AARP Community Challenge Grants

Applications Due In March

AARP is sponsoring Community Challenge Grants this spring. Public libraries are encouraged to apply and encourage community partners to do the same. 

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects designed to help communities become more livable for people of all ages. These grants seek to foster community engagement, enhance local housing and transportation options, improve public spaces and support "smart cities" solutions.

In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, two of which are new this year. New grant opportunities in 2023 include opportunities to host walk audits and to start or enhance a community garden. The application deadline is March 15 by 4:00PM central time. Find a link to the application at the button below.

About Livable Communities

Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will — for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. AARP Livable Communities supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.”

Since there’s some time to ponder this, you can find ideas and inspiration on AARP’s Community Challenge webpage. The site includes news about these Challenge Grants, including a listing of cities and towns that have submitted successful applications in the past.  Among past recipients in Iowa are Estherville, Avoca, Glidden, Manning, Perry, and more.  

The AARP website also offers a great variety of informational brochures that you can order directly or download. Your library can take the lead and apply for an AARP Community Challenge Grant for your town—the application form is linked below.  

AARP Community Challenge Grant

ILOC Recordings Now Available

Last month, the State Library of Iowa held our annual online conference called ILOC—Iowa Libraries Online Conference. Only a few weeks have passed, but we now have all the recordings from the conference available to re-watch or to watch for the first time!  With all thanks to State Library Resource Technician Angela Forret, who processed all the recordings and posted them for viewing.  Let’s just say … it was a lot! 

The entire playlist is available on the State Library’s Continuing Education YouTube Channel. If you are interested in c.e credit, click the link in the YouTube description to enroll in the Webinar Archive version of the various sessions. That link takes you to IALearns; from there, view the recording and complete the evaluation to get your c.e. credits.

Continuing Education Consultant Samantha Bouwers adds this: “Our staff had fun receiving a few ‘How Do You ILOC?’ photos from people attending the conference live.  Many pics included cats and dogs, along with one guinea pig!  Some of the photos show in the banner above. We appreciate everyone who attended and everyone who shared their pictures. And thanks to all the pets for being so patient with their humans who were enjoying ILOC all day long!  Take a look at the ‘How Do You ILOC?’ photo gallery! …”

ILOC Recordings on YouTube Channel

Big Talk From Small Libraries Conference
Sponsored By Nebraska February 24th

This week, our neighbors at the Nebraska State Library hold their annual online conference on Friday February 24 (8:45AM—5:00PM)  Nebraska’s online conference is called Big Talk From Small Libraries and their website actually credits Iowa with the idea “Big Talk From Small Libraries was inspired by the Iowa Libraries Online Conference—which they call ILOC—our event wouldn’t exist without their advice and encouragement."

From their website: “…This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries, the smaller the better.  Each of our speakers is from a library serving fewer than 10,000 people or is directly partnered with a small library.  This event is a great opportunity to learn about the innovative things your colleagues are doing. Everyone is welcome to 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 lots more on the Big Talk From Small Libraries site at the button below

• Programming Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities
• We Want Snacks, Too! Adapting a Big Outreach Program for a Small Library
• Effective Staff Evaluations Made Easy
• No Zombies Were Harmed in the Making of This Teen Event

Big Talk From Small Libraries is broadcast online using the GoTo Webinar online conference platform. Login instructions will be emailed to registered attendees the day before the event.  Just like our own ILOC conference, Nebraska’s Big Talk Conference is a free, fun day of learning and all from the comfort of home.  Registration is open at the button below, where you'll find the full day's schedule. 

Register For Nebraska’s Big Talk Conference

This Week ... Webinars & Reminders

All Iowa Reads 2023 Exploring the Shortlists.
February 22.  11:00AM-12:00PM

This webinar introduces the 2023 All Iowa Reads shortlists. You'll hear booktalks and read-alike selections for the books on the adult list from Leslie Heinzler and Jill Martinez, Co-Chairs of the Adult Selection Committee.  For the books on the kids and teen list, State Library Youth Services Consultant Janee Jackson-Doering provides the booktalks.  Bring your book club success stories to share with the group in chat.

Connecting Librarians (And Their Patrons) to IowaWORKS. 
February 23. 1:00-2:00PM  

Career Planners from IowaWORKS host an information session on the IowaWORKS system. They will share a brief overview of unemployment reporting in the new system, how to navigate the IowaWORKS site, and virtual services offered to job seekers. These services include account registration, virtual appointments, and the basics of unemployment.  Time planned for Q&A after the presentation.

Register for Both Webinars in IALearns

For Libraries Participating in the E-Rate Program

This E-Rate reminder comes from Library Resource Technician Tricia Frazier: Tuesday February 28 is the last date that you can submit and certify an FCC Form 470 and still wait the required minimum 28-day period before submitting and certifying your FCC Form 471 by March 28, which is the last day of the FY2023 application filing window.  Feel free to reach out to your District LRT for E-Rate filing assistance.

Accreditation Apps Due February 28

For all libraries in the FY24 accreditation cycle, applications for re-accreditation are due at the State Library by February 28.  Library directors should have received a reminder email from Scott Dermont; in addition, a full listing of all public libraries’ current Tier status is updated on our website every year.  Find that listing here, along with lots of information regarding the re-accreditation process.  Scott Dermont, along with District Consultants, are standing by to answer questions—feel free to CONTACT US

Standards and Accreditation Application / Information