Library Training & Mini Grants

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. ALS maintains a Vimeo Channel with recordings from recent and past training of interest to ALS libraries. 

To access past ALS hosted training sessions, go to our Vimeo Channel and search for content based on keywords or the title or date of the session you are looking for.

To access BLUECloud Product, Cataloging, and Horizon training resources go the COMPASS & Horizon Resources page.

For other statewide opportunities, please visit Minnesota Libraries Learning Network (MLLN), Minnesota’s 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.

2026 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.The 2026 ALS Mini Grant application form, guidelines and required paperwork can be found below. There are 40 mini grants available in 2026 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 October 30, 2026, and expenses for reimbursement must be made by November 7, 2026. All reimbursement paperwork must be submitted by December 4, 2026. 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 the links below:

2026 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Guidelines

2026 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Application

2026 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Report

2026 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Request for Reimbursement Form

2026 Arrowhead Library System Mini Grant Staff Evaluation

2026 Thank You Letter to Minnesota Legislators Example

If you are looking for ideas, feel free to check out the 2025 ALS Mini Grant Projects submitted by ALS member libraries:

● https://www.alslib.info/blog/2025-als-mini-grants-examples-in-the-als-region-part-1/

● https://www.alslib.info/blog/2025-als-mini-grants-examples-in-the-als-region-part-2/

● https://www.alslib.info/blog/2025-als-mini-grants-examples-in-the-als-region-part-3/

● https://www.alslib.info/blog/2025-als-mini-grants-examples-in-the-als-region-part-4/

2026 ALS SPECIAL LIBRARIES GRANTS - FOR ALS MEMBER SPECIAL LIBRARIES

The Arrowhead Library System (ALS) Governing Board has designated funds for Special Libraries grants to support programming, highlight services, and improve accessibility/knowledge of your library’s resources at the local level. These grants are open to ALS member special libraries in the ALS seven-county service area. The 2026 ALS Special Libraries Grant application form, guidelines and required paperwork can be found below. There are ten grants available in 2026 and special libraries may apply for up to $750. Applications will be reviewed weekly and ALS staff will send notification of approval of funding via email within 7-10 business days.

Special Libraries can only receive one grant per library building per year. All grants are reimbursements to grantees for the expenses and paid receipts will be required for reimbursement, along with an online 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 October 30, 2026, and expenses for reimbursement must be made by November 7, 2026. All reimbursement paperwork must be submitted by December 4, 2026. 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.

2026 ALS Special Libraries Grant Guidelines

2026 ALS Special Libraries Grant Application

2026 ALS Special Libraries Grant Report

2026 ALS Special Libraries Grant Request for Reimbursement Form

2026 ALS Special Libraries Grant Staff Evaluation

2026 Thank You Letter to Minnesota Legislators Example

Topics for Special Libraries Grant programs and projects include, but are not limited to:

● Bringing in an author or presenter for your patrons for a virtual or in-person presentation

● Creating virtual or in-person programs or events promoting or explaining your library

services

● Partnering with an organization or other library for programming promotion, hosting, or

outreach

● Using grant funds for improvements on collection or building accessibility (shelving,

online access, digitization, building projects, etc.)

● Highlighting available services or resources using social media, newsletters, brochures,

posters or other promotional materials

● Purchasing registration fees for online webinars or library-related conferences in

Minnesota as part of your ALS Grant project, if applicable

● NOTE: grant programs or projects may target patrons of any age. All funds for your grant

must be used for one cohesive purpose or project.

Example Special Libraries grant projects from 2025 can be found here:

● https://www.alslib.info/blog/als-special-libraries-grants-projects-in-2025/