Following the symposium, a limited number of mini-grants will be available to symposium attendees to offer a program, service, or staff training to build social infrastructure. Funding is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through LSTA funds.
Examples of how funds can be used include:
- Offer staff trainings on serving patrons in-crisis such as Mental Health First Aid, workplace safety, stress reduction, or compassion fatigue.
- Expand your collection on topics like substance use disorder and mental illness.
- Facilitate book discussions. Check out the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Celebrity Series to hear first-hand from authors who have written books about substance use disorder.
- Host a program to decrease social isolation and increase support.
- Create a library display about living with chronic pain, substance use disorder, or mental illness.
- Purchase meeting supplies for art therapy or art socialization groups.
- Hire speakers for programs on topics like wellness, substance use disorder, parenting, caregiving, relationships, or public health.
- Offer film discussions (purchase licenses) such as the Paper Tigers, Beautiful Boy, or Beyond the Wall.
- Host an art exhibit by persons with lived experience with substance use disorder, mental illness, or other health conditions.
Libraries can apply for $500, $750, or $1,000 for a mini-grant. Applications due by December 2019. Funds must be expended by August 31, 2020.
Apply now for a Social Infrastructure Mini-Grant!
