Expanding Services and Outreach

Zina Clark- ALA - Chicago 

Ruth Mahaffy - Souix Center Library, IA

-This program was really about encouraging attendees to apply for the Dollar General Literacy Grant and become an American Dream Library .

-It was really emphasized that his grant was not  overly monitored  It can be used to purchase laptops and and tablets for anything that is related to literacy.

-ALA is looking to connect with bookmobile and outreach services.  Bringing the grant's impact beyond the four walls of the library.

-Sioux Center Library - Small town NW Iowa.  She developed an ESL program. GED courses- Bilingual education 

Built trusted relationships.

-Ruth worked with local businesses to connect with possible students in ESL and literacy to help them improve their job and career skills.

The grant is a onne-time $5,000 seed grant for libraries in rural and other small communities to develop their collections and services for immigrants and one-time $10,000 grants for libraries with the experience and capacity to expand existing programs, add services and foster community partnerships. The application launched in the fall.