opportunity to win a $529 NEST college savings account. He also is encouraging all Nebraska libraries to make the NEST Read to Win $529 Drawing available to their patrons.

Stenberg, who is Trustee of the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust, announced the Read to Win $529 Drawing in May at the Kearney Public Library. With him were Sally Snyder of the Nebraska Library Commission and Shawntel Daniell of First National Bank, Kearney.

“The Read to Win $529 Drawing is an exciting opportunity for parents to learn more about our excellent state-sponsored college savings program and for young readers to start or add to their college savings accounts. If you haven’t heard about the Read to Win $529 Drawing at your local library, ask your librarian more about it,” Stenberg said.

Children and teens may participate in the Read to Win $529 drawing by completing their local libraries’ requirements for the summer reading program and registering through their local libraries before August 22. Fifteen summer readers between the ages of 3 and 18 will be selected in a random drawing to win a $529 contribution each to a NEST 529 College Savings account. Five winners will be selected from each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts. The library of each winner also will receive a $250 contribution from NEST.

Winners will be invited to a recognition event this fall in the Capitol. Money for the Read to Win $529 Drawing is provided by First National Bank of Omaha, Program Manager for NEST.

Stenberg said 13,960 children, who were summer readers at 53 libraries, participated in the NEST drawing last year. He would like to see an increase in both the number of children entering the drawing and the number of libraries participating.

“Libraries large and small can offer this drawing at little extra effort on their part. We would particularly like to see libraries in mid-size cities that did not participate last year sign up this year,” Stenberg said. Details are available on the Nebraska Library Commission website at nlc.nebraska.gov.

“At NEST, we recognize the role that reading plays in a child’s educational success and life-long love of learning. We are committed to helping families prepare financially for their children’s educational futures through our tax-advantaged NEST 529 college savings plans and the multiple scholarship opportunities we offer,” Stenberg said.

“Read to Win is an easy contest to enter. While children are having fun choosing books to read by themselves or in family groups and completing their libraries’ summer reading requirements, they also can be entered in the Read to Win $529 Drawing. Only a parent’s signature is required. Nothing more,” he said.

Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner said, “NEST Read to Win $529 is an excellent incentive for Nebraska Summer Reading Program participants and a great way to bring awareness to Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans. Young readers become lifelong learners, and we anticipate that this summer more Nebraska libraries will encourage their summer readers to participate in this opportunity to benefit from college savings plans when they advance to higher education.”

Read to Win contest rules are available at www.NEST529.com. Click on “Grow” and select “Scholarships & Rewards.” Rules also are available at https://treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/scholarships/.

Information on the Nebraska Summer Reading Program is available at local libraries or at the Nebraska Library Commission’s website at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/youth/summerreading/.

About Nebraska Library Commission
As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services—bringing together people and information. Visit nlc.nebraska.gov.

About NEST
NEST is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, the NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, the TD Ameritrade 529 College Savings Plan, and the State Farm College Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. First National Bank of Omaha serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 251,000 accounts, including 76,000 in Nebraska. Visit NEST529Advisor.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About First National Bank of Omaha
First National Bank is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska is the largest privately owned banking company in the United States. First National and its affiliates have more than $21 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Texas.

Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* · No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee · May Lose Value
*Except the Bank Savings Individual Investment Option

Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg at the Kearney Public Library to announce the Read to Win $529 Drawing. With him, from left, are Shawntel Daniell, First National Bank, Kearney; Sally Snyder, Nebraska Library Commission; and Matthew Williams, Director, Kearney Public Library.

Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg reads to three of his grandchildren at the Kearney Public Library.

Posted in Books & Reading, General | Leave a comment

Treasurer Stenberg, Library Commission Announce 5th annual Read to Win $529 Drawing in Nebraska Libraries

Posted on May 30, 2018 by Jennifer Wrampe

Fifteen Readers to Each Receive $529 NEST Accounts in Random Drawing

Kearney, Neb. (May 24, 2018) – Summer readers at participating Nebraska libraries will have an opportunity to win a $529 college savings account from the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST 529) in the Read to Win $529 Drawing, Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg said today.

Stenberg, who is Trustee of NEST, announced the fifth annual Read to Win $529 drawing at a news conference at the Kearney Public Library during the library’s summer reading kickoff. With Stenberg to announce the drawing was Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services at the Nebraska Library Commission.

Stenberg encouraged all Nebraska libraries to participate. Information is available on the Nebraska Library Commission website at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/youth/summerreading/scholarshipdrawing.aspx.

Matthew Williams, Director of the Kearney library, and Shawntel Daniell, Universal Banker with First National Bank, Main Bank, Kearney, also spoke.

Fifteen summer readers between the ages of 3 and 18 will be selected in a random drawing to win a $529 contribution each to a NEST 529 College Savings account. Five winners will be selected from each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts. Children and teens may participate in the Read to Win $529 drawing, provided they have completed their local libraries’ requirements for the summer reading program and have registered through their local libraries before August 22.

Winners will be announced in late September and recognized in a ceremony at the Capitol in October. More than 13,000 were entered in last year’s drawing. Each winner’s library branch will receive $250 from NEST.

