LITT Library Lifelines

LITT: Library Lifelines

Library Lifelines: Building Community Resilience in Uncertain Times

This 12-month LITT chat series showcases how libraries can become essential community hubs during economic uncertainty, covering practical programming from job seeker support and digital skills training to food security initiatives like budget cooking classes and community gardens. Each month, library professionals and partners will share actionable strategies for addressing real community needs—from repair cafes and grant writing workshops to health information literacy and creative space utilization—demonstrating how libraries can transform challenges into opportunities for meaningful community impact.

LITT: Library Lifelines Schedule

This LITT discussion will occur on the third Thursday of each month at Noon MT / 11:00 a.m. PT, beginning in October 2025, and will run for one year, until September 2026. Our first LITT: Library Lifelines chat will be held on October 16, 2025. Download the printable schedule.

October 16, 2025

Supporting Job Seekers

November 20, 2025

Cooking on a Budget

December 18, 2025

Living on a Budget

January 15, 2026

Repair Cafes

February 19, 2026

Supporting Aging Populations

March 19, 2026

Growing Your Own Food

April 16, 2026

Staying Healthy

May 21, 2026

Digital Skills

June 18, 2026

Rural Community Highlight – Genealogy

July 16, 2026

Finding Grants & Funding

August 20, 2026

Applying for Grants & Fundraising

September 17, 2026

Idaho Library Highlights

Notes from Past LITT: Library Lifelines Chats

Thanks to our guest, Wendi Secrist from the Workforce Development Council, for sharing the work that her agency is doing on behalf of Idahoans. Here is a link to the recording of the discussion.  

The Workforce Development Council 

  • Idaho's Workforce Development Council (WDC) is made up of government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses. Regional representatives from all parts of the state sit on the council. https://wdc.idaho.gov/ 
  • The WDC mostly serves as a coordinating body. Its job is to help others connect with the workforce ecosystem. The ecosystem includes Education, Workforce Programs, and Employers.  
  • The WDC is funded in part through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The vision of WIOA was to establish one-stop centers for people to access job services. In Idaho, there are lots of stops, and WDC helps people locate resources.  
  • Wendi shared an example of a 1-page flyer highlighting regional workforce contacts. When it is updated, we will send it out to the library community. The WDC Resource Hub, where people can download different outreach materials and resources: https://wdc.idaho.gov/resource-hub/.  
  • The Workforce Development Training Fund allows the WDC to offer grants to partners. Two grants that are of interest for libraries are: 
  • Reach out to Wendi to connect with resources in your area, including support for Idaho Launch: https://idaholaunch.com 

Other Resources for Job Seekers at the Library 

ICfL Support for Job Seekers 

  • Connect with Chelsea to get one-on-one help for your library to support job seekers, and check out the Idaho Digital Skills website for a resource directory: https://idahodigitalskills.org/  

We also discussed ways to support teens as they get their first jobs.  

  • Our guest for the chat was Andrea Hill, MPH, RDN, Parent & Community Engagement Coordinator at Communities for Youth and Assistant Teaching Professor at Boise State University’s School of Public and Population Health. You can reach out to Andrea to find organizations to partner with: andreahill565@boisestate.edu.
  • Resources for Providing Food Programs at your Library
  • Food Program Models for Libraries
    • Check out Gooding Public Library’s YouTube channel for cooking demonstrations: https://www.youtube.com/@goodinglibrary9979/videos.
      • A lot of their food comes from donations or grants. They also purchased a CharlieCart with a grant: https://charliecart.org/.
      • Reach out to the ICfL if you need help finding for or applying for a grant for your food program.
      • They also have a cooking for kids’ program where children learn basic cooking skills.
    • Teen Food/Cooking ideas:
      • Candy sushi
      • Upgrade your mac & cheese (could work with ramen too)
      • Fruit pizza
      • Summer cooking classes with at the senior center
      • Provide snacks and programs or take-home lunches/snacks
      • Local clinic provide wellness classes for teens focused on nutrition
    • Dorm Room Cooking:
      • Programs that focus on cooking with limited heating tools, like with crock pots or air fryers or microwaves.
    • Sometimes you can’t cook at the library due to lack of space or outlets for cooking equipment. Here are some ideas for alternate programs:
      • Partner with a local organization that has a kitchen and host your program there (bring in outside presenters if you don’t have enough staff to leave the library).
      • Try programs that don’t require a lot of equipment or actual food preparation.
    • Pair a book with a food/meal
      • This works really well with picture books
  • Resources for program ideas or to share with your community:
  • Food Pantries in Libraries
  • We discussed some barriers that might keep community members from cooking for themselves
    • Lack of knowledge (the library can help with that!)
    • Lack of time – so learning how to cook quick meals is useful.
    • Lack of understanding how to budget and make a food plan (again, the library can help with that!).
  • Finally, here is a great article from an organization called Civil Eats on how libraries create community through food programs – it has a lot of interesting models for food programs and it’s definitely worth a read: https://civileats.com/2025/08/27/how-libraries-are-creating-community-through-food/.

Our guest for this chat was Emma Schwarz, the Manager of Leadership Giving at United Way of Treasure Valley. Here is a link to the recording of the discussion.

