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Author Archives: Kayla Henzel
#BookFaceFriday “Rosie’s Glasses”
Sometimes all you need is a new perspective . . .
This week’s #BookFace is all about rocking that perfect pair of specs! “Rosie’s Glasses” by Dave Whamond (Kids Can Press, 2018). It’s a wordless picture book that speaks volumes about learning to find the bright side and beauty in life. Young Rosie discovers that a change in perspective can change the way we experience the world.
“… an excellent tool for discussing how good and bad moods can alter perspectives.” — School Library Journal, September 2018
This week’s #BookFaceFriday model is Laura England-Biggs, Librarian at Keene Memorial Library and presenter in Wednesday’s episode of NCompass Live. Check out the recorded show, “Picture Book City: Reorganizing Our Storybooks by Subject” in our NCompass Live archives.
This title comes from our large collection of children’s and young adult books sent to us as review copies from book publishers. When our Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, is done with them, the review copies are available for the Library System Directors to distribute to school and public libraries in their systems. Public and school library staff are also welcome to stop by and select some titles for their library collections. Contact Sally Snyder for more information.
Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General
Tagged Book Art, Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, books, Children, Dave Whamond, Kids, NCompass Live, NCompLive, Reading, Rosie's Glasses
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ThrowbackThursday: “Little Gold Star”
NLC remembers those who died in service to our country with this week’s #ThrowbackThursday.
This week we have sheet music of World War I. “Little Gold Star” was written by Will M. Maupin and J. A. Parks, who was an internationally famous Nebraska composer and publisher.
“O little gold star on your field of white!
Your hero has paid the price;
God comfort the hearts that are sad tonight
With the thought of his sacrifice.
O little gold star in your border’d red,
You gleam for a world made free,
For the choice he made, and the price he paid
For the world and its liberty!”
If you’d like to hear a recording of this piece, click here.
This piece is owned and provided by Polley Music Library. Just over two hundred fifty pieces of Nebraska sheet music are available through the Nebraska Memories databases, as well as concert programs, manuscripts, theatre programs, photographs, and other Nebraska memorabilia which features an element of music. Searchers can also listen to a dozen performances of selections from this music collection performed by local musicians.
Interested in Nebraska history? Find out more about this photo in the Nebraska Memories archive!
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Posted in General, Nebraska Memories, Uncategorized
Tagged #TBT, #ThrowbackThursday, Memorial Day, Polley Music Library, Throwback Thursday
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Throwback Thursday: Lincoln Fire Department
Check out this week’s #ThrowbackThursday from the Nebraska Memories archive.
This 8″x10″ glass plate negative shows the interior view of a Lincoln Fire Department around the early 1900s. Harnesses are suspended from the ceiling and hooked up to two wagons in order for the horses to be quickly hitched up.
This photo is courtesy of Townsend Studio. Townsend studio has been in continuous operation since it was founded in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1888 by Timothy Townsend with his sons, Alva C. and Charles. The studio holds a collection of glass plate and acetate negatives of early Lincoln and early residents including General John J. Pershing, William Jennings Bryan and Mari Sandoz; images also include University of Nebraska and high school sports teams, state governors and Lincoln Mayors.
Interested in Nebraska history? Find out more about this photo in the Nebraska Memories archive!
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Throwback Thursday
All smiles for this week’s #ThrowbackThursday!
This week’s photos are courtesy of The Durham Museum.
Check out this collection and many more on the Nebraska Memories archive.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Posted in General, Nebraska Memories
Tagged #TBT, #ThrowbackThursday, Durham Museum, Nebraska, Throwback Thursday
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Nebraska Library Commission Receives FINRA Investor Education Foundation Grant to Expand Personal Finance Collections to Aid Consumers Following Devastating Floods
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 7, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Devra Dragos
402-471-4335
800-307-2665
Angelita Plemmer Williams, FINRA Investor Education Foundation
202-728-8988
@FINRAFoundation
Nebraska Library Commission Receives FINRA Investor Education Foundation Grant to Expand Personal Finance Collections to Aid Consumers Following Devastating Floods
[LINCOLN] — The Nebraska Library Commission today announced plans to expand personal finance e-book collections available through public libraries following receipt of a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.
The additional resources will help ensure that residents have the information they need when making critical money decisions as they repair, rebuild, and clean up following the March 2019 flooding.
