New District Dispatch website to highlight federal legislation and policy news that impacts libraries!

December 9, 2014, the American Library Association’s Washington Office launched a new and reinvigorated District Dispatch website that will highlight federal legislation and policy news that impacts libraries. The new District Dispatch makes it easier for library advocates to find important library news, search articles, share news with friends and learn more about library policy issues. Best of all, the new and improved site includes a “Breaking News” feature that makes it easier for library advocates to find the critical information they need to take action. Additionally, the new blog makes it easier for library staff to find free educational webinars.

As we head into a new Congress, ALA members are encouraged to subscribe to the District Dispatch to keep abreast of relevant library policy news, such as library funding opportunities, copyright reform, open access legislation, FCC proceedings and much more. Visit the blog today: http://www.districtdispatch.org.

Library Financial Education Webinar Series

Tune in to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) monthly webinar series, intended to instruct library staff on how to discuss financial education topics with their patrons. From time to time, they will also invite experts from other government agencies and nonprofit organizations to speak on other key topics of interest, too, so watch for updates. If you would like to be notified of future webinars, or ask about in-person trainings for large groups of librarians, email financialeducation@cfpb.gov; subject: Library financial education training.

Up Next: Ways to save during tax time: EITC

November 19, from 2:30 pm – 3:30 EDT

Tax time is a unique opportunity for many consumers to make financial decisions about how to use their income tax refunds to build savings.  In this lesson we will discuss what consumers need to do to prepare before filing their income tax returns, the importance of taking advantage of the tax time moment to save, and the ways people can save automatically when filing their returns.

All webinars will be recorded and archived for later viewing.