United Way is focused on filling the gap between the federal poverty level and the amount of money families actually need to survive by providing resources to solve issues on a system level. For example, the federal poverty level for a family of 4 is $32,150, but in Idaho, a family of 4 actually needs to make $80,000 a year to meet basic needs. United Way focuses on its mission in three major areas: Community Investment – funding for organizations that provide direct services, Find Help Idaho – an online search engine designed to connect Idahoans to relevant and responsive resources, and Community Schools – services embedded in schools to support communities and enhance student learning. United Way Worldwide also offers free tax help through myfreetaxes.com.

United Way’s community investment: The grant cycle process opens in February. Organizations applying for grants should tie the impact of their organization to the 2023 community health assessment, specifically how the organization addresses the affordable housing needs and health care access, as well as mental/behavioral health access.

Find Help Idaho: A website used to find housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and other resources. The website is available in over 100 languages and only includes free and low-cost programs.

Community Schools: These schools are located throughout Idaho and are run by school coordinators who help address students’ and families’ non-academic barriers to success.

Other community resources mentioned:

Community needs public library staff have noticed:

  • Court assistance & printing
  • Diaper bank
  • Energy assistance
  • Food insecurity
  • Hygiene products
  • Transportation needs (lack of reliable public transit)

How libraries are addressing the needs:

  • Directly connecting patrons with a service with a facilitated email “hand-off.”
  • Keeping a binder or brochure of resources
  • Stationing discreet areas around the library with handouts and flyers for those who are hesitant to ask a library staff member for help.

Our guests for this chat were Catherine Milner with the City of Boise Curb It program, Morgan Gardner, Adult Services and Outreach at Latah County Library District (Moscow), and Jackie Carter, Interlibrary Loan Specialist at Latah County Library District (Moscow). Here is a link to the recording of the discussion.

Morgan & Jackie (Latah County Library District – Moscow) – Have been running their repair café for 7 years, it is the third one in the Northwest and the first in Idaho. Currently, the event is held 4 times a year in Moscow. They love helping other libraries set up for events like this. Their next event is on April 12, 1-4 pm. Contact: Jackie, jackiec@latahlibrary.org

Catherine Milner (City of Boise – Curb it) – Presentation of Repair Café Boise – her position focuses on reducing waste and reusing instead of disposing, including hosting the Repair Café!

  • Repair Café Boise
    • Free community fix-it events.
    • Community members bring broken household items to the event space (JUMP, co-host with City of Boise).
    • Volunteer fixers help community members.
    • Provide refreshments and resources.
    • Part of Repair Café International (started in 2009).
    • First event in 2023, now 2x/year.
  • Goal for event:
    • Help community members reduce waste, save money & learn from each other in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
    • Offer a space for folks who have the repair skills to teach others.
    • Inspire other communities.
    • City of Boise has Reduce & Reuse efforts
  • Getting started:
    • Partnership between the City of Boise and Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP).
      • JUMP had the space!
    • Learned from Latah County’s example.
    • Plan the logistics.
    • Recruit volunteers.
      • Whom do you know? Whom do the people you know know? Utilize these connections!
      • Do you know anyone with a communication platform and a built-in audience to spread the word?
      • What other organizations in your community have like-minded values and could assist with or promote the program?
    • PROMOTE
  • How it Works:
    • Repair stations based on volunteer skills.
      • Keep it broad until you know what common items folks will bring in.
      • Don’t duplicate what other organizations in your community are doing.
    • Non-repair stations to help folks check in, find resources, etc. (someone to take photos to document the event!)
    • Limited to 1 item under 50 lbs. per person.
    • Liability waivers & item repair form (includes weight and value of item, so total weight and value of items can be shared at the end of the event).
    • Attendees are assigned to a repair station.
    • Refreshments and resources are available while folks wait for an available fixer.
    • Folks stay with their fixer to learn; it’s not a drop-and-go event.
      • Most folks don’t seem interested in helping with the repair or learning how to do the repair themselves.
    • Ring a bell and receive a sticker when an item is fixed!
    • Not all items can be fixed (fixers only have up to 30 minutes per item).
    • Three hours (4-7 pm on weekdays in downtown Boise)
  • Volunteers
    • 40-50 volunteers per event (doesn’t have to be this large or can be bigger based on community need and past attendance).
    • Train before the event (about 1 hour) – safety guidelines, walk-through of the event, and an opportunity to ask questions.
    • Asked to come early to set up stations and allow time for breakdown after the event.
    • Ask volunteers for feedback with a form a week after the event.
    • Show appreciation for your volunteers in some way.
  • Impact from 6 previous events:
    • 800 attendees, 600 items assessed, 73% fully or partially repaired (~$39,000 in savings and 2,200 lbs. of material kept out of landfills!
  • Top items:
    • Lamps, vacuums, bags/backpacks, pants/jeans, necklaces, sewing machines, clocks, books, jackets, fans.
  • Things to know:
    • There may be a rush at the beginning of the event.
    • Once you know what items are most popular, recruit more volunteers for those stations.
    • Keep refining!
  • Get involved:
    • Host or co-host!
    • Participate in existing events in various ways:
      • What resources are already available in your community or library about repair and reuse?
      • Does your library mend books? Volunteer these services at an existing event.
      • Have a library card sign-up or other activity for folks while they wait to get their item fixed.
    • City of Boise will have a Repair Café Toolkit at some point. Reach out to the Curb It team (curbit@cityofboise.org) to get the toolkit.
    • Check out Repair Café International to see where repair cafes are being held.
      • If you pay for the Repair Café model ($55), it comes with liability forms and other forms, allowing you to use the logo as well.
        • Run liability forms through your agency attorney to make sure you’re clear!
      • Find Repair Guides

Moscow

  • Always bring a book table with books with information about repair or reuse. Folks can browse while they wait. Sometimes folks can check these books out at the event.
  • Knife-sharpening stations have been very popular. (Total kit cost: $100)
  • Have a book repair station at every repair café – very popular at Moscow’s events, and it is led by Moscow staff.
  • Glue station – every kind of glue!
  • Currently no limit on items as Moscow is a smaller community than Boise.

