It will help the rural libraries work with residents
Aram Public Library and Darien Public Library have been selected to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries. It’s an American Library Association initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities.
The competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help create seed collections at each library, facilitate community conversations on the topic of food insecurity and supplement spring and summer youth and adult programming.
“We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity. This grant will allow our library to get to know our residents better and help us build a happier and healthier community for our families,” said Aram Public Library Director, Michelle Carter.
Darien Public Library Director Jeannine Heskett said receiving the grant is a great opportunity.
“It will enable the Darien Library to be able to offer its patrons, both adults and children, some great fun as they learn about gardening, seeds, healthy eating, and sustainability,” Heskett said.
As part of the grant, library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host community conversation with residents focusing on the issue of food insecurity.
Those interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation are asked to contact Michelle Carter at Aram Public Library by calling 262-728-3111 or Jeannine Heskett at Darien Public Library by calling 262-882-5155.
More than 300 libraries applied for the grant, according to American Library Association. Since 2014, the association’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.
The Libraries Transforming Communities initiative of the ALA is in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.
