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Category Archives: Programming
Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Banned Books Week Event Grants
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
Applications are open for the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Banned Books Week Event Grants. Each year the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) distributes $1,000 grants for organizations to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Week celebration, being held this year October 5-11, 2025. Staff at all types of libraries, schools, universities, and non-profit community organizations are encouraged to apply.Applications are accepted now through April 30, 2025.
Learn more and apply on the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Banned Books Week Event Grants webpage.
The Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund is dedicated to continuing and promoting the remarkable legacy of Judith Krug, founding executive director of the Freedom to Read Foundation and founding director of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom. For over 40 years, Judith made it her life’s work to protect the First Amendment to the US Constitution and the principles of intellectual freedom, in libraries and beyond. Judith is remembered for her fierce advocacy for the First Amendment, for the principles of freedom of access to information in the US and around the globe, and for the importance of education and its centrality to a strong democracy.
Union Pacific Foundation: 2025 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 2025 Community Ties Giving Program provides Local Grants from $5,000 to $30,000 to local nonprofit organizations spread widely across Union Pacific’s footprint, primarily in the western and midwestern United States. A map and list of eligible communities is available on the Union Pacific website.
The application deadline is May 14, 2025.
Funding is provided for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes: Safety, Workforce Development, Community Vitality, and Environmental Sustainability.
Libraries fall under the Community Vitality funding priority – to “Provide recreational opportunities that foster wellbeing, enrichment and/or an appreciation for our natural environment”.
Visit the Union Pacific website for the Application and grant guidelines.
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Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025 Recordings Now Available
Recordings of all Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025 sessions are now available!
You will find the recordings and presentations on the 2025 Recordings & Presentations page.
Don’t forget to complete the conference Evaluation! We’re looking for input from people who attended the live conference and watched the archived recordings.
And mark your calendars now – Big Talk From Small Libraries will be back in 2026! Next year’s conference will be on Friday, February 27, 2026!
ALA Building Library Capacity Grants
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The American Library Association (ALA) announces the opening of the third year of the ALA Building Library Capacity Grants of $10,000 to public libraries assisting New Americans – immigrants and refugees.
Applications are due by April 9, 2025. Information on the grant can be found at the Building Library Capacity Grant website.
This opportunity is for public libraries that are or will serve New Americans – immigrants and refugees. It is open to libraries already serving New Americans or those who would like to use the grant to begin serving New Americans. ALA membership is NOT required.
The grants are to bolster library operations and services including literacy and other skill development, developing collections, staffing, expanding outreach, as well as maintaining and amplifying existing service strategies or adding new ones to make an impact.
The ALA Building Library Capacity Grants are supported through a three-year grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Each year focuses on helping add capacity to different segments of the library community.
For questions, contact the American Library Association (ALA) Chapter Relations Office staff at cro@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433, ext. 3200.
NCompass Live: Family & Community Programming: Major Successes & Epic Fails
The Lexington Public Library utilizes community partnerships and innovative ideas to reach a culturally diverse community. Family programming and community festivals are a major part of the ways in which the library serves the community.
Presenter: Jennifer Norton, Library Director, Lexington (NE) Public Library.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- March 19 – Pretty Sweet Tech – CANCELED
- March 26 – Creating Connection in Library Events
- April 2 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2025
- April 30 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Computers in Libraries 2025 Highlights & Trends
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.
Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025 is tomorrow!
Join us tomorrow for the 2025 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, K-12, and public libraries presenting on a wide variety of topics: reader’s advisory, interactive library displays, school/public library partnerships, marketing, sustainability, a Library of Things, Sensory Gardens, and much more.
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.
This event is a great opportunity to learn about the innovative things your colleagues are doing in their small libraries. So, come join us for a day of big ideas from small libraries!
Only One Week Until Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025!
Small libraries! Awesome ideas! FREE Online Conference!
There’s only one week until Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025!
Check out the full schedule and register to join us next Friday, February 28.
Sponsored by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) and the Nebraska Library Commission, this free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries – the smaller the better! All of our presenters are from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people or are co-presenting with a small library. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the innovative things your colleagues are doing in their small libraries.
Everyone is welcome to register and attend, regardless of how big or small your library. But, if your library serves a few hundred to a few thousand people, this is the day for you!