Questions:

What vetting do you do for volunteers?

  • Boise – No formal vetting, but they do meet with volunteers before the event to make sure they are comfortable with what they are signing up for.

In terms of repair supplies, who provides those materials?

  • Moscow – There is a volunteer who has an alterations business and has done clothing repair sessions in various locations in the past. She brings her supplies with her. The library purchases some materials for the events (usually based on what the volunteers say they need), such as extension cords, soldering irons, clothing irons, etc. The library gets donations from the Friends of the Library and community member donations at the events. Folks were donating even before donation jars were put out!
  • Boise – Volunteers tend to be more comfortable providing their own tools. Part of the volunteer form is a question about what tools volunteers are most comfortable using. Ask folks to label their items so they don’t get mixed up with communal items.

What are some more examples of tweaks that were made at Repair Café Boise?

  • Improved process and flow from check-in to repair station. Includes a section about the flow of events on the repair form. Also, always have clearly labeled stations.
  • Request for more volunteers in the electrical appliance station to feel less rushed.
  • New ideas for promotion – suggestions for specific organizations to help spread the word.

Does the Moscow library have a Library of Things, and is it used for Repair Cafes?

  • In the process of starting a Library of Things in a recently closed elementary school building nearby.

With a small space in Moscow, where do you hold your repair cafes, and how is traffic control managed?

  • Repair Cafes are held at the Moscow Community Center, which is close to the library. The Community Center is an old high school gym with ample parking. Events are not so busy that they need traffic control. Typical attendance is 40-50. They have a check-in crew that helps direct folks.

How were volunteer fixers gathered?

  • Moscow – Primarily word of mouth. Jackie’s husband works at the University of Idaho and has connections. Spot on registration form at events that asks if folks are interested in volunteering. People reach out to the library to volunteer when they hear about these events. Other resources to tap include the retirement community, higher education or trade schools (students and educators), and high schools (for fixing tech).
  • Boise – It took some time in the beginning. It helps to have a clear outline of what the event is and what is expected that you can share with potential volunteers. Share it through multiple channels and talk to everyone you know! Once the events start running, there are returning volunteers. The volunteers recruit other people, which makes it easier.

Was social media used to recruit volunteers?

  • Boise – Yes, on Facebook and in the city newsletter. Also, there is an online application on the website.

For strategic planning, Repair Cafés are a great way to engage your community, both for volunteers and attendees.

Resources

Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to record this session. Our guest speakers were LeAnn Gelskey, Accessible Services Library Consultant (ICfL) and Justin Prescott, Branch Manager (Meridian Library District).

Guest Speaker LeAnn Gelskey:

Overview

It’s important to remember that aging populations can be 55+, there is a gap in services for this age group, and Idaho has many rural communities where libraries act as critical connectors for information and social interaction.

Idaho Talking Book Service (TBS): https://idahotalkingbooks.org/

  • Free Braille and digital resources for people with visual impairments (not limited to blindness).
  • Braille and large-print books are costly; librarians can certify patrons for the service.

Creative Aging Grant: https://libraries.idaho.gov/grants-funding/monetary-grants/creative-aging-grant/

  • Focus on social connection through creativity.
  • Examples: memoir writing, art and history classes, scholar-led book discussions, artist-led workshops.
  • LeAnn encourages interested libraries to consult with her and will host a webinar on the application process. She is taking over the program from Deana.

Outreach and partnerships:

  • Partner with Lions Clubs, assisted living facilities, humanities organizations, and service clubs.
  • Small, intentional programs can reduce isolation and improve health without increasing staff workload.

Let’s Talk About It (LTAI): https://libraries.idaho.gov/ltai/

  • Scholar-led book discussions coordinated by the ICfL
  • Currently offering a session focused on the America250 initiative
  • Application opens in late June / early July

Guest Speaker Justin Prescott:

Senior Delivery Services / Home Delivery Services: https://www.mld.org/delivery

  • Started during COVID and continued post-pandemic.
  • Inspired by senior delivery outreach models, they are working on merging senior and general home delivery services.
  • Patrons must live within the tax district to qualify.

Service Model

  • Any staff member can assist with phone-based readers’ advisory.
  • Librarians handle RA and place holds; delivery staff transport materials.
  • Exploring an embedded librarian model for on-site readers’ advisory, library cards, and technology support at care facilities.

Operations

  • Home delivery is a hold option; typical delivery time is ~3 days.
  • Airtable https://www.airtable.com/ manages address data; Routific https://www.routific.com/ is used for route optimization.
  • Average of 60 deliveries per day, with two drivers covering 4–5 hours.
  • Returns are picked up during deliveries; no system yet for return-only pickups.