“We are happy to announce the fifth annual NEST Read to Win $529 drawing, and we want to encourage children and teens to participate. It’s easy to sign up, and you might just be one of the lucky winners,” Stenberg said.

“We know children and teens have enjoyed summer reading programs at their local libraries for years without monetary incentives. The NEST 529 Read to Win drawing is an ideal opportunity to emphasize the connection between reading and learning and to help young readers plan for higher education. Maybe we will plant a seed for their future educational endeavors and a greater awareness of the benefits of saving through our Nebraska Educational Savings Trust,” Stenberg said.

“Reading is a passion of mine; every chance I get, I am reading a book,” said Shawntel Daniell from First National. “The ability to help students and their families save for their educational futures with opportunities such as the NEST Read to Win scholarship is something all of us at First National Bank are passionate about.”

Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner, who could not attend the news conference, issued the following statement: “NEST Read to Win $529 is an excellent incentive for Nebraska Summer Reading Program participants and a great way to bring awareness to Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans. Young readers become lifelong learners and will benefit from college savings plans when they advance to higher education.

“Nebraska public libraries’ summer reading programs are great opportunities for children and teens to take time to enjoy reading while maintaining and improving reading skills. They can also enjoy the activities that are part of this summer’s Libraries Rock program. We thank State Treasurer Stenberg and First National Bank for the college savings drawing for Nebraska Summer Reading Program participants.”

For scholarship contest rules, visit www.NEST529.com and click on Grow. Select Scholarships & Rewards. Contest rules also are available at https://treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/scholarships.

For more information on the Nebraska Summer Reading Program visit the Nebraska Library Commission’s website at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/youth/summerreading/ or contact a local library.

To find out more about NEST College Savings Plans, visit www.NEST529.com or treasurer.nebraska.gov.

About Nebraska Library Commission

About NEST

NEST is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, the NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, the TD Ameritrade 529 College Savings Plan, and the State Farm College Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. First National Bank of Omaha serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 254,000 accounts, including 80,000 in Nebraska. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About First National Bank of Omaha

First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $21 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.

Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* · No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee · May Lose Value
*Except the Bank Savings Individual Investment Option

Speakers at the news conference gather after the event. From left, Shawntel Daniell, First National Bank; Sally Snyder, Nebraska Library Commission; Treasurer Stenberg; and Matthew Williams, Kearney Public Library Director.

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‘Choose Your Days’ by Paula Wallace to Represent Nebraska at National Book Festival

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Jennifer Wrampe

A children’s picture book that encourages us all to remember that we hold the key to our days will represent Nebraska at the 2018 National Book Festival. The Nebraska Center for the Book selected Choose Your Days by Paula Wallace (Cinco Puntos Press, 2016) as the state’s selection for the National Book Festival’s “Discover Great Places through Reading” brochure and map. Each state selects one book about the state, or by an author from the state, that is a good read for children or young adults. The brochure and map will be distributed at the September 1 Festival in Washington DC and will be featured in the “Great Reads about Great Places” links on the websites of both the national and Nebraska centers for the book.

This book, written and illustrated by Omaha artist Paula Wallace, tells an engaging story of a child learning to live her dreams to the fullest. The bright and whimsical illustrations sweep the reader along through the story and help deliver a powerful message about love and loss. Nebraska’s “Great Reads about Great Places” book is chosen from the previous year’s Nebraska Book Award winners and this book was awarded the 2017 Nebraska Book Award in the Children’s Picture Book category. Entries for the 2018 Nebraska Book Awards will be accepted until June 30—see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/awards/nebookawards.html.

The National Book Festival will feature presentations by award-winning authors, poets, and illustrators at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Festival attendees can meet their favorite authors, get books signed, have photos taken with mascots and storybook characters, and participate in a variety of learning activities. States will staff exhibit booths to promote reading, library programs, and literary events. Find out more about the 2018 National Book Festival (including a list of featured authors) at http://www.loc.gov/bookfest.

The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Posted in General, Nebraska Center for the Book | Tagged National Book Festival, Nebraska Book Awards | Leave a comment

Librarians and Teachers to Host Letter Writing Clinics

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Jennifer Wrampe

What could motivate Nebraska young people to write letters? A great story and the opportunity to tell an author about how a book made a difference in their own life can provide just the right encouragement. Teachers and librarians in Nebraska were recently awarded grants to host pilot Letter Writing Clinics for students in their area. The clinics will introduce students to the Letters About Literature contest and letter writing techniques. Students will get ideas for selecting books and learn how to craft letters that can be submitted to the Letters About Literature contest, a national reading and writing promotion program that engages nearly 50,000 adolescent and young readers nationwide in grades four through twelve. The competition encourages young people to read, be inspired, and write back to the author (living or dead) who had an impact on their lives.