Posted in Education & Training, Library Management, Programming, Public Relations, Technology, Youth Services
Tagged ARSL, BTSL2025
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AARP Community Challenge Grants
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
AARP invites you to submit applications for 2025 funding for quick-action projects that can help your community become more livable for all residents, especially those age 50 and over.
Applications are due by March 5, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET, and all projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted through http://www.aarp.org/communitychallenge , where you will also find full details about the grant program.
These grants are open to the following types of organizations: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits; Government entities; Other types of organizations considered on a case-by-case basis. AARP Community Challenge grants may be used to support three project types: Permanent physical improvements in the community; Temporary demonstrations that lead to long-term change, and New, innovative programming pilots or services.
Examples of previously funded Community Challenge Projects include:
- Avoca (IA) Public Library: Avoca’s Main Street already had green space and places to sit, but Avoca Public Library organizers wanted to give residents a reason to spend time downtown. To invite people in and advance the town’s creative placemaking plans, they installed oversized, weather-proof musical instruments outside the library. Since the instruments don’t require any training or talent to play, they are popular with residents of all ages.
- Aliceville (AL) Public Library: The project resulted in new computers, upgraded software and faster internet service at the library’s computer lab. The library also offered technology classes geared toward older adults.
In 2025, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. Organizations are eligible to apply for more than one grant opportunity and may submit multiple applications.
1. Flagship Grants
Flagship Grants continue the successful Community Challenge grant program, first launched in 2017. Flagship Grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. In 2025, Grants will not exceed $25,000. These grants offer a broad opportunity for communities to apply for funding across several project categories: Public Places, Transportation, Housing, Digital Connections, and Community Resilience.
2. Capacity-Building Microgrants
Combining $2,500 grants with additional resources — such as webinars, cohort learning opportunities, up to two hours of one-on-one coaching with leading national nonprofit organizations, and AARP publications — this grant opportunity will accept applications for project that benefit residents (especially those age 50 or older) in the following categories: Disaster Preparedness Planning, Walk Audits, Bike Audits, HomeFit Guide Modifications.
3. Demonstration Grants
This opportunity funds projects that encourage replication of promising local efforts. Grants tend to fall
between $10,000-$20,000 and will not exceed $25,000. This grant opportunity will accept applications for
projects that benefit residents (especially those age 50 and older) in the following categories: Enhancing pedestrian safety, Expanding high-speed internet (broadband) access and adoption, Reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure, and Implementing housing design competitions.
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ALA Games & Gaming Round Table Game On! Grant
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The Games and Gaming Round Table of the American Library Association is proud to sponsor its annual grant program to enable libraries to develop gaming programs or collections for their public.
Applications are due March 1, 2025.
Through the Game On! Grant, $2,000.00 will be available to be awarded either as one grant of $2,000 or two of $1,000 each to assist a library (or libraries) in developing gaming programs or collections for their communities.
GameRT members in good standing currently employed at a public, school, academic, or special library in the United States or Canada are eligible to apply. GameRT membership requires ALA membership.
Libraries will need to illustrate a plan for a sustainable gaming program or collection created with the funds as well as financial need and institutional support for the proposed project.
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NEA 2026 Grant Opportunities Update
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The National Endowment for the Arts has updated its FY 2026 grant guidelines. The Challenge America opportunity is canceled for FY 2026. The Grants for Arts Projects FY 2026 deadlines are now March 11 and July 10, 2025.The National Endowment for the Arts has updated its FY 2026 grant guidelines, with deadlines in March and July 2025. These changes impact organizations applying in the Grants for Arts Projects or Challenge America categories.
A webinar covering the updated Grants for Arts Projects guidelines will take place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET. Free to attend; no registration required; join the webinar at https://www.arts.gov/news/events/webinar-fy26-grants-arts-projects-application-guidelines A recording will be posted shortly after the presentation in the Applicant Resources section of the Grants for Arts Projects webpage.
Challenge America
The Challenge America opportunity is canceled for FY 2026. Organizations that have applied or were planning to apply to the FY 2026 Challenge America grant opportunity are encouraged to apply to the Grants for Arts Projects category at the March or July deadlines instead.
Grants for Arts Projects
The National Endowment for the Arts has revised the FY 2026 Grants for Arts Projects guidelines. A set of Frequently Asked Questions addressing the changes is available in the guidelines.
