Hear about ‘Empowering Families Through Literacy: Tools and Strategies from Nebraska’s Statewide Initiative’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, February 11 at 10am CT.
Join us for an engaging session highlighting Nebraska’s statewide efforts to strengthen family literacy through cross-sector collaboration, inclusive practices, and accessible tools. This presentation will showcase the work of the Nebraska Department of Education’s Family Literacy Advisory Committee, including a newly developed implementation guide and centralized resource hub designed to support schools, libraries, and community organizations. Participants will explore practical strategies and adaptable tools that librarians can use to deepen their role as literacy leaders in their communities. Whether you serve young children, adult learners, or multilingual families, this session will offer valuable insights and resources to support and enrich your local literacy efforts.
Feb. 18 – Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!
Feb. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
March 4 – Tour de Force: Build Bridges by Leading Tours of Your Library
March 11 – Public Library Survey: Nebraska’s New Data Collection Tool
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.
Learn how to implement ‘Homesteading at Your Library’ programming on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, February 4 at 10am CT.
This hands-on series of programming offers library patrons the chance to explore essential homesteading skills such as starting a garden, fermenting, raising backyard chickens, vinegar making, canning, and more. Patrons gain practical knowledge for sustainable living in a modern world, from basic techniques to tips for successful practice at home. Homesteading sessions include interactive demonstrations led by knowledgeable staff, volunteers, or local experts, and provide take-home materials to help participants implement what they’ve learned. The homesteading program fosters community engagement and empowers individuals to embrace self-sufficiency in their everyday lives. Leave this session with ideas for implementing similar programs tailored to your own community’s needs.
Feb. 11 – Empowering Families Through Literacy: Tools and Strategies from Nebraska’s Statewide Initiative
Feb. 18 – Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!
Feb. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
A number of awards honoring titles and media for children and young adults were announced yesterday morning, January 26, 2026.
The John Newbery Medal goes to All the Blues in the Sky written by Renée Watson, with four other titles named as Newbery Honor Books.
The Randolph Caldecott Medal goes to Fireworks, illustrated by Cátia Chien and written by Matthew Burgess, with four additional titles named Caldecott Honor Books.
The Michael L. Printz Medal goes to Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, with four additional titles named Printz Honor Books.
Candace Fleming had quite a day, receiving the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for her “substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.” Additionally, she received the Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults for her title Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown.
To see the ALA new release listing all the youth awards and titles, go here.
Celebrate the 2026 One Book One Nebraska selection, The Antidote, with us on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, January 21 at 10am CT.
The One Book One Nebraska reading program is entering its twenty-second year. Nebraska libraries and other literary and cultural organizations continue to plan activities and events to encourage all Nebraskans to read and discuss the same book. Join us to hear more about this state reading promotion activity, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and the Nebraska Library Commission.
We are excited to talk about the 2026 selection The Antidote: A Novel by Karen Russell (Knopf, 2025).
Join Nebraska Center for the Book Board Member Becky Faber; Nebraska State Historical Society Director of Historic Sites, Broc Anderson; and Nebraska Library Commission Communications Coordinator Tessa Timperley to:
Hear about this year’s selected book and ask questions.
Learn about how to create a successful local reading promotion using Nebraska’s year-long, statewide celebration featuring The Antidote.
Brainstorm strategies to read and discuss The Antidote.
Find tools to help engage your community in local activities to encourage them to come together through literature to explore this work in community-wide reading programs.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: How to Build a Virtual Makerspace
Feb. 4 – Homesteading at Your Library
Feb. 11 – Empowering Families Through Literacy: Tools and Strategies from Nebraska’s Statewide Initiative
Feb. 18 – Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!
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.
Are you considering building a new library or renovating your current library? Hear about one library’s experience ‘Navigating New Building Projects’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, January 14 at 10am CT.
Public library building and renovation projects are often once-in-a-generation events. Staff and leaders may never have done a similar project and may never do one again, making it imperative for libraries to learn from one another.
Our library opened the doors to its new building on April 1, 2024, after raising more than $3.3 million to help fund construction. After an overview of this project and process, I’ll discuss ways to help manage input, communication, and expectations during the building process, and share practical lessons learned about fundraising, moving, and building design.
Jan. 21 – 2026 One Book One Nebraska: ‘The Antidote: A Novel’
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: How to Build a Virtual Makerspace
Feb. 4 – Homesteading at Your Library
Feb. 11 – Empowering Families Through Literacy: Tools and Strategies from Nebraska’s Statewide Initiative
Feb. 18 – Communicating Your Library’s Value and Getting your Board “On Board” to Help!
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.
Join us for the first NCompass Live webinar of 2026, where you will hear about the ‘Best New Teen Reads of 2025’, on Wednesday, January 7 at 10am CT.
Sally Snyder, the Nebraska Library Commission’s Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, will give brief book talks on titles published in the last year that could be good additions to your school or public library’s collection. A sentence or two about the plot, and then some comments on what in particular makes this a ‘Best’ title, including details such as “gaining self-confidence” or “steps up to stand with others.”
Titles for middle and high school levels will be included.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Jan. 14 – Navigating New Building Projects
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Feb. 4 – Homesteading at Your Library
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.