Challenges

  • Limited digital skills among older adults
  • Scheduling consistency

How to develop your own home delivery service: https://www.mld.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/toolkit_homedelivery_0.pdf

Additional Notes:

Programs & Ideas

  • Senior socials, tax assistance, BINGO
  • Central District Health “Fit and Fall Proof”
  • Home delivery services
  • Good Life / Good Death Café (note: Death Café is trademarked)
  • Creative aging activities: mosaic classes, leatherworking
  • BPL provides homebound patrons with a folder of available library services

Additional Resources

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend today’s LITT: Library Lifelines discussion on how libraries can help communities grow their own food. And a special thank you to our guest Ariel Agenbroad, Area Extension Educator, Food Systems, and Small Farms at the U of I Extension – Ada County. Here is the recording of our discussion and here are the notes:

Guest Speaker Ariel Agenbroad:

  • Ariel has worked with some local programs in Ada County for garden and seed programming. They offered garden kits in the past and several libraries participated in that.
  • What can the Extension offer for libraries?
    • Interest in gardening skyrockets in times of economic turmoil. But does it actually save money? It depends.
    • Been with Extension for 18 years, started in Canyon County and now works with the entire Treasure Valley. Works with Farmer’s Markets, urban gardening, and lots of other areas under this scope.
    • Been around for over 100 years! High-quality research-based education for the public. Libraries are a key partner in this.
      • Distribute education through newsletters, articles, workshops/classes, websites, video production, bulletins & handbooks, etc. Many of these are available digitally, but they can provide workshops and classes in the library.
    • Libraries can help by providing space for classes/workshops and reaching new audiences.
  • Extension used to be a “one expert” model, now they are more of a conduit for information, helping folks navigate the overwhelm of information and find reliable, factual, helpful information.
  • Cooperative Extension = funded by federal, state, and local.
  • There are extension offices that serve all Idaho’s counties with varying programs depending on how many faculty members work in each office.
    • But every location can connect you with information and experts for what you’re looking for.
  • The Extension website has different subject areas that will direct you to publications, programs, the Extension calendar, and more!
  • You can also connect with the Extension for youth programs, such as the Jr. Master Gardener program.
  • There are Master Gardener programs in many counties throughout Idaho (though not all), these are volunteers that have completed the Master Gardener program and volunteer a certain number of hours to community classes and assistance. Some counties have Advance Master Gardeners who have participated for many years. Most counties do background checks on all volunteers before they begin teaching classes.
  • To do:
    • Connect with your local Extension office. Find out what kind of specialists they have and what programs they offer. Go to uidaho.edu/extension to find your county office.
    • The Extension calendar can be a great place for cross promotion!
    • Check out the Junior Master Gardener program website (jmgkids.us) for curriculum or work with your Extension office. Also, Literature in the Garden: https://jmgkids.us/lit/. [Jennifer’s note – you can use Summer STEM grant funds to purchase JMG curriculum and materials).
    • Download the Start Seeds Indoors with Success and other publications from the Extension: https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/publications/bul-0775.

Additional Notes:

  • How do others on the call operate their seed libraries? Are the seeds gone within hours of putting them out? Is there a way you get any seeds back?
    • Coeur d’Alene starts out with a limit for their seed swap, but it usually ends up being honor system. They would encourage more use of their seed library.
    • Hillcrest only puts a few out a time.
    • You can source more seeds. Sometimes the Extension has extras, Snake River Seed Cooperative and other places you can request free seeds.
    • Maybe use humor “Thanks for using your sharing skills and leaving seeds for others.”
    • Mountain Home limits to 3 packs per person, they will have to scan a QR code or complete a short questionnaire about what seeds they are taking.
  • Sandpoint had all their pumpkins and carrots taken out of the garden by someone. No other libraries have experienced this.
    • They have a greenhouse and some raised garden beds.
  • How many give out whole packages? How many repackage their seeds? There is a mix.
  • Indoor garden take home kits? Self-contained tabletop garden. There was one at Hillcrest Library. https://www.uidaho.edu/extension/publications/bul-1044 (Jennifer’s note: you can also use Summer STEM grant funds on this)

Programs & Ideas:

  • Sandpoint Library has a small garden with a greenhouse, raised garden beds, and a trellis over a concrete pad that houses a lot of the garden.
  • Master gardener program and classes at the Star Library (through the Ada Co. Extension).
  • Concerns about returned seeds that are labeled incorrectly, won’t grow, or are illegal. This may be a good job for a Master Gardener volunteer to share their expertise.
  • Best time for gardening classes are mid-January through early-April, depending on location. Any gardening classes from mid-April through the summer should be held outdoors with hands-on training.
  • Caldwell Public Library hosted a Day camp Jr. Master Gardener program over the summer in the past and done seed giveaways. The seed giveaways were very popular, so only a few were put out at one time.
  • Cole & Ustick does a tales and trails program where they do a storytime in a park area and then do a walk around to identify birds, plants, and bugs. Could be an opportunity to connect with a professional for specific plant, animal, and bug identification.

Additional Resources:

  • There are master naturalist and other programs like this through Department of Fish and Game and other agencies throughout Idaho.

