“We continue to bring people and information together by supporting accessible and affordable library services for all Nebraskans. Our priority is to provide digital inclusion and equity, with an emphasis on online access to educational, employment, and wellness resources. Support of library staff is essential to these efforts. We also continue to work with children, teens, and adults to encourage a lifelong love of reading.”
-Rod Wagner, Director, Nebraska Library Commission
 

Talking Book and Braille Service
The Nebraska Library Commission’s (NLC) Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) provided free audiobooks and audio magazines on digital cartridges and Braille to individuals with conditions or disabilities that limit the use of regular print. Eligible individuals can also download books and magazines from the Braille and Audio Reading Download website administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. TBBS provided over 128,000 books and magazines in audio and in Braille to 2,652 Nebraskans during the project period. The NLC in-house studios recorded and produced audiobooks and audio magazines from either Nebraska authors or regional authors, or about Nebraska and the Great Plains, and made the titles available to patrons.  
IMLS Funds: $482,055.72 

Technology Innovation
The Nebraska Library Commission (NLC) consulted with libraries transitioning their service models during the pandemic and offered webinar and conference sessions to demonstrate technology hardware, software, and programming to library staff throughout the state. Topics included makerspace planning, website design, library programming in mixed reality, design thinking, and teaching technology in the library. The project also hosted websites for 130 libraries and four regional library systems, technology kits for circulation to public libraries, and digital library resources. Through staff expertise, the NLC provided on-going technology advice, courses, consulting on library applications, and instructional design, preparing Nebraska’s libraries to better serve their patrons.   
IMLS Funds: $214,751.76 
 

Safety Updates at the Norfolk Public Library
Using CARES Act stimulus funds, the Norfolk Public Library purchased 12 laptops for in-house use by patrons. Eight laptops were used to promote digital literacy and workforce-related skills, while the remaining four laptops were used by the general public to facilitate access to resources. Unlike traditional computer stations, the laptops allowed patrons to socially distance themselves in the library to better prevent the spread of COVID-19. The library also purchased a free-standing hand sanitizing station that was installed by the front doors of the library. These investments increased health safety measures for library patrons and staff.  
IMLS Funds: $10,790