“When disaster strikes, the community comes together,” said Rod Wagner. “We want everyone to know that their library is both a welcoming convening place and a location where our families can obtain unbiased information to guide financial choices that will have lasting impact.”
Filing claims, accessing government resources, managing lump-sum payments from insurance companies, and meeting immediate expenses when income might be disrupted — these are just a few of the money challenges that residents in disaster areas must navigate.
FINRA Foundation President Gerri Walsh noted, “Many of us lack experience with these decisions. Nonetheless, we have to get it right the first time around or face long-term financial consequences. Fortunately, your library has information that can help.”
The expanded personal finance collections are made possible by a $20,000 grant from the FINRA Foundation. For more than a dozen years, the FINRA Foundation has provided funding, staff training and programs to build the capacity of public libraries to address the financial education needs of people nationwide. Much of this has been accomplished in partnership with the American Library Association through a program known as Smart investing@your library®.
The FINRA Foundation is also providing materials that explain the red flags of financial fraud and what people can do to be vigilant and counter the persuasion tactics that fraudsters use.
It is estimated that consumer financial fraud costs Americans more than $50 billion a year, according to FINRA Foundation research. Financial fraud is especially prevalent following major natural disasters. Since it was established in 2005, the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice, has logged more than 92,000 disaster-related complaints from all 50 states. Financial fraud makes tough times all the more difficult for people recovering from the trauma inflicted by disasters.
The FINRA Foundation has issued an Alert with practical guidance to help residents protect themselves from fraudulent schemes. (See: https://www.saveandinvest.org/disaster-fraud-nebraska.)
Ms. Walsh observed, “Recovery follows disaster, but the path to recovery can be smooth or very bumpy. And financial fraud can be one of the biggest potholes along that road. The Nebraska Library Commission is working to make sure your library has information to help people avoid the financial potholes and bring the route to recovery into sharper focus.”
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.”
The FINRA Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that give Americans the knowledge, skills, and tools to make sound financial decisions throughout life. For more information about FINRA Foundation initiatives, visit finrafoundation.org.
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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.
Posted in General, Grants
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Throwback Thursday: Graduation
Happy #ThrowbackThursday from the Nebraska Memories archive!
For some, the month of May marks an important milestone – graduation! Congratulations to all who are graduating this year and best wishes for your next adventure!
This black and white photograph shows three Union College graduates sitting on the ground with their diplomas behind them.
This photo is provided and owned by the Union College, Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Library. The photographs selected for inclusion in Nebraska Memories include early scenes of the Union College campus and downtown College View.
Visit Nebraska Memories to search for or browse through many more historical images digitized from photographs, negatives, postcards, maps, lantern slides, books, and other materials.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Posted in General, Nebraska Memories
Tagged #TBT, #ThrowbackThursday, Commencement, Graduation, Nebraska, Nebraska History, Throwback Thursday, Union College
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Throwback Thursday: Balloon School
Did you know that there used to be a balloon school in Nebraska?
This black and white lantern slide shows the balloon house at Fort Omaha. During World War I, Fort Omaha became the nation’s center for balloon training. Balloonists were trained in map reading and charting troop movements.
This week’s #ThrowbackThursday photo is provided and owned by the Omaha Public Library. The items from the Omaha Public Library in Nebraska Memories include early Omaha-related maps dating from 1825 to 1922, as well as over 1,100 postcards and photographs of the Omaha area.
Interested in Nebraska history? Check out the Nebraska Memories archive.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Throwback Thursday: Easter Egg Hunt
This Sunday is Easter and for a lot of people that means celebrating with an Easter egg hunt!
This black and white photo shows about a dozen children and several adult volunteers standing in a park near the Nebraska Children’s Home Society located in Omaha.
This photograph is from Nebraska Children’s Home Society collection on the Nebraska Memories archive.
Interested in Nebraska history? Visit the Nebraska Memories archive to search for or browse through many more historical images digitized from photographs, negatives, postcards, maps, lantern slides, books and other materials.
Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. The Nebraska Memories archive is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information.