As part of these changes, the February 13, 2025, Grants for Arts Projects deadline has been canceled. The FY 2026 deadlines are now March 11, 2025, for GAP 1 and July 10, 2025, for GAP 2. Organizations that have already submitted an application must submit a new application under one of these deadlines.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) U.S. organizations, units of state or local government, and federally recognized tribal communities or tribes. Eligible organizations that received American Rescue Plan (ARP) or CARES funding are also eligible to apply to Challenge America or GAP. Applicants may be arts organizations, local arts agencies, arts service organizations, local education agencies (school districts), and other organizations that can help advance the NEA’s goals.
Challenge America
Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines to reach historically underserved groups/communities that have rich and dynamic cultural identities. Challenge America may be a good entry point for organizations that are new to applying for federal funding. The category features an abbreviated application, a robust structure of technical assistance, and grants for a set amount of $10,000.
Grants require a cost share/match of $10,000 consisting of cash and/or in-kind contributions. Total project costs must be at least $20,000 or greater.
Application Deadline: April 24, 2025 for projects taking place beginning in 2026. The Challenge America opportunity is canceled for FY 2026.
Grants for Arts Projects
Grants for Arts Projects is the NEA’s largest grant program for organizations, providing expansive funding opportunities for communities across the nation in a wide range of artistic disciplines. Through project-based funding, the program supports opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector.
This grants program also welcomes projects that engage with individuals whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, race or ethnicity, economics, or disability.
In recognition of the United States of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the NEA also welcomes arts projects that educate and engage communities in dialogue about the past, present, and future of our nation.
Cost share/matching grants range from $10,000 to $100,000. Designated local arts agencies that are eligible to subgrant may request from $30,000 to $150,000 for subgranting projects. A minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount is required.
Application Deadlines: February 13 March 11 and July 10, 2025 for projects taking place beginning in 2026.
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NEA 2026 Grant Opportunities Now Available
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is pleased to announce that grant guidelines and application materials are now available for Challenge America and Grants for Arts Projects (GAP). These grants to organizations support specific projects in any part of the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. jurisdictions. See below for additional information and access the full guidelines at arts.gov/grants.Eligible applicants include nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) U.S. organizations, units of state or local government, and federally recognized tribal communities or tribes. Eligible organizations that received American Rescue Plan (ARP) or CARES funding are also eligible to apply to Challenge America or GAP. Applicants may be arts organizations, local arts agencies, arts service organizations, local education agencies (school districts), and other organizations that can help advance the NEA’s goals.
Challenge America
Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines to reach historically underserved groups/communities that have rich and dynamic cultural identities. Challenge America may be a good entry point for organizations that are new to applying for federal funding. The category features an abbreviated application, a robust structure of technical assistance, and grants for a set amount of $10,000.
Grants require a cost share/match of $10,000 consisting of cash and/or in-kind contributions. Total project costs must be at least $20,000 or greater.
Application Deadline: April 24, 2025 for projects taking place beginning in 2026.
Grants for Arts Projects
Grants for Arts Projects is the NEA’s largest grant program for organizations, providing expansive funding opportunities for communities across the nation in a wide range of artistic disciplines. Through project-based funding, the program supports opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector.
This grants program also welcomes projects that engage with individuals whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, race or ethnicity, economics, or disability.
In recognition of the United States of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the NEA also welcomes arts projects that educate and engage communities in dialogue about the past, present, and future of our nation.
Cost share/matching grants range from $10,000 to $100,000. Designated local arts agencies that are eligible to subgrant may request from $30,000 to $150,000 for subgranting projects. A minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount is required.
Application Deadlines: February 13 and July 10, 2025 for projects taking place beginning in 2026.
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Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grants Application Cycle is Open
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for programs aimed at enhancing Adult, Family, and Summer Reading Literacy programs. The Foundation will also accept applications for its Youth Literacy grant program starting on March 6, 2025.The application deadline for Adult, Family, and Summer Reading Literacy Grant applications is February 6, 2025. Interested applicants may find eligibility information and apply by visiting the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant Programs website.
To be eligible for a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, your organization must be a nonprofit organization as determined by the IRS, a public library, school or college providing direct literacy services within a state that Dollar General Corporation operates in and is within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. Other eligibility requirements are specific to each grant type and can be found within the grants themselves.
For the Adult and Family literacy grant programs, the maximum grant amount is up to $10,000. The Summer Reading maximum is $3,000 and the Youth Literacy grant is $4,000. Applying for a grant does not guarantee that amount due to the large volume of requests we receive.
