NEFLIN Community Engagement Project Application - 2026/27

NEFLIN’s Community Engagement Project is based on the premise that community leaders across multiple sectors already have a good idea of the current and emerging issues in their community.  Librarians need to harvest this wisdom and place local aspirations at the center of their planning, bringing library expertise and resources to the improvement of the community.

Tentative Project Timeline (subject to adjustment as needed)

• October 30, 2026:  Applications due
• November 20, 2026:  Participating libraries announced
• February 19, 2027:  One-day kickoff event to provide attendees with a foundation in principles of Community Engagement.  Participants will also be given access to a recorded training session to view before the interview phase begins.
• March- August 2027:  Consultants conduct monthly meetings with library teams to monitor progress toward the creation of a Community Engagement plan.  
• March– June 2027:  Interviews are conducted and managed by participating libraries.  Interviews typically involve 35-50 contacts depending on the community.
• July – August 2027:  Team leaders debrief findings with staff, followed by a debrief with interviewees.  
• August 2027:  Teams identify key initiatives based on findings and feedback and present a preliminary plan to staff by August.
• September 2027:  Library teams present their final plans at the NEFLIN Annual Meeting

1. The application must be completed and submitted by October 30, 2026.
2. The NEFLIN Board of Directors will review applications and choose participants for the program.  
3. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by November 20, 2026.
4. The program begins in January 2027.