Category Archives: Grants

NCompass Live: Winning Grants for Your Library Programming

While every library is unique, they all seem to share one thing in common: they could use more money! Get tips for ‘Winning Grants for Your Library Programming’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, March 13, at 10am CT.

Grant funding might be the just thing to help buy technology for STEM programming, get a new service initiative off the ground, or complete a renovation. But applying for grants can be overwhelming – and that’s assuming you can even find one for which you qualify. This session aims to introduce you to the tools to make the grant application process more easily navigable. In this session, Kathryn will provide tips for putting your best foot forward when it comes time to submit your proposal. Handouts include a roadmap to success and descriptions of various sections of the application.

Presenter: Kathryn Brockmeier, Grant Consultant.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • March 20 – No More Summertime Blues: Shaking Up SRP to Make It Work for YOU!
  • March 27 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Computers in Libraries 2024 Highlights & Trends
  • April 3 – Improving the Quality of Childcare Through STREAM
  • April 10 – Program Planning with a Marketing Mindset

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024 is tomorrow!

Small libraries! Awesome ideas! FREE!

Join us tomorrow for the 2024 Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference. Registration is still open, so head over to the Registration page and sign up!

We have a full agenda for the day, with speakers from academic and public libraries presenting on a wide variety of topics: fundraising, Memory Cafes, summer reading, accessibility audits, afterschool meals programs, DEIB: diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and much more.

This event is a great opportunity to learn about the innovative things your colleagues are doing in their small libraries.

And, Nebraska library staff and board members can earn 1 hour of CE Credit for each hour of the conference you attend! A special Big Talk From Small Libraries CE Report form has been made available for you to submit your C.E. credits.

So, come join us for a day of big ideas from small libraries!

Posted in Books & Reading, Education & Training, Grants, Information Resources, Library Management, Programming, Public Relations, Technology, Youth Services | Tagged | Leave a comment

Penguin Random House Grants for Small Libraries Application Deadline: Dec. 15

For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.

Applications for the 2024 Association for Rural & Small Libraries/Penguin Random House Grants for Rural & Small Libraries are open!

Through the generosity of Penguin Random House, ARSL is pleased to announce this grant opportunity for small, rural libraries nationwide! This grant is available to libraries that meet both the IMLS definition for small libraries (a service population of 25,000 or fewer) and the definition for rural libraries (libraries located 5 or more miles from the nearest town of 25k or more).

Applicants may request:

One (1) monetary grant in support of a community-oriented project for up to $1,000.
          or
An in-kind grant donation of up to $1,000 in equivalent value to support a circulating collection in your library.

Deadline for applications is December 15, 2023.

Notifications of funding decision will be sent to applicants by March 8, 2024.
Funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2024.
Project reports must be submitted by February 1, 2025.

The program will award grants to libraries that demonstrate a true need. Monetary grants are not limited to literacy and may be used for everything from library programming and books to resources like hotspots that help community members access important information. Library seeking support for digital collections should request a monetary grant.

View the Grant FAQ and Apply for the Grant online. Contact the ARSL Office with any questions at info@arsl.org

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2024 NLC Grants are Open for Applications!

Nebraska Public Libraries and State-run Institutions! Do you have an idea for a program or project you would like to see funded?

The Nebraska Library Commission has made funding available for four grants for 2024: Continuing Education & Training, Internship, Library Improvement, and Youth Grants for Excellence.

Applications are being accepted for all NLC grants right now! Don’t let your library miss out on these opportunities!

Grant applications for all 2024 NLC grants are due November 17, 2023.

For more information about these grants, register for the September 20 NCompass Live webinar, NLC Grants for 2024.

Continuing Education & Training grants help assist Nebraska libraries to improve the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library’s mission. There will be two rounds of CE Grants. The first fall grants will open in September and applications will be accepted for events/projects/classes that must be completed before July 1, 2024. The second spring round will open in March and applications will be accepted for events/projects/classes that begin after July 1, 2024.

Internship grants work to introduce high school and college students to the varied and exciting work of Nebraska libraries. The internships are intended to function as a recruitment tool, helping the student to view the library as a viable career opportunity while providing the public library with the finances to provide stipends to the student interns.

Library Improvement grants facilitate growth and development of library programs and services in Nebraska public and institutional libraries, by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes.

Youth Grants for Excellence are available specifically for innovative projects for children and young adults in your community. The program encourages creative thinking, risk-taking, and new approaches to enable youth librarians to begin needed programs and try projects which they have been unable to undertake, and to offer an opportunity to expand youth service capabilities in new and different directions.