Adult Literacy Grants (Grant Application deadline: February 6, 2025)
Funding is awarded to organizations that provide direct services to adults in need of literacy assistance in one of the following areas:
- Adult basic education
- GED or high school equivalency preparation
- English language acquisition
Family Literacy Grants (Grant Application deadline: February 6, 2025)
Funding is awarded to nonprofit organizations who support the whole family in literacy, providing:
- Adult education instruction
- Children’s education
- Parent and Child Together Time (PACT)
Summer Reading Grants (Grant Application deadline: February 6, 2025)
Local nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries can receive funding to support the creation or expansion of summer reading programs that meet the following criteria:
- Target pre-K to 12th grade students who are new readers
- Target below grade level readers
- Assist readers with learning disabilities
Youth Literacy Grants (Grant Applications will be available on March 6, 2025. Application deadline: April 3, 2025)
Schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations who help students that are below grade level or having trouble reading may apply with funding provided to assist in the following areas:
- Implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs
- Purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives
- Purchasing books, materials or software for literacy programs
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Apply Now: Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The American Library Association (ALA) invites library workers to apply for the Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, an annual award supporting innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries.Applications will be accepted between December 2, 2024, and February 3, 2025. View the full award guidelines and apply online at www.ala.org/LTCEG.
The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant recognizes, promotes and supports innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. It will provide two grants of $2,000 for a school, public, academic, tribal or special library to expand its community engagement efforts.
Libraries are invited to apply by designing and outlining activities for a library-led community engagement project. Community engagement is the process of working collaboratively with community members – be they library patrons, residents, faculty, students, or local organizations – to address issues for the betterment of the community.
Each year, the grant will focus on supporting a community engagement project with a specific theme. For the 2024–2025 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a community engagement project that focuses on building neighborhood connections. Libraries should work collaboratively with community members and at least one partner organization to develop a project that addresses a local issue and builds upon community assets.
Visit the grant guidelines for more information.
Some examples of proposals could include a project that brings people together to discuss community tools such as “how to start a block party,” a program that collaborates with a local partner to host heritage or multicultural events, or a project that develops community identity by exploring local history through archives.
ALA announced the creation of the Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant in 2019, an initiative made possible by a matching grant and ongoing support from former ALA president and longtime generous supporter Nancy Kranich.
Last year’s grant was won by the Hoboken (NJ) Public Library and Independence (KS) Public Library to support the libraries’ efforts in community empowerment. Their initiatives aim to promote food security and address homelessness within their communities.
The 2023 grant was won by the Carlsbad (N.M.) Public Library and Lexington (Neb.) Public Library to support the libraries’ efforts in adult literacy and early childhood education.
The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant is part of Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC), ALA’s community engagement initiative. Since 2014, LTC has reimagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types, from across the country, have utilized the free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a safe space for residents to come together to discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.
LTC is administered by ALA’s Public Programs Office. To stay informed about future grants and awards offered by ALA’s Public Programs Office, sign up for the Programming Librarian e-newsletter.
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Tagged librariestransform
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United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants to U.S. Rural and Small Libraries’ Friends Groups
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
United for Libraries and Penguin Random House have partnered for a new grant opportunity for Friends of Libraries in small and rural communities across the U.S. Grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000), will be awarded to support libraries in need.
Sign up for grant information sessions and/or training
These funds will assist Friends of Library groups with priority projects. In-kind book donation grants of $500 will also be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles.
Each grant recipient will also receive complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries. This includes a year of access to United for Libraries Learning Live monthly webinars, which present in-depth training to library Trustees/Board Members, Friends, Foundations, advocates, and those who work with them, and training on how to leverage the grant funds to build support for the library and the Friends group.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a cash or in-kind grant, Friends groups must support a rural/small U.S. library in the 50 states, District of Columbia, or U.S. territories (Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) with a legal service area population of 25,000 or less, and in any area 5+ miles outside of a U.S. Census defined urban area (as defined by the Institute of Museum and Library Services IMLS). A library that meets the same eligibility and is able to demonstrate it has started the process of forming a Friends group will also be eligible.
How to apply
The grant application is open now through February 18, 2025.
- The application is hosted on the ALA Apply platform.
- Download a PDF of the application questions. Please note that (1) this contains all questions, you will only answer those applicable to the specific grant for which you are applying ($500, $1,000, or $500 in-kind), and (2) all applications must be submitted online.
