The Baxter County Library has been recognized with a Spotlight Award from Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, an initiative of the American Library Association and Public Library Association (PLA) sponsored by Grow with Google.The goal of the initiative is to ensure public libraries nationwide receive ongoing access to free tools and resources to help everyone across America grow their skills, careers and businesses.
Spotlight awardees are selected based on their demonstration of “exceptional” program implementation in sustainability, reach, community partnerships, staff training and development, outcomes, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
The Baxter County Library was recognized with a Spotlight Award for its successful implementation of a series of technology classes based on workforce readiness. The library used Google applications to teach members of the community skills that will assist them in joining or rejoining the workforce.
Library Director Kim Crow Sheaner says, “The Baxter County Library strives to offer programs that meet the digital needs of the community and is committed to expanding the workforce readiness classes in the future.”
To qualify for a Spotlight Award, after having integrated Grow with Google programs into events or ongoing workshops to address the needs of the community, the Baxter County Library was able to implement its program within a 60-day window. This submission was judged on its alignment with PLAs national priorities, including transformation, leadership, advocacy and awareness, and EDI and social justice.
The $3,000 grants can be used by libraries to continue or expand services and programs related to workforce development. In addition to the funding, awardees will receive marketing support, technical guidance, advocacy tools and a community of practice with the goal of drawing attention to the services libraries provide.
Crow Sheaner says, “Library staff have done exceptional work to support economic opportunity in our community. This funding will help us continue to do this work on a longer-term basis.”
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