In 2024, ALS approved all of our available Mini Grants. Member Libraries of all types used their creativity and these funds to provide their community with helpful technology, programs, books, and more! Thank you to all libraries who applied for these Mini Grants in 2024. Read more to see the successful outcomes of this year’s Mini Grants, and to find inspiration for your own Mini Grant and project ideas!
Project Name: Mini Panther Den
Janet Hart, South Ridge School Library
Outcomes of the Project: Mini Panther Den – Cozy comfortable area for our elementary students to relax and read a good book.The students love the cozy back rests! They relax and enjoy reading time in the library! Today’s book was A Little Spot of Optimism; the kids loved it. Thank you! They love to come to the library anytime of the day! I love to see their excitement, they grab a book and relax.
Project Name: Fact Forward: Revitalizing Nonfiction for Middle School Minds
Jennifer Hiltner, Lincoln Middle School Library
Outcomes of the Project: Lincoln Middle School’s nonfiction section of the library is outdated, particularly in the areas of science, military, arts and crafts, and music. To spark interest of our readers, we wanted to provide new titles with more relevant information. Based on input from our students, we identified 24 titles to purchase. On the first day of availability, 22 of the 24 titles were checked out and we have waiting lists for many of them! New titles spark curiosity and “buzz” around books, and that kind of buzz is catching. In addition to having most books checked out on day 1, we have noticed a revitalized interest in those sections. Even though our new cookbooks are gone, more students than ever are asking for cookbooks and craft books!
Ojibwe Language Revitalization, Ojibwe Storytime presented by Michelle Goose
Keiko Satomi, Cloquet Public Library
Outcomes of the Project: We were able to offer two following programs highlighting Ojibwe language, history, and culture presented by Michelle Goose. Michelle is an Anishinaabe Language Instructor at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. She has over 14 years of experience in Ojibwe language revitalization and was awarded a 2024 Bush Fellowship for her work in this area. One of the goals for these programs was to try reaching and bringing the indigenous population in the community as well as everyone else. We wanted to send a strong message that they are seen, valued, and more than welcomed. We hope they feel our intentions and will come back to our space again in the future, which could help bridging the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous populations, and promote the connections. Both programs brought in Ojibwe people who may not come into the library on a regular basis. The fact they felt safe, welcomed, and intrigued to come to the programs, and bringing their children to our space was a big milestone to our library. The presentation about the Ojibwe Language Revitalization program brought in 12 adults, which was smaller than we hoped. Meanwhile, Ojibwe Storytime on Saturday morning brought about 40 adults and children. In both programs, the attendees stayed longer afterwards, communicated with each other, and children played in the Children’s area. Some of us talked about what we could do to make the space and services more welcoming and inclusive.
Project Name: Book funding – Vending Machine
Rachael Thom, Northeast Range School
Outcomes of the Project: Students receive tokens for the book vending machine through incentives offered in the elementary school. The books are a fun and rewarding prize because the students get to choose a book that interests them. Students were excited to have new books in the book machine and we were able to provide 30+ new books for the students vending machine.
Project Name: STEM Building for Creative Minds
Lisa Pennala, Babbitt Public Library
Outcomes of the Project: We spent $250 on STEM Kits to bring more children to the library. We recorded the daily count on kits to measure project success.
Project Name: Books for 2nd Grade Reading Groups
Ana Urban, Bay View Elementary- Grade 2
Outcomes of the Project: My students were so excited that we were able to add to our collection of book club books. I was able to purchase the rest of the series of Andy Shane. We had books 1-3, and they LOVE this series. Using this grant, I purchased the remaining 3 titles in this series. I was able to purchase the first three Ivy and Bean books, which I am excited to share with my higher reading groups. I currently have 22 second graders in book groups. They are all using books and materials purchased through ALS mini-grants! I will be able to continue to use these books for years to come. Anecdotally, my book clubs were ecstatic to see that I was able to purchase new chapter books for our classroom!
Project Name: Inclusive Books for Kids
Sarah Klyve, Northeast Service Cooperative
Outcomes of the Project: SO many children are going to read these books in regional schools. They are shared with teachers and students K-4. The student response after reading the books has been so positive. They are able to see themselves reflected in the pages of the books and it’s such a powerful connection tool for teachers to use. These books will be connected with over 30 schools within the region.
Project Name: Display Table
Sue Sowers, Hoyt Lakes Public Library
Outcomes of the Project: This display highlights multiple types of materials, based on a certain theme. This makes the items look more interesting and show our patrons the variety we have, rather than just going straight to the new items. We measured the success of the project through comments from our patrons, and numbers of items checked out from the display.
Project Name: STEM Puzzle Table
Barbara Hughes, St. Joseph Catholic School Library
Outcomes of the Project: We created a STEM puzzle table that is a permanent component of the library. This stem activity will be available during class times, indoor recess, before & after school and any other time students have flexibility in schedules. This will be a permanent table in the library, not a rotating center. We purchased 21 puzzles appropriate for grades K-6 and 1 rotating puzzle board. The puzzles are related to areas of studies: insects, space, states, dinosaurs, etc. Puzzles engage students in multiple areas of thinking: visual, manipulative, construction and problem solving. The puzzles offer options and autonomy for students in their learning. Success of the puzzle project is shown in excitement and use. So far, what a hit!!
Project Name: Roar and Explore!
Carrie Rossow, Duluth Public Library – Mt. Royal Branch
Outcomes of the Project: “It’s DiNovember, so let’s ROAR and EXPLORE! This event features sensory bins, games, and large motor activities. Wear your favorite dino attire and get ready to have fun! Offered in two sessions. Suitable for ages 11 and younger.” We used our grant funds to purchase stepping stones and a balance beam to offer kids a complementary large motor activity to the sensory/fine motor skill activities. Kids were able to use their bodies to move around our space as well as their imaginations going through a tar pit and a sticky swamp. Having those large motor activities paired with sensory bins and other fine motor activities gave options for creativity, play, language development, bond-building with caregivers and an easy way to make a mess without having to clean it up (I did that part!). We had some feedback forms where parents filled out that they really enjoyed all the different options of this program along with having a program well suited to younger kids. Our total attendance was 44.
