DPL Receives National Grant

DECORAH PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES NATIONAL GRANT FOR SMALL AND RURAL LIBRARIES
$20,000 Grant Will Help the Library Serve Residents with Visual Impairment  

Decorah Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries nationwide to participate in round three of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities. 

The competitive award comes with a $20,000 grant that will help the library expand library user access to new large print materials and digital e-book and audiobook materials available through the Libby app.  

 “We are so proud to be chosen again for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Kristin Torresdal. “This round of funding will provide the library with additional opportunities to better serve members of our local community.” 

As part of the grant, library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a community conversation with residents about their needs and desires in relation to accessible library materials. 

Torresdal went on to say “One of the great things about a project like this is that it not only addresses a barrier to the enjoyment of reading by folks with visual impairment, but it also increases access to highly sought after large print and digital materials for all library users regardless of ability. It’s a win/win.” 

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Torresdal at ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org.  

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff. 

“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).” 

Posted: August 29, 2025

Categories: Book Discussions, For Adults, News & Announcements

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