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Apply now for Round 2 of ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities Grant: Accessible Small and Rural Communities

For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.

The American Library Association invites applications from small and rural libraries for the second application period of the Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities will offer more than $7 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities.
ALA is now accepting applications for grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.

Applications will be accepted from September 11 through December 11, 2023 at https://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities/access

The opportunity is open to any type of library in the U.S. and U.S. territories that serves a small and rural community – to be eligible, a library must have a legal service area population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area (town/city with a population of 25,000 or greater).

Participating libraries will first conduct community input-gathering sessions to assure that their work aligns with local needs. Libraries will be required to identify the primary audience they are hoping to reach (e.g., homebound seniors, children with autism, Deaf community members) and facilitate a community conversation with the impacted populations in order to guide improvement of the library’s services. Grantees would then use the funds to create services or improve their facilities based on the needs identified by their audience.

Selected libraries will receive $10,000 or $20,000 to support costs related to their community engagement project; virtual training to assist project directors in developing their community engagement, facilitation, and disability service skills; a suite of online resources developed to support local programs; and technical and project support from the ALA Public Programs Office throughout the grant term.

Questions? Contact the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office staff at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5045, or publicprograms@ala.org

Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is part of ALA’s longtime commitment to preparing library workers for the expanding role of libraries. The initiative is offered in partnership with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL). It is supported by a private donor.

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Call for Speakers: Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024

The Call for Speakers for Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024 is now open!

Submit your proposal by Friday, December 15, 2023.

This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries; the smaller the better!

Small libraries of all types – public, academic, school, museum, special, etc. – are encouraged to submit a proposal. We’re looking for seven 50-minute presentations and four 10-minute “lightning round” presentations.

Do you offer a service or program at your small library that other librarians might like to hear about? Have you implemented a new (or old) technology, hosted an event, partnered with others in your community, or just done something really cool? The Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference gives you the opportunity to share what you’ve done, while learning what your colleagues in other small libraries are doing.

Here are some possible topics to get you thinking:

  • Unique Libraries
  • Special Collections
  • New buildings
  • Fundraising
  • Improved Workflows
  • Staff Development
  • Advocacy Efforts
  • Community Partnerships
  • That great thing you’re doing at your library!

Speakers from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people will be preferred, but presentations from libraries with larger service populations will be considered. Speakers must be from small libraries or directly partnered with a small library and submitting a proposal to co-present with the library.

Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024 will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT) via the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Speakers will present their programs from their own desktops. The schedule will accommodate speakers’ time-zones.

This conference is sponsored by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) and the Nebraska Library Commission.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

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Free Training Opportunity this October! Learn about Creative Aging Program Development for your library

Are you interested in providing creative programming for older adults in your community? The Nebraska Arts Council is partnering with the Nebraska Library Commission to offer training led by Lifetime Arts, a national leader in creative aging program development.

Library staff throughout the state are invited to apply for Creative Aging Arts Program (CAAP) Library Training, and the training is entirely free of charge.

Those who are accepted for this program will participate in three synchronous online sessions on Monday mornings, October 16, 23, and 30 from 10:00am-12:00pm CDT (9:00am-11:00am MDT). Up to two library staff per library building may apply. There are just 25 spaces available, and part of the online training is interactive, so applicants are asked to make a good-faith commitment to attend all three sessions at the designated times.

Participants will learn about exciting new nationwide trends to engage older adults through creative activities and help to alleviate loneliness, which is becoming recognized as a widespread challenge affecting many older adults. Participants will also see examples of creative activities led by artists that can be easily adapted in library settings, discover how creative arts programming can be a vehicle to nurture social interaction, learn tips and tricks about administering programs, and hear about grant opportunities through the Nebraska Arts Council’s Creative Aging Arts Program (CAAP).

Apply early! Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and spaces are limited. The final deadline to apply is October 2. 

Questions? Contact Anne Alston at the Nebraska Arts Council.

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Grant Opportunity: High School Drone Program

If you work with high school students in your library, or know a high school in need of a drone program, check out this FAA Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program.

The FAA is awarding up to $500,000 to multiple applicants for a total of $4,500,000 in an effort to attract future aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, or unmanned aircraft systems operators (drone operators) in the U.S. Starting a drone pilot training program in your school or library is a great way to attract future aviation professionals!

