The recent Executive Order concerning the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has generated a lot of questions about how IMLS funding through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) supports libraries in Virginia. LVA has created the infographic above with current information about how LSTA funds sustain the work of public libraries in Virginia. This may be useful information as you get questions from patrons about IMLS's impact on state and local library services.
You can download a pdf of this infographic from the LVA website.
Recently Added LVA Training
Service to People Experiencing Homelessness
This pathway equips library staff with the tools to work with patrons experiencing homelessness in library settings. The courses emphasize safety, empathy, and equitable service.
Participants will explore the causes of homelessness and its impact on behavior, learning to enforce Codes of Conduct while supporting at-risk populations with dignity and professionalism.
Legal and safety considerations are addressed, helping staff balance enforcement with compassion, ensuring both employee and patron well-being.
Niche Academy is open to all Virginia library staff members and library associates such as trustees and Friends board members. If you do not have a Niche Academy account, please use your library email address to sign up. If you do not have a library work email, you may register with a personal email, and we will contact you to confirm that you are affiliated with a Virginia library.
News from Library Development
Find It VA Tips
Transparent Language for English Language Learners
Does your library serve patrons whose first language is not English and who want to improve their English skills? If so, Transparent Language Online (TLO) has some excellent resources for you to share.
In addition to a full immersion English language course (taught in English), TLO offers English lessons taught in 38 native languages.
These classes are an invaluable resource for learners who are not quite ready for an immersion class. With the instruction for the class offered in their native language, learners can more quickly develop basic English fluency and then move on to the English immersion class for more advanced learning. Each of these classes is also available in a Kidspeak version aimed at younger learners.
The newest addition to the list, English for Kurdish Behindi speakers, was added in part because of requests from some Virginia libraries, so if you are seeing a need in your community for a class that is not listed here, let me know and I can pass that along to the TLO team.
Patrons can get started with TLO on your library's website, and library staff should check out the great marketing resources offered by TLO for content to share with your language learners.
English language courses offered include:
English for Amharic
English for Arabic
English for Chinese, Mandarin
English for Czech
English for Dari
English for Farsi
English for French
English for German
English for Greek
English for Haitian Creole
English for Hebrew
English for Hindi
English for Hmong
English for Indonesian
English for Italian
English for Japanese
English for Korean
English for Kurdish Behdini
English for Malay
English for Norwegian
English for Pashto
English for Polish
English for Portuguese, Brazilian
English for Romanian
English for Russian
English for Somali
English for Spanish, Castilian
English for Spanish, Latin American
English for Swahili
English for Tagalog
English for Tamil
English for Thai
English for Turkish
English for Ukrainian
English for Urdu
English for Vietnamese
RUSA Online Training Reports
In partnership with ALA's Reference and User Services Association, LDND is delighted to offer training opportunities for Virginia library staff. This winter, we were able to offer seats in RUSA's Cirtual Forum.
Scholarship recipients are asked to report out on key points or topics. Read the reports below.
RUSA Virtual Forum
Melinda A. McKenzie, Portsmouth Public Library
As a public librarian and branch manager attending the RUSA Virtual Forum 2025 on March 4 and 6, I found the event to be a timely exploration of the diversity and inclusion issues we are all facing. The forum’s theme, "Meeting Users' Needs (EDIA)", focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that library services are relevant to all community members. Even the sessions for academic libraries had relevance to my work in a public library.
One of the standout presentations was "Evolving Library Services: A Holistic Approach to Patron Support and Well-Being," which emphasized how libraries can expand their role beyond traditional services to address community wellness. The discussion highlighted successful programs, including mental health resources, social services partnerships, and initiatives to support patrons experiencing housing insecurity.
In light of the current uncertainly surrounding federal agencies, "Helping Diverse Users with Financial Literacy Resources” was of particular interest. This session provided practical guidance on how public libraries can support financial education, offering access to high-quality resources tailored for different demographic groups, including low-income families, seniors, and non-English speakers.
