Library Construction Grant Opportunity
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 2023, section 134.45, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) makes funding available to public library jurisdictions for renovation, construction and improvement projects that result in more accessible library facilities. Project funds may be used to remove architectural barriers from a library building or site, remediate conditions hazardous to health or safety, renovate or expand an existing building for use as a library, or construct a new library.
For the current grant opportunity, the total amount available is $4,000,000. Maximum grant amounts are $1,000,000 for improvement grants or $450,000 for accessibility grants.
Find more information and application documents on the Library Construction Grant Opportunity page. Applicants must submit all required material to mde.compgrants@state.mn.us.
Important Dates for Library Construction Grant Opportunity:
– First question and answer period closes: March 29, 2024
– First question and answer document published: April 5, 2024
– Second question and answer period closed: April 30, 2024
– Second question and answer document published: May 7, 2024
– Completed applications due: May 17, 2024, by 5 p.m. Central Time
– Anticipated date of grantee announcement: June 2024
– Anticipated date for the beginning of the grant: July 1, 2024
2024 Youth Services Unconference
Calling anyone who works with young people in libraries! We've got a great program scheduled for this year's Youth Services Unconference on April 9.
Featured Speaker: Jessica Hesselberg, Denver Public Library
Learning to read is one of the most important skills a person needs to be successful in school, work and life. Librarians and teachers have complimentary roles in the reading lives of kids. Teachers focus on teaching kids how to read, while librarians focus on encouraging kids to LOVE reading and books. Jess will cover what science tells us about how kids learn to read, how public libraries can and do support this learning, and discuss ways to increase knowledge and collaboration between schools, libraries, and families. Jess Hesselberg has worked as a Teacher Librarian, a public librarian and as a library leader for over a decade.
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Social Emotional Panel
Join us for a facilitated discussion on how libraries can enrich the social and emotional skills of today's youth. Our panel includes members from public libraries and schools. Come with your own stories of successes and questions. We will have time for audience participation.
April 9, 2024
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Register for 2024 Youth Services Unconference
State Library Services and the Minnesota Library Association's Children and Young People's Section are partnering to host this event.
Youth Services Exchange: Let's Talk about Summer!
With a wimpy winter behind us, summer is fast approaching. For this meeting of the Youth Services Exchange, join a conversation about summer planning, workload, burnout, and mission.
If possible, listen to Episode #1 of the Building Equity Based Summers podcast with LaKesha Kimbrough and Linda W. Braun. We will spend some time discussing the episode and discussing summer library plans. Come with thoughts, ideas and questions!
March 19, 2024, 2 p.m.
Register for the Youth Services Exchange Series.
Youth Services Exchange meetings are a mixture of discussions, presentations, guest speakers, and brainstorming sessions.
Tax Relief for Families
This tax season, here are some friendly reminders of tax benefits available to eligible Minnesotans.
Child Tax Credit
Minnesotans can now claim the Child Tax Credit, with no limit on the number of children claimed. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return in order to claim the credit. Most taxpayers who are eligible to claim the new Child Tax Credit are also eligible for free tax preparation assistance. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage.
Save Receipts for School Supplies
The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers two valuable tax benefits for parents who purchase school supplies for their K-12 students: the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. These benefits can reduce parents’ taxes to increase their refund, but are only available for those who keep their receipts. Purchases for most school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band are eligible.
Most Minnesota parents qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Parents under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even for parents who do not owe any taxes. Visit Revenue's website for details.
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Trans and Gender Diverse Voices in Libraries
Webinar Series: 12 Months to Better Library Data
If you are interested in public library data and evaluation, make plans to dive into the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL) yearlong, monthly webinar series, 12 Months to Better Library Data, beginning March 7.
This free webinar series will feature curriculum from RIPL's 2023 national event as well as a few new topics. To learn more about the webinars and to register, go to 12 Months of Better Library Data.
The first three months' worth of webinars are announced:
This webinar series is made possible by funding from the Mellon Foundation.
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