UPDATE

7/28/2020

On July 27, NEKLS staff hosted an information session on the School Library COVID Relief Grants. Here are resources from the day:

For questions about the consortium, contact Sara at MackinVIA. For questions about the grant program, contact Anna at NEKLS.

Back to School with NEKLS: Information sessions on State Library E-Resources and NEKLS’ COVID School Relief Grant Program.

UPDATE

July 23, 2020

You’re invited to join NEKLS staff for two information sessions:

COVID Relief Grant Information Session at 2pm on Monday, July 27. We plan to record the session and make it available after the event. 

An email was sent out on 7/23/2020 that contained the link to join this session. If you need it, request it from Anna Foote by email. 

Back-to-School with State Library Resources (databases and ebooks for students of all ages) at 2pm on Thursday, July 30. We plan to record the session and make it available after the event. 

An email was sent out on 7/23/2020 that contained the link to join this session. If you need it, request it from Anna Foote by email. 

Looking for ideas for getting ready for back-to-school or for using grant funds?

Demco’s Ideas & Inspiration blog articles: 

“Ways School Librarians Can Serve Students in Fall 2020”:

https://ideas.demco.com/blog/ways-school-librarians-can-serve-students-in-fall-2020

“3-Phase Reopening Plan Template for School Librarians”

https://ideas.demco.com/blog/3-phase-reopening-plan-template-for-school-librarians

For the most current research on safely handling library materials, visit the Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Information Hub:

https://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/COVID-19-research-project.html

NEKLS COVID School Relief Grant Program

July 16, 2020

The Northeast Kansas Library System Staff and Executive Board enthusiastically announce a COVID relief grant program exclusively for NEKLS school library members. We have allocated $80,000 to fund competitive grants to school libraries that serve any combination of students aged K-12. To qualify, schools must be members of Northeast Kansas Library System. 

Each eligible school may apply for up to $5,000 in grant funds, to be used to offset the purchase of materials and/or technology to help ease the disruption COVID-19 has caused in our education system. 

Grant funds may be used to reimburse previous purchases, so long as they were made after March 17, 2020, the date of the suspension of in-school attendance during the Spring 2020 Semester. Funds may be used to help offset the costs of projects totaling more than $5,000.

Examples of potentially funded projects: 

  • Expanding connectivity/bandwidth outside school walls, such as: hotspots for mobile or student home use, external wireless routers, 24/7 wireless access outside school buildings, and the like.
  • Expanding the library’s digital or print collection development.
  • Books for students’/families’ personal libraries.
  • Library staff training/development. 
  • Migrating school’s ILS to Next Search Catalog (4A schools and smaller)–includes access to Lynda (online learning platform) and Flipster (virtual magazine access). Contact NEKLS for more information about this option.

Funds may not be used for the following: 

  • Staff salaries/benefits.
  • Ongoing infrastructure expenses.
  • Construction or maintenance of buildings.

These two lists are not exhaustive. Contact Anna Foote at NEKLS, with any questions.

Applications are due by 11:59pm (Central) on Monday, August 3, 2020. Grants will be announced the week of August 10, and funds are expected to be made available as soon as possible after that date. 

Here is a preview of the application.

Here is the project timeline.

Use this link to submit your application.

Here are the grant selection criteria that the evaluators will use to select grantees.

Assistance and Information

NEKLS staff will be available throughout the application and funding periods to answer questions and provide technical assistance. Contact Anna Foote, Youth and School Services Consultant.