Tag Archives: grants

$21,000 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

NLClogo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 25, 2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665

$21,000 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Nebraska Library Internship Grants totaling $21,000 to eighteen Nebraska public libraries. These internship grants will support public library interns who will contribute to the scope and value of the diverse programs and activities in Nebraska’s public libraries.

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

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

  • Summer Reading Programs for youth, teens, and adults
  • Help plan and conduct makerspace classes, STEAM activities, story time, computer classes, and Pioneer Days events
  • Assist with library outreach at the Farmer’s Market
  • Partner with local historian to work in the Heritage Room
  • Field trips to visit other public libraries
  • Partnerships with the Community Club, Library Foundation, 4-H, FFA, and County Extension
  • Basic library duties: circulation, shelving, weeding, attending library board and city/village council meetings, processing acquisitions

The following 18 Nebraska public libraries were awarded 2024 internship grant funding:

Atkinson Public Library
Axtell Public Library
Rock County Public Library, Bassett
Bayard Public Library
Garfield County Library, Burwell
Central City Public Library
Ceresco Community Library
Clearwater Public Library
Grand Island Public Library
Howells Public Library
Lincoln City Libraries – Loren Corey Eiseley Branch Library, Charles H. Gere Branch Library, Bennett Martin Public Library, Youth Services Outreach, Bess Dodson Walt Branch Library, Northeast Service Unit – Victor E. Anderson & Bethany Branch Libraries
Nancy Fawcett Memorial Library, Lodgepole
Orchard Public Library
Osmond Public Library
Palisade Public Library
Papillion Public Library
Stromsburg Public Library
Valley Public Library

Funding for the project is supported and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission, in partnership with the Nebraska Library Systems.

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

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

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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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Continuing Education Grants: Round Two!

Apply now to attend the ARSL 2023 Annual Conference in Wichita, Kansas on September 20-23!

This round of CE grants will focus on individual $500 grants to attend the ARSL 2023 Annual Conference, though you may also apply for other fall conferences, courses, or events which begin after July 1, 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)

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.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on May 28, 2023. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before June 9, 2023.

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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$20,000 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

NLClogo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 30, 2023

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665

$20,000 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Nebraska Library Internship Grants totaling $20,000 to twenty Nebraska public libraries. These internship grants will support public library interns who will contribute to the scope and value of the diverse programs and activities in Nebraska’s public libraries.

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

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

  • Summer Reading Programs for youth, teens, and adults
  • Public relations: websites, social and print media, designing and posting flyers, and other forms of marketing
  • Basic library duties: circulation, shelving, weeding, processing acquisitions
  • Assist with Early Literacy Programs
  • Create and organize new Teen Space
  • Assist with the genrification process in the library
  • Partnerships with schools and daycare centers
  • Creating new Teen Programming
  • Assist with ‘Under the Microscope’ Youth program

The following 20 Nebraska public libraries were awarded 2023 internship grant funding:

Axtell Public Library
Bennington Public Library
Bridgeport Public Library
Crete Public Library
Fullerton Public Library
Gibbon Public Library
Hastings Memorial Library, Grant
Lincoln City Libraries, Loren Corey Eiseley Branch Library
Lincoln City Libraries, Charles H. Gere Branch Library
Lincoln City Libraries, Bennett Martin Public Library
Lincoln City Libraries, Youth Services Outreach
Lincoln City Libraries, Bess Dodson Walt Branch Library
Lincoln City Libraries, Northeast Service Unit – Victor E. Anderson & Bethany Branch Libraries
Madison Public Library
Newman Grove Public Library
Cordelia B Preston Memorial Library, Orleans
Ponca Carnegie Library
Shelby Community Library
Shelton Public Library
South Sioux City Public Library
Raymond A Whitwer Tilden Public Library
Valparaiso Public Library
Verdigre Public Library
Lied Lincoln Township Library, Wausa
Maltman Memorial Public Library, Wood River

Funding for the project is supported and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission, in partnership with the Nebraska Library Systems.


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

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

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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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ARPA Report – Ashland Public Library

Ashland Public Library used ARPA funds to make improvements to the library!

The library turned off their drinking fountains due to COVID-19 in an effort to prevent the spread. Using money from the ARPA grant, the library was able to install a bottle filler to the drinking fountains. This allowed kids, patrons, and the public to access the water when needed.

The recent pandemic shed a light on how important WiFi access is to the community. Children would sit by the windows in order to gain access when the library was closed. The library was able to purchase new access points to give patrons higher speeds inside and outside the library.

