$3K grant will help library work with residents to host community conversations

Three Rivers Public Library has been selected as one of 300 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 host book talks and open conversations with members of the community.

“We are so proud and excited to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” Interim Library Director Bobbi Schoon said. “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.”

As part of the grant, Three Rivers Public Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host several conversations with residents about diversity and inclusion, and use the grant funds to host book talks and community discussions.

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact library staff at 269-273-8666 ext. 101, or visit www.threeriverslibrary.org for more information.

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 (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).