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Category Archives: General
Focus on Nebraska authors: Stephanie Kallos
I became aware of Stephanie Kallos, an author with a Nebraska connection, when I served on the committee to help select One Book One Lincoln in 2006. Her first novel, Broken for You had been nominated and I was struck by the artful way Kallos spun multiple themes of brokenness, both overwhelming and subtle, together into one plot. The selection committee ranked it in the top 5 five of all the nominations and I successfully recommended it to a few of my friends after I finished.
Stephanie grew up in Lincoln and now resides in Seattle with her husband, two sons, a Labrador and two tabby cats and is currently working on her third novel. Broken for You was published in 2004 and was chosen by Sue Monk Kidd as a "Today Show" book club selection and received the Washington State and PNBA Book Awards. Her second novel, Sing Them Home, was published in 2009 and was selected as a January ’09 IndieNext title.
We own both of Kallos' titles in our book club collection so consider selecting this Nebraska author for your next book club read.
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New State Agency Publications Received at the Library Commission
New state agency publications have been received at the Nebraska Library Commission for May 2015. Included are titles from Nebraska Department of Education, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Department of Labor, and University of Nebraska Press, to name a few.
The Data Dude – The Power of the -1
As some of you know, the Dude is working to clear up some of the questions that the Census folks have regarding our submitted public library survey data. You may have received a phone call or e-mail with questions about your survey. If you don’t care about the process, skip to the second paragraph below. If you do, read on. As a matter of explanation, IMLS (the Institute of Museum and Library Services) is the agency that oversees the public library survey. The U.S. Census Bureau is the agency that works for IMLS to collect the data. Individual libraries in Nebraska submit their survey data online via Bibliostat (there are other methods, but we use Bibliostat), between the middle of November and the middle of February. Bibliostat has edit checks built into the program to flag certain questions (e.g. if there was a large change from last year), and in order to pass the edit check you need to explain the differences in a note. Once your surveys are submitted, they are reviewed and you might be contacted by the Dude if there are additional questions. Once that is cleared up and all of the surveys are submitted, finalized, and locked, Bibliostat sends us the files of the compiled data and we submit them to Census. When the data goes to Census, there are additional edit checks (both critical and non-critical) that we must pass in order to submit the data. Once that occurs, Census looks over everything and then sends us another file with follow up questions. Generally, this is because there are inconsistencies in the notes that explain the inconsistencies in the data.
UPDATE: Throughout this process, you should be reminded of the codes that Bibliostat and Census use for data that is reported. Now, these codes are -3 (not applicable), -1 (not collected), and just plain ol’ 0. The Dude had previously reported using these codes in your surveys, but was recently told by Bibliostat that they prefer either N/A or 0. They then convert those entries to either -1’s or -3’s for the federal elements. The Dude does ask that for these you include a note indication “not collected” if the question is relevant but you just didn’t collect the data. Shaka.
2016 One Book One Nebraska Book Suggestions Accepted until June 15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 1, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665
2016 One Book One Nebraska Book Suggestions Accepted until June 15
Nebraskans are reminded that there is still time to make recommendations for the 2016 One Book One Nebraska book selection. The Nebraska Center for the Book will consider books written by a Nebraska author (living or dead/with current or former residence in the state), or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. Books should have a broad appeal to readers across Nebraska and lend well to group book discussion. Books may be fiction, non-fiction, biography, memoir, or poetry. They must be in print and readily available.
The deadline for nominations is June 15, 2015. Book recommendations can be sent via e-mail at nlc.ask@nebraska.gov or the U.S. Postal Service to The Nebraska Center for the Book One Book One Nebraska, c/o Nebraska Library Commission Reference Services, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023. Nominations can also be made online at: http://ncb.nebraska.gov/obon-nomination.asp.
The Nebraska Center for the Book will announce the 2016 One Book One Nebraska choice at the Fall Celebration of Nebraska Books. The Celebration will include a 2015 One Book One Nebraska program, Jane Pope Geske Award presentation, and Nebraska Book Awards Ceremony, with author readings and signings. The Celebration is preceded by the Nebraska Center for the Book Annual Meeting.
