Nebraska's Online Conference February 28
Just last week, the State Library of Iowa sponsored our 18th annual ILOC Conference, an all-day online learning event. Just a few weeks from now, it’s Nebraska’s turn: their all-day online conference is titled Big Talk From Small Libraries and it’s scheduled for Friday February 28 ( 8:45AM—5:00PM CST )
From their website: “…This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries—the smaller the better! All of our presenters are from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people or are directly partnered with a small library and co-presenting with the library. Topics range from technology to programming to new roles for the library. Everyone is welcome to register and attend, regardless of how big or small your library. If your library serves a few hundred to a few thousand people, this is the day for you!
A handful of breakout sessions show here, find more on the Big Talk From Small Libraries site at the button below
- Mendocino County Library (CA) 2024 Winner of the Best Small Library in America Award
- Little Flyers Everywhere
- Are You There, Readers Advisory? It’s Me, Librarian!
- Getting to Know Your Community: Ideas for Your Board and Staff
Big Talk From Small Libraries is broadcast online using the GoTo Webinar web-conferencing platform. GoTo Webinar works on Windows, Mac, Google Chrome OS, Linux, iOS and Android devices.”
Login instructions will be emailed to registered attendees the day before the conference. Nebraska does plan on recording all Big Talk sessions, with recordings posted to their conference website. Just like our own ILOC conference, this event marks a great opportunity for watch parties and / or a staff training day. And just ILOC, Nebraska’s Big Talk Conference is a free, fun day of learning and all from the comfort of home.
One more bonus: Iowa library staff can earn CE Credit for attending this event. Visit our webpage Continuing Education webpage, click on Opportunities to Earn CE. Then scroll down to read about CE Opportunities From Outside Organizations and find the form you’ll need.
Small, Rural Libraries Are Eligible
Penguin Random House Publishing and United For Libraries are partnering to provide grants to rural and small libraries’ Friends Groups. In addition to grants ranging from $500-$1,000, all together totaling $25,000.00, this project also includes books donations and free virtual training. The grants will be administered by United for Libraries, while the funding itself is provided by Penguin Random House. Applications are open through February 18.
This grant funding will assist Friends of Library groups with priority projects. In-kind book donation grants of $500 will also be awarded to 20 libraries to purchase Penguin Random House titles. Each grant recipient will also receive complimentary eLearning from United for Libraries. The virtual training classes includes a year of access to United for Libraries Learning Live monthly webinars, which present in-depth training to library trustees, Friends Groups, Foundations and library advocates, providing guidance in how to leverage these grants to build support for Friends Groups.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a cash or in-kind grant, Friends groups must support a rural/small U.S. library in the 50 states, District of Columbia, or U.S. territories. Libraries must serve a service area population of 25,000 or less and / or in any area 5+ miles outside of a U.S. Census defined urban area. A library that meets these eligibility requirements and, at the same time, is able to demonstrate that it is in the process of establishing a Friends Group, will also be considered.
Application Information
Again, the grant application is open through February 18th and is found on the ALA Apply platform. Applicants are encouraged to first download a PDF copy of the application questions to use as a worksheet; the application itself must be submitted online. You will need to create an account on the ALA Apply platform; note this account is different from your ALA membership account.
Find many more details, plus an FAQ page, on the United For Libraries
webpage linked below. Email united@ala.org or call 312-280-2161 with questions.
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InWith Many Scale-Up Projects To Choose From
Iowa libraries are eligible to apply for STEM Scale-Up Grants through the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. These strategically selected programs are all designed to bring unique and meaningful STEM learning opportunities to classrooms and libraries. The application window is now open for the 2025-26 school year, with applications due on March 3rd. Here’s a look at some of the many instructional STEM programs available:
- All About Balance (children PK-3)
- Code Joy Presents Micro:bit in the Wild
- Drone Designers: Exploring STEAM Careers
- Grow, Create, Innovate: STEAM-Powered Art
- Plant the Moon Challenge
Applications For STEM Scale-Up Programs
Applications for the Scale-Up programs are housed on IowaGrants.gov This is different than previous years. If applicants don't already have an account on IowaGrants.gov, they must sign up for an account. Doing so can take up to 72 hours for accounts to be approved and activated. So interested library staff are encouraged to sign up soon because applications are due by March 3rd. Video tutorial and Instructions on how to sign up HERE
Registration is Open for STEM Fairs
There’s no time like the present to register for the STEM Fairs and the Summer Reading Summits in March at a location near you 😊
If you’re new to STEM programming and need support to get started or if your library is already doing STEM activities and need some fresh ideas to keep attendees interested, these workshops will meet both goals.
Sponsored by the State Library, the 2025 STEM Fairs and Summer Reading Summits will happen in 6 locations:
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District
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Location
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STEM Fair Date
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SR Summit Date
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Central
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Johnston Public Library
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Monday Mar. 3
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Tuesday Mar. 4
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Southeast
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Coralville Public Library
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Thursday Mar. 6
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Friday Mar. 7
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Southwest
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Green Hills AEA, Avoca
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Monday Mar. 10
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Tuesday Mar. 11
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Northeast
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Oelwein Public Library
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Monday Mar. 24
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Tuesday Mar. 25
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North Central
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Algona Public Library
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Thursday Mar. 27
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Friday Mar. 28
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Northwest
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Rockwell City Public Library
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Monday Mar. 31
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Tuesday Apr. 1
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Registration is open in WorkDay Learning.
You’ll need to register for each workshop separately, the link below
takes you to our webpage for the direct registration link to each one.
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