The grant application is due August 16, 2023, so think fast! Feel free to check out these drone training resources for high school age students as inspiration for your grant writing:

You can also reach out to local community colleges and universities to get the most up to date drone-related curriculum, or more local resource and program referrals. I’ll stop droning on now. Happy applying!

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ARPA Report – St. Edward Public Library

St. Edward Public Library used ARPA funds to support the community!

Several areas of the community, along with the library, were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The library’s project targeted specific areas such as infection control, library organization, support for local students, support for homeschooling families, stress relief, and support for Hispanic families.

School administration did not feel it was safe for elementary students to take field trips. So, the library provided several educational programs. These programs covered topics such as pet care, habitats of exotic animals, raptor recovery, wildlife and water conservation within our state, sea turtles, penguins, ocean life, prehistoric oceans, and an art class taught by a local artist. Adult painting classes were also hosted in an attempt to relieve some of the anxiety and stress that resulted due to the pandemic.

Due to this increase in programming, additional organization space was needed. Some of the funds were used to add another file cabinet to the library’s workroom. Also, the library purchased an air purifier to improve infection control.

During this time, the community saw an increase in homeschooling. To aid in this transition, the library added a Homeschooling Resource section. These materials included books from Around the World geography curriculum, Imagination Station history curriculum, Ocean Anatomy, Farm Anatomy, Nature Anatomy, Food Anatomy, and Homeschooling Tips and Ideas for parents.

Lastly, some of the Hispanic members of the community struggled with the language barrier. This lead to problems obtaining services and health care. Some of the ARPA funds were used to obtain bilingual books and materials for the library’s conversational ESL class.

The library has seen success through its projects. Programs for the local students were well attended and some of the teachers have expanded the programs into their classrooms. The library is also working with the local school to provide during and after school sessions.

The homeschooling parents have formed friendships and a support system for each other. There is talk about forming a co-op to bring the kids together for some classes and experiences. Materials for the homeschooling families will continue to be added to the library’s collection and space for the co-op will be provided.

The library’s adult patrons have expressed appreciation for its stress relieving programs. The library is also in the process of scheduling more adult and senior programs.

Local businesses and services, along with the school, have indicated that the library’s English classes for the Hispanic community members have been helping with communication. The Boone County Foundation has expressed interest in helping the continuation of the ESL classes.

The biggest lesson learned was that the library has that ability to be safe space where all are able to come to be nurtured, taught, or just welcomed.

______________________________________________________________________________

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is result of the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress. The Nebraska Library Commission received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding has been allocated for three projects: Formula based grant program, NLC Library Improvement Grants, and NLC Youth Grants for Excellence.

This project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.

For more information about the 2021 American Rescue Plan, visit www.nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/arpa/index.aspx

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ARSL 2023 Conference: Last Chance for CE Grants!

Apply now for a $500 grant to attend the ARSL 2023 Annual Conference in Wichita, Kansas on September 20-23!

Application Deadline: Friday – July 7

The purpose of these grants is to assist Nebraska libraries in improving the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how attending this conference will support the library’s mission.

Eligible costs include:

  • Registration (for in-person or virtual conference)
  • Travel
  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Preconference fees (but does not include networking or social events)

Registration costs are available on the conference website.

The applicant must be either 1) employed in an accredited Nebraska public library or a state-run institutional library at the time of application and for the duration of the course, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the course.

For more information on this and other CE Grants, please see:

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Holli Duggan.

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Apply now for a ‘Thinking Money for Kids’ Program Kit

For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/index.aspx

ALA and the FINRA Foundation invite public libraries, including tribal and state libraries in the U.S. and U.S. territories, to apply to receive a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit, a collection of expertly vetted resources to help libraries offer financial education for children ages 3 to 12, both in the library and in children’s homes..
 

Application deadline: September 8.

We all need to master the knowledge and skills to make smart financial choices and prepare for whatever the future brings. Thinking Money for Kids, an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, strives to teach children and their parents, caregivers and educators about financial topics – like saving, spending, sharing and budgeting – in a way that is both meaningful and fun.

Approximately 200 public libraries will be selected to receive a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit (estimated kit value: $2,000). Libraries will keep all kit contents, including the Launchpads, after the grant period ends. The programming period will run from September 2024 through December 2025.