COVID-19 hit the active seniors in the community hard. Isolation and limited contact led to disconnect in community activities. As vaccination rates increased, the library offered a free exercise program geared toward seniors. The GeriFit program was a great fit for the community and helped the senior population to get back out and strengthen their muscles.

Along with the ARPA Youth for Excellence Grant, Ashland Public Library purchased STEM equipment for the new group of home school students. The library purchased iPads along with Sphero to teach computer coding. For younger patrons, the library bought two option of the Go Robot Mouse to spark learning of how coding works.

The pandemic showed that Ashland Public Library is an important piece of its community. Every upgrade or new purchase, has had positive results. Patrons have shown their appreciation for all the opportunities available through the library to help the community continue to move forward.

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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.

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

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ALA announces $1.55M second round of emergency fund for libraries impacted by COVID-19

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

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announced it will make available  $1.55M in emergency relief grants to more than 75 libraries that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund invites public, school, academic, tribal, and correctional libraries across the United States and US Territories to apply for grants of $20,000.

These funds are intended to bolster library operations and services including broadening technology access, developing collections, providing digital instruction, staffing, and expanding outreach, as well as maintaining and amplifying existing service strategies or adding new ones to extend impact through the end of 2022.

Grant applications are accepted online through April 21, 2022 via the ALA website.

The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund continues to represent some of the most significant grant opportunities available to libraries outside of federal funding. Funds will support libraries’ ability to provide their users with the information services and digital access they need to retain or secure socio-economic mobility during a time of shift and upheaval. Libraries serving low income and rural communities, or communities that are predominately Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and People of Color, are especially encouraged to apply.

In 2021 $1.25 million was granted to 34 libraries. More than 300 libraries applied for grants in 2021.

“This new round of grants will help to support libraries at a time when they are displaying extraordinary ingenuity and determination in creating new materials, programs, and service delivery models – and all too often doing so with limited budgets,” said ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall. “Over the last two years of the pandemic, we have worked hard as an association to raise the visibility of the vital and unduplicated work of libraries and library workers, especially in communities where the need is greatest.”

The ALA COVID Library Relief Fund is generously supported by Acton Family Giving as part of its pandemic responsive grantmaking.

“Libraries have faced daunting challenges throughout the pandemic,” said ALA President Patricia “Patty” Wong. “In a time when communities depend on their services, many libraries have suffered the impact of cuts that have significantly impair their ability to provide resources at this critical moment of recovery. We are so grateful to Acton Family Giving for their tremendous support, which will enable our treasured institutions to emerge more robust than ever.”

The application deadline is April 21, 2021, with awards announced on June 1, 2022.  Additional information and award guidelines are available on the grant application site.

ALA’s Chapter Relations Office administers the ALA COVID Library Emergency Relief Fund. Additional information regarding Chapter Relations is available on our website. Contact: Michael Dowling, Director, Chapter Relations Office/International Relations Office, American Library Association, mdowling@ala.org

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more

About Acton Family Giving
Acton Family Giving supports distinct initiatives and collective efforts. Its Empathy Building Initiative, launched in 2014, partners with organizations building connections across difference and reaffirming our common humanity. This work is rooted in the belief that an empathetic society fosters stronger, healthier, and more just communities. Acton Family Giving is part of the Wildcard Giving philanthropic family.

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Continuing Education & Training Grants: Applications Extended!

The deadline for the Continuing Education and Training Grant applications has been extended to March 1, 2022!

This year we are offering grants in three different areas: taking an online course, attending an out-of-state professional conference, and other larger continuing education projects for library staff or library board members.

Continuing Education and Training Grants 2022:

Details and Applications

The purpose of these grants is to 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.

Applications and support forms are due March 1, 2022.

Recipients will be notified by March 15, 2022.

For more details about this and other NLC grants, the NCompass Live archived session “NLC Grants for 2022” is also available.

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

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CE Grants: Submit your application!

CE Grants Due 01/14/22. Submit your application: [link] nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/ce/

Applications for the Continuing Education & Training Grants are still open!

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. This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering grants for online learning courses, attending conferences (in-person or virtually), or for larger staff or board member training projects.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 14, 2022. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before February 4, 2022.

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 grant, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.

More details about the grant and application requirements are available on the Continuing Education Grants page.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.

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CE Grants: Applications Still Open!

Continuing Education and Training Grants. Applications due January 14, 2022

Applications for the Continuing Education & Training Grants are still open!