The 2015 One Book One Nebraska selection is Death Zones and Darling Spies: Seven Years of Vietnam War Reporting (University of Nebraska Press, 2013) by Beverly Deepe Keever, who was born and raised in Hebron, NE. Keever was the longest-serving American correspondent covering the Vietnam War and earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination for reporting.
The Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Humanities Council, Nebraska Library Commission, and other statewide organizations sponsor One Book One Nebraska to demonstrate how books and reading connect people across time and place. For information about One Book One Nebraska, including current and previous book selections, see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/onebook.html or join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OneBookOneNebraska.
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.
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Throwback Thursday: Interior photo of the Albion Nebraska Carnegie Library
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The Data Dude – Integrated Library Systems
Today, the Dude regurgitates some statistics from last year’s survey (2013-2014) regarding integrated library systems. The leaders (see the chart at the right) are Follett, Apollo (Biblionix), and KOHA (Pioneer Consortium). It should be noted that library needs are different and while one ILS may work real well for one community, it may not be the best choice for another, even when other factors are similar. If you are interested in looking at the data about the ILS your peer libraries are using, you can download the excel file with all the data. Shaka.
Free Unbiased Online Financial Education Class Available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 26, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665
Free Unbiased Online Financial Education Class Available
Money for college?…for retirement?…to buy a home? Free online financial education classes are available for all Nebraskans.
The Nebraska Library Commission is pleased to announce that access to better financial and investor information resources is now available through a free unbiased online financial education class
offered through the Smart Investing@your library® Builds Nebraska Communities project.
Get a login password at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/FinancialEducation and learn more about how to make informed decisions about budgeting, money management, saving for college, buying a home, retirement planning, and more. This online class is offered as part of a statewide grant awarded by the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation to the Nebraska Library Commission and the Northeast Library System (now Three Rivers Library System). This prestigious grant is helping to build the capacity of Nebraska libraries to provide effective, unbiased financial resources, including Books, DVDs, downloadable audiobooks and ebooks, and access to librarian-selected online sources at http://nebraskaccess.ne.gov/moneyandinvesting.asp.
This program is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart investing @ your library®, a partnership with the American Library Association.
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that give underserved Americans the knowledge, skills and tools necessary for financial success throughout life. For details about grant programs and other FINRA Foundation initiatives, visit www.finrafoundation.org .
FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity through effective and efficient regulation and complementary compliance and technology-based services. FINRA touches virtually every aspect of the securities business — from registering and educating all industry participants to examining securities firms, writing and enforcing rules and the federal securities laws, informing and educating the investing public, providing trade reporting and other industry utilities and administering the largest dispute resolution forum for investors and registered firms. For more information, please visit www.finra.org.
Smart investing @ your library® is a partnership between the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association, and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. The program supports public libraries and community college libraries across the country in their efforts to meet financial education needs at the local level. Visit http://smartinvesting.ala.org for details.
The Reference and User Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services and collection materials they need. For more information, please visit www.ala.org/rusa. The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 60,000 members. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information. For more information, please visit www.ala.org or call (800) 545-2433 ext. 4279.
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 http://booksarejustthebeginning.com/ for more examples of how Books Are Just the Beginning at Nebraska libraries.
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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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Over $2.6 Million in E-rate Funding Awarded to Nebraska Schools and Libraries
Yesterday, USAC released the first Wave of Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) for E-rate Funding Year 2015.
Wave 1 includes $2,619,842.74 in funding commitments for approved Category 1 requests (Voice Services and Internet Access) for 209 Nebraska school and library applicants.
Congratulations to all Nebraska schools and libraries funded in Wave 1!
You can check to see if you have a commitment by using USAC’s Automated Search of Commitments tool.
If you are on the list, watch your mail for your Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL). After you receive your letter, you can go on to the next step in the E-rate process, filing your Form 486. Information and instructions on how to do that can be found on the USAC website.
