Eleven public libraries throughout Idaho were selected to each receive a $1,000 grant from Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, an initiative of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association, sponsored by Grow with Google.
The goal of the initiative is to ensure that public libraries across the nation receive ongoing access to free tools and resources to help Americans grow their skills, careers, and businesses.
The Idaho libraries that received the grant are: Caldwell Public Library; Challis Public Library; Community Library Network (Post Falls); Garden Valley District Library; Hagerman Public Library; Hailey Public Library; Lewiston City Library; Middleton Public Library; Nampa Public Library; Oneida County Library (Malad); and the Portneuf Free Library District (Chubbuck).
Idaho’s newly awarded libraries will integrate Grow the Google programs into events or ongoing workshops to address the needs of their communities.
Idaho State Librarian Stephanie Bailey-White said, “I was pleased to see these 11 Idaho libraries chosen to receive this grant and excited for what the Libraries Lead with Digital Skills initiative will add to their communities. The funding and tools the libraries receive will allow for the expansion of their existing workforce development efforts to assist job seekers, business owners, and entrepreneurs to an even greater degree.”
The $1,000 grants can be used by the libraries to continue or expand services and programs related to workforce development. In addition to the funding, awardees will receive marketing support, technical guidance, advocacy tools, and a community of practice — with the goal of drawing attention to the services libraries provide.
“Libraries are pivotal leaders in providing digital skills programs in the community,” said Nicky Rigg, program manager for digital skills outreach at Google. “We are excited to learn from libraries across the country and shine a spotlight on how important their services are to job seekers and small businesses.”
Grow with Google is an initiative to help create economic opportunities for all Americans. In 2019, Grow With Google made a commitment to deliver free, in-person workshops for job seekers, small businesses, and library staff in all 50 states. As the tour progresses to each state, applications will open for libraries seeking Libraries Lead with Digital Skills funding. For tour dates, application deadlines and lists of each state’s awardees, visit ala.org/pla/initiatives/google. Follow the conversation at #Libraries Lead and #GrowWithGoogle @LibraryPolicy and @PLALibrary.
The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) builds the capacity of the more than 850 public, school, academic, and special libraries in Idaho to better serve their communities through: statewide programming and resources, like Read to Me and Libraries Linking Idaho (LiLI); consulting; continuing education; partnerships; and aid to underserved populations, such as the visually impaired through the Talking Book Service. For more information, visit: https://libraries.idaho.gov