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. This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering grants for online learning courses, attending conferences (in-person or virtually), or for larger staff or board member training projects.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 14, 2022. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before February 4, 2022.

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 grant, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.

More details about the grant and application requirements are available on the Continuing Education Grants page.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.

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Continuing Education & Training Grants: Applications Open!

This year we are offering grants in three different areas: taking an online course, attending an out-of-state professional conference, and other larger continuing education projects for library staff or library board members.

Continuing Education and Training Grants 2022:

Details and Applications

The purpose of these grants is to 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.

Applications and support forms are due January 14, 2022.

Recipients will be notified by February 4, 2022.

For more details about this and other NLC grants, the NCompass Live archived session “NLC Grants for 2022” is also available.

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

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CE Grants: Still Time to Apply!

There’s still time to apply for a Continuing Education and Training Grant! The application due date is next Friday, January 15, 2021. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before January 22, 2021.

Continuing Education Grants Extended! Submit applications by 01/15/21

This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering grants for online learning courses, attending conferences (in-person or virtually), and for larger staff or board member training projects.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 15, 2021. Faxes and U.S. mail will not be accepted. 

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 grant, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.

More details about the grant and application requirements are available on the Continuing Education Grants page. If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.

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CE Grants: Application Date Extended

There’s still time to apply for a Continuing Education and Training Grant! The application due date has been extended to January 15, 2021. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before January 22, 2021.

Continuing Education Grants Extended! Submit applications by 01/15/21

This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering grants for online learning courses, attending conferences (in-person or virtually), and for larger staff or board member training projects.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 15, 2021. Faxes and U.S. mail will not be accepted. 

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 grant, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.

More details about the grant and application requirements are available on the Continuing Education Grants page. If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.

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Applications Still Open! CE & Training Grants 2021

Applications are still open for the 2021 Continuing Education and Training Grants!

Continuing Education Grants. Due 12/09/20. Web address: nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/ce/

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. This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering grants for online learning courses, attending conferences (in-person or virtually), and for larger staff or board member training projects.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 9, 2020. Faxes and U.S. mail will not be accepted. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before January 6, 2021.

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 grant, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.

More details about the grant and application requirements are available on the Continuing Education Grants page. If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.

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NCompass Live: Finding Grants for Libraries in Unexpected Places

We’ll be ‘Finding Grants for Libraries in Unexpected Places’ on next week’s FREE NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, October 7 at 10am CT.

Budgets allocated to public libraries are sometimes not enough to provide the services, materials, and engaging programming that library staff want to provide. Luckily, there are other funding opportunities available, if you just know where to look. You may know about many library specific grants, but libraries are also eligible for other grants that might not be so obvious. In this session, we will learn to think outside the box to find grants for your library.

Presenter: Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Oct. 21 – Migrating to an Open-Source ILS in an Academic Library: How to Celebrate Successes and Bounce Back from Problems
  • Oct. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Tues. Nov. 10 – Creating an Open Educational Resource: Grenzenlos Deutsch, German Language Online Curriculum

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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Flash CE Grant!

We are opening applications for just one week to cover registration costs to attend the Iowa Library Association’s virtual conference on October 15th!

ILA has extended a special $50 registration rate for Nebraska Library Association (NLA) members. Non-members can register for $80 or Trustees for only $20.

More information about the conference can be found at the links below:

CE Grant Details:

  • The applicant must be either 1) employed in an accredited Nebraska public library or a state-run institutional library at the time of application, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library. You do not need to be a member of NLA to apply.
  • These are for individuals only (no group applications).
  • Applications are due by 11:59 pm (CST) on Wednesday, October 7th.
  • You will also need to submit a separate indication of support form.
  • Applicants will be notified on Thursday, October 8th.
  • You must register for the conference by Monday, October 12th.

Apply Now!

Note: This mini-round of CE grants is separate from our 2021 Continuing Education grants which will be available for applications starting on Monday, October 5th and will be open for online learning, other out-of-state conferences, and larger CE projects. For more information on those grant opportunities, please see our main CE Grants Information page.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

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Youth Grants for Excellence now available

Applications for the Youth Grants for Excellence are now available for accredited public libraries and state-run institutional libraries in Nebraska. The program is designed to encourage innovative projects for children and teens via creative thinking, risk-taking, expanding current programs, and new approaches to address problems and needs of children and young adults in your community. Grant applications are due October 7, 2020. Applications must be received by the Nebraska Library Commission submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CT. You will be notified by November 13, 2020 if you are awarded a grant.  Find the application form here, near the bottom of the page.