The Letter Writing Clinic grants are sponsored by Humanities Nebraska, Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and Nebraska Library Commission. The winning applicants are:

Sarah Alfred, Morrill Public Library Director, Friends of Morrill Public Library
Keri Anderson, Hoesch Memorial Library Director, Alma
Becky Henkel, Bayard Public Library Director
Alicia Lassen, Overton Public School Librarian and Teacher

The annual Letters About Literature writing competition is sponsored nationally by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, with funding from Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The Center for the Book was established in 1977 as a public-private partnership to use the resources of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books and reading. The Nebraska competition is coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, Houchen Bindery Ltd., and Chapters Bookstore in Seward.

For more information about the Letters About Literature competition, see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html. To learn more about Letter Writing Clinics, see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL_Grant/2018/index.aspx.

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book—supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission. As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services—bringing together people and information.

Humanities Nebraska inspires and enriches personal and public life by offering opportunities to thoughtfully engage with history and culture. Humanities Nebraska was established as a state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1973.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Posted in General, Grants, Nebraska Center for the Book | Leave a comment

Partnership Launched to Help Close the Homework Gap for Rural Students

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Jennifer Wrampe

NLClogo

High-speed Internet access is essential to Nebraska schoolchildren and a partnership between schools and libraries in five Nebraska communities will demonstrate an innovative way to ensure that children can complete homework assignments and projects. The Nebraska Library Commission has been awarded a National Leadership Sparks Grant of $25,000 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for a partnership project with the Nebraska Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and five local school districts and public libraries. The Nebraska Schools and Libraries—Breaking the Ice and Igniting Internet Relationships grant is one of 26 projects out of 117 applications to receive funding totaling $5,770,682 to support libraries across the nation.

Five Nebraska rural school districts and public libraries will work together as partners to increase Internet speeds at the public library using fixed wireless technology to provide additional Internet to the library, augmenting the current Internet service. Up to one gigabit (1,000Mbps) of Internet speed will be provided for a designated homework hotspot for school district students and staff. This will help close the “homework gap” that rural students face when attempting to complete homework assignments and school projects without a reliable Internet source at home. The libraries will use the school districts’ network to augment existing Internet service, supplementing it with high-speed Internet access for K-12 students and staff in these school districts so that students can complete homework assignments, collaborate in groups on research projects, access online instruction, work on special projects, and undertake other digital learning activities. Nebraska communities participating in this one-year project beginning June 1 include Bancroft, Genoa, Imperial, Verdigre, and Wymore.

“I am pleased to announce the recipients of IMLS’s highly competitive library grant programs,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “These grants leveraged over $2.7 million in matching funds from local partners and community collaborators, helping to ensure the sustainability of these projects and to enhance their reach and impact.”

“As Nebraska students and teachers embrace digital learning, Nebraska public libraries look for new partnership models with schools to ensure equal access to digital learning resources for all students. Students need broadband services outside of school and after school hours. Libraries fill the gap and contribute to educational achievement. This project demonstrates the commitment of Nebraska’s public libraries to provide high-speed Internet service through innovative educational partnerships with schools. We thank the schools and libraries that have committed to demonstrating this innovative approach to school and public library collaboration,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner.

“The State of Nebraska’s Office of the CIO is pleased to partner with the Nebraska Library Commission on this project to improve Internet access in small, rural public libraries and to leverage the investments made in the state education network, Network Nebraska,” said Ed Toner, the State Chief Information Officer.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [IMLS grant: LG-99-18-0018-18].

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services—“bringing together people and information.” The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

The Nebraska Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is the State’s agency for Information Technology services. Through partnerships with public organizations, the OCIO provides coordinated IT management, enterprise oversight, and reliable solutions to support the business needs of the state agencies, boards, commissions, and political subdivisions serving Nebraska. Its staff helps manage Network Nebraska, the statewide telecommunications network serving public and private K-12 schools and higher education entities. Network Nebraska is uniquely positioned to assist public libraries with faster and lower cost commodity Internet and peered routing achieved through statewide aggregation and consortium E-rate expertise.

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#SparksNebraska #digitalinclusion #DIW2018 #digitalequityis

Posted in General, Grants | Tagged IMLS, Sparks Grant | Leave a comment

Young Nebraskans Win Writing Competition

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Jennifer Wrampe

Do young people still write letters? They do if they want to tell an author about how books can make a difference in a young person’s life. Young Nebraska writers who wrote winning letters in the Letters About Literature competition received award certificates from Gov. Pete Ricketts on at a proclamation-signing ceremony celebrating National Library Week, April 8-14, 2018. Letters About Literature is a national reading and writing promotion program. Nearly 50,000 adolescent and young readers nationwide, in grades four through twelve, participated in this year’s Letters About Literature program—hundreds of them from Nebraska. The competition encourages young people to read, be inspired, and write back to the author (living or dead) who had an impact on their lives.

This annual contest is sponsored nationally by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, with funding from Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The Center for the Book was established in 1977 as a public-private partnership to use the resources of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books and reading. The Nebraska competition is coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, Houchen Bindery Ltd., Humanities Nebraska, and Chapters Bookstore in Seward.