Each selected library will receive the following:

  • All materials needed to host five different in-person children’s programs – such as ready-to-use games, props and other physical materials – for children ages 3 to 12.
  • A set of Playaway Launchpad tablets pre-loaded with digital content that aligns with the in-person program offerings.
  • Program instructions, talking points, related book lists and other resources to assist library workers in planning and hosting the in-person programs.
  • Template promotional materials and digital graphics to assist library workers with marketing the programs and Launchpad tablets to the public.
  • Access to virtual training and a community of practice.

Shipping is free for libraries and coordinated by ALA.

Selected libraries are required to attend two brief virtual trainings; host each of the five in-person children’s programs at least once during the 16-month programming period; add Launchpad tablets to library circulation and collect circulation data; and complete a brief final report form (estimated completion time: less than 30 minutes).

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Lois Lenski Covey Foundation: Bookmobile Grant Program

For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/index.aspx

Through the Bookmobile Grant Program, the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation awards grants to organizations that operate a lending bookmobile that travels into neighborhoods populated by underserved youth.
The grants are for purchasing books published for young people preschool through grade 8, Early Reader books through Young Adult and Hi-Lo books.  

Bookmobiles operated by charitable [501(c)(3)] and other non-taxable agencies, including public libraries or schools, are eligible. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that serve economically or socially at-risk children, have limited book budgets, and demonstrate real need. 

Grants range from $500 to $3000 and are specifically for book purchases, and cannot be used for administrative or operational uses.

A link to a downloadable application and detailed instructions for completing and sending the application are available at the Bookmobile Grant Application webpage.

Application deadline: September 1.

About the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation

The purposes of the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation are to advance literacy and foster a love of reading among underserved and at-risk children and youth. Lois Lenski, celebrated author and illustrator of over one hundred children’s books and the 1946 Newbery medalist for Strawberry Girl, established the Foundation as a charitable institute in 1967. Since then the Foundation has assisted over 400 organizations in their efforts to nurture reading skills, gain access to books, and instill a love of reading.

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4imprint Grants for Promotional Items

For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/index.aspx

one by one® is the charitable giving program of 4imprint. Since 2006, the promotional products retailer has awarded promotional products grants to more than 13,000 nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in their communities to help advance their missions.
This helps them spread the word, recruit volunteers, thank donors, or in some other way turn one thing into something much more.

Every business day, 4imprint’s one by one® charitable program provides several $500 in-kind grants for promotional items to various 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, religious organizations, and registered Canadian nonprofits. In order to apply for a donation you must be employed by or be a member of the Board of Directors of the organization.

They grant one donation per 12 months to a particular organization. But, if you are denied a donation, you may re-apply after 6 months.

To apply, submit an application at least two months before your event, to allow time for order, imprint, and delivery, at https://onebyone.4imprint.com

See the lists of previous grants awarded at https://onebyone.4imprint.com/recipients/2023

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Continuing Education Grants: Applications Extended!

Apply now for a $500 grant to attend the ARSL 2023 Annual Conference in Wichita, Kansas on September 20-23!

The deadline for the Continuing Education and Training Grant has been extended to June 2, 2023!

The purpose of these grants is to assist Nebraska libraries in improving the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how attending this conference will support the library’s mission.

Eligible costs include:

  • Registration
  • Travel
  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Preconference fees (but does not include networking or social events)

Registration for the conference will open on June 13th. Registration costs are available on the conference website.

The applicant must be either 1) employed in an accredited Nebraska public library or a state-run institutional library at the time of application and for the duration of the course, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the course.

For more information on this and other CE Grants, please see:

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Holli Duggan.

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Apply for PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentives

For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.

With support from AT&T, the Public Library Association (PLA) is offering incentives for public libraries to teach digital literacy workshops for library patrons and community members. Applications are open now through June 2, 2023,
for the below incentives.

PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive

Offers incentives of $6,000 to conduct workshops using DigitalLearn training materials designed to help patrons build skills and confidence using technology.

ACP Basics Workshop Incentive

Offers incentives of $1,500 to conduct the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Basics workshop designed to help families and households learn about ACP and how to apply for the benefit.

About PLA’s Collaboration with AT&T

Community members come into public libraries every day, hoping to complete life tasks many of us take for granted, but sometimes lacking the basic computer skills needed to accomplish them. PLA offers digital literacy programs to help you help patrons reach their goals. A national PLA collaboration with AT&T has added both content and local partnership opportunities to encourage public libraries and other community partners to promote and teach digital skills together using the DigitalLearn platform!

With support from AT&T as part of AT&T Connected Learning and the company’s commitment to bridge the digital divide, PLA has been able to add and update more than a dozen online DigitalLearn courses, and develop 9 new complete training packages. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. All DigitalLearn materials are free to use.

