Programming, Training and Resources for Library Staff
Programming ideas, training and resources from the Division of Library and Information Services, and state, local and national organizations that support adult programming and services for underserved populations.
- Blind and print disabled
- Community gardens and spaces
- Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing
- Memory care and creative aging
- Money and financial planning
- Multitype Library Cooperative trainings
- DLIS webinars and online discussions
- General program and training resources for library staff
- Bibliography of training titles available through ILL
Blind and print disabled
- Florida Braille and Talking Book Library
Braille and recorded audio books for Florida residents who are unable to use standard print due to visual, physical or reading disabilities. - See Different – Florida Division of Blind Services
The Division of Blind Services is working to change misperceptions about blindness through their See Different initiative, offering professionally-facilitated virtual and in-person forums. - National Federation of the Blind
- Braille
Programs and resources to help children and adults learn and have fun with Braille. - DeafBlind Resources
Organizations, publications and communication resources. - International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind
Vendor-free advice on all aspects of access technology. IBTC technology experts can:- Assist you to determineBecky48k what technology might be helpful.
- Help compare software and devices.
- Give advice on how to comply with accessibility standards.
- Advise employers and employees on accessibility in the workplace.
- Provide information on training and equipment.
- Braille
Community gardens and spaces
- AARP Livable Communities
Creating safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.
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- Toolkits
- Grants: AARP Livable Communities Challenge Grants
- Amounts range from $500 to $50,000.
- Applications for 2025-26 open in January 2025.
- Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program from USDA Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Provides grants and loans to develop essential community facilities (including libraries and community gardens) in rural areas. - Florida Wildflower Foundation
Protects, connects and expands native wildflower habitats through education, research, planting and conservation.
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- Grants: Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden Grants
- Provides funds to purchase Florida native wildflowers and plants for public projects.
- Up to $3,000 per project may be awarded.
- Applications for 2025-26 open January 1, 2025.
- Grants: Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden Grants
Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing
- Deaf Literacy Center – Pinellas Public Library Cooperative
- National Deaf Center – Sharing information, research, networks, and strategies to improve training and continuing education for deaf people.
- Access & Accommodations
Information about interpreters, speech-to-text services and assistive listening systems. - Introduction to Interpreting Services
A self-paced, online module for hiring qualified sign language interpreters.
- Access & Accommodations
- Providing Accommodations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patrons in Your Library (1:34:08) from Florida Library Webinars
Memory care and creative aging
- Compassionate Care Kits from Citrus Libraries
Activities for caregivers and their loved ones who are living with dementia or Alzheimer’s to start conversations and reminisce together, and maintain skills such as hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, reading and communication. - Memory, Art, and Aging: A Resource and Activity Guide (PDF)- Indiana University
Money and financial planning
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
A U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions. - Financial Literacy Resource Bank
A compilation from government organizations, financial institutions, and other organizations to help people gain the skills needed to take control of their financial security. Developed by the Florida Literacy Coalition and World Education.
Multitype Library Cooperative trainings
Florida’s five Multitype Library Cooperatives offer webinars and on-demand training for libraries.
- Northeast Florida Library Information Network (NEFLIN)
- Panhandle Library Access Network (PLAN)
- Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN)
- Southwest Florida Library Network (SWFLN)
- Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TLBC)
DLIS webinars and online discussions
- Upcoming webinars
- Recordings of past webinars and discussions
General programming and training resources for library staff
- Florida Library Webinars
Free professional development for all staff working in Florida libraries. - Florida Multitype Library Cooperative workshops and webinars
In-person events and online training opportunities. - LINCS: Community, Courses, and Resources for Adult Education
A learning portal for professional development webinars, self-paced courses and discussion groups. The materials and activities support adult education leaders and practitioners.
- WebJunction
Free training and staff development programs from OCLC.