Young Nebraska writers to be honored are:

Winners
Avery Yosten, Norfolk, for a letter to Rob Buyea
Caleb Hans, Omaha, for a letter to Trenton Lee Stewart
Harper Leigh Wells, Axtell, for a letter to Harper Lee

Alternate Winners
Ryan Ostrander, Lincoln, for a letter to Katherine Applegate
Conleigh Hemmer, Lincoln, for a letter to Herman Melville
Daniel Con, Lexington, for a letter to Suzanne Collins

The students wrote personal letters to authors explaining how his or her work changed their view of themselves or the world. They selected authors from any genre, fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic. Winners were chosen from three competition levels: upper elementary, middle, and secondary school.

The Nebraska winners are honored at a luncheon and receive cash prizes and gift certificates. Their winning letters are placed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln. They will advance to the national competition, with a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C. for themselves and their parents. For more information about the competition see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html.

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission. As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Posted in Books & Reading, General, Youth Services | Leave a comment

Governor Ricketts Proclaims 2018 One Book One Nebraska: Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Jennifer Wrampe

On Jan. 22, 2018 Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation honoring 2018 One Book One Nebraska: Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry (The Backwaters Press, 2007) edited by Greg Kosmicki and Mary K. Stillwell. Stillwell presented the governor with a copy of the book. Nebraska Presence includes poems by more than 80 contemporary Nebraska poets, including Pulitzer Prize winner and former Poet Laureate of the United States Ted Kooser, Nebraska State Poet Twyla Hansen, former State Poet William Kloefkorn, and many others.

Photos of the proclamation-signing ceremony are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/librarycommission/24973184357/in/dateposted-public/

The One Book One Nebraska reading program, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, and Humanities Nebraska is entering its fourteenth year. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss one book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. Libraries across Nebraska will join other literary and cultural organizations in planning book discussions, activities, and events to encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss this book. Support materials to assist with local reading/discussion activities are available at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Updates and activity listings will be posted there and on http://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraska.

As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-“bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

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Nebraska Library Commission Awards Grants for Youth Library Service

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 20, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Nebraska Library Commission Awards Grants for Youth Library Service

The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded $25,000 in grants for Excellence in Youth service. Of the grants awarded to nineteen Nebraska public libraries, several addressed the need for Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics (STEAM) programming in libraries and some will design programs for specific age groups: babies, toddlers, preschoolers, teens, and tweens. The Nebraska Library Commission congratulates the public libraries listed below as they develop new and innovative programs to ensure excellence in library service for Nebraska young people.

The recipients are:

Atkinson Public Library, Music and LEGO^®
Bennington Public Library, Summer of STEAM
Blue Hill Public Library, LEGO^® Club
Broadwater Public Library, Summer Reading Program
Central City Public Library, STEM in Music and Reading
Hruska Memorial Public Library, David City, Afterschool Makers Clubs
Keene Memorial Library, Fremont, Teen Advisory Board
Genoa Public Library, Adventure Club
Grand Island Public Library, Teen Program
La Vista Public Library, Preschool Musical Movers and Shakers
Lincoln City Libraries, Makerspace Kits and Programming
Morrill Public Library, Afterschool Programs
Norfolk Public Library, Book-to-Film Club
Plattsmouth Public Library, STEAM IDEA Boxes
Baright Public Library, Ralston, Monthly Mini Makers
Ravenna Public Library, Baby and Me
South Sioux City Public Library, 1,000 Books before Kindergarten
Dvoracek Memorial Library, Wilber, Celebrate Books and Reading
Kilgore Memorial Library, York, Starlings for York Encouraging Parents of Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Youth Grants for Excellence are made available by the Nebraska Library Commission with funding from the State of Nebraska. As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Posted in General, Youth Services | Leave a comment

Congratulations to our Star Libraries!

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

Library Journal released its annual list of Star Libraries and the following 11 Nebraska libraries made the list:

5-Star
- Atkinson Public Library (Director — Judy Hagan)
- Hartington Public Library (Director — Tami Anderson)
- Neligh Public Library (Director — Jennifer Norton)
4-Star
- Central City Public Library (Director — Sara Lee)
- Hastings Memorial Library (Director — Robin Quinn)
- Saint Paul Public Library (Director — Angela Blankenship)
3-Star
- Creighton Public Library (Director — Lisa Macke)
- Louisville Public Library (Director — Darla McDonald)
- Gardner Public Library (Director — Elizabeth Carlson)
- Weeping Water Public Library (Director — Aimee Morlan)
- John A. Stahl Library (Director — Mary Jo Mack)

Congratulations to the directors and teams whose hard work is responsible for this great achievement!

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Nebraska Library Friends Encouraged to Apply for United for Libraries Friend Conference Grant due Jan. 15

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

United for Libraries is accepting applications for the United for Libraries Friend Conference Grant through Jan. 15, 2018.

The United for Libraries Friend Conference Grant enables one member of a Friends of the Library group at a public library to attend the ALA Annual Conference. Applicants must be first-time attendees, and must be active in their public library Friends group. The winner will receive a grant of $850, plus full ALA Annual Conference registration. The applicant must be a member of a Friends of the Library group in a public library, and a first-time attendee of any ALA conference (Midwinter or Annual).

For more information and to apply, visit www.ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/united.