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ARPA Report – Plainview Public Library

Plainview Public Library used ARPA funds to add new items to its collection and show patrons the value of returning to the library!

When the COVID pandemic hit, patrons did not use the library as much. The purchase of new items and equipment show patrons all that the library has to offer. Some of these new items include a cricut maker and mug press, sublimation printer and supplies. The cricut maker and printer provide patrons with the option to make gifts, etc. in case they are low on funds due to the pandemic.

In an effort to get kids back into the library and involved in its programs, the library purchased indoor games and snap circuits, Osmo kits and a Kindle Fire to be used with the Osmo kits and breakout kits. It purchased circuit cubes robots, gears go garage and robots roll kits to be used with the LEGOS to get the kids interested in playing with the LEGOS again. Finally, the MakeDo kits to get kids creating with cardboard. The first project the children made were snowplows out of cardboard boxes.

The pandemic highlighted the importance of fresh air and sunshine. The new outside games at Plainview Public Library allows patrons to go outside and play. In addition, a vacuum was also purchased to keep the library a clean environment.

In the summer of 2022, the library hosted the LEGO Guy and Dino O’Dell to get patrons in the library and involved in its programs. This also gave community members an opportunity to get out of their homes and do something fun! For these two presentations, the library had 68 children and 22 adults in attendance.

There was a 10% increase in attendance for the library’s after school and summer reading programs. There was also a 10% increase in new patrons who came to check out the cricut maker, mug press, and sublimation printer.

The most significant lesson learned is that no matter how prepared you think you are, when a pandemic hits, you learn even more.

______________________________________________________________________________

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is result of the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress. The Nebraska Library Commission received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding has been allocated for three projects: Formula based grant program, NLC Library Improvement Grants, and NLC Youth Grants for Excellence.

This project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.

For more information about the 2021 American Rescue Plan, visit www.nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/arpa/index.aspx

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Libraries Defying the Odds: Nomination Period is OPEN

Library Journal and Gale are pleased to announce the inaugural Libraries Defying the Odds award, created to help address the needs of public libraries in a continuously changing landscape.

As libraries confront obstacles that range from natural disasters to inadequate infrastructure to intellectual freedom challenges, many have used creative problem solving, activated community support, forged strong partnerships, and otherwise found new ways to overcome these barriers and meet the needs of the people they serve.

The 2023 Libraries Defying the Odds award will provide $10,000 to a U.S. public library that is stepping up for its community and staff in the face of adversity—and to celebrate library workers providing services, programming, and collections for those who need them most. The award will be based on need and the nature of the work done.

One winning library will receive $10,000 in grant money from Library Journal and Gale and will be profiled in the July issue of Library Journal and online. Honorable mentions may also be named and briefly profiled in the same issue.

Click here for more information.

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION TODAY!

Deadline to submit: May 13, 2023

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Governor Pillen Promotes Broadband Connections During National Library Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 27, 2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495  
John Gage, (531) 510-8529

Governor Pillen Promotes Broadband Connections During National Library Week   

CLAY CENTER, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen, together with the Nebraska Library Commission, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), and the Clay Center Library, highlighted the Nebraska E-rate Special Construction State Matching Grant Program as an opportunity to further connect Nebraskans by incentivizing new broadband fiber construction to state libraries. 

“Reliable and fast broadband internet connection is an essential component to quality of life,” said Governor Pillen. “Internet access impacts work force, education, public health, economic development, and public safety. Schools and libraries serve as the centers of communities and ensuring those institutions are connected to fiber is a priority for the State of Nebraska. These fiber-optic based networks will provide connectivity to resources and expand reach and access to Nebraskans.”  

The federal E-rate program provides discounts ranging from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible services based on 1) the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program in the school district in which the library is located, and 2) the urban or rural location of the library, based on U.S. Census data.  

The state program is designed to maximize federal funds by providing up to 10% in matching support to Nebraska Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (NETCs) to connect E-rate eligible entities with fiber where there is no existing fiber connection. The Nebraska E-rate Special Construction State Matching Grant Program (NUSF-117), administered by the PSC, was established in May 2020 and has allocated $1 million to facilitate the build-out of new fiber to Nebraska libraries and schools participating in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) E-rate Special Construction Program. 

