Community Connect: General Information

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Questions/Contact Information

If you have questions, please contact BeeBee Browne (they/she pronouns) at bbrowne@ala.org, 312.280.5053 or the Public Programs Office at publicprograms@ala.org, 312.280.5045.

American Library Association

Public Programs Office

225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300

Chicago, IL 60601

Website: http://www.ala.org/ppo

Project Discussion List

Community Connect project directors are members of an online project discussion list through ALA Connect. As a member of the discussion list, you will automatically receive any message a member sends to the list and may make posts yourself. Join the ALA Connect group here.

The group is a helpful way to:

  • Send program updates
  • Share ideas, resources, and helpful tips
  • Ask questions
  • Highlight useful links
  • Receive important updates from ALA Public Programs Office staff

Questions? Contact the ALA Public Programs Office at publicprograms@ala.org.

Use of Cash Grant

Each host site will receive an $2,000 stipend to support costs associated with delivery of programs, services, and events directly related to the Community Connect project. These include costs for program instruction, honoraria, materials and supplies, marketing and communications, catering, mileage, consultants, and staff time.

Permitted programming expenses include:

  • Educational materials
  • Instructor costs and speaker honoraria
  • Program supplies
  • Refreshments during programs/events
  • Publicity costs such as advertising, printing, etc. for programs not associated with fundraising
  • Childcare during adult programming
  • Staff training expenses
  • Marketing/communications consultant time
  • Program coordinator time
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Acquisition of related books, DVDs and other media for lending and program use related to the project

The following expenses are not permitted:

  • Cash or cash-equivalent incentives or prizes. (Cash equivalents include savings bonds, gift cards, and similar products.)
  • Computer technology, including desktop, laptop, and tablet computers and mobile phones
  • Expenses unrelated to Community Connect programming, events, or services
  • Furniture
  • Payments to financial industry professionals
  • Political contributions
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Spending to support indirect costs, i.e., general administrative expenses of any kind

When in doubt about expense eligibility, contact the ALA Public Programs Office.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (PL 101-336), which went into effect in July 1992, guarantees that people with disabilities shall have equal access to employment, public services and accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications services.

As public service providers, libraries must make reasonable efforts to give people with disabilities the same access to information, programs, and resources enjoyed by those who are not disabled. Each library will have varying capabilities for providing equal access to people with disabilities. We urge you to do as much as you reasonably can to make programs accessible to the disabled population. Local or regional agencies that are responsible for services for people with disabilities may be helpful. We offer the following suggestions to enhance the accessibility of your programs:

  • Allow space for wheelchairs in program spaces
  • Prepare a large-print version of publicity materials and program handouts
  • Provide for sign language interpretation at programs
  • Provide audio versions of texts used in programming

Next page: Logistics