If you are not on the Wave 1 list, don’t panic! There are many more weekly Waves to come as USAC processes more applications. This is just the start of Funding Year 2015, more approvals are coming.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with your E-rate forms, visit the NLC E-rate webpage or contact Christa Burns, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.
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Small Business Administration: Get certified as an 8(a) Firm
There’s a program that could give your business a big jump in snagging federal government contracts — and the SBA can help you take advantage of it.
Why would you want to sell your great products and services to the biggest buyer in the entire world? Here’s eight reasons why getting certified as an 8(a) small business could mean big business.
- The federal government buys everything, from janitorial services to logistics support and everything in between, to the tune of more than $500 billion a year (that’s billion with a B)
- Did you know contracting agencies are required to set aside a certain percentage of all contracts to small businesses, including those with special socio-economic certifications? That gives you the chance to compete with larger contracting firms on a more equal basis.
- If you qualify, you can bid for sole-source contracts up to $4 million for your goods and services, and up to $6.5 million in contracts if you’re a manufacturer.
- You can team up with another business as a joint venture to bid on contracts, allowing you to get more lucrative jobs together as a prime contractor.
- Your business can team up with a more experienced prime contractor and have greater access to financing and successful bids under a Mentor-Protege agreement.
- You can get specialized business training, counseling, marketing assistance and high-level executive development from SBA’s resource partner help that other companies just can’t get.
- Get known to potential purchasers.
- And, by getting certified as an 8(a) firm, you’ll be eligible to buy surplus government property, like desks, computers, tractors, heavy equipment and more, at the same price as government agencies can.
Come learn to see if you qualify, how to apply and leverage your certification.
Sign up now for SBA Certifications: 8(a), Hubzone and ED/WOSB
May 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
SBA Nebraska District Office, 10675 Bedford Ave., Suite 100, Omaha
They’ll briefly cover the SBA’s other certification programs, EDWOSB and HUBZone, in addition to the 8(a) program. You will learn:
- Program Details
- Eligibility Requirements
- Benefits
- SBA Assistance to 8(a) firms
- Application process.
Register online at the SBA Event Calendar.
Looking for Library Building Grants? USDA to Give Priority Funding for Regional Economic Development Projects
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced yesterday the USDA’s plan to implement a Farm Bill provision that will have a major policy impact on the way the Department helps rural communities plan and finance regional economic development strategies. The new Regional Development Priority (RDP) policy will make it easier for rural communities to access resources to invest in long-term community development efforts by giving priority to applications for Rural Development programs that include regional partnerships and strategies.
“Regional planning maximizes the effectiveness of our investments in rural America,” Vilsack said here today while addressing the 10th Annual Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Conference. “When communities come together to share resources, ideas and expertise, they can develop a cohesive economy strategy and invest in their future. With a strategy in place, USDA-funded projects can spur regional economic transformation, increase job opportunities and improve quality of life for rural communities.”
Under the RDP, communities with multi-jurisdictional economic development plans will be able to request funding priority when they apply for loans and grants in four key USDA programs. These programs help finance a variety of infrastructure, business and community development needs. They are:
- Community Facilities Program (look for library building grants here)
- Business & Industry Loan Guarantee Program
- Water and Environmental Program and
- Rural Business Development Grant Program.
Applicants seeking priority consideration will be judged by (1) how well their funding request supports a region’s existing development plan, and (2) how well the plan addresses regional collaboration and considers other funding sources including philanthropic groups and other federal agencies. Projects that receive funding will be based on locally identified needs and growth strategies that capitalize upon a region’s unique strengths.
Vilsack made this announcement during the 10th Annual Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Conference in Memphis, Tenn. The conference brings world leaders and policy officials from 34 countries to discuss how modern policies can help rural regions reach their full economic potential, support national growth and be globally competitive. During the conference, Secretary Vilsack reaffirmed his vision for four pillars of rural economic development.
Additional information about the funding priority was published in today’s Federal Register.
