![]() At the ARSL 2024 Conference, NCDD’s Executive Director, Keiva Hummel, co-led a workshop with Courtney Breese and others on fostering dialogue in rural libraries. They addressed challenges such as book protests and climate change, teaching participants how to facilitate constructive conversations. The workshop, part of NCDD’s collaboration with the ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative, highlighted the role of libraries in building trust and promoting inclusive discussions. Additionally, $7 million in grants for rural libraries to improve accessibility will be available, with applications due by December 11, 2024. Read more in the blog post below! ![]() Libraries have always been at the heart of building bridges within their communities, especially in small and rural areas where they serve as hubs for connection and growth. At the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) 2024 Conference, NCDD’s Executive Director, Keiva Hummel, and Director Emeritus, Courtney Breese, brought this spirit to life during their pre-conference session. Alongside Tyler Hahn, Director of the Cherokee Public Library in Iowa, and Samantha Oakley from the American Library Association, they led a dynamic workshop titled “Building Bridges: Constructive Dialogue in Small Library Communities.” The session tackled real-world challenges that rural libraries face today, such as book challenges, library protests, climate change impacts, and educational debates, including Critical Race Theory. Participants engaged with practical exercises, learning how to structure productive conversations, frame difficult subjects, and develop questions that promote dialogue rather than division. The emphasis on accessibility underscored how libraries can create inclusive spaces for everyone, allowing for honest and respectful discussions, even on contentious issues. One of the most powerful aspects of the workshop was the exploration of how libraries can strengthen community trust and relationships through dialogue. Participants learned to move beyond misinformation and fear, focusing on the value of connection, trust-building, and collaborative action. This session, part of NCDD’s ongoing collaboration with the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) initiative, left attendees equipped to host their own conversations—whether addressing controversial topics like racial dialogue or finding common ground on community-driven projects like starting a community garden. The ARSL 2024 Conference, themed "Libraries are (r)Evolutionary," celebrated the transformative role of small and rural libraries as catalysts for change. With sessions tailored to the unique challenges faced by these libraries—such as limited staff and resources—the conference offered innovative ideas that participants could implement directly in their libraries, no scaling down required. It highlighted the revolutionary spirit of libraries and their ability to evolve to meet the needs of their communities. Announcement: Round Three LTC Grants Due December 11th The Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities initiative will offer more than $7 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of their facilities, services, and programs, enabling them to better serve people with disabilities. The deadline for Round Three grant applications is December 11, 2024. For those interested, you can register for the Pre-Application Webinar on October 10, 2024: Register Here. More information about the grants can be found at: LTC Grants Information. Resources from the Libraries Transforming Communities Initiative Bolstering libraries as central community leaders, the LTC initiative equips librarians with new tools and resources for innovative engagement. Whether you work in a large or urban library, an academic library, or a small to mid-sized rural library, there are dialogue and deliberation resources designed to support your community engagement efforts. Explore resources tailored to your library type: Dialogue and Deliberation Resources. Free Facilitation Resources:
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