To best serve the needs of stakeholders, the PSC is seeking comments on its E-rate Special Construction Matching Funds program, including whether modifications should be made, what services are supported and whether existing funding is sufficient or needs to be increased. Libraries can learn more about the proposed enhancements and provide comment by visiting the E-rate Special Construction page of the PSC website and clicking on the NUSF-117 P.O.#1 link

“In our commitment to deployment of fiber optic internet to all Nebraska libraries, we applaud the work of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Governor Pillen’s leadership on these issues,” said Nebraska Library Commissioner Director Rod Wagner. “We encourage all Nebraska libraries to provide comments to the PSC during this open comment period.”

“I’m thankful for the financial assistance of the Nebraska E-rate Special Construction State Matching Grant program to install fiber at our library. We have participated in the federal E-rate program for 24 years,” said Clay Center Public Library, Director Cheryl Green. “These programs enable libraries to provide unlimited online resources, using reliable high-speed digital broadband. I encourage other Nebraska libraries to participate in the Nebraska E-rate Special Construction State Matching Grant program to install fiber-optic connectivity at their library.” 

Libraries and schools are encouraged to participate in the process by providing comment responses to questions posed in the NUSF-117 P.O.1 docket. Initial comments may be filed on or before Friday, May 26, at 5 p.m. (CT) and reply comments may be filed on or before Friday, June 16, at 5 p.m. (CT) by email to psc.nusf-filings@nebraska.gov

“Our state libraries help to keep our communities connected,” said PSC District 4 Commissioner Eric Kamler. “Through the State E-rate program, we can help provide support for new fiber construction to these essential public institutions.” 

Information on the E-rate program in general can be found at nlc.nebraska.gov/erate/ and the PSC website at E-rate Special Construction

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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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NCompass Live: Creative Aging Arts Program for Nebraska Libraries

Learn how to host a Creative Aging Arts Program for older adults at your public library, with grants available from the Nebraska Arts Council, on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, April 19 at 10am CT.

A happy surprise during the Nebraska Arts Council’s pilot year of the Creative Aging Arts Program (CAAP) was the interest shown by public libraries around our state and engagement with them. Now in its second year, CAAP is going strong, with grants available to libraries throughout Nebraska. These grants support sequential, interactive workshops that are led by teaching artists who’ve completed training to work with older adults. Join us to learn about why the Nebraska Arts Council (NAC) supports creative programming that engages older adults. We’ll also share experiences from libraries that have already hosted artist residencies, learn about the variety of visual and performing artists who are involved in this program, and discuss the grants that are available to libraries and how to apply for those grants.

Join NAC Program Specialist Anne Alston and NAC Program Coordinator Joshua Brown, as well as the Lincoln Lied Township Library Director, Wendy Ketelsen – who is also a CAAP artist herself!

  • Hear what NAC has learned about the importance of socialization and creative skill building for older adults.
  • Tell us about programming that you would like to see in YOUR libraries.
  • Learn about the steps involved with applying for a grant, hiring an artist, and hosting a series of artist-led workshops for older adults.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • April 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech – Computers in Libraries 2023 Highlights & Trends
  • May 3 – Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations
  • May 10 – The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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Union Pacific Foundation: 2023 Community Ties Giving Program

For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/index.aspx

The Union Pacific Foundation’s 2023 Community Ties Giving Program aims to build safe, prosperous, vibrant, and inclusive communities where Union Pacific Railroad operates, primarily in the midwestern and western United States.
Through the Community Ties Giving Program, Local Grants from $2,500 to $25,000 provide support to local nonprofit organizations spread widely across Union Pacific’s footprint. A map and list of eligible communities is available on the Union Pacific website.

The application deadline is May 31, 2023.

Funding is provided for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes: Safety, Workforce Development, Community Spaces, Environmental Sustainability, and Local Needs. Libraries fall under the Community Spaces funding priority – supporting the local economy by building and enhancing community spaces that contribute to the distinct identity of a city or town, creating diverse and inclusive destinations where families, businesses, and visitors want to be.

Within each focus area, the aim is to support programs and organizations working to advance the diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented populations:

“Vibrant, diverse and inclusive communities are essential in attracting businesses and tourism, and establishing a desirable place for skilled workers and their families to call home. Just as the railroad opened avenues for sharing different cultures and experiences, we seek to ensure all residents within our operating locations – particularly underrepresented populations, BIPOC communities, and people with disabilities – have equitable access to special places in the community that celebrate cultural diversity, artistic expression, our natural environment, and the social interactions that enrich our lives.”

Visit the Union Pacific website for the Application and grant guidelines.

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