Here is a link to the recording from today’s LITT: Library Lifelines chat on helping your community stay healthy. Thanks to Derek Ramos, from Ada Community Library’s Victory Branch for sharing what his library is doing to keep its community healthy. Here are the notes from our discussion:

Guest Speaker Derek Ramos:

Memory Connections Resource Center

  • Library collection: Books, DVDs, hands-on materials, handouts (puzzles, companion pet, radio)
  • For caregivers, families, and those with dementia

Brain HQ – online database

  • Online headquarters for brain training
  • Built on “Serious Science”
    • Memory
    • Attention
    • People skills
    • Decision making
    • navigation
  • Helps prevent mental decline

Senior Planet – Tech workshops (Ada Victory is a licensed partner – see link below for more info)

  • Offered through AARP
  • Tech-themed lectures/workshops – These are offered through the senior planet website. They provide everything including discussion questions/handouts
    • Understanding fraud/scams
    • Staying in touch as landlines change
    • Intro to sleep technology
    • Mindfulness apps
    • Into to Instagram
  • Flagship program of OATS (older adults technology services)

Privacy Pod – Star and Victory both have privacy pods that they got through the Upgrade Your Space grant provided by ICfL and the Department of Health and Welfare

  • Pods are also used for video meetings, job interviews, online tests, etc.
  • Partnership with St. Lukes, they provide on-demand virtual care
  • They also provide free health screenings
  • The pod came with a lot of medical equipment that they can use to do a virtual health screening
  • Department of Health and Welfare oversaw the ordering of the pods, Interior Designs of Idaho helped with the Star Branch Pod and Aatronics were the equipment installers for the Victory Branch

Fit and Fall Proof – Exercised based activities for older adults

  • Overseen by Central District Health
  • Offered twice a week
  • Offers an opportunity for social interaction

Memory Café – Partnership with Aging Strong

  • Enjoy activities with your loved on with memory loss (food, music, games)
  • Socialize, enjoy activities, build resources for changing needs, also a support group

Discussion Notes:

It can be difficult to find space for pods

It’s good to work with the district health services in your community

Programs & Ideas:

Teen project/Period project: feminine hygiene products available in the restrooms

Mental health kits

Weiser offers IT classes. 6-12 people show up each week

One on one appointments/book a librarian for tech help

Health literacy spotlight display

Bookmarks to with links to electronic resources

“Germ” storytimes – Introducing health literacy when they are young

Health screenings after storytimes

List of health resources posted in the library

Additional Resources:

Creative Aging Grant: https://libraries.idaho.gov/grants-funding/monetary-grants/creative-aging-grant/

Telehealth in Libraries: https://libraries.idaho.gov/telehealth/

Senior Planet: https://seniorplanet.org/

  • Older Adults Technology Services (learn about an info session on Wednesday, April 22 or sign up to be a partner here): https://oats.org/licensing/

Rural Health Information Hub: Health Literacy in Public Libraries: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/health-literacy/2/community/public-libraries –

ALA Lib Guide on Health Information: https://libguides.ala.org/health-information

Central District Health: https://cdh.idaho.gov/

Health Information In Libraries Guide from ALA: https://libguides.ala.org/health-information

Health Happens in Libraries resources on WebJunction (IMLS-funded project): https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/health-happens-in-libraries.html

Public Libraries As Partners for Health (CDC Article): https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2018/17_0392.htm

Libraries Reduce Health Disparities with Improved Literacy Skills (Programming Librarian): https://programminglibrarian.org/articles/libraries-reduce-health-disparities-improved-literacy-skills

How Public Libraries Can Boost Health Literacy (EBSCO): https://about.ebsco.com/blogs/ebscopost/how-public-libraries-can-boost-health-literacy-7-strategies-health-literacy-month

Here is a link to the recording from today's LITT: Library Lifelines chat on providing digital skills training at your library. Thanks to our guest presenters Chelsea Summerlin from the Idaho Commission for Libraries, and Darin Garr from Lewiston City Library, for sharing with the group. Here are the notes from our discussion:

Guest Speaker Chelsea Summerlin, Digital Skills Library Consultant, ICfL:  

Chelsea shared the Idaho Digital Skills homepage. This set of resources is reviewed and weeded yearly.  

Patron Resources (many also available in Spanish): a collection of self-guided tutorials, created or curated by ICfL staff: 

  • Self-Guided Tutorials: 
    • Starting Out: operating systems, the internet, and email 
    • Being Safe Online: the basics, as well as intermediate skills like password managers 
    • Job Skills: free cover letter and résumé builder 
    • Being Productive: AI 101, Google and Microsoft software, and online health information 
    • Mobile Devices: iOS and Android systems, mobile app safety, and Libby 
  • Resource Directory: searchable online directory. Folks can enter their zip code to see who offers digital access resources near them. 
  • Get Online: resources on the federal Lifeline program that offers discounts on phone and internet service. 
    • Public Wi-Fi Map: covers all public library Wi-Fi and computer information. It also allows users to filter for libraries that have hotspots and devices to borrow, as well as private spaces for patrons. 
  • Tech Talk: a weekly, technology-focused newsletter for non-techies delivered to your email. Available for Idaho library staff. 

Question: Do the courses build on each other? Do you need to take the first ones to do the later ones? Answer: Right now, they are just on individual topics. We can explore ways to create pathways for the courses so that they build on each other. 