Congress authorized USDA to implement this regional approach when it passed the 2014 Farm Bill. That law builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.
Since the bill’s enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including expanding access to rural credit, developing new markets for rural-made products, and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.
Webinar from Health Happens in Libraries: Launching Community Conversations with Local Health Data
Join this webinar to learn how to build awareness, partnerships and services in support of community health, using County Health Rankings & Roadmaps data and networks.
Community health data is a powerful tool. It allows public library leaders and local partners to launch conversations and prioritize activities to support community members with reliable health information and services. The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program provides a comprehensive platform for community based organizations of all kinds to examine and take action on community health data. Attendees at this webinar will learn about ways in which cross-sector collaboration can positively influence social and environmental factors that impact community health. Attendees will also gain familiarity with key features of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool for further exploration of these topics. Attendees will also learn how Buffalo & Erie County Public Library has built awareness, partnerships and services in support of community health, using local data and networks.
Date: 11 June 2015
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America
Presenters:
- Kate Konkle, Community Coach, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and
- Renee Masters, Information Services/Outreach Librarian, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
Moderated by: Liz Morris, WebJunction
SBA LINC: Help to Access Capital
There is a demand among entrepreneurs to find financing to get their businesses off the ground or to take the next big step in their expansion plan. Across the country, thousands of small businesses are searching for term loans, equipment financing, lines of credit, invoice financing and real estate loans to help them hire and grow.
This is where technology steps in to meet the demand. Online matchmaking services pairing lenders with prospective borrowers already comprise a multibillion dollar industry. Using the power of the Internet, commercial lenders are finding creditworthy small business borrowers, while entrepreneurs are finding loan officers who are ready to talk with them.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is implementing this same matchmaking concept for SBA loan applications. Recently SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet announced a new SBA initiative called LINC (Leveraging Information and Networks to Access Capital). This SBA matchmaking service will help entrepreneurs connect with a lender.
The SBA spent months surveying their lending partners to discern what information they need from a prospective borrower. They have developed a simple online form with 20 questions that takes just minutes to fill out. Once completed, the form is blasted out to participating SBA lenders in an applicant’s county, as well as financial institutions with a statewide or national reach.
While a positive “hit” won’t ensure entrepreneurs will receive a loan, it will put them on a fast track because they have been pre-screened. If LINC doesn’t produce an immediate match, entrepreneurs will be directed to their local SBA adviser for additional assistance with their loan application.
The LINC matchmaking tool constitutes a huge step toward giving small business entrepreneurs access to essential sources of capital in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
SBA is committed to becoming as innovative as the small businesses we serve. In the longer term, they also believe LINC could be modified to facilitate government contracting by connecting eligible small businesses with procurement officers, prime contractors and federal buyers. The future is now, and the SBA is proud to embrace technology to help small businesses access the capital they need to stay strong and dream big.
Throwback Thursday: Albion Carnegie Library
Albion Nebraska Carnegie Library built in 1908.
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The Data Dude – Wednesday Watch: Memorial Day Edition
For a Memorial Day edition of Wednesday Watch, let’s talk about Band of Brothers and The Pacific. There are 10 episodes in each of these miniseries offerings from HBO. In order to get the full WWII picture, I think it is necessary to watch both, but I would suggest Band of Brothers first and The Pacific second. Doing so, however, sets the bar high for The Pacific, as Band of Brothers is generally regarded as the better series of the two. Band of Brothers focuses on the WWII European theater, and The Pacific focuses (voila) on the WWII Pacific theater and covers more of the emotional after effects of war in general. I’d argue that The Pacific has a bit more significance because typically the events that occurred there are less known, less written about, and less visualized. The Dude believes that the European theater is more popular for two reasons: (1) since the majority of U.S. citizens migrated from Europe, the countries there are more relatable (consider your knowledge of England and France v.s. the Palau islands (including Peleliu)); and (2) the Hitler effect. As The Pacific illustrates, the fact that the non-European aspects of WWII are less frequently covered in movies and literature doesn’t make them any less dramatic. It should be noted that while both Band of Brothers and The Pacific jibe with most of the actual events, there is some degree of editorial license taken by the producers. These aren’t documentaries, and frankly if you get wrapped up in those minor changes, you miss most of the overall point (hint: it doesn’t really matter). I would suggest that if you are looking for a documentary instead or in addition, watch the fantastic British series World at War. It’s over 22 hours in length, but if you choose to watch an episode per night or week, it is well worth your time.