Young Nebraskans Win Writing Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 10, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tessa Terry
402-471-3434
800-307-2665
Young Nebraskans Win Writing Competition
Nebraska students competed for the twentieth year in the annual Letters About Literature competition. They wrote to tell an author about how books can make a difference in a young person’s life. Young Nebraska writers who wrote winning letters in the Letters About Literature competition received award certificates from Gov. Pete Ricketts at a proclamation-signing ceremony celebrating National Library Week, April 7-13, 2019. Letters About Literature is a national reading and writing promotion program. Nearly 28,000 adolescent and young readers nationwide, in grades four through twelve, participated in this year’s Letters About Literature program-hundreds of them from Nebraska. The competition encourages young people to read, be inspired, and write back to the author (living or dead) who had an impact on their lives.
This annual contest is sponsored nationally by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, with funding from Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The Center for the Book was established in 1977 as a public-private partnership to use the resources of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books and reading. The Nebraska competition is coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, Houchen Bindery Ltd., Humanities Nebraska, and Chapters Bookstore in Seward.
Young Nebraska writers to be honored are:
Winners
Payton Boyer, Alliance, for a letter to M. Ruben
Ruby Cunningham, Omaha, for a letter to Ishmael Beah
Gage Boardman, Valley, writing to Becky Albertalli
Alternate Winners
Maren Steinke, Lincoln, for a letter to Paul Griffin
Makenna Miller, Elkhorn, for a letter to J.D. Salinger
Kelsee Moffat, Oshkosh, writing to Nicholas Sparks
The students wrote personal letters to authors explaining how his or her work changed their view of themselves or the world. They selected authors from any genre, fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic. Winners were chosen from three competition levels: upper elementary, middle, and secondary school.
The Nebraska winners are honored at a luncheon and receive cash prizes and gift certificates. Their winning letters are placed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln. They will advance to the national competition, with a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C. for themselves and their parents. For more information about the competition see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html.
The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Posted in Books & Reading, General, Nebraska Center for the Book
Tagged Letters About Literature, Writing
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Nebraska Library Commission Awards Grants for Youth Library Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 19, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sally Snyder
402-471-4003
800-307-2665
Nebraska Library Commission Awards Grants for Youth Library Service
The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded $23,254 in grants for Excellence in Youth service. Of the grants awarded to twenty-five Nebraska libraries, several addressed the need for materials like LEGO® and other activities to encourage creativity in young people. The Nebraska Library Commission congratulates the public libraries listed below as they develop new and innovative programs to ensure excellence in library service for Nebraska young people.
The recipients are:
- Atkinson Public Library, Preschool learning materials, books, and activities
- Blue Hill Public Library, LEGO® kits
- Butler Memorial Library, Cambridge, Breakout EDU Platform Kits for Kid Book Club
- Central City Public Library, Bring Edgerton Exploit Center to the library for a community day
- Columbus Public Library, Promote literacy and musical interests
- Wilson Public Library, Cozad, Cozad Biz Kidz Camp
- Creighton Public Library, LEGO® Club
- Fairbury Public Library, 3-D Printer and other makerspace equipment
- Franklin Public Library, LEGO® Club
- Fullerton Public Library, Programming to promote literacy and reading
- Genoa Public Library, Toddler Concept Bags
- Gering Public Library, Toddler Story & Playtime
- Grand Island Public Library, SAC Museum Space Program Day, LEGO® Guy Program Day, and SAM Labs Classroom Kit
- Imperial Public Library, K through 4 after school programs
- Kimball Public Library, Creative program expansion
- Louisville Public Library, Teen programming
- Mead Public Library, 1,000 Books before Kindergarten
- Jensen Memorial Library, Minden, Preschool programming
- Morton-James Public Library, Nebraska City, Materials encouraging learning and creativity
- Plainview Public Library, LEGO®s
- Plattsmouth Public Library, Busy Bags
- Shelby Community Library, Children activities
- Lied Lincoln Township, Wausa, Youth games
- Maltman Memorial Public Library, Wood River, LEGO® Club
- Yutan Public Library, American Girl Kit’s Klub
Youth Grants for Excellence are made available by the Nebraska Library Commission with funding from the State of Nebraska. 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.
Posted in General, Grants, Youth Services
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Nebraska Library Commission Awards Grants for Continuing Education and Training
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 28 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Holli Duggan
402-471-2694
800-307-2665
Nebraska Library Commission Awards Grants for Continuing Education and Training
The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded $12,164 in grants for Continuing Education and Training. The purpose of the Continuing Education and Training Grants is to help Nebraska librarians as they pursue learning opportunities to advance their skills and knowledge. Successful applications addressed how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library’s mission and improve the library services provided to their communities.