Guest Speaker Darin Garr, Lewiston City Library: 

Lewiston's Digital Navigator Program. Darin shared advice on how to be human while teaching technology: 

  • Think about how you work best with others – groups or 1-on-1? Start however works best for you. Find a middle ground for scheduling. Automate and delegate when you can.  
  • Darin uses LibCal to manage appointments.  
  • Meet people at their level – talk about things at a simple level; explain things as you are doing them. Explain your process.  
  • Keep them talking and engaged.  
  • Give them your full time – they may have other issues they need help with. 
  • It can be exhausting assisting people with tech – make sure to spend your time wisely. 
  • Make changes to patron devices to benefit the patron, not you.  
  • Provide education, be prepared for anything. 
  • If you are teaching in a group, cover what you can; don't just talk – provide reading materials and show videos or practice devices; know what you're talking about.  
  • Topic ideas: AI, Cybersecurity, How a Computer Works, How the Internet Works, Video Conferencing  
  • Darin's Advice: 
    • Digital navigation can take many forms  
    • Conduct Maintenance on Yourself  
    • Learn to be flexible 

Question: Do you require patrons to have a library card to get digital navigation help? Darin's library doesn't.  

Question: How do you practice self-care and stay regulated? Darin has four dedicated help times each week – tries not to spread himself too thin. Make sure to communicate your needs to patrons. Get enough sleep. Don't get overwhelmed by other projects and deadlines – your stress can come out in the session.  

Question: Do you use any ICfL resources? Yes – promotes the digital skills website and lifeline info.  

Discussion Notes: 

Are there other organizations outside of the library that are doing digital skills work? Marshall Public Library has someone who was doing a Cyber Seniors program as part of a grant. Training from other organizations is typically integrated into other types of training (e.g., Dept. of Labor); adult education centers usually do basic digital skills training too. General training usually happens at libraries. Partners might be able to host digital skills training courses at your library (from local colleges, universities, Dept. of Labor, etc.).  

How do you tell your community what you offer? Invitations to people to drop in for specific help (drop-in sessions). Also, people who need help can come in whenever we are open. Keep digital navigation cards at staff stations. Promotion is important. Analog methods of advertising are often better.  

What challenges are there in providing digital skills training: Time, staffing, and space – just one staff member makes it hard to schedule a program. No one showed up during the designated times. Finding a time that works for people when there is enough staff and space (especially when there is no separate computer lab).  

Additional Resources: 

Here is a link to the recording from the LITT: Library Lifelines chat on genealogy services. Thanks to our guest presenter, Jessica Tueller from the Twin Falls Public Library,  for sharing with the group. Here are the notes from our discussion:

Guest Speaker, Jessica Tueller:

Genealogy research uses historical resources and typically includes creating family trees. There are lots of reasons to build family trees – health/medical, learn about family history, legal issues, fun, etc. Right now, many Idaho libraries are getting a lot of Downwinders Requests for radiation exposure compensation (check out this interview from a staff member at Boise Public Library to learn more). People need to prove residency for a family member living in an impacted area. Libraries have directories and newspapers to help. Twin Falls is averaging around 100 requests each month. They have also used genealogy resources to help find information for a missing person’s case. You never know the question you will get or what resources you will need.

FamilySearch is a great place for anyone to start. It is a free resource: one world-wide tree and everyone shares it. It is the largest free resource online with 14 billion records. You can create a free 7-generation family fan chart. It also has a research wiki which will help you do research in different geographical locations. A lot of people waste time looking for records that don’t exist.

Did you know? In the US, genealogy is the second largest hobby after gardening. And it is the second largest group of websites.

Cyndi’s List – online catalog of online resources for genealogists.

Ancestry.com – Twin Falls pays for content for researching, not building a tree. Can be used along with FamilySearch. Ancestry also has some free collections and a YouTube channel to help people learn how to research.

WorldCat is also good for genealogy – you can often find very local family histories.

Newspapers.com is another good tool – you can create an account and search for free. You can’t read the article without paying, but you can track the actual newspaper down in libraries.

Twin Falls also has a special Idaho and Pacific Northwest Collection with helpful local history resources. It has several regional newsletters that can provide stories to fill out genealogical data. High school annuals and yearbooks are also good sources of information. Historical photos can also be helpful and contain lots of details.

Sanborn maps – fire insurance maps that have been digitized. Use to see the growth of your town.

Polk City Directories – have lots of information about addresses, businesses, etc.

Family Tree Magazine – Twin Falls has both a physical copy and offers online access.

Preservation Station – TFPL offers equipment that allows users to capture, record, and preserve important parts of their own personal history, especially those in obsolete or fragile formats. The Station includes the means to digitize photographs, documents, slides, negatives, cassette audio, and VHS video. Users can set up appointments with the Reference Desk.

Discussion Notes:

How are high school yearbooks acquired? Try to purchase from schools or take donations (especially to duplicate copies). Because Twin Falls is a larger system, they sometimes have items from smaller surrounding communities.

What are some common ways people get started with genealogy? Many people have mysteries in their families that they want to solve. Start with the person and go through the generations until you can connect with a deceased generation.

Are there organizations that are already doing some of this work that libraries can partner with? Star has a local group doing oral histories of local residents. The library hosts a kiosk that houses the local oral histories. The Star library also helped a local group digitize local history items.

AI is helping fill out and index data for many historical records. It’s hard to do genealogy research without AI since it has been integrated into most genealogy resource sites.

