PPE Kits On The Way
State Library staff are happy to report that the PPE Kits promised to each Iowa public library have been assembled, labeled, and are on their way via IA Shares delivery. These kits are provided at no cost to thanks to our share of the federal CARES Act funding, intended to assist libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect:
Protect & Disinfect Kit Contents:
- 56-quart clear storage bin with lid
- 3-ply surgical masks = box of 50 (2 boxes)
- Nitrile gloves = large, box of 100 (1 box)
- All-purpose cleaner = 32oz bottle (2 bottles)
- Paper towels = 2 rolls
- Hand sanitizer = 8oz.bottle (6 bottles)
- Bleach = 32oz bottle (1 bottle)
- Wypall wipes = 56 per pack (1 pack)
Kit deliveries will begin this week. However, we still ask for patience because it will take time to reach every library since these kits are being delivered via IAShares vehicles as space permits.
Grainger is the supply vendor for the PPE products and has a master contract with the State of Iowa, which allows libraries to purchase additional PPE supplies and other items at the state contracted rate. If your library is interested in purchasing additional products, contact Grainger at 1-800-472-4643 or click Chat with an Agent at www.grainger.com. Customer service will identify a library's account, or create an account for a library if one does not exist and assist with ordering.
In addition to the PPE Kits, our allotment of the CARES Act funding has also purchased Bold360, a live chat service that allows patrons to engage in a virtual chat
with their local library staff through a window deployed on the library’s website.
More information on Bold360
The CARES Act program is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act
as administered by State Library of Iowa.
Iowa's 2020 Selection:
Amazing Iowa Women
Every year, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress curates the Great Reads From Great Places program. All 50 states (plus DC and U.S. territories) select a title written for children or teens that best represents the literary heritage of that state or territory. Books can be written by a local author or they can be about someone from the state or territory. These titles then comprise a reading list that highlights literary adventures and exploration of every state, encouraging children and teens to discover more about the USA through these books.
This year, the Iowa selection is Amazing Iowa Women by Ames author Dr. Katy Swalwell and features the illustrations of numerous Iowa artists. In the year of Coronavirus, this title is a perfect choice--it's about how people make a difference when they come together and it's about surviving.
Youth Services Consultant Angie Manfredi has more “Amazing Iowa Women is a great resource for homeschooling families and a wonderful compliment to any library programming around the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. The author, many of the illustrators, and many of the living subjects of the book are willing to discuss doing virtual events, so please consider doing that.”
Purchase Amazing Iowa Women for your collection, then promote Great Reads From Great Places @ your library. Here are some resources to highlight:
Thanks to Youth Services Consultant Angie Manfredi for this information and this thought about Great Reads From Great Places “If ever there was a year to encourage patrons to take a literary road-trip because they’re stuck at home … this is that year! “
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September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
With September just one week away, thoughts turn to promoting Library Card Sign-Up Month. Since 1987, this promotion has been held every September to mark the beginning of the school year. Libraries work to remind parents and youth that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. Not to mention a very cost-effective back-to-school item!
This year, the honorary chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month is DC’s Wonder Woman. From ALA’s website “A founding member of the Justice League, Wonder Woman is known for strength, compassion and truth. Armed with the Lasso of Truth, Wonder Woman makes a perfect ambassador to support the value of learning and the role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities through education…”
Organizations like ALA and Libraries Transform can help with those promotions. Wonder Woman posters, stickers and bookmarks are currently available for purchase through the ALA Store. At the Libraries Transform site, find public service announcements, a sample press release, graphics, artwork, and yard signs. In addition, at Libraries Transform find a library-themed bingo card showing activities that can be done throughout the month. When someone gets bingo, they can share their card online using the hashtag #LibraryCardSignUpMonth.
Click the button below for a promo toolkit. Note this requires registration at the website, but the toolkit is entirely free. Also helpful: share your plans to promote Library Card Sign-Up Month with Iowa colleagues on Library Talk!
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