New Ulm Public Library has been selected as one of 200 libraries to participate in “Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries,” an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities.

The competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help the library implement outreach to reach patrons in senior assisted living facilities who are not able to visit the library in partnership with the Friends of the New Ulm Public Library.

As part of the grant, library staff will lead a conversation with community partners at the senior assisted living facilities in relation to reading and engagement in current times. This conversation will be scheduled virtually in the early spring. The grant will be used to fund the purchase of large print materials to circulate at the assisted living facilities.

Since 2014, ALA’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.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries.

If you are interested in taking part in the conversation, please contact Paulina Poplawska at ppoplawska@tds.lib.mn.us for more information.

As always, we look forward to seeing you in the library soon!