Programs & Ideas:

Twin Falls hosts a class once a month based around a genealogy topic – more of a workshop where people bring their questions. Have done a bit of programming with younger kids – harder if the family history is sensitive. Worked a bit with the local LDS family research center.

Additional Resources:

Here is a link to the recording from the LITT: Library Lifelines chat on Finding Grants and Funding. Thanks to our guest presenter, Jamie Thill from the Idaho Commission for Libraries for sharing with the group. Here are the notes from our discussion:

Guest Speaker Jamie Thill:

  • Current Grants Officer at ICfL. She has spent a decade working in libraries in various roles, seeing grants from every perspective. Used to be nicknamed the “Partnership Librarian.”
  • Grant seeking is about building relationships, understanding community needs, and matching your project with an appropriate grant. There is no one magical place to find grant funding.
  • Grant Categories: Government, Foundations, Businesses/Corporations, Local Sponsors
  • Don’t overlook donations and sponsorships: start local! Local organizations generally have smaller applicant pools and a stronger interest in community impact at the local level. This is also an opportunity to utilize existing relationships.
    • Civic organizations: Lions Club, Rotary Club. Not formal grant programs, but they look for ways to put money back into the community. No grant app, just relationship building.
    • Local businesses, hospitals, and banks. Does your project involve health initiatives? Check out St. Lukes.
    • Sometimes even local sports teams will be willing to donate (think in-kind donations instead of $). Utilize letter of request instead of a multi-page proposal.
  • Idaho-based organizations: Idaho Community Foundation (Forever Idaho Regional Grant Program), Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, Idaho Humanities Council (anything humanities-based such as author talks, historical collections, etc.), Idaho Commission for Libraries, check out Idaho state agencies to see if your project fits with any of those missions, they may offer grant money.
  • Federal grants: More money, more competition, more reporting, and more requirements. These are time intensive, so create a grant rubric and make sure you have the capacity for this type of grant first. Jamie is available to help libraries create grant rubrics. To search for federal grants, use Grants.gov. You need an account and a UEI to apply for grants, but you can search grants without those. Institute of Museum and Library Services: Laura Bush grant and leadership grants, National Archives, and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine are a few examples of federal agencies with grant programs.
  • Private organizations: Target, Walmart, and other major employers in your community. Major corporations are required to give away 5% of their assets annually – they have money to give away!
  • Tools: Candid Foundation Directory, available at all Boise Public locations – search all grants available and which grant proposals have been awarded. It searches down to the zip code for lesser-known foundations in your community. If you’re not in the Boise area, contact a reference librarian at the Boise Public Library to assist your search. Grantmakers.io – look up libraries in Idaho to see all the foundation grants they’ve been awarded. This is a great way to see where other Idaho libraries are getting their grant money!

Discussion Notes:

  • Check out the general Library Grants blog for information about library grants.
  • What is the permission level for finding grants at your library?
    • Some libraries are supportive of employees’ finding grants. Get permission from manager and review with the grants team to see if other branches are thinking about applying for the same grant. In addition, each branch keeps track of who is applying to which grants.
    • Some libraries have a cap: can’t apply for anything that is under a certain number amount. This was a city decision because of the amount of work that goes into administering a grant (staff time).
    • Some libraries need board approval to apply for grants, especially large grants.
    • Make sure you understand your internal processes before you apply for grants. You may not have the spending authority to spend grant funds.
    • Think more broadly about the needs in your community. There are likely funding opportunities beyond the usual library grants and funding. But don’t try to force a grant to fit your project.
  • Building your timeline for grants:
    • Work backwards from grant deadlines. Build a timeline that breaks out all the aspects of the grant into manageable chunks. Leave time for signatures from management/higher ups. You can keep track of your grants and your progress in an excel sheet.
    • Plan to submit your application five days before the deadline. This allows time for any technology issues.
    • Build time for other members of your team to complete sections, director/board review, etc.
  • Library foundations or Friends groups can apply for nonprofit grants that the library cannot. At one library, the Foundation director does a lot of nonprofit grant applications.
  • Libraries can contract with freelance grant writers (for a fee). When one person is dedicated to grant applications, they can apply for more.
  • Partnerships:
    • For larger grants, partnerships and collaborators make the project/proposal stronger. Less likely for the project to fail when there are multiple stakeholders.
    • Partners can provide letters of support or ask the library to join them on a grant that they lead.
    • Keep building relationships and partnerships!
    • Partnerships support the work of your library.
  • Keep a record of all the things you’ve done with grants in the past. Keep track of the organizations that have funded your previous projects. Keep a database of current representatives for letters of recommendation for certain grants.
    • Shows a proven track record of successful grant projects.
    • Creates a good system to help the next person in your position as well.
  • Look for Grant Writing Seminars. Sometimes grant opportunities are announced in these seminars and they are often low cost.
  • Winco offers a Community Support grant – they give $500 gift cards to their stores. Might be great for school libraries or larger events that require food or paper products. Target has a similar grant program where they give gift cards to their stores.
  • Think about Baby Boomers that are passing away and donating their estates to foundations. Get better at finding grants now to prepare for a predicted influx of money to these foundations.
  • MLD received a T.E.C.H. for Re-entry Grant. They received it because of how quickly their administration was able to receive and approve it (only 1 of 4 libraries in the U.S. who received this). It helps to have an approval process ready to go for last minute, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Additional Resources:

Here is a link to the recording of this discussion.