Jillian Wentworth
Manager of Marketing & Membership
United for Libraries
A division of the American Library Association
859 W. Lancaster Ave., Unit 2-1
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
phone (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161
fax (484) 698-7868
www.ala.org/united

like United for Libraries on Facebook: www.facebook.com/unitedforlibraries
follow United for Libraries on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ala_united

Posted in General | Tagged grant opportunity, grants, Library Friends, Nebraska, United for Libraries | Leave a comment

Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry Chosen as 2018 One Book One Nebraska

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 23, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry Chosen as 2018 One Book One Nebraska

People across Nebraska are encouraged to read the work of Nebraska poets in 2018—and then talk about the poems with their friends and neighbors. Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry (The Backwaters Press, 2007) edited by Greg Kosmicki and Mary K. Stillwell was selected as the 2018 One Book One Nebraska at the Nebraska Center for the Book’s Celebration of Nebraska Books on October 21.

Poems by more than eighty contemporary Nebraska poets are featured in the collection. This includes Pulitzer Prize winner and former Poet Laureate of the United States Ted Kooser, Nebraska State Poet Twyla Hansen, former State Poet William Kloefkorn, several poets who have had their poems read on Garrison Keillor’s Writer’s Almanac (Greg Kuzma, Marjorie Saiser, Grace Bauer, and Greg Kosmicki), and widely noted poets Hilda Raz, Roy Scheele, Steve Langan, and many others.

Libraries across Nebraska will join other literary and cultural organizations in planning book discussions, activities, and events that will encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss this book. Support materials to assist with local reading/discussion activities will be available after January 1, 2018 at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Updates and activity listings will be posted on the One Book One Nebraska Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraska.

2018 will mark the fourteenth year of the One Book One Nebraska reading program, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss one book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting.

One Book One Nebraska is sponsored by Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and Nebraska Library Commission. The Nebraska Center for the Book brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at and supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

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Nebraska’s Champions of Literature and Literacy Honored

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 11, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Nebraska’s Champions of Literature and Literacy Honored

The Nebraska Center for the Book will present the 2017 Jane Geske Award to American Life in Poetry and Ted Kooser at the October 21 Celebration of Nebraska Books in downtown Lincoln. This weekly newspaper column, created and compiled by Ted Kooser, 2004-2006 U.S. Poet Laureate, exemplifies dedication to contemporary poetry in Nebraska and beyond. The project is a partnership of the Library of Congress, The Poetry Foundation, and the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The Nebraska Center for the Book annually presents the Jane Geske Award to organizations, businesses, libraries, schools, associations, or other groups that have made an exceptional contribution to literacy, books, reading, bookselling, libraries, or Nebraska literature. The Jane Geske Award commemorates Geske’s passion for books, and was established in recognition of her contributions to the well-being of the libraries of Nebraska. Jane Geske was the director of the Nebraska Library Commission, a founding member of the Nebraska Center for the Book, a Lincoln bookseller, and a long-time leader in Nebraska library and literary activities.

The Nebraska Center for the Book will also present the 2017 Mildred Bennett Award to Nancy Johnson of Central City. This dedicated volunteer is honored for her contributions to Nebraska’s literary tradition, including her long-term efforts on behalf of the Lone Tree Literary Society promoting the life and work of Wright Morris and many years of service to the One Book One Nebraska program.

The Mildred Bennett Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to fostering the literary tradition in Nebraska, reminding us of the literary and intellectual heritage that enriches our lives and molds our world. The award recognizes inspired leadership and service on behalf of Nebraska literature, highlighting how the recipients follow the example of Mildred Bennett, the charismatic founder and long-time President of the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation. The award seeks to heighten awareness and interest in Nebraska’s literary heritage and to enrich the lives of Nebraskans and readers everywhere.

The Presidential Award for Literacy will be presented to the Hastings Literacy Program. This program is recognized with this special Nebraska Center for the Book Presidential Award for service to the Hastings community and surrounding area, providing educational support for hundreds of adults including assisting them with reading, language, and other basic skills needed to meet the challenges encountered in daily life and to take full advantage of opportunities in society.

The Presidential Award for Literacy is a special award given this year. This discretionary award allows the Nebraska Center for the Book to honor exemplary programs, bringing recognition to the Hastings Literacy Program’s efforts and highlighting their success with literacy programming. This is the first time the Nebraska Center for the Book has made this award.

The October 21 Celebration, free and open to the public, will also feature presentation of the 2017 Nebraska Book Awards, and some of the winning authors will read from their work. A list of winners is posted at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/awards.html. The Celebration of Nebraska Books is scheduled for 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln NE, with the Nebraska Center for the Book Annual Meeting to be held prior to the Celebration at 1:30 p.m. A keynote presentation at 2:45 p.m. will feature the 2017 One Book One Nebraska selection, Black Elk Speaks (University of Nebraska Press) by John G. Neihardt. Timothy G. Anderson, author of the biography Lonesome Dreamer: The Life of John G. Neihardt (University of Nebraska Press) will speak. An awards reception honoring the winning authors, book signings, and announcement of the 2018 One Book One Nebraska book choice will conclude the festivities.

