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Winnebago library wins rare federal grant

WINNEBAGO — Muir Library in Winnebago is preparing for “Pushing the Limits,” a four-part program beginning Jan. 23.

Last year around this time, Heidi Schutt, library director, applied for a grant through the National Science Foundation. She later received an email stating that Muir Library was one of 100 libraries in the nation to receive a grant.

After accepting the grant, Schutt began online classes in July with other staff from other libraries that also had received a grant. Classes continued into November, helping Schutt better understand how to lead the program in a way that will be most beneficial to its audience.

“When I applied for the grant, I was thinking we needed something new and fresh, and when finding out we were one of 100 selected, I knew we were in for a real treat,” Schutt said. “We have never had a program like this before, and we are excited to be sharing it with the public.”

The National Science Foundation carefully selected libraries in rural areas, and spread throughout the countryside. The program focuses on “Pushing the Limits,” involving topics such as survival, connection, nature and knowledge.

There are no prerequisites to be involved, no registering ahead of time, and no sign-up fee.

Short videos produced by the National Science Foundation include insight from well-known authors such as Clive Cussler, Erik Larson, T.C. Boyle and Jean M. Auel to help engage the audience and create discussion.

“The program is very heavily discussion-based and we encourage people to bring their own stories,” Schutt said. “This isn’t one of those programs where you have to read a book(s) ahead of time to understand what is going on, or sit through a stuffy lecture, but instead involves more of real people doing real everyday things.”

Due to reading being optional, and each event involving a different topic, there is no limit on which sessions to participate in. This helps those who need to miss a topic not to be lost or behind when able to return.

For those interested in reading, however, there are books suggested for each topic to enhance discussion.

“This program is perfect for expressing ideas and experiences, and touches on some great topics on how to push the limits,” Schutt said. “Whether you are a reader or not, anyone can enjoy this unique program opportunity. And don’t worry, for those who are interested in reading but won’t finish before the discussion, there will be no spoiler alerts!”

The program is recommended to those 16 years and older, with sessions planned at an hour-long each.

“I am excited to get this program started and to see people take advantage of this free program series,” Schutt said. “Many people have to travel a long ways to be apart of this, and we are fortunate to have it available for the general public here in Winnebago. The library is more than just a place filled with books and research, but a place people can be life-long learners, and I believe this educational and informative program will help people get excited about what they are learning in a new and refreshing way.”

Dates for the programs are as follows:

o 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 — Survival

o 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 — Connection

o 7 p.m. Monday, March 6 — Nature

o 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30 — Knowledge

To learn more visit: http://winnebago.tdslib.org/pushing-limits

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