The Central Plains Library System has launched its inaugural Library Fall Crawl and hopes to raise awareness for the importance of public libraries.
The event includes 24 libraries in 22 communities in the central part of the state and will continue through Nov. 30.
The Trump administration signed an executive order in March that cut funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The organization provides funding, research and support to libraries and museums nationwide.
According to the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, the Nebraska Library Commission (NLC) relies on federal IMLS funds for nearly 25% of its budget. The Central Plains Library System joins campaigns across the country to raise awareness for the purpose of public libraries.
Denise Harders, director of the Central Plains Library System, said the idea for the Library Fall Crawl came from a similar campaign in Massachusetts. Partnered libraries will provide participants with cards that are stamped with each library visit. Participants who get five stamps from different locations will be entered in a drawing which includes three basket prizes each totaling $250.
“The main thing we want to do is promote the importance of libraries as institutions in our state,” Harders said. “We just want to give people a reason and opportunity to go out and look.”
Harders added she hopes participants realize public libraries provide more than just books, especially at community college campuses.
“A lot of folks don't know if you need research material, you can go to the community colleges to write and use their collections because it's a state-funded agency,” she said. “That's something else that we're trying to make sure people know about, is all the resources they have available.”
With IMLS budget cuts, the outlook for Nebraska’s public libraries is uncertain. The Central Plains Library System’s crawl campaign is new to the state but not the nation. Similar programs have been utilized within the United States.
Participating libraries in the Fall Crawl program include: Ainsworth Public Library, Alma–Hoesch Memorial Public Library, Arapahoe Public Library, Arcadia Township Library, Axtell Public Library, Bassett–Rock County Library, Broken Bow Public Library, Cozad–Wilson Public Library, Franklin Public Library, Gibbon Public Library, Grand Island Central Community College, Grand Island Public Library, Hastings Central Community College, Hastings Public Library, Holdrege Area Public Library, Lexington Public Library, McCook City Library, North Platte Public Library, Ord Township Library, Ravenna Public Library, Red Cloud Auld Public Library, Sargent Township Library, Sutherland Maxine White Public Library, and Wood River Maltman Memorial Public Library.