Hear about the ‘Best New Children’s Books of 2025’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, December 17, at 10am CT.
Sally Snyder, the Nebraska Library Commission’s Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, will give brief book talks on titles published in the last year that could be good additions to your school or public library’s collection. A sentence or two about the plot, and then some comments on what in particular makes this a ‘Best’ title, including details such as “both parents are involved in the child’s concerns” or “demonstrates the point that we all need and want a home.”
Titles for pre-school through elementary school will be included.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Dec. 24 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – Happy Holidays!
Dec. 31 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – Happy New Year!
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
Learn about the endless options for creating digital content with Canva on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Return of the Canvaholic’, on Wednesday, December 10 at 10am CT.
Hi, my name is Kelly Kenny, and I am still a Canvaholic. Truly. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s website, “-aholic” means one who likes (something) to excess. There are chocoholics, workaholics, shopaholics, bookaholics – the list goes on. While all of those still describe me, Canvaholic remains the best fit. I still use Canva daily – whether it’s for worksheets, flyers, research organizers, library signage, posters, or even birthday party invitations for my now five-year-old. Canva’s had my back for years, and it just keeps getting better.
In this session, I’ll share exciting updates to Canva, explore how Canva and AI are changing the game, spark ideas for using Canva with students, and introduce new tips and tricks to level up your designs. Whether you’re a longtime Canva fan or just getting started, come geek out with me on all things Canva! After all, I’ve learned a lot on my nine-year journey to becoming a Canva Fanatic. (Yes, if you did the math, that’s right—I’ve been Canva obsessed since 2016.)
Presenter: Kelly Kenny, Elementary Teacher Librarian and K-6 Library Curriculum Chair, Hillside Elementary, Westside Community Schools, Omaha, NE.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 24 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – Happy Holidays!
Dec. 31 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – Happy New Year!
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
Jan. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
Join us for a fun ‘Social Media Show & Tell!’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, December 3 at 10am CT.
Social media platforms offer a great way to communicate and engage with patrons, but creating and posting content can seem overwhelming. What types of content should I share? How often should I post, and where? How do I make the most impact with my limited staff time?
This fast-paced session will allow participants to share their successes, failures and ongoing challenges. Through guided conversation, the presenter will share some social media tips and tricks, then ask the audience to add theirs. At the end, participants will take home a full list of ideas, tips, and tricks. Come ready to share!
Dec. 24 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
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.
Highlights from Internet Librarian 2025 will be shared on this week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, November 26 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Just in case you miss it, this Pretty Sweet Tech will offer some highlights from Internet Librarian 2025 that was held virtually from October 28-30. It’s where all the cool kids go to learn about library technology topics.
I’ll include my usual disclaimer that I couldn’t make it to every session, but I did my best to dig around and catch the cool, helpful, or off the beaten path sessions that caught my eye.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
Dec. 10 – Return of the Canvaholic
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
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.
Get ready for the 2026 Collaborative Summer Library Program, ‘Unearth a Story’, by learning about quality books for your library’s collection on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, November 19 at 10am CT.
Kids will be clamoring for both fiction and nonfiction titles as they read all about dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology, the topic for the 2026 Summer Reading Program.
Presenter: Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2025 Highlights
Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
Dec. 10 – Return of the Canvaholic
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
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.
‘There’s Always Something Happening at the Library’! Learn about ‘Becoming a Daily Destination for Your Community’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, November 12 at 10am CT.
In many of our communities, the library serves not only as a traditional library but also as a gathering place and community center. Our goal was to turn our library into a true destination for our patrons by building connections and increasing the fun!
Learn how our library re-energized its programming efforts in 2024, ultimately doubling the number of programs offered and increasing our total patron count by nearly 20% in one year. You will leave with practical examples of inexpensive drop-in and passive programming that can lead to more visits and turn your library into a daily destination for your community.
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2025 Highlights
Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
Dec. 10 – Return of the Canvaholic
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
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.
Learn how smart partnerships can help you amplify your library’s mission on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘From Rotary to the Local Bar: Unexpected Allies in Library Outreach’, on Wednesday, November 5 at 10am CT.
In small and rural communities, libraries are much more than book lenders – they are lifelines for connection, education, and services. Yet with limited staffing, funding, and resources, small libraries often struggle to meet growing community needs alone.
This session explores how meaningful partnerships with schools, health providers, local businesses, and civic organizations can dramatically expand a library’s reach and impact – without overextending staff or budgets. Participants will hear real-world examples of successful collaborations: from hosting community health clinics with local providers, to co-creating arts programming with nonprofits, to launching book clubs in local bars that bring in new audiences. We’ll also highlight the power of working with Rotary Clubs and other civic groups to co-sponsor events, fundraise, and build awareness. Whether your library has one staff member or ten, smart partnerships can help you amplify your mission.
Nov. 12 – There’s Always Something Happening at the Library: Becoming a Daily Destination for Your Community
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2025 Highlights
Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
Dec. 17 – Best New Children’s Books of 2025
Dec. 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Jan. 7 , 2026 – Best New Teen Reads of 2025
Jan. 14, 2026 – Navigating New Building Projects
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.