Resources:

Things libraries need funding for:

  • Library is getting a new/update building and needs funds for the interior of the space.
  • Shelving or display units

General advice from attendees:

  • Give yourself enough time to apply and make sure your library has the capacity to meet all the grant requirements.
  • Don’t forget to save time for administrative tasks like gathering data for your final reports and monitory spending (and receipts!).
  • Have someone review your application and reports before you submit them – for proofreading and consistency.

Note from guest speaker Jamie Thill:

  • Grant Applications
    • Start early, read the guidelines carefully and understand the reporting and compliance responsibilities.
    • Monitor your expectations – do you have the capacity to do the administrative side of the grant?
    • Strengthen your application with letter of support from partners.
  • Needs statements
    • Always use data to support your need. Gather community data – try a community needs assessment, simple survey.
    • Make sure you have buy-in from your community for the project.
    • Describe important issues – are there consequences for not doing the project.
    • Be concise and keep your sentences short.
    • Pay attention to formatting, page limits, required attachments.
    • Review for grammatical errors and formatting.
    • If your application is sloppy or disorganized, reviewers will think that your reporting will be that way.
  • Eligibility: make sure you are eligible to apply for a grant.
    • Your Friends group or Foundation may need to apply for you.
    • Is there a geographic component?
    • Do you need letters of support or staff resumes.
  • Purpose: understand the purpose of a grant.
    • Some are seed grants to help you get started and then it’s up to you to sustain the grant.
  • Alignment
    • Look at the funder’s mission to make sure your project aligns with their mission.
    • Reach out to grant lead to ask questions.
    • Applications can get declined when needs statements are weak, goals are undefined, or documentation is missing. Sometimes the project just doesn’t align with the funder’s priorities.
  • Avoid being repetitive or redundant.
    • Make sure you fit the grant rubric.
  • For your proposal
    • Define a real problem and build a story about how you will solve the problem.
    • Describe how you will do that through the period of performance.
  • Seek assistance.
    • Reach out to the ICfL; use a proofreader; gather documentation; follow a timeline.
  • Have a system.
    • Make sure you schedule your reports and when you need to report. And what to track (especially if you are asking for funding for personnel).
  • Grant seeking should be an ongoing process, not just a one-time event. Keep all your documentation to help from grant to grant (you need a system).
  • Budget
    • Design a budget that tells a story – every expense relates to your project.
    • Ensure your numbers are accurate and consistent. This might get your application rejected.
    • Look at in-kind donations to help strengthen application.
    • Items on the budget must be allowable, reasonable, and necessary. Make sure you know what items are allowed and not allowed.
  • Try using a logic model – a visual tool that acts as a roadmap for the grant.
  • Review everything you submit with your final reporting. Receipts should add up to the total. Follow the requirements and guidelines – can impact future applications.

Fundraising ideas/advice for libraries, Friends groups, and Foundations:

  • Make sure you have a webpage or other online place for people to donate.
  • 5K run/walk
  • Murder Mystery
  • Death by Dessert (pay for the chance to try a bunch of desserts – delicious!)
  • Auctions
    • Silent auction where people bid on items like baskets at an event – you will need to solicit donations for the items
    • Naming rights auctions for rooms or other spaces; or adopt-a-book or library program
    • Raffle off baskets
    • Live auction with an auctioneer for people to bid on in-person (experiences work well for auctions, like behind-the-scenes tours).
  • Friends groups can have members-only days for book sales.
  • Friends have success selling books online – here are some vendors to try:
  • Think about selling things that represent community (like a quilt)
  • Pancake breakfast – can make a lot for a little. See if you can get a local business to help.
  • Donor relationship-building is very important. Find a way to recognize your donors and keep it going throughout the year.
  • Have an elevator pitch ready to go. Make sure everyone at the library knows how to support asks for money.

What about Artificial Intelligence:

  • Use AI to refine application or reporting answers.
  • Some organizations will not consider applications written using AI.
  • It can be hard to score applications that use AI since many of them sound the same and are not specific to the organization or community.

General Discussion

  • There seem to be fewer mid-range grants available lately.
  • Develop a system to keep track of needs statements, community data, applications etc. It will help streamline future applications.
  • When applying for grants that have ranges (like $500 – $5,000), sometimes you don’t need to ask for the max amount if you won’t be able to spend it.
  • Are there organizations that assist with grant writing?
  • Cities sometimes have grant writers (and taking administrative costs).
  • Niche Academy courses.
  • Sometimes cities have minimum thresholds for grants. Talk to partners (cities, hospitals) so that people can help pass along. See who else is writing grants and ask them to pass on info.
  • How many grants does your library apply for each year?
    • 7 – 9 grants; takes up around 15% of staff time.
  • What caused burnout over applying for grants?
    • Too many grants were received and there was so much paperwork and accountability, year after year.
    • It seemed like we were always working on a grant.
    • Navigating a new grant system killed us.
  • Decide whether or not applying for the grant is worth it.
    • Coordinating with partners adds another element.

Questions or comments about LITT: Library Lifelines chats? Contact Jennifer Redford or Marina Rose.

Jennifer Redford

Jennifer Redford

Library Development Consultant
Email Jennifer / 208-639-4147
Read my Blogs
Marina Rose headshot

Marina Rose

E-Resources Library Consultant
Email Marina / 208-639-4165
Read my Blogs

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