The Celebration of Nebraska Books is sponsored by Nebraska Center for the Book and Nebraska Library Commission, with support from the Nebraska State Historical Society’s Nebraska History Museum and Friends of the University of Nebraska Press. Humanities Nebraska provides support for One Book One Nebraska. For more information see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/celebration.html and www.facebook.com/NebraskaCenterfortheBook.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

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Finalists for 2018 One Book One Nebraska Announced

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 27, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Finalists for 2018 One Book One Nebraska Announced

What book will all Nebraskans be encouraged to read in 2018? We will all find out on October 21. Two poetry collections, one memoir, and two novels—all stories with ties to Nebraska and the Great Plains—are the finalists for the 2018 One Book One Nebraska statewide reading program. The finalists are:

The Bones of Paradise by Jonis Agee, William Morrow (2016)
Nebraska Poetry: A Sesquicentennial Anthology 1867-2017 edited by Daniel Simon, Stephen F. Austin University Press (2017)
Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry edited by Greg Kosmicki and Mary K. Stillwell, The Backwaters Press (2007)
Ordinary Spaceman: From Boyhood Dreams to Astronaut by Clayton Anderson, University of Nebraska Press (2015)
Swan Gondola: A Novel by Timothy Schaffert, Riverhead Books (2015)

The One Book One Nebraska reading program, now in its thirteenth year, is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and Nebraska Library Commission. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss the same book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. A Nebraska Center for the Book committee selected the five finalists from a list of twenty-six titles nominated by Nebraskans. In the coming weeks, Nebraska Center for the Book board members will vote on the 2018 selection.

Nebraskans are invited to attend the Celebration of Nebraska Books on October 21, where the choice for the 2018 One Book One Nebraska will be announced at 5:30 p.m. at the Nebraska State Historical Society’s Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North, in downtown Lincoln. This year’s One Book One Nebraska selection, Black Elk Speaks (University of Nebraska Press, 2014) by John G. Neihardt will be featured in a keynote presentation by Timothy G. Anderson, author of the biography Lonesome Dreamer: The Life of John G. Neihardt (University of Nebraska Press, 2016) at 2:45 p.m. See http://onebook.nebraska.gov or https://www.facebook.com/OneBookOneNebraska for more information about ongoing 2017 One Book One Nebraska activities.

The October 21 Celebration of Nebraska Books is scheduled for 2:30 – 6:30 p.m., with the Nebraska Center for the Book Annual Meeting to be held at 1:30 p.m. Awards will be presented to the winners of the 2017 Nebraska Book Awards, and some of the winning authors will read from their work. A list of Nebraska Book Award winners is posted at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/awards.html. The Celebration of Nebraska Books is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book and Nebraska Library Commission with support from the Nebraska State Historical Society’s Nebraska History Museum. Humanities Nebraska provides support for the One Book One Nebraska keynote presentation. For more information, contact Mary Jo Ryan, maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov, 402-471-3434 or 800-307-2665. Confirmed presenters will be announced at www.centerforthebook.nebraska.gov and http://www.facebook.com/NebraskaCenterfortheBook in advance of the Celebration.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

PLEASE NOTE:

Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry (The Backwaters Press, 2007) edited by Greg Kosmicki and Mary K. Stillwell was selected as the 2018 One Book One Nebraska. Poems by more than eighty contemporary Nebraska poets are featured in the collection. This includes Pulitzer Prize winner and former Poet Laureate of the United States Ted Kooser, Nebraska State Poet Twyla Hansen, former State Poet William Kloefkorn, and many others. Support materials to assist with local reading/discussion activities will be available after January 1, 2018 at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Updates and activity listings will be posted on the One Book One Nebraska Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraska.

Posted in Books & Reading, General | 2 Comments

Celebrate Nebraska’s 2017 Book Award Winners at October 21 Celebration

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 19, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Celebrate Nebraska’s 2017 Book Award Winners at October 21 Celebration

Celebrate Nebraska’s 2017 Book Award winners with author readings and an awards presentation ceremony at the Nebraska Center for the Book’s Celebration of Nebraska Books on October 21 at the Nebraska State Historical Society’s Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North, in downtown Lincoln. Winners of the 2017 Nebraska Book Awards will be honored and the celebration will include readings by some of the winning authors, designers, and illustrators of books with a Nebraska connection published in 2017. And the winners are:

Anthology: Not Quite So Stories by David S. Atkinson. Publisher: Literary Wanderlust

Children’s Picture Book: Choose Your Days by Paula S. Wallace. Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press

Young Adult: Keeping Captain by N. L. Sharp. Publisher: Prairieland Press

Young Adult Honor: The Ghost Juggler by Nona Brooks Morrison. Publisher: Prairieland Press

Cover/Design/Illustration: Okoboji: Over 160 Years of History and Images by Cristy Clarke Hedgpeth. Editing and content design by Sandra Wendel and Ellie Pelto. Graphic Design by Rachel Moore. Production by Lisa Pelto, Concierge Marketing. Publisher: Hedgpeth Publishing

