Ideas for Eligible Programs

Applicants are invited to adopt/adapt these models or create their own. In light of COVID-19 restrictions and building closures, as well as ongoing uncertainty about public gatherings, applicants are advised to plan virtual programs, asynchronous activities/programs, and other creative offerings that address the need for social distancing while meeting project goals. Although successful applicants are required to host at least three community programs (see IV. Requirements), ALA encourages and will accommodate program formats that prioritize the health and safety of library staff and their communities during the grant term (October 1, 2020 – April 30, 2021).

• Film screening and discussion events (see documentaries provided to successful Resilient Communities applicants)
• Community read programs (e.g., One Book One Community)
• Climate Change World Café discussion events
• Panel discussions that address topics of local interest and relevance (e.g., Seattle Public Library or UC Santa Barbara Library events) Live author or speaker events
• Hands-on STEM programs that explore climate science
• Repair Fairs in which local DIY volunteers help fix things, from broken lamps to clothing
• Master Gardener/Native Plant/Gardening DIY workshops (See Programming Librarian for ideas)
• Community Swap events that reduce waste and share excess with others
• Seed libraries and seed exchanges
• Permaculture workshops (e.g., rainwater harvesting, composting, renewable energy)
• Slow stitching clubs and workshops
• Creation and regular convenings of a Teen Sustainability Committee

Applicants may also wish to review programming tips and ideas authored by Resilient Communities Advisors and other library innovators for ProgrammingLibrarian.org.

• "Veggie Teens: Earth-Friendly Cooking Programs" (Programming Librarian, May 6, 2020)
• "7 Ways to Celebrate Nature while Social Distancing" (Programming Librarian, April 21, 2020)
• "Ready-to-Go Story Times for Earth Day 2020" (Programming Librarian, April 15, 2020)
• "Less Prep, More Presence: Why 2020 Is Not the Year to Skip Earth Day" (Programming Librarian, April 8, 2020)
• “The Tunnel Tour: Heading Underground to Learn About Local Waterways” (Programming Librarian, January 13, 2020)
• “Don’t Throw It Out! Fix It at a Repair Café” (Programming Librarian, December 12, 2018)
• “Talking Truth: Finding Your Voice Around the Climate Crisis” (Programming Librarian, February 23, 2017)