- You will need to create an account on the ALA Apply platform if you do not have one already. This account is different than your ALA website or membership account.
- You can save the application and return later to complete. Be sure to submit the application once you have finalized all information.
- Refer to the Dec. 18 information session Frequently Asked Questions for details about the grants, eligibility, and more. If you need additional assistance, please email united@ala.org or call (312) 280-2161.
Grants will be administered by United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, whose mission is to support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries. Grant funding is provided by Penguin Random House.
Apply for Programming Support with the Fifth Annual ALA Peggy Barber Tribute Grant
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
The American Library Association (ALA) invites library workers to apply for the fifth annual Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, a programming grant named after the transformative ALA leader responsible for the creation of National Library Week and the Celebrity READ series.
The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is an annual grant that recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming. This grant aims to help ease budget challenges by annually awarding three libraries $2,500 to support a proposed program, program series, or programming effort.
Applications for the award will be accepted from December 2, 2024, to February 3, 2025. Read the grant guidelines and apply online.
Each year, the grant will focus on supporting a specific type of library programming. For the 2024–2025 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a grant combatting isolation for older adults. Remember: your proposal should be focused on a program that combats isolation for older adults, such as a technology training club to teach seniors how to use technology so that they can stay connected online or a social club to bring adults together around an activity like crafting, gardening, etc.
All library types — including public, academic, K-12, tribal and special libraries — in the U.S. or U.S. territories are eligible. Applicants must have a personal or institutional membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.
Peggy Barber served as ALA’s associate executive director of communications from 1970 to 2000. In that role, she established ALA’s Public Information Office, Public Programs Office and the ALA Graphics department. After leaving ALA, she was a principal consultant with Library Communication Strategies and served as co-president of Friends of Libraries USA, now known as United for Libraries. She passed away in August 2019.
The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant was created with donations from Barber’s friends and colleagues. To support the grant, make a contribution to the Peggy Barber tribute fund within ALA’s Cultural Communities Fund.
To stay informed about future grants and awards offered by ALA’s Public Programs Office, sign up for the Programming Librarian e-newsletter.
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2025 Big Talk From Small Libraries Schedule Now Available
The full schedule for the 2025 Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference is now available!
You will find all the details on the Schedule page. Information about our presenters is available on the Speakers page.
If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to jump over to the Registration page and sign up – the conference is free and open to anyone in the world to attend! However, please be aware that all times are listed in US Central Time – UTC-6.
You are welcome to watch as an individual or to host a group viewing of the conference. If several staff members from the same library want to attend, you can just register for one seat and have staff members view/listen together via one workstation.
You can also host a viewing party this same way and invite staff from other libraries. For any group viewings, if you know who will be there, you can list your Additional Attendees on your one registration or you can send us a list after the event. Be sure to take all necessary health and safety precautions into account when planning group viewings.
Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025 will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT) via the GoTo Webinar online meeting service.
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Tech Kits Through the Mail: Marty the Robot!
- Multiple coding options:
- Code-free
- Drag-and-drop block coding
- Text-based coding options
- Pre-made lesson plans. Some crowd favorites include:
- Dancing
- Kick a ball
- Change facial expression
- Find all lessons in Learning Portal
How to Use Tech Kits Through the Mail
If you haven’t used the Tech Kits Through the Mail service yet, it’s pretty easy:
- Fill out request form (up to 15 copies of each kit available)
- Receive kit(s) through the mail, or pick up locally
- 30-day loan period
- Mail kits back to Commission
- You only pay return shipping
- Some library systems offer assistance with return mailing- email your system director!
See the Tech Kit Lending Agreement for full policy details
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2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
Applications for the 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are now open! These grants recognize libraries for their growth of graphic literature and award funds for graphic novel collection development and programming.The application deadline is January 12, 2025, 12pm CT.
The objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries is to facilitate library-generated programs and services that will promote graphic novels to library patrons and to the local community.
Two Will Eisner Graphic Novel grants will be awarded in 2025: one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant, which provides support to libraries that would like to expand their existing graphic novel collection, services, and programs; and one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant, which provides support to a library or Friends Group for the initiation of a new graphic novel service or program.
All applicants must be current personal or organizational members of ALA in good standing at the time of application. The institution can be a school, public, academic, or special library and must be located in North America – Canada, United States, or Mexico.