Join us on September 23, 2020 for the NCompass Live program that will address recommendations for your application for this and other grants from the Library Commission.

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Reminder: Submit your CE grant applications!

Just a few days left to apply for a Continuing Education (CE) grant to attend the ARSL 2020 virtual conference!

ARSL logo: airplane in front of SOAR with libraries, Sharing Our Amazing Resources

You can now see the detailed program schedule, as well as the session descriptions on the conference website. Keynote speakers include William Ottens, Cassandra Campbell, and Nancy Pearl. Sessions will also be recorded and available to registrants after the conference, so you won’t have to worry about missing anything!

Nebraska public librarians, library board members, and library students have a terrific opportunity with this virtual professional conference. Each grant recipient will be reimbursed for the costs of attendance, including conference registration and mileage (if traveling to a host library). Librarians, board members, and students may apply for an individual grant. Since ARSL is offering a group registration rate this year, library directors may apply for a group grant.

More details about the grant and the application forms are all available on the Continuing Education and Training Grants 2020 page.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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Nebraska Library Commission Awards CARES Act Grants to Advance Digital Equity

NLC Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 11, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665

Nebraska Library Commission Awards CARES Act Grants to Advance Digital Equity

Today the Nebraska Library Commission announced the recipients of $175,105 in COVID-19 response grants to 64 libraries across the state and the Central Plains Library System. Provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the grants will be used by local libraries to address digital inclusion and related technical support in the context of workforce development and broadband availability, including: 

  • COVID-19 PPE Response Supplies – Disinfectant sprays and wipes; masks; gloves; sneeze guards for desks and counters; hand sanitizer stations; touchless soap/paper towel dispensers; keyboard covers.
  • Virtual Summer Reading Programs – statewide, year-long subscription to Reader Zone; virtual programming; craft bag supplies.
  • Wireless hotspots, laptops, and tablets to lend to patrons
  • Wi-Fi extenders to expand broadband access beyond the library facility
  • Digital Content: Fee to join the Nebraska OverDrive Group; additional purchases of other ebooks and audiobooks.

“Nebraska libraries have been resourceful and responsive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acting within public health safety guidance and restrictions, libraries have sought to extend services outside of library walls.” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner. “Library grant funding provided through the CARES Act support libraries in acquiring needed supplies, paying for technology upgrades, purchasing digital content, and more.”

Grant recipients include:

Central Plains Library System
Albion Public Library
Arapahoe Public Library
Arcadia Township Library
Axtell Public Library
Bayard Public Library
Beaver City Public Library
Bellevue Public Library
Bennington Public Library
Broken Bow Public Library
Butler Memorial Library
Central City Public Library
Chadron Public Library
Columbus Public Library
Crawford Public Library
Dakota City Public Library
David City, Hruska Memorial Public Library
Dodge, John Rogers Memorial Library
Elmwood Public Library
Fairmont Public Library
Falls City Library & Arts Center
Franklin Public Library
Fremont, Keene Memorial Library
Friend, Gilbert Public Library
Gering Public Library
Grand Island Public Library
Grant, Hastings Memorial Library
Harrison, Sioux County Public Library
Hartington Public Library
Hemingford Public Library
Kimball Public Library
La Vista Public Library
Leigh Public Library
Louisville Public Library
Lyons Public Library
Madison Public Library
Neligh Public Library
Norfolk Public Library
North Bend Public Library
Oakland Public Library
Omaha Public Library
Ord Township Library
Oshkosh Public Library
Pender, House Memorial Library
Lied Pierce Public Library
Plymouth Public Library
Ponca Carnegie Library
Ralston, Baright Public Library
Lied Randolph Public Library
Ravenna Public Library
Sargent Township Library
Schuyler Public Library
Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
Shelby Community Library
Sutton Memorial Library
Taylor Public Library
Valentine Public Library
Verdigre Public Library
Walthill Public Library
Waterloo, Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library
Wausa, Lied Lincoln Township Library
Wayne Public Library
Western, Struckman-Baatz Public Library
Lied Winside Public Library
Wood River, Maltman Memorial Library

The Nebraska Library Commission received the funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support the role of museums and libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. In March, Congress provided the federal agency a total of $50 million in the CARES Act to distribute to states and territories.