Illustration Honor: Leaves of Absence: An Illustrated Guide to Common Garden Affection by Laura Madeline Wiseman. Art by Sally Deskins. Publisher: Red Dashboard

Fiction: The Bones of Paradise: A Novel by Jonis Agee. Publisher: William Morrow

Fiction Short Story Honor: Where We Land: Stories by Daryl Farmer. Publisher: Brighthorse Books

Nonfiction Biography: A Warrior of the People: How Susan La Flesche Overcame Racial and Gender Inequality to Become America’s First Indian Doctor by Joe Starita. Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Nonfiction Folklore: Why I’m an Only Child and Other Slightly Naughty Plains Folktales by Roger Welsch. Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Nonfiction Memoir: Bread: A Memoir of Hunger by Lisa Knopp. Publisher: University of Missouri Press

Nonfiction Photography: Last Days of Red Cloud Agency, Peter T. Buckley’s Photograph Collection (1876-1877), by Thomas R. Buecker. Publisher: Nebraska State Historical Society Books

Nonfiction Reference: Great Plains Indians by David J. Wishart. Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Nonfiction Travel: Trespassing Across America: One Man’s Epic, Never-Done-Before (and Sort of Illegal) Hike Across the Heartland by Ken Ilgunas. Publisher: Blue Rider Press

Poetry: Homing: The Collected Poems of Don Welch (1975-2015) by Don Welch. Edited by Dwaine Spieker. Publisher: Rogue Faculty Press

Poetry Honor: I Have Nothing to Say about Fire by Marjorie Saiser. Publisher: Backwaters Press

Poetry Honor: Singing and Dying by Glenna Luschei. Publisher: Penciled In

The Celebration of Nebraska, free and open to the public, will also honor winners of the 2017 Jane Geske and Mildred Bennett awards. The Mildred Bennett Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering the literary tradition in Nebraska, reminding us of the literary and intellectual heritage that enriches our lives and molds our world. The Jane Geske Award is presented to a Nebraska organization for exceptional contribution to literacy, books, reading, libraries, or literature in Nebraska. It commemorates Geske’s passion for books, and was established in recognition of her contributions to the well-being of the libraries of Nebraska.

The 2017 One Book One Nebraska selection, Black Elk Speaks (University of Nebraska Press) by John G. Neihardt will be featured in a keynote presentation by Timothy G. Anderson, author of the biography Lonesome Dreamer: The Life of John G. Neihardt (University of Nebraska Press) at 2:45 p.m.

The Nebraska Center for the Book Annual Meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m.—just prior to the 2:30-6:30 p.m. Celebration. An awards reception honoring the winning authors, book signings, and announcement of the 2018 One Book One Nebraska book choice will conclude the festivities.

The Celebration of Nebraska Books is sponsored by Nebraska Center for the Book and Nebraska Library Commission, with support from the Nebraska State Historical Society’s Nebraska History Museum. Humanities Nebraska provides support for One Book One Nebraska. The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the national Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Nebraska Library Commission.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Posted in Books & Reading, General | Leave a comment

Young Readers Invited to Write to Favorite Authors

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 13, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Young readers in grades 4-12 are invited to write a personal letter to an author for the Letters about Literature (LAL) contest, a national reading and writing promotion program. The letter can be to any author (living or dead) from any genre—fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic—explaining how that author’s work changed the student’s view of the world. The 25^th annual reflective writing competition is sponsored by the Library of Congress Center for the Book and presented in association with affiliate State Centers for the Book with funding provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Letters About Literature is coordinated an sponsored in Nebraska by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission, with support from Houchen Bindery, Ltd., Humanities Nebraska, and Chapters Bookstore in Seward.

Prizes will be awarded on both the state and national levels. The Nebraska Center for the Book’s panel of judges will select the top letter writers in the state, to be honored in a proclamation-signing ceremony at the state capitol during National Library Week in April 2018. Their winning letters will be placed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln. Nebraska winners will receive state prizes, and then advance to the national judging.

A panel of national judges for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will select one National Winner per competition level (Level I for grades 4-6, Level II for grades 7-8, and Level III for grades 9-12) to receive a $1,000 cash award, to be announced in May 2018. The judges will also select one National Honor winner on each competition level to receive a $200 cash award.

Teachers, librarians, and parents can download free teaching materials on reader response and reflective writing, along with contest details and entry forms, at www.read.gov/letters. Nebraska-specific information (including lists of Nebraska winners of past competitions) is available at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html. Get inspired by listening to Nebraska winners, Ashley Xiques and Sydney Kohl, read and talk about and their winning letters to authors that meant something to them in their own lives, see NET Radio’s All About Books (http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/radio/all-about-books). Submissions must be postmarked by December 9, 2017. For more information contact Mary Jo Ryan, MaryJo.Ryan@nebraska.gov, 402-471-3434 or 800-307-2665.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Posted in Books & Reading, General | Leave a comment

This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audubon to Represent Nebraska at National Book Festival

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 24, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audubon to Represent Nebraska at National Book Festival

The Nebraska Center for the Book selected This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audubon by Nancy Plain (University of Nebraska Press, 2015) to represent Nebraska at the 2017 National Book Festival. The book is the state’s selection for the National Book Festival’s “Discover Great Places through Reading” brochure and map. Each state selects one book about the state, or by an author from the state, that is a good read for children or young adults. The brochure and map will be distributed at the Festival on September 2 and featured in the “Great Reads about Great Places” links on the websites of both the National and Nebraska Centers for the Book.

