Adult Services Resources for February 2025

ICfL staff members have had their eyes out for relevant stories, tools, and tricks so you don't have to. Enjoy!

Update: The Monthly Adult Services Newsletter is moving to Mailchimp starting with the March newsletter. Use the box on ICfL's adult services page to sign up!

Calendar

• The Programming Librarian's calendar lists national monthly/ weekly celebrations, observances, and library related conferences and book festivals.
• Calendar of Social Engagement Opportunities from the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults (engAGED)

Funding

• Stephen T. Riedner Grant for Life Enhancing Library Programs for People Living with Dementia - $2,500 each to two libraries to support the creation of new services and/or new programming to directly serve those living with dementia. Deadline to apply is February 21, 2025. See their website for details about eligibility, application evaluation, and past winners.
• The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation 2025 Grant - The Foundation accepts inquiries from any qualified tax-exempt Idaho nonprofit organization. Particular grantmaking priorities include rural healthcare, educational programs for children, and programs in underserved communities and for underserved populations. Applications are open February 15 to March 31 and must be submitted online. See their website for details about eligibility, application evaluation, and past winners.
• Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants from USDA Rural Development - This competitive program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other - and the world - overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. We encourage you to consider projects that promote equity and economic opportunity in rural America. Awards range from $50,000 to $1 million and a minimum 15 percent match is required and cannot be from another federal source. The deadline to apply is March 6. See their website for details about eligibility, application evaluation, and past winners.
• AARP Community Challenge - is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. Applications are open until March 5.

Programming

• The Meridian Library District held a Puzzle Swap at their Orchard Park branch
• Mountain Home Public Library is hosting a monthly Family History Group
• West Bonner Library District hosted Discover the Art of Block Printing workshop

Professional development

• LITT: Adult Services - February 12, 11am MT/ 10am PT
• Online training - Libraries as Launchpads Entrepreneurship Librarian Certification - support your local businesses and entrepreneurs by working with a team of entrepreneurship and ecosystem experts, collaborate with a cohort of like-minded librarians, and engage in an extensive hands-on program. Program runs March 26 to May 21. Registration deadline is March 10.
• Online training - NNLM announces a new, free on-demand class: Health Reference Express: Communication and Confidentiality Essentials for Library Workers. In this 3 credit-hour, on-demand class you will learn:
  • The guiding documents library workers need to know to answer health reference questions ethically and confidentially.
  • 5 steps you can take in a health reference interview to answer a patron's health reference question simply and effectively.
  • 3 common yet tricky health topics you might encounter on the reference desk, and how to answer them.

Resources

• It's tax season, and more than 210,000 Idahoans are eligible to file for free thanks to IRS Direct File! The Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy has a toolkit with social media content, template emails, and fliers in English and Spanish to help you get the word out.
• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Preparation
• Article - "Let's come together for YODA - Youngers + Olders Dismantling Ageism"