By Staff
Creating a new opportunity for area non-profit organizations, the Niles District Library announced earlier this week that it would be providing additional funding to three organizations to go toward the costs associated with holding a public program at the library's facility.
In an effort to expand program offerings, the library will be providing up to $300 to up to three non-profit organizations that will be chosen to offer their respective programs in the library between October 2009 and September 2010.
The library will provide funding and space. Organizations will be asked to plan, promote and coordinate programs to be held at the library.
Applications are available online at www.nileslibrary.com.
"The main thing that is holding us back from offering more programs is that we do not have the staff available to plan and implement the events," said library director Nancy Studebaker. "So we were looking for ways to do more without adding more work to our already stretched staff. We partner with a lot of organizations already, and will continue to do so. We partner with Niles Main Street for the Annual Costume Contest and the Garden Club for the Annual Garden Party. This program seeks out those partnerships in a new way."
Increasing programming for adults was a major focus of the most recently completed long range plan. Last month, the Library Board passed a 16-month plan which also emphasizes the need to add more programming.
Last year, more than 1,500 adults attended programs at the library. Five years ago, the number was just over 200.
Non-profit organizations that serve the Niles area are eligible to apply.
Applying organizations must be a 501(c)3 non-profit or governmental agency. Funded events must be of interest to the general adult population in our community and must be free to the public.