The forum also explored the intersection of technology and library services with a session titled "AI-mazing IDEA: Leveling Up Library Services." This session delved into how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to improve accessibility, automate routine tasks, and enhance user engagement. The potential of AI-powered chatbots and personalized recommendation systems was particularly intriguing for improving library interactions. I am inspired to learn more about AI in libraries now. I have been behind the curve on this trend.
Throughout the event, the virtual format facilitated interactive discussions and networking opportunities with librarians nationwide. The chat and breakout room features allowed for meaningful exchanges of ideas, and it was inspiring to hear how different libraries are innovating to better serve their communities.
Overall, this format was much more engaging that the average webinar, and the RUSA Virtual Forum 2025 provided valuable insights, actionable strategies, and inspiration that I plan to bring back to my library. From advancing financial literacy initiatives to exploring AI integration, the sessions reinforced the evolving role of public libraries in fostering inclusive and forward-thinking services.
News from LVA
LVA Genealogy Workshops
Check out the Library of Virginia’s 2025 Genealogy Workshop series!
Beginning in April, LVA staff will present a variety of in-person and virtual workshops that are geared to all levels of expertise. These would be great for both library staff and patrons, so share widely!
The programs range from an Introduction to Genealogical Research to Finding Women in the Archives and explore our collections and offer advice on how to organize your research. Find series topics and schedule.
Grants and Opportunities
2025 EBSCO Solar Grants for Libraries
Thinking about going solar at your library? For the tenth year in a row, EBSCO is accepting applications for grants that will fund solar installations at libraries around the world. EBSCO will be making a total of $300,000 in grants available.
EBSCO will pay for the initial installation through the grant. The library or town, will own the system and be responsible for all post-installation/ongoing maintenance of the solar array.
EBSCO Solar is open to EBSCO customers, and all VA public libraries are eligible to apply for the EBSCO Solar Grant as participants in the state-wide database collections through Find It VA.
Are you looking for new ways to connect with your reading community? Themes can be a great point of entry for talking with readers about the kind of stories that engage them.
As described in NoveList, "Themes are the (sometimes) hard-to-define elements of a book that hook a reader."
The NoveList Theme Index is an invaluable resource for exploring themes across fiction genres. If you are new to the idea of themes in readers' advisory, these are one of the appeal elements that often readers have a difficult time expressing. Having an understanding of the popular themes in the different genres allows you to help readers better understand their own reading interests and gives them a vocabulary that they can use when talking about books they love.
Some examples of popular themes might be Robots with emotions (science fiction), Small town police (crime/mystery), or Grumpy-sunshine (romance). The Theme Index lists dozens of other themes in Fantasy, Horror, Christian Fiction, General Fiction, Graphic Novels, and Urban Fiction as well as juvenile-focused themes.
So dive into themes and think about how you can use them when working with readers as well as building lists and displays.
Virginia Library Projects
From the editor: This is a new feature in the newsletter to share interesting projects that Virginia libraries are implementing to improve access to resources or improve services to users. If you are interested in sharing a project your library is doing, please reach out to Barry Trott, barry.trott@lva.virginia.gov, to discuss writing it up.
This month's feature was written by the Massanutten Regional Library's Adult Services Team and looks at how they are working with partners, particularly in the for-profit sector, to promote library services and most importantly to build relationships. For more information, contact Kristin Noell, Head of Adult Services, knoell@mrlib.org.--Ed.
Fostering Partnerships to Benefit Our Community
Since our COVID closure, Massanutten Regional Library (MRL) adult programming has increased exponentially. We are hosting more programs and seeing higher attendance than we ever have, even compared to pre-COVID.
In large part, this is thanks to the connections we have formed with other organizations and businesses in our community.
Some examples of our long-term partnerships include:
Book clubs at a cidery and a cat café
Bad Art Night at a brewery
Tailored programs for groups from three non-profits who support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Memory Partners program with the Valley Program on Aging Services to support those living with dementia and their caregivers
Regular opioid overdose response and ACE Interface trainings provided by the Community Services Board
An annual Harry Potter Birthday Party (and library fundraiser) for all ages at a brewery
...and more in the works!