This book brings together the amazing story of the career of John James Audubon (1785–1851), founder of modern ornithology and one of the world’s greatest bird painters, and the beautiful images that are his legacy. It details his art and writing, transporting the reader back to the frontiers of early nineteenth-century America. Nebraska’s “Great Reads about Great Places” book is chosen from the previous year’s Nebraska Book Award winners and this book was awarded the 2016 Nebraska Book Award in the Children/Young Adult category. Entries for the 2017 Nebraska Book Awards will be accepted until June 30—see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/awards/nebookawards.html.

The National Book Festival will feature presentations by award-winning authors, poets, and illustrators at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Festival attendees can meet their favorite authors, get books signed, have photos taken with mascots and storybook characters, and participate in a variety of learning activities. States will staff exhibit booths to promote reading, library programs, and literary events. Find out more about the 2017 National Book Festival (including a list of featured authors) at http://www.loc.gov/bookfest.

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission. As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information.
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

Posted in Books & Reading, General | Tagged Book Festival, Nebraska, Nebraska Book Awards, Nebraska Center for the Book | Leave a comment

$27,000 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Jennifer Wrampe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 18, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
JoAnn McManus
402-471-4870
800-307-2665

$27,000 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

Nebraskans will once again reap the benefits of the energy and creativity of Nebraska young people as they serve as interns in their local public libraries. The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Nebraska Library Internship Grants totaling $27,000 to twenty-one Nebraska public libraries. These internship grants will support public library interns, who will contribute to the scope and value of the diverse programs and activities in Nebraska’s public libraries.

“The internships are a great opportunity for students to get involved in library work. Beyond earning money and gaining valuable work experience, the student is exposed to the broad range of library services and programming. Internships provide an opportunity for the student to view the library as a viable and satisfying career choice. In addition, interns bring a fresh perspective and their own unique talents to the library,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner.

Student interns will learn about library work as they shadow staff, assist with day-to-day library operations, and implement special projects. Some of the activities that students will participate in include:

plan and implement programs such as summer reading programs for all ages, storytime sessions, book discussions, and teen/tween activities;
assist with events such as annual book sales, NE150 celebrations, and contests;
organize Makerspaces and Maker Clubs, as well as other STEAM learning activities;
create book displays, bulletin boards, and craft activities;
assist with outreach events outside the library;
update the library’s website and social media sites (Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, etc.);
assist with circulation activities, book selection, and collection management;
teach technology classes and assist library customers with electronic devices and research;
create flyers, newsletters, newspaper articles, and other promotional materials; and
assist with verbal and written Spanish⁄English communication.

The following Nebraska public libraries were awarded internship grant funding:

Alma, Hoesch Memorial Public Library
Atkinson Public Library
Central City Public Library
Columbus Public Library
Cozad, Wilson Public Library
Crawford Public Library
Geneva Public Library
Grant, Hastings Public Library
Kimball Public Library
LaVista Public Library
Lincoln City Libraries (4 branches)
Neligh Public Library
Norfolk Public Library
Omaha Public Library (4 branches)
Orleans, Cordelia B. Preston Memorial Library
Plainview Public Library
Schuyler Public Library
Stromsburg Public Library
Verdigre Public Library
Wayne Public Library
York, Kilgore Memorial Library

Funding for the project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission, in partnership with the Nebraska Library Systems.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information.

Nebraska’s Regional Library Systems consist of four non-profit corporations governed by boards representative of libraries and citizens in the region. The four systems were established to provide access to improved library services through the cooperation of all types of libraries and media centers within the counties included in each System area.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. To learn more about IMLS, see www.imls.gov/.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

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Author Archives: Jennifer Wrampe

Nebraska Library Innovation Studios Makerspace Partnership

FREE Library Advocacy Webinar on June 10

Gov. Ricketts Names Appointments to Nebraska Library Commission

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Treasurer Stenberg, Library Commission Announce 5th annual Read to Win $529 Drawing in Nebraska Libraries

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Librarians and Teachers to Host Letter Writing Clinics

Partnership Launched to Help Close the Homework Gap for Rural Students

Young Nebraskans Win Writing Competition

Governor Ricketts Proclaims 2018 One Book One Nebraska: Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry

Nebraska Library Commission Awards Grants for Youth Library Service

Congratulations to our Star Libraries!

Nebraska Library Friends Encouraged to Apply for United for Libraries Friend Conference Grant due Jan. 15

Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry Chosen as 2018 One Book One Nebraska

Nebraska’s Champions of Literature and Literacy Honored

Finalists for 2018 One Book One Nebraska Announced

Celebrate Nebraska’s 2017 Book Award Winners at October 21 Celebration

Young Readers Invited to Write to Favorite Authors

This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audubon to Represent Nebraska at National Book Festival

$27,000 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

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