We’ll be ‘Discovering New Grants for Your Library’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, October 15 at 10am CT..
Due to insufficient budgets, libraries often struggle to provide the services, materials, engaging programming, and professional development that library staff need. 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 how to find grants for your library in unexpected places.
Presenter: Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Oct. 22 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY NLA!
Oct. 29 – Nebraska Celebration of Books 2025
Nov. 5 – From Rotary to the Local Bar: Unexpected Allies in Library Outreach
Nov. 12 – There’s Always Something Happening at the Library: Becoming a Daily Destination for Your Community
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Librarian 2025 Highlights
Dec. 3 – Social Media Show & Tell!
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.
Grab your dice and character sheet! It’s time to learn all about ‘The Do’s & Don’ts of D&D’, on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, October 8 at 10am CT.
Want to know more about Dungeons & Dragons and TTRPGs in general? Want to know of ways to integrate it into your library – and other ways of playing the game? Tune in and settle down for a sesh with Liz the Librarian to learn more!
Nov. 5 – From Rotary to the Local Bar: Unexpected Allies in Library Outreach
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
Learn about Nebraska’s state reading and writing contest for youth, Letters About Literature, on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, October 1 at 10am CT.
The Nebraska Center for the Book is a statewide organization dedicated to the promotion of reading in all its forms. Its annual Nebraska Letters About Literature contest allows students in 4th through 12th grade to write to authors (living or deceased) about their favorite book or poem about how his or her book affected their lives.
This session will provide helpful information for teachers and librarians interested in the competition. It will also cover the submission process and be an excellent opportunity to ask questions about the entire competition process. Teachers will be interested in this program that will help enhance and extend their classroom instruction.
Presenters: Tessa Timperley, Communications Coordinator, and Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Oct. 8 – The Do’s and Don’ts of D&D
Oct. 22 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY NLA!
Oct. 29 – Nebraska Celebration of Books 2025
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
Nov. 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
What is a data center? Find out on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Data Center 101 for Librarians’, on Wednesday, September 24 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Data centers are cropping up in the headlines alongside AI, but how many people really know how data centers work? This session will help your library field questions about data centers, especially if there are plans to build a data center in or near your community. Here’s what we’ll cover:
What is a data center?
Job creation & training
Impact on infrastructure & environment
Trends & Innovations
Common Questions
I’ll put everything in a handy slide deck with helpful talking points and links so your library is prepared to share good information and ask the right questions if a data center is coming to town.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Oct. 1 – Letters About Literature 2025
Oct. 8 – The Do’s and Don’ts of D&D
Oct. 22 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY NLA!
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
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.
Learn how ‘Powerful Partnerships Are Easier Than You Think’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, September 17 at 10am CT.
The Hastings Public Library has developed a model of providing outreach services through building partnerships. In doing so, programming has been elevated to a higher level and allows us to offer engaging programs that promote learning, create social connections, and stir up fun in several areas across the county.
Presenter: Sam Rundle, Programming & Collections Supervisor, Hastings (NE) Public Library.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Sept. 24 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Data Center 101 for Librarians
Oct. 1 – Letters About Literature 2025
Oct. 8 – The Do’s and Don’ts of D&D
Oct. 22 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY NLA!
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
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.
Nebraska Public Libraries and State-run Institutions! Do you have an idea for a program or project you would like to see funded? Apply for an NLC Grant! Learn all about the ‘NLC Grants for 2026’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, September 10 at 10am CT.
The Nebraska Library Commission has made funding available for four grants for 2026: Continuing Education & Training, Internship, Library Improvement, and Youth Grants for Excellence. Don’t let your library miss out on these opportunities!
Grant applications for all 2026 NLC grants will open on September 19 and will be due November 14, 2025.
Join Christa Porter, Sally Snyder, and Holli Duggan, from the Nebraska Library Commission’s Library Development Team, as they provide an overview of the grants, including eligibility requirements and grant guidelines, the application process and grant review, timelines and deadlines. They will also share some tips on writing effective grants.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Sept. 24 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Oct. 1 – Letters About Literature 2025
Oct. 8 – The Do’s and Don’ts of D&D
Oct. 22 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY NLA!
Nov. 19 – Summer Reading Program 2026: Unearth a Story
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.
What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate? Find out on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2026’ on Wednesday, September 3 at 10am CT.
E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and public libraries on the cost of their Internet Access and Connections to make these services more affordable. This includes Broadband, Fiber, and Wi-Fi Internet access as well as Internal Connections, such as wiring, routers, switches, and other network equipment.
This session will be a general overview of the E-rate program. Full in-depth E-rate workshops will be held later in the year. It will be useful to libraries who have never applied for E-rate, libraries who are new to E-rate, and current E-rate libraries who just want a short refresher on what E-rate is all about.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The dates and rules in this session will be specific to E-rate Funding Year 2026.
Presenter: Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Sept. 10 – NLC Grants for 2026
Sept. 24 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Oct. 1 – Letters About Literature 2025
Oct. 22 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY NLA!
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.