Past Continuing Education and Training Grants have gone to librarians attending conferences such as Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) or Public Library Association (PLA), enrolling in an American Library Association (ALA) or other online course, or larger training projects such as bringing in speakers for staff training days.
This year we are offering grants in three different areas: attending an out-of-state professional conference, taking an online Continuing Education course, and other larger collaborative Continuing Education projects.
The recipients are:
- Atkinson Public Library, 2019 ARSL Conference
- Hoesch Memorial Library, Alma, 2019 ARSL Conference
- Keene Memorial Library, Fremont, 2019 COSUGI Conference
- Morton-James Public Library, Nebraska City, “Grant Writing for City Programs and Projects” training
- Three Rivers Library System, Omaha, Develop a series of videos for library staff related to children’s physical, social, and emotional growth, reading development, and book choice.
Continuing Education & Training Grants are made available by the Nebraska Library Commission with funding from the State of Nebraska. 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.
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
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Nebraska Library Commission Announces Public Library Accreditation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 12, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665
Nebraska Library Commission Announces Public Library Accreditation
Nebraska Library Commission Library Development Director Christa Porter recently announced the accreditation of Sixty-three public libraries across Nebraska. Porter stated, “We are dedicated to helping Nebraska libraries meet Nebraskans’ information needs, opening up the world of information for citizens of all ages. The Library Commission continues to work in partnership with Nebraska libraries and the regional library systems, using the Public Library Accreditation program to help public libraries grow and develop.”
Public libraries in Nebraska are accredited for a three-year period. To learn more about this process and to see a complete list of all accredited Nebraska public libraries, go to http://nlc.nebraska.gov/LibAccred/Standings.asp.
The Nebraska Library Commission congratulates the public libraries listed below as they move forward toward the realization of this vision for the future: “All Nebraskans will have improved access to enhanced library and information services, provided and facilitated by qualified library personnel, boards, and supporters with the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary to provide excellent library and information services.”
Nebraska Public Libraries Accredited through December 31, 2021
Ainsworth Public Library
Arlington Public Library
Auburn Memorial Library
Alice M Farr Library (Aurora)
Bayard Public Library
Beatrice Public Library
Karlen Memorial Library (Beemer)
Bennington Public Library
Broadwater Public Library
Broken Bow Public Library
Central City Public Library
Clarkson Public Library
Clearwater Public Library
Crawford Public Library
Culbertson Public Library
Bob and Wauneta Burkley Library (DeWitt)
Elmwood Public Library
Emerson Public Library
Fairbury Public Library
Genoa Public Library
Gibbon Public Library
Gothenburg Public Library
Grand Island Public Library
Sioux County Public Library (Harrison)
Hartington Public Library
Hastings Public Library
Hildreth Public Library
Holdrege Area Public Library
Hooper Public Library
Lied Imperial Public Library
Kimball Public Library
Lincoln City Libraries
Loup City Public Library
Madison Public Library
Jensen Memorial Library (Minden)
Mitchell Public Library
Morton-James Public Library (Nebraska City)
Newman Grove Public Library
Norfolk Public Library
O’Neill Public Library
Oshkosh Public Library
Palisade Public Library
Sump Memorial Library (Papillion)
Pilger Public Library
Plainview Public Library
Ponca Carnegie Library
Schuyler Public Library
Scotia Public Library & Heritage Center
Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
Scribner Public Library
South Sioux City Public Library
Stromsburg Public Library
Superior Public Library
Raymond A Whitwer Tilden Public Library
Valentine Public Library
Gardner Public Library (Wakefield)
Weeping Water Public Library
John A Stahl Library (West Point)
Struckman-Baatz Public Library (Western)
Dvoracek Memorial Library (Wilber)
Lied Winside Public Library
Maltman Memorial Public Library (Wood River)
Yutan Public Library
The Nebraska Library Commission would also like to congratulate six of these libraries on earning accreditation for the very first time. Those libraries are:
Arlington Public Library
Bayard Public Library
Sioux County Public Library (Harrison)
Scotia Public Library & Heritage Center
Maltman Memorial Public Library (Wood River)
Lied Winside Public Library
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.
