Early lessons of the Bremer rural libraries and literacy leadership program

February 20, 2013

“Libraries and literacy programs are gateways to opportunity, especially in rural communities,” notes Charlotte Johnson, Otto Bremer Foundation trustee. With support from the Foundation, six libraries and six literacy organizations in Greater Minnesota are participating in a program to strengthen their ability to serve their communities. The Foundation’s support is part of its commitment to help build healthy and vibrant communities in the places that are homes and neighbors to Bremer banks.

Midway through its initial program year, L3: The Bremer Rural Libraries and Literacy Leadership Institute has identified early lessons and successes:

  • Recruiting community teams for each organization has fostered the sharing of perspectives and responsibility.
  • Providing tools that enable organizations to assess their strengths and challenges and develop goals allows participants the “time to really look at our organizations and think about how we can grow.” 
  • Combining libraries and literacy organizations in joint training and planning has moved teams beyond their own organizational needs to the literacy needs of their communities.

The program’s coordinating partners—Library Strategies (the consulting arm of Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library) and the Minnesota Literacy Council—report that participants value the chance to learn from other members of the cohort and appreciate the relationships they have formed with mentors, who help to support change and connect participants to other resources. Organizations also participate in training via in-person sessions and webinars on such topics as leadership development, planning, fundraising, community partnerships, marketing, volunteer programs, and social media. Early successes include community collaboration and increased fundraising. 

Comments from participants suggest the enthusiasm engendered by the program:

  • “I believe that cross-pollinating the libraries and literacy organizations allows for eye-opening possibilities that we would not otherwise consider.”
  • “This Institute has given me strength and tools to believe I can work with the community to face our challenges.”
  • “The lessons learned and connections made from L3 will certainly benefit our library for a long time.”

Evaluation of the program’s first year, to be conducted by the Improve Group, will inform decisions about the Foundation’s support for rural libraries and literacy organizations in the future. 

Participating organizations include six libraries and six literacy organizations in Bremer communities throughout rural Minnesota:

Libraries:
Brainerd Public Library
Fergus Falls Public Library
Godel Memorial Library (Warren)
Marshall Lyon County Public Library
Milaca Public Library
Willmar Public Library 

Literacy Organizations:
Alexandria Adult Basic Education Center
Central Minnesota Adult Basic Education Consortium (Cambridge)
Fergus Falls Adult Basic Education Center
Mankato Adult Basic Education Center
Marshall Adult Basic Education Center
Southwest Adult Basic Education Center (Worthington)