Visit the Eisner Grants page for the application form and grant details. Be sure to also check out the Eisner Grant FAQ page for new updates and additional information, including samples of some of the previous winning grant applications.
Check out this recorded webinar for some tips and advice for your Will Eisner Grant application. For any questions, contact ALA Graphic Novels & Comics in Libraries Round Table Staff Liaison, Tina Coleman, at ccoleman@ala.org.
Each winning library will receive a grant award of $4,000 to support initiatives that align with the objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries. The grant award will consist of the following:
- $2,000 grant in collection development funds to purchase graphic novels,
- $1,000 grant to host a graphic novel-themed event at a library or another community location, and
- $1,000 grant to attend the ALA Annual Conference to receive their grant money. This grant can be used towards any of the following: conference registration, transportation, lodging and food.
In addition, from the book publishers and the Eisner Foundation, the winning libraries will also receive the following graphic novels, valued at approximately $3,000:
- The Will Eisner Library: A graphic novel collection of Will Eisner’s work and biographies about Will Eisner* (comprising approximately 40 books)
- A selection of the winning titles from the current year’s Will Eisner Awards* at Comic-Con International (comprising approximately 40 books).
* Please note that some of the titles in these collections are of a mature nature.
Chosen Grant applicants must agree to take responsibility for organizing a recognition ceremony of their grant in their library.
Will Eisner (1917-2005) was an acclaimed American comics writer, artist, teacher, and entrepreneur. He is considered one of the most important contributors to the development of sequential art (a term he coined) and is known for the cartooning studio he founded; for his highly influential comic series, The Spirit; for his use of comics as an instructional medium; for his leading role in establishing the graphic novel as a form of literature with his 1978 groundbreaking graphic novel, A Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories; for his 20 years of teaching at the School of Visual Arts, leading to his three textbooks. In a career that spanned nearly seven decades—from the dawn of the comic book to the advent of digital comics—Will Eisner was truly the “Father of the Graphic Novel.”
Posted in Books & Reading, Grants, Programming, Youth Services
Tagged #eisnergrant, #GNCRT, #graphicnovels, #willeisner
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Help your library patrons avoid scams with resources from the FTC
The Federal Trade Commission’s latest Consumer Alert is all about how librarians can help their communities recognize, avoid, and report scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/help-your-library-patrons-avoid-scams
Their newly-updated website for librarians: https://ftc.gov/libraries provides free reference materials, outreach and programming ideas for all ages, social media “shareables” such images and videos, and handouts including bookmarks and brochures that you can print yourself or order in bulk for free. All resources are in the public domain and can be used without restriction.
They also offer free webinars, and “office hours” for you to drop in and get your questions answered. Upcoming library-related webinars, co-sponsored by the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services include:
Wednesday, October 23rd, 11:00AM CST: How to Help Your Library Patrons Avoid Holiday Scams
Thursday, December 5th, 1:00PM CST: How To Bring National Consumer Protection Week to Your Library
Posted in Education & Training, General, Information Resources, Programming
Tagged consumer alert, consumer protection, free resources, ftc, scams
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Applications Now Open for NEA Big Read Grants
For more grants like this one, check out the NLC’s Grant Opportunities for Nebraska Libraries.
Applications are now open for the 2025-26 cycle of the NEA Big Read, a national program that offers matching grants of up to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs around the theme of “Our Nature: How Our Physical Environment Can Lead Us to Seek Hope, Courage, and Connection.”The Intent to Apply deadline is January 23, 2025. Final Application due: January 30, 2025. Visit Arts Midwest’s website for complete grant guidelines and to apply.
The 22 NEA Big Read books available for programming this cycle explore our relationship with the physical environment, from our cities and farms to our mountains and coastlines. Applicants will host book discussions, writing workshops, and other creative activities that examine how we shape our physical environment and how it shapes us.
The NEA Big Read welcomes applications from a variety of eligible organizations, including first-time applicants; organizations serving communities of all sizes, including rural and urban areas; and organizations with small, medium or large operating budgets. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations, universities/colleges, school districts, public libraries, tribal organizations, museums, and community service organizations located and operating within the United States, U.S. Territories, and the Native Nations that share this geography.
Potential applicants may sign up for a live informational webinar, being held on November 14, 2024 at 1pm CT, to learn more about the program. All registrants will be send a link to the recording, even if you cannot attend the live event.
Posted in Books & Reading, Grants, Programming
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