Back to Band of Brothers and The Pacific. I want to make two points. Number one is that for a high school aged kid, I think these should be must watches for the history class. Replacing most (if not all) high school curriculum on WWII with watching these episodes (and perhaps parts of the aforementioned World at War) followed by discussions would make the learning of the events not only more interesting to the students, but give them a more accurate portrayal of the what people went through during this time (on all sides). This is especially true as we are losing many WWII veterans due to age. Also, Band of Brothers in particular teaches more lessons about leadership than any course, book, seminar, or other teaching mechanism that I have experienced. The main example of this is Major Richard “Dick” Winters, portrayed brilliantly by the English actor Damian Lewis. And you wouldn’t realize that he is English because he nails the American accent in Band of Brothers and another stellar series, Showtime’s Homeland. Watch the video. He starts the segment in his non-native accent (American).
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Fifteen Summer Readers across Nebraska to Win NEST 529 Scholarships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2015
Contacts:
Christina Kahler
Director of Marketing, NEST
402-602-6549
ckahler@fnni.com
Mary Jo Ryan
Nebraska Library Commission
402-471-3434/800-307-2665
maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov
NEST partners with libraries on scholarship program, encourages summer reading
Lincoln, Neb. (May 20, 2015) – Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans (NEST), First National Bank of Omaha, Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg and the Nebraska Library Commission announced today the NEST Read to Win $529! Drawing as part of library summer reading programs across the state. Almost $8,000 in NEST 529 College Savings scholarships and more than $3,700 in donations to libraries will be awarded.
The announcement was made during preschool story time at Eiseley Branch Library in Lincoln.
Fifteen summer readers, five in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts, will be randomly drawn from those who complete a summer reading program. Each winner will receive $529 in a NEST college savings account. The library of each winner will receive a $250 donation. To enter, children must register for the summer reading program at their libraries and complete the program as defined by their libraries.
“This is a perfect partnership for the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office,” Stenberg said. “We know that children eagerly have been participating in summer reading programs at their local libraries for years without monetary incentives. But the NEST 529 Read to Win! Drawing is an ideal opportunity to recognize summer readers and help them see the connection between reading and learning. Maybe in doing so, we plant a seed for their future educational endeavors and a greater awareness of the benefits of saving through our Nebraska Educational Savings Trust, known as NEST.”
“NEST is proud to support the educational efforts of Nebraska’s children as well as the great work of the libraries statewide,” said Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director of NEST at First National Bank of Omaha, the NEST Program Manager. “With the libraries encouraging leisure reading during the summer, children can daydream and think of places they want to go and what they want to be. We hope this scholarship program encourages children and families to get involved in summer reading and complete the program with a little extra incentive for a possible scholarship.”
“Nebraska public libraries’ summer reading programs are great opportunities for children and teens to have the time to enjoy reading while maintaining and improving reading skills. They can also enjoy the many activities that are part of this year’s Every Hero Has a Story summer reading program,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner. “As places for learning, libraries are a natural partner for NEST—helping to illustrate the importance of children and their parents setting aside money for college education. The Nebraska Library Commission is pleased to join with the Nebraska State Treasurer, First National Bank of Omaha, Regional Library Systems, and Nebraska public libraries to promote lifelong learning, financial education and planning.”
Winners will be drawn from the names of children who complete the summer reading program as submitted at the end of their programs by libraries throughout Nebraska. Winners will be announced during college savings month in September.