Posted in General
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Nebraska Library Commission Announces New Library Innovation Studios Partners
FOR IMMEDIATE 
RELEASE:
10:15 AM CT on February 5, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Media Contacts:
Eric Maher, Governor’s Office, 402-471-1974
Tessa Terry, Nebraska Library Commission, 402-471-3434
Gov. Ricketts, Nebraska Library Commission Announce New Library Makerspaces
LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Library Commission announced that nine new Nebraska libraries have been selected to host Nebraska’s Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities makerspaces. They join 18 libraries previously chosen in 2017.
“This partnership demonstrates how our Nebraska communities can use technology and education to empower community residents to create, learn, and invent,” said Governor Ricketts. “By expanding the skills of the workforce in our communities, supporting entrepreneurs, and encouraging lifelong learning, this partnership reinforces our vibrant business climate and supports community development.”
The Nebraska Library Commission was awarded a National Leadership Grant of $530,732 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for this partnership project with the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, Regional Library Systems, and local public libraries.
The project uses Library Innovation Studios makerspaces hosted by public libraries to support community engagement and participatory learning experiences by providing access to technology and innovative learning tools not readily accessible locally. This is expected to stimulate creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas to facilitate entrepreneurship, skills development, and local economic development.
The newly selected library partners that will host one of the four rotating makerspaces are:
• Kimball Public Library
• Beatrice Public Library
• Hastings Public Library
• Chadron Public Library
• Blue Hill Public Library
• Hastings Memorial Library, Grant, Nebraska
• Plainview Public Library
• Verdigre Public Library
• Laurel Community Learning Center
They join those selected in October 2017:
• Plattsmouth Public Library
• Ainsworth Public Library
• Ashland Public Library
• Crete Public Library
• Loup City Public Library
• South Sioux City Public Library
• Neligh Public Library
• Broken Bow Public Library
• Bridgeport Public Library
• Norfolk Public Library
• North Platte Public Library
• Ravenna Public Library
• Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
• Sidney Public Library, Special Model Program Partner
• Wayne Public Library
• Geneva Public Library
• Central City Public Library
• Nebraska City Public Library
Five more libraries will be selected through a final application opportunity with a March 29th deadline. All Accredited Public Libraries in communities of populations of less than 25,000 population are eligible.
This project began July 1, 2017 and will conclude June 30, 2020. For more information about the project or equipment that will be featured in the rotating makerspaces, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/InnovationStudios.
“Nebraska’s public libraries are the natural gathering points for people to come together to share materials, knowledge, and experiences,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner. “Whether the materials and tools are high tech or low tech, digital or analog, art or science, the focus is to create, invent, tinker, explore, and discover using the tools, materials, and knowledge available. Libraries have always been dedicated to community partnership, collaboration, and the free exchange of ideas—makerspaces are the next step in that progression.”
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 are four non-profit corporations governed by boards representative of libraries and citizens in the region. Systems provide access to improved library services by facilitating cooperation among all types of libraries and media centers within the counties included in each System area.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past 20 years, their grant making, policy development, and research has helped libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Nebraska Innovation Studio—the UNL makerspace—is the creative and collaborative hub of UNL’s Nebraska Innovation Campus, where makers and builders team up to conceptualize, prototype, and iterate projects that solve problems and influence change. The primary focus is on creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, and education.
Nebraska Extension is one of three components of UNL’s land-grant mission. It is a dynamic educational organization that puts research to work in local communities, businesses, and individuals’ lives. Extension professionals are recognized for subject matter competence, excellent teaching skills, and community presence. They live and work in Nebraska communities across the state and engage with local and state partners in educational program delivery to address critical issues identified by constituents.
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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.
Gov. Ricketts Announces Matt Mason as New State Poet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
10:15 AM CT on January 30, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Media Contacts:
Taylor Gage, Governor’s Office, 402-471-1970
Hannah Gill, Arts Council, 402-595-2122
Gov. Ricketts Announces Matt Mason as New State Poet
LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Matt Mason of Omaha has been designated as Nebraska’s next State Poet. The selection process was led by the Nebraska Arts Council, Humanities Nebraska, and the Nebraska Library Commission, a group of state agencies and organizations that together presented finalists to the Governor for consideration. Mason will be installed as Nebraska State Poet 2019-2023 during a ceremony that will be announced at a later date.
“From Willa Cather to Ted Kooser, Nebraska has been home to many talented authors, artists, and poets,” said Governor Ricketts. “As our next State Poet, Matt will help celebrate Nebraska and bring our state together around our shared love of the Good Life.”
