February 16th
Basically Incredible by Matt Booth
It’s a new year of Big Ideas Book Discussions! The first title we’ll take up this year—on Friday February 16—is Basically Incredible by Matt Booth. The subtitle lends a good description “doing the basics consistently leads to an incredible life.” And I think this is the first time that Big Ideas Book Discussions features an Iowa author. Matt Booth is from Dubuque and last fall was a keynote speaker at the Iowa League of Cities Conference.
Libraries have extended their community reach in impressive ways over the years, from maker spaces to STEM programming to lending WiFi hotspots. Given all the recent advancements in library service, what would a return to basics look like? We'll consider that as we talk about the author's ideas for "focusing on the basics and building high performing teams."
From Amazon, here’s more about the book: "Matt Booth argues that despite the complexity of life, it’s the simple and fundamental practices that truly make a difference …. whether it’s at work or home, with colleagues, friends or family, he illustrates the keys to building strong habits and even stronger relationships.”
In Big Ideas Book Discussions, State Library staff and partners facilitate discussions using books outside of library management, but with plenty of application to library management. Choosing books on leadership, customer service, presentation skills, etc. we connect those ideas with public library service.
Participants are encouraged to purchase books used throughout the Big Ideas series for local collections. Join us for the next good read: Basically Incredible.
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On Wednesday January 17th
All Iowa Reads 2024 launches this new year with a special webinar scheduled for January 17 (10:00AM-12:00PM) The webinar features all three authors of the three All Iowa Reads chosen in 2024. Diane Wilson is the author of the adult title The Seed Keeper. Samira Ahmed wrote the teen title Hollow Fires. And Celia C. Perez is the author of the children’s title Tumble. Each author will discuss their books and answer your questions.
About All Iowa Reads
Established in 2003, the purpose of All Iowa Reads is to foster a sense of community through reading. Iowans are encouraged to come together in their communities to read and talk about a single book in the same calendar year. All Iowa Reads consists of three programs, each with one title chosen per year: one for adults, one for teens ages 12-18, and one for kids ages 8-12.
Libraries, book clubs, schools and other local organizations are encouraged to sponsor discussions of the titles. The All Iowa Reads website includes information for current and past selections, as well as materials including book reviews, discussion questions, author bios, and publicity materials to help you and your local book clubs prepare successful discussions.
Fun For Local Book Groups
Speaking of which, this webinar is a wonderful opportunity for book discussion groups to enjoy a watch party at your library—be sure to extend an invitation! In addition to hearing from the authors themselves, this program will also include an overview of the resources available from the State Library to support All Iowa Reads events at your library. Click the button to register!
Grants Up To $2,500.00 For Library Programming
ALA invites library staff to apply for the fourth annual Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, a programming grant named after the transformative ALA leader responsible for the creation of National Library Week and the Celebrity READ series. And there's ample time: applications are open until February 1st.
The Peggy Barber Tribute Grants are offered by ALA’s Public Programs Office which recognizes and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited access to budgets for programming. This grant package aims to ease budget challenges by awarding $2,500 for three libraries to support programming efforts. Because 2024 is a presidential election year, this time libraries are invited to submit applications for a grant related to civic education. Example proposals could include:
- a program focused on voting (i.e. a book discussion on the history of voting, a program to register voters, an event teaching patrons about voting rights)
- a program teaching media and/or information literacy skills to build an informed general public
- a program offering avenues for community involvement, such as how to run for local office
All library types—including public, academic, K-12, tribal, and special libraries—in the U.S. or U.S. territories are eligible. Close to home, West Liberty (IA) Public Library was a past winner. Applicants must have a personal or institutional membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.
Applications remain open until February 1, 2024.
Email publicprograms@ala.org with questions.
Thanks to Cherokee Public Library Director Tyler Hahn for this news!
Read more and apply at the button below.
This Thursday January 11, it’s another Lunch with the State Library. And this month, District Consultants will be on hand to talk about their areas of expertise and their contributions to the State Library’s continuing education program. Grab a sandwich and join us for this 30-minute meet-and-great to learn more.
Also This Week ...
Pop YS Live. Displays: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Online. January 10th @ 1:00PM.
This month in Pop YS Live, we’ll take a peek at library displays. What makes a good book display? How far in advance do you plan your displays? Is coming up with what to put on display a struggle? This webinar will have plenty of practical tips and tricks to answer these questions with photos galore of DOs and DON’Ts.
Standards / Accreditation Report Time 😊
Are You Ready To Roll?
For all libraries in the 2024 standards / accreditation renewal cycle (reports due on February 29, 2024) the application is open for filing. If the 2024 standard / accreditation reporting cycle affects your library, click here for more information and instructions
Next Monday January 15 is Dr. Martin Luther King Day.
As a state holiday, all State Library offices will be closed.
Look for the next Monday Morning Eye-Opener on January 22.
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