For official scholarship rules, visit the NEST College Savings Plans at www.NEST529.com, the State Treasurer’s Office at treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/ or the Nebraska Library Commission at http://nlc.nebraska.gov.
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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 the Program Trustee. First National Bank serves as the Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using the NEST 529 plans, which have more than 229,000 accounts, including 67,000 in Nebraska. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.
About First National Bank
First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, which is the largest privately owned banking company in the United States. First National and its affiliates have $17 billion in managed assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.
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 http://booksarejustthebeginning.com/ for more examples of how Books Are Just the Beginning at Nebraska libraries.
Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee May Lose Value
*Except the Bank Savings Individual Investment Option
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How to Set Up a Citizenship Corner at Your Library
Libraries play an important role in raising awareness about the naturalization process and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
Create a dedicated space in your library where immigrants can find information about becoming a U.S. citizen. USCIS has developed educational materials to help prepare individuals for naturalization. These materials are ideal for setting up a Citizenship Corner in your library. Here immigrants can find the information and resources they need to start the path toward becoming a U.S. citizen.
A typical Citizenship Corner includes citizenship test preparation materials along with information about the naturalization process. Libraries can also add information about community resources, English teaching materials, and other relevant books and videos from their collections. While there are a number of immigration topics that may be of interest to libraries and their customers, USCIS recommends displaying only citizenship and naturalization-related resources in the Citizenship Corner.
How to Set Up a Citizenship Corner at Your Library
- Order one free copy of the USCIS Civics and Citizenship Toolkit. The Toolkit contains immigration and civics publications, handbooks, and multimedia tools. Additional copies are available for purchase through the U.S. Government Printing Office.
- Build your collection by purchasing other USCIS materials. Most of the following publications are also included in the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit:
- The USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test video
- Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test
- Vocabulary Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test
- Civics Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test (English and Spanish)
- Civics and Citizenship Multimedia Presentation
- Download Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and provide copies in the Citizenship Corner. (Remind your customers that all USCIS forms are free.)
- Display and distribute free USCIS informational resources:
- Print 11″ x 17″ citizenship awareness posters in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Display these posters in the Citizenship Corner, classrooms, and other visible areas.
- Print 6″ x 9″ informational flyers in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. These flyers highlight naturalization eligibility requirements and resources available on the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
- Download and distribute the brochure 10 Steps to Naturalization: Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen.
- Download and display the Pathway to U.S. Citizenship poster.
- Enhance your Citizenship Corner with other citizenship-related and English as a Second Language (ESL) resources from your library’s collection:
- Locate the Citizenship Corner near ESL textbooks and resources or post signs directing customers.
- Feature books and magazines that address the content of the 100 civics questions on the naturalization test such as famous Americans, historical events, and important founding documents.
- Arrange your Citizenship Corner to be welcoming and helpful. Here are some additional suggestions:
- Decorate the Citizenship Corner in a patriotic theme.
- Distribute promotional flyers for citizenship or ESL classes offered at your library.
- Distribute flyers from local BIA-recognized organizations that may be able to help immigrant customers with USCIS forms. Visit uscis.gov for more information on finding legal services and BIA-recognized organizations.
- Create and distribute a referral list of local community organizations that provide citizenship services and ESL classes in your community. Start by visiting the Find Help in Your Community page on the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center. Another resource for finding community organizations that offer ESL, civics, and citizenship education classes is America’s Literacy Directory. Search for programs by zip code.
- Add computers to the Citizenship Corner and set the Internet browser home page to www.uscis.gov/citizenship, a one-stop USCIS resource for locating citizenship preparation materials and activities.
- Set up a video monitor at the Citizenship Corner and play The USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test video on a continuous loop.
- Set up a computer workstation that displays Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship. This interactive website highlights museum objects from the Smithsonian Institution to help people prepare for the civics portion of the naturalization test.
- USCIS often hosts naturalization information sessions and administrative naturalization ceremonies in libraries. View the list of upcoming naturalization information sessions at libraries nationwide. Contact your local USCIS Community Relations Officer if you are interested in USCIS hosting a similar session at your library.