The Nebraska State Poet is selected based on artistic excellence and exemplary professionalism demonstrated by significant publications and special honors, an established history of community service in the advancement of poetry in Nebraska, and the ability to present poetry and interact effectively with a public audience.
Mason is executive director of the Nebraska Writers Collective, through which he has run the Louder Than a Bomb: Great Plains youth poetry festival each year since 2011. He is a former board president of the Nebraska Center for the Book and has served as the Nebraska State Coordinator for Poetry Out Loud, a Poetry Foundation/National Education Association program. He also edits PoetryMenu.com, a listing of every poetry event in the state of Nebraska.
Additionally, Mason has won a Pushcart Prize and two Nebraska Book Awards (for Poetry in 2007 and Anthology in 2006) for his own work. He represented Nebraska as a member of six teams at the National Poetry Slam, and he represented the United States as an organizer of the U.S. Department of State poetry programing in Romania, Nepal, Botswana, and Belarus.
“Poetry and poetry advocacy have been my life’s real project, so being honored like this is amazing and humbling,” Mason said. “I hope to get into communities around the state to do readings with authors there. I want to get to the different counties, to the Air Force Base, to different crowds and bring entertaining poetry as well as remind everyone of the poets already there in their communities.”
As Nebraska State Poet, Mason will serve a five-year renewable term as an advocate for poetry, literacy, and literature in Nebraska. His duties will include giving public presentations and readings, leading workshops and discussions, and providing other outreach in schools, libraries, literary festivals, and various venues in rural and urban communities throughout the state.
The position of Nebraska Poet Laureate was established in 1921 when John G. Neihardt, whose most famous work includes “Black Elk Speaks” and “Cycle of the West,” was appointed by the Legislature. In 1982, William Kloefkorn was appointed as Nebraska State Poet by Governor Charles Thone. Kloefkorn served as State Poet for 29 years until his death in May 2011. Twyla M. Hansen, winner of two Nebraska Book Awards and co-director of the website, “Poetry from the Plains: A Nebraska Perspective,” served from 2013-2018.
To learn more about Matt Mason, visit his website at matt.midverse.com or his official page at the Humanities Nebraska website by clicking here. For information about hosting the state poet with the Nebraska Arts Council’s “Presenting the State Poet” grants, visit artscouncil.nebraska.gov or contact the office at (402) 595-2122.
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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.
Posted in General
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$44,800 in Internship Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 24, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665
$44,800 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 $44,800 to forty-six 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;
• facilitate partnerships with the Neihardt State Historic Site, Mid-Plains Community College, and YMCA;
• organize Makerspaces and Maker Clubs, as well as other STEAM learning activities;
• create book displays, bulletin boards, and craft activities;
• assist with outreach events outside the library;
• update the library’s website and social media sites (Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, etc.);
• assist with circulation activities, book selection, and collection management;
• teach technology classes and assist library customers with electronic devices, research, and Coding Clubs;
• create flyers, newsletters, newspaper articles, and other promotional materials; and
• assist with verbal and written Spanish⁄English communication.
The following Nebraska public libraries were awarded 2019 internship grant funding:
Alma, Hoesch Memorial Library
Arlington Public Library
Atkinson Public Library
Bancroft Public Library
Bayard Public Library
Central City Public Library
Clarkson Public Library
Columbus Public Library
Cozad, Wilson Public Library
Franklin Public Library
Fremont, Keene Memorial Library
Grant, Hastings Memorial Library
Kimball Public Library
Laurel Public Library
Leigh Public Library
Lincoln City Libraries (6 branches)
Madison Public Library
McCook Public Library
Minden, Jensen Memorial Library
Morrill Public Library
Norfolk Public Library
Oakdale Public Library
Papillion, Sump Memorial Library
Ponca Carnegie Library
Shelby Community Library
Sidney Public Library
Raymond A Whitwer Tilden Public Library
Valley Public Library
Verdigre Public Library
Additionally, twelve public libraries participating in the Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities” (LIS) project have also received 2019 internship grant funding. The interns hired in these libraries will primarily be working with this LIS makerspace grant. These libraries include:
Beatrice Public Library
Blue Hill Public Library
Central City Public Library
Chadron Public Library
Geneva Public Library
Grant, Hastings Memorial Library
Hastings Public Library
Kimball Public Library
Laurel Community Learning Center
Nebraska City, Morton-James Public Library
Plainview Public Library
Verdigre 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.
Posted in General, Grants
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