Hastings Memorial Library receives internship grants

Hastings Memorial Library in Grant is one of 46 Nebraska public libraries awarded Nebraska Library Internship Grants totaling $44,800 from the Nebraska Library Commission.

 These internship grants will support public library interns, who will contribute to the scope and value of the diverse programs and activities in Nebraska’s public libraries.

“The internships are a great opportunity for students to get involved in library work. 

Beyond earning money and gaining valuable work experience, the student is exposed to the broad range of library services and programming. 

Internships provide an opportunity for the student to view the library as a viable and satisfying career choice. In addition, interns bring a fresh perspective and their own unique talents to the library,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner.

Student interns will learn about library work as they shadow staff, assist with day-to-day library operations, and implement special projects. Some of the activities that students will participate in include:

• Plan and implement programs such as summer reading programs for all ages, storytime sessions, book discussions, and teen/tween activities;

• Facilitate partnerships with the Neihardt State Historic Site, Mid-Plains Community College, and YMCA;

• Organize Makerspaces and Maker Clubs, as well as other STEAM learning activities;

• Create book displays, bulletin boards, and craft activities;

• Assist with outreach events outside the library;

• Update the library’s website and social media sites (Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, etc.);

• Assist with circulation activities, book selection, and collection management;

• Teach technology classes and assist library customers with electronic devices, research, and Coding Clubs;

• Create flyers, newsletters, newspaper articles, and other promotional materials; and

• Assist with verbal and written Spanish⁄English communication.

Additionally, Hastings Memorial Library is one of 12 public libraries participating in the Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities (LIS) project and receiving 2019 internship grant funding. The interns hired in these libraries will primarily be working with this LIS makerspace grant. 

Funding for the project is supported and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission, in partnership with the Nebraska Library Systems.