Sometimes we look for partners; sometimes partners look for us; and sometimes, we find each other when we’re not even looking. The initial connection usually happens when we have recognized shared goals and can identify mutually beneficial projects that serve both partners’ missions.
For example, we’re lucky to have several local businesses owned by book lovers whose clientele includes adults in their 20s and 30s without children. We see many people drift away from the library when they finish school who only return when they have kids, so these partnerships provide us a great way to meet them where they are and remind them that we’re their library too. For these partners, we’re also bringing new customers to them, usually during their slower times.
At the cat café, this increased business also helps socialize the cats, spread the word about adoption needs, and generate donations! Library users are discovering new businesses; business customers are discovering library services. Even something this simple is a partnership win.
Anecdotally, building community has been one of the major successes of these partnerships. Feedback suggests that attendees are looking for new ways to meet people or just be a part of the community. Making new friends as an adult can be hard! For regular library users, something like a book club in a laid-back setting is a natural choice. For non-library users, interactive social activities that involve cats or bad art are a relaxed introduction to the library. Attendees of the book clubs and Bad Art Night have made close friends, expanded their social circles, and found a regular welcoming place to gather.
Partnering with organizations that serve our community members living with dementia or IDD has given us the opportunity to support them in their work, which overlaps with our mission in many places. We have made meaningful connections with these community members, giving them a safe place to visit in their community where they can learn and laugh without judgment.
Increased visibility for us, increased business for our partners, and fostering a sense of belonging in our community are just a few benefits from these partnerships. We could write a book on all the additional ones, but briefly, they include:
Expanded access to resources (Collaborations with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies bring in additional expertise and materials to enhance library services.)
Increased community engagement (Partnerships can bring performances, exhibits, and creative workshops to the library. Working with multicultural groups ensures programming reflects and serves the diverse needs of the community.)
Support for education and lifelong learning (Expert lectures, English Conversation Club, and skill-building programs become possible through partnerships.)
Strengthened social connections (Partnering with local health agencies or social services helps connect patrons to mental health resources, housing support, and more.)
More funding and sustainability (Joint initiatives with nonprofits and local businesses open up more funding options. Using community centers, parks, or businesses for events reduces costs and increases accessibility.)
Boosted local economy (Workshops, networking events, and local author showcases help small businesses and entrepreneurs grow.)
To reap these benefits, it is important to build relationships and trust with our partners. We do this by following through and checking in. We engage with our partners to keep the relationship warm and involvement focused. Both parties need ownership to maintain a balanced partnership, and each partner does their part. Planning, good communication, sharing ideas, including each other in decisions, showing compassion for mistakes, and keeping a positive attitude all sustain productive partnerships.
When you take the time to add businesses and organizations who connect with your mission, vision, and values (and vice versa) to your network, these partnerships can have a positive impact for your library, your partners, and the community you serve.
Featured Virginia Programs
Arlington Public Library
Getting Around Arlington by Bus
A manager from Car-Free Diet, a program of Arlington County Commuter Service, led an interactive presentation about public transportation options in Arlington, followed by a free ride along on a local ART bus. The program helped people experience a bus ride rather than just learning about it.
Participants interacted with the bus driver and with one another, adding a social connection element to the program. The program focused on sustainability, community resources, senior discounts and accessibility.
APL stafff report that this innovative event had great participation and positive feedback following the event.
For more info, contact Jennifer Odlum, jodlum@arlingtonva.us
Pulaski County Library
Around the World
Pulaski County Library works with a community group that transports special needs adults to various locations throughout the area. They visit the library on a weekly basis.
The library developed a regular program called "Around the World" where they focus on a country of the group's choosing. The program features snacks, drinks, and a craft centered around that country's culture, and usually a YouTube video of the country's music.
The response to the program has been wonderful!
The participants are so thankful to have it, and will often check out books about the country we focus on and talk about it for weeks after it takes place.
For more info, contact Aaron Jarrells, ajarrells@pclibs.org
This newsletter is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. It is published by the Library of Virginia Library Development and Networking Division.
Library of Virginia: Library Development 800 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-239-3510 https://vpl.lib.va.us