- Create a virtual Citizenship Corner on your library website:
- USCIS offers many free web resources in the Learners section of this site. You may want to add a link on your website.
- Link to USCIS resources by adding a widget to your website. The widgets are small online applications in English and Spanish that can be embedded on social media sites, blogs, or other web pages.
- You can also include information about immigration and citizenship resources available at your library.
Throwback Thursday: NLC staff using the card catalog, 1959
NLC staff using the card catalog, 1959. In the background you can see the woman sitting at a desk with a card sorter and the woman in the foreground is working on a reference question. Wonder how many libraries still have some card catalogs sitting around?
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The Data Dude – Public Libraries and Hispanics
Shaka. Pew Internet research recently released a report about Public Libraries and Hispanics. If you have a large or increasing Spanish speaking constituency that your library serves, perhaps you might want a closer in-depth look at the Pew report. The report is important because the Hispanic population in Nebraska has grown, and is projected to continue to rise (see the chart at the right—sources: U.S. Census and UNO Center for Public Affairs Research). The increasing Latino/Latina population underscores the need for Spanish language materials (more than half of immigrant Hispanics are Spanish-dominant speakers). Interestingly, immigrant Latinos also are more likely to prefer audio and video over print book reading (32% v.s. 18% of whites). Also, Latinos are more likely to view library closings as having a major impact on their families and communities (40% v.s. 26% for whites). How many libraries have collection development policies specifically addressing materials in languages other than English? I’d venture to say a number have a version of these already. Perhaps it is time to review those, and plan for the future.
Nebraska USDA Rural Development Announces Funds Available for Low Interest Home Repair Loans and Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has announced adequate funding remains available to assist very low income households with home repairs. For those who own and occupy homes in need of essential repairs and who are wondering how to get financing, USDA Rural Development can help with grants and low-interest loans for homeowners in rural communities. All communities in Nebraska are eligible for housing programs with the exceptions of Fremont, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln, North Platte, Omaha and South Sioux City/Dakota City.
Applicants must own and occupy the home and not exceed income guidelines established by county and household size. The family’s income must below 50 percent of the county median income. For many counties in Nebraska, the income limit for a one person household is $21,350; two person, $24,400; three person, $27,450; four person, $30,500 and five person, $32,950. However, some counties may have higher income limits. Please contact your USDA Rural Development office for the details in your county.
Available Low-interest Loans:
Rural Development’s Home Repair Loan program offers low-interest (1 percent) loans, up to $20,000, to very low income rural homeowners. Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize homes or to remove health and safety hazards. Homeowners must meet household income guidelines, have an acceptable credit history and show repayment ability for the loan based on a household budget.
The USDA repair loan may be made up to $20,000 at a 1% interest rate, with a repayment term up to 20 years. Loans of less than $7,500 may not require a mortgage against the property. The low interest rate and extended terms of the loan make repayment more affordable for households with limited income. For example, a $10,000 loan at 1% interest for 20 years would have a monthly payment of $46, compared to a conventional loan with an interest rate of 5% for 10 years, with a monthly payment of $106.
Available Grants:
Rural Development’s Home Repair Grant program is available to owner-occupants of a rural home, who are 62 years of age or older, are very low income and are unable to repay a loan. Grant funds may only be used to remove health and safety hazards, such as replacing a roof, electrical and plumbing repairs, sanitary disposal systems and accommodations to make the home handicap accessible. Maximum lifetime grant assistance is $7,500.
Eligibility for the program is based on household income and applicants must be unable to repay a loan. If applicants can repay part, but not all of the costs, applicants may be offered a loan and grant combination.
For more information, go to the Nebraska RD website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/ne. You may also contact Single Family Housing Specialist Krista Mettscher at 402-437-5518, krista.mettscher@ne.usda.gov
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
Helping people stay in their home and keep it in good repair helps families and their communities. Households interested in affordable home improvements may contact their local USDA Rural Development office or visit the Agency website at www.rd.usda.gov/ne for additional information.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)
