Library Training & Mini Grants
Arrowhead Library System sponsors a wide variety of continuing education (CE) workshops both in-person and via webinar. These training opportunities are aimed to support the diverse needs of all ALS member libraries no matter the type or size and focus on the latest and best information and ideas to drive innovation and continuous improvement at the local and regional level.
RECORDED TRAINING
ALS, member library staff, and library partners are also creating online, on-demand webinars and resources focusing on general topics for all types of libraries. Click on the links below to access:
OverDrive User Experience Webinars
Brainfuse HelpNow & JobNow Webinar
MackinVIA PreK-Grade 12 eBook Collection for ALS Member School Libraries Webinar
TumbleBookLibrary How-To Video
ALS Horizon Help Desk How-To Webinar
MobileStaff, Weeding, and Inventory for Horizon Libraries Webinar
Searching Enterprise Q & A Webinar
ALS Interlibrary Loan Roundtable
Weeding 101 for Libraries Webinar
Programming @ Your Library Webinar
Legal Reference 101 Webinar with MN State Law Librarian Liz Reppe -- 12/12/2023
Google Documents/Drive & Email Security
Wellness in the Library Workplace
Lighthouse Center for Vital Living Informational Webinar
To access BLUECloud Product, Cataloging, and Horizon training resources go the COMPASS & Horizon Resources page
For other statewide opportunities, please visit Level Up!, Minnesota’s new centralized library professional development website. Events on the calendar are open to all library staff, although there may be some registration restrictions. Created and managed by a team of librarians across Minnesota, the aim is to help Minnesota library staff keep their knowledge up-to-date and to encourage learning new skills. An easy to use, one-stop site for staff from all types of libraries, in all regions of Minnesota, and at all levels of experience who are seeking training opportunities.
2024 MINI GRANTS FOR ALS MEMBER LIBRARIES
The Arrowhead Library System (ALS) Governing Board has designated funds for mini grants to enhance library spaces, services, and programming at the local level. Mini grants are open to all ALS member public, school, academic, and special libraries in the ALS seven-county service area. 40 mini grants are available in 2024 and libraries may apply for up to $250. Applications will be reviewed weekly and ALS staff will send notification of approval of funding via email within 7-10 business days.
Libraries can only receive one mini grant per library building per year and funding is first come, first served. All mini grants are reimbursements to grantees for the expenses and paid receipts will be required for reimbursement, along with an online mini grant report, staff evaluation, and a copy of a thank you letter to MN House/Senate Legislators representing the area. The deadline for applying is November 1, 2024, and expenses for reimbursement must be made by November 8, 2024. All reimbursement paperwork must be submitted by December 2, 2024. Please note all expenditures must follow public purpose guidelines as published by the League of Minnesota Cities. For more information and to apply, please see links below.
2024 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Guidelines
2024 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Application
2024 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Report
2024 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Request for Reimbursement Form
2024 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Staff Evaluation
2024 Thank You Letter to Minnesota Legislators Example