IMLS Director Crosby Kemper III said, “COVID-19 has not only created a public health emergency, but it has also created a deep need for trusted community information, education, and connection that our libraries and museums are designed to provide. Access to and use of all kinds of health, job, government, educational, and community resources are necessary to weathering the current situation, beginning efforts to reopen, and sustaining our institutions.”

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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Apply for a Continuing Education Grant!

There’s still plenty of time to apply for a Continuing Education (CE) grant to attend the ARSL 2020 virtual conference!

ARSL logo: airplane in front of SOAR with libraries, Sharing Our Amazing Resources

You can now see the detailed program schedule, as well as the session descriptions on the conference website. Keynote speakers include William Ottens, Cassandra Campbell, and Nancy Pearl. Sessions will also be recorded and available to registrants after the conference, so you won’t have to worry about missing anything!

Nebraska public librarians, library board members, and library students have a terrific opportunity with this virtual professional conference. Each grant recipient will be reimbursed for the costs of attendance, including conference registration and mileage (if traveling to a host library). Librarians, board members, and students may apply for an individual grant. Since ARSL is offering a group registration rate, library directors may apply for a group grant.

More details and the application forms are all available now on the Continuing Education and Training Grants 2020 page.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

Important Dates:

  • Aug. 31: CE Grant Application Due Date
  • Sept. 4: Recipients Announced
  • Sept. 28 – Oct. 2: ARSL Conference
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ARSL Conference and CE Grants

Registration for the 2020 ARSL virtual conference is opening today! 

Registration will open today at 4:00 p.m. (CST). The updated schedule and speakers can be viewed on the ARSL Conference website.

Even better news — the CE grants are reopening! 

Starting Monday, July 20th, applications for CE grants will be available to submit online until August 31st.

What will be covered by grant funds?

  • Registration for the ARSL 2020 virtual conference
  • Mileage if traveling to a host library

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Librarians and staff members employed in an accredited Nebraska public library 
  • Board members of an accredited Nebraska public library
  • Nebraska students currently enrolled in a Library Science degree program (or will be enrolled in the fall) – will require proof of enrollment

Can library directors apply for a group CE grant?

  • Yes! ARSL is offering group registration rates this year. If libraries wish to take advantage of these group rates, the library director may apply for a CE grant for multiple staff members. Groups are not required to watch the conference together, though you may set up watch parties (following all safety guidelines).

Note: If you’ve already been awarded a CE grant for the ARSL conference, you do not need to reapply. I’ll be reaching out to you all individually.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.

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$24,500 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

NLClogo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 3, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:                            
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665

$24,500 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries

Nebraskans will once again reap the benefits of the energy and creativity of Nebraska young people as they serve as interns in their local public libraries. The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Nebraska Library Internship Grants totaling $24,500 to twenty-two Nebraska public libraries. These internship grants will support public library interns, who will contribute to the scope and value of the diverse programs and activities in Nebraska’s public libraries.

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

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

  • plan and implement programs such as summer reading programs for all ages, storytime sessions, book discussions, and teen/tween activities;
  • implement a Young Adult Book Group or a Teen Summer Reading Program;
  • organize Makerspaces and Maker Clubs, as well as other STEAM learning activities;
  • create a Local History Collection;
  • assist with outreach events outside the library;
  • update the library’s website and social media sites (Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, etc.) or in some situation designing and coding a new website;
  • assist with circulation activities, book selection, and collection management;
  • create flyers, newsletters, newspaper articles, and other promotional materials; and
  • work with Summer Youth Outreach Services to provide Bookmobile services at locations throughout the city and county.

The following Nebraska public libraries were awarded 2020 internship grant funding:

Alma, Hoesch Memorial Library
Atkinson Public Library
Axtell Public Library
Bassett, Rock County Public Library
Bayard Public Library
Bellevue Public Library
Columbus Public Library
Falls City Library & Arts Center
Grant, Hastings Memorial Library
Kimball Public Library
Lincoln City Libraries – Three branches (Bennett Martin, Loren Corey Eiseley Branch, Charles H. Gere Branch) and the Lied Bookmobile/Youth Services Department
Orleans, Cordelia B Preston Memorial Library
Oshkosh Public Library
Oxford Public Library
Plainview Public Library
Shelby Community Library
York, Kilgore Memorial Library

Additionally, five public libraries participating in the Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities (LIS) project have also received 2020 internship grant funding. The interns hired in these libraries will primarily be working with this LIS makerspace grant. These libraries include:

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

Funding for the project is supported and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission, in partnership with the Nebraska Library Systems.

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

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

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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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