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G2S Project Code: 2021-NE-89981
State: Nebraska
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
SAINT PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Kelli Helton
Director Phone: 308-754-5223
Director Email: kelli.helton@spwildcat.org
General Information
Title: ARPA Formula Grant: St. Paul PL
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2022
Abstract: From sub-recipient: The St. Paul Library was closed from March 17th, 2020 to June 3rd, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Some residents were able to continue reading books through our online library offerings (Nebraska Overdrive, Libby, etc.), however some residents did not have computer access. Those without computer access during the pandemic struggled socially and mentally. Students' study habits declined, and they struggled to retain information. After such a lengthy closure, we wanted to encourage students and adults to return to the library, to re-establish habits of physically coming into the library to read, to explore and to interact with others rather than just have computer access to online publications. As such,we ramped up our inventory of new books to facilitate this. As much as possible we ordered books that were hardbound to allow for sanitation between patrons.In addition, we "quarantined" books for 72 hours prior to reshelving to further assure patrons that we placed a high priority on their safety as we emerged from the pandemic.
State Goal: Sustainability of Library Programs and Services
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$4,392.00
$0.00
$0.00
$4,392.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Collection Development & Management
Activities
Activity Details
Title: ARPA Formula Grant: St. Paul PL
Narrative: Library purchased books and ILS updates

Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 0
Number of acquired equipment used: 0
Number of hardware items acquired: 0
Number of acquired hardware items used: 0
Number of software items acquired: 0
Number of acquired software items used: 0
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 2
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 2


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: SAINT PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1301 HOWARD AVENUE
City: ST. PAUL
State: NE
Zip: 68873
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
From sub-recipient: Our expectations were low (and realistic) coming out of the pandemic. We wanted library life to return to normal, but we understood the apprehension of the residents to return. It was a slow start getting people to return to the library. Some people that lived alone - that needed the social interaction the most - struggled to return. Some patrons learned to use online library resources and enjoyed those options rather than returning to the library. There were a number of residents that previously came into the library daily to read the local newspaper or a magazine, to visit, and most of all to interact with others. We wanted to bring those people back to the library.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
From sub-recipient: After being confined for months, we felt it important to get active again . . . to interact with others. We wanted people to get out of the house to go to the library. For some this was a big step. But it was an important step to see friendly faces, to visit, to catch up on local news and publications. We wanted people to take part in reading programs, yet feel safe and comfortable doing this. We developed a plan that we hoped would assure patrons that we understood their apprehension but we were doing everything we could to make their experience back at the library a safe one.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
From sub-recipient: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we offered online library services. People learned to listen to audiobooks, or check out books through Nebraska Overdrive Libraries, or conduct research online. During Covid, more people signed up for these services which was a great result. These online services were vital to people coping through the isolation during Covid. Online services however, do not meet the needs of those that need social interaction. A library needs to be diverse in their offerings to fit the needs of the young and old, the computer literate and the person that needs and wants to physically turn the page of a book they are reading.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: ARPA Formula Grant