"Best Small Library in America"

Each year, Library Journal holds a national contest to choose the Best Small Library in America.  Co-sponsored by Baker & Taylor, this project began in 2005 to showcase exemplary service provided by U.S. public libraries serving populations less than 25,000.  That’s the national definition of a small library—we know Iowa’s definition is somewhat different !

Nominees will be judged on these factors:

• Innovation in developing services and programs that can be replicated by other libraries, including outreach to under-served populations
• Success in educating patrons in computer use and new technologies, expanding the reach of library services via technology, and measuring the outcomes of technology usage
• Creativity in addressing literacy--such as digital literacy--for patrons of all ages
• Demonstrated community support
• Sustained cooperation and partnership with other libraries, schools, other agencies, and businesses
• Increase in library use, particularly by new users
• Evidence of library’s role as community center

The winning library will receive a $5,000 cash award; two finalist libraries will be awarded $1,000 each—thanks to Baker & Taylor. All three will be featured in the September 2019 issue of Library Journal print and online.  The winner will receive a scholarship to attend the 2019 Association for Rural & Small Libraries Conference and will be a featured speaker at that conference.  

Note the application deadline is July 2.  For complete information,
the supporting documents needed, and the application form itself, click below 

Apply For "Best Small Library in America"

Sponsored by
Iowa Center for the Book

Emily Bainter shared this news earlier this month, but it bears repeating.  Especially since the deadline to take part is this Friday June 28.  Here’s the scoop:

The Iowa Center for the Book / State Library invites you to participate in a drawing to win a visit from Ted Genoways, author of the 2019 All Iowa Reads title This Blessed Earth: A Year in the Life of an American Family Farm.

Four Iowa libraries will receive an All Iowa Reads Author Evening with Ted.  He will talk about his book and discuss the rapidly changing landscape of small, traditional farming operations. Time will be built in for questions from the audience. Due to Ted’s schedule, the four libraries chosen must meet these conditions:

• have an available Wednesday night from 7:00-8:30PM between October 9 and November 6
• have a meeting room space large enough to accommodate 50 people
• hold an All Iowa Reads 2019 book discussion
• promote this program to your community if yours is one of the four entries selected 

To enter this drawing, complete the form at the link below.  
And direct any questions to Helen Dagley at the
Iowa Center for the Book 515-281-3063.
 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TedGenowaysApplication

Coming in July

The State Library has purchased access to Foundation Directory Online (FDO) for Iowa public libraries beginning in early July.  This is a research tool to help libraries and nonprofits find the grant-makers most likely to fund their projects. This tool includes grant-maker profiles that provide an overview of the funders’ work, along with all  pertinent details fundraisers need to find and approach grant prospects.

The Foundation Director Online can be used by library staff and also made available to patrons and local nonprofits.  Iowa’s public libraries will have access to the Essential Plan, which includes:

• 100,000+ grant-maker profiles
• 500,000+ key decision makers and leaders
• Keyword search IRS 990-PF Forms
• Online workspace

FDO Resources: Here are a few resources to become more familiar with FDO:

• FDO Factsheet Flyer
• Handy FDO Guide

How To Access:

To receive access to the Foundation Directory Online, public libraries must submit their IP address (or IP range) to the online form linked below. Because authentication for Iowa public libraries will be via IP address, this product is for in-library use only.

Once libraries submit their IP address, FDO personnel will contact libraries to provide further instructions on setting up access towards the end of the month.

Submit Your Library IP Address

     "Check It Out" Book Talks

Youth Services consultant Angie Manfredi leads the June installment of “Check It Out,” a monthly online book talk.  This month’s program happens Thursday June 27 (1:00-2:00PM) “Join us on the last Thursday of each month for a review of brand new titles published for ages 0-18. You'll hear short booktalks of new titles from major and Indie publishers and get ideas on how to keep up with the endless tide of what's new in kidlit and young adult literature…”

C.E. Catalog

    June 30 ...
    Direct State Aid Dollars Must Be Spent

All Libraries that received Direct State Aid (money awarded for meeting standards at either Tiers 1-2-3) must spend all funds by June 30, 2019.  You will be expected to report on how your library spent your share of DSA funds by July 31…

Monday Morning Eye-Opener takes a summer holiday,
back again on July 15 :-)