GRANT WRITING IS A BIG HIT

     I think I better tell you right now that the interest in grant writing is a big thing in our area.
     The first workshop we had here in our auditorium was in August of 2010 when Dr. Anne Holt presented the program "Introduction to Grant Writing."
     Then she came back in October of the same year to give "Improve Your Grant Proposal."  Both times the auditorium was filled with people interested in learning more about this difficult job of writing a really good grant proposal.  What with funding getting tighter and tighter over the past few years, people are looking for ways to help pay for their projects and programs.  And Dr. Holt says the funds are out there.
     Dr. Holt switched gears a little when she came back in February of 2011 to teach a class called "Are You Ready to Find a Publisher?"  The workshop helped people with writing, editing, querying and pitching.  And even though the workshop was more for a writer looking to be published, it also helped people with writing anything, including a grant.  
     Like I said, there's a big interest in grant writing now days.  Dr. Holt came back in September of 2011 to give another grant writing workshop and although not quite as many people showed up, the classroom was filled. 
     So, we've brought her back again.  Her timely workshop "Introduction to Grant Writing" will be held Saturday, November 3, from noon to 3 p.m. in the library auditorium.  Once again the topics will include grant writing guidelines, model narrative budget information, the Georgia funders list, writing do's and don'ts, and tips on finding matching funds.
     The cost is $40 per person and will be well worth it.  A pre-registration fee of $10 is required, nonrefundable, basically to hold your seat.  The remaining $30 is payable at the door.
     And if you're wondering who Dr. Anne Holt is, she is not only a grant writer, but a writer of novels and a speaker.  She has served as president and fundraiser-grant writer for the Tallahassee Writers Association, Inc., served on the "Art in the Court Committee" of the Florida Supreme Court, and is grant writer for the Tallahassee Film Society, Inc.
     Dr. Holt is an active member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, The Florida Library Association, and ALAN.  She has completed several novels, a dissertation, and a book of poetry.
    We are already signing people up for the November 3rd workshop.  All you have to do is come by the library, 204 Fifth Street SE in Moultrie, or mail in your pre-registration fee and information.  And if you need more information, you can call us at 229-985-6540 or email mccls@mccls.org.
     It's time to sign up now!  Grant writing is big business!

We're hosting several exciting events

     During the next few months, the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System will host several exciting events we'd like to tell you about.
     If you missed an earlier blog about our Novel Destinations adult book club, let me remind you that Jane Shelton of South Georgia Travel will talk tomorrow evening (Tuesday, September 13th) about her China Adventure.  The event will begin at 6:30 in the library's auditorium.  After her program, we'll sit around and talk about the books we've been reading lately.  The meetings are open to all adults who are interested in exciting foreign lands or have a particular book they'd like to read and share.   Why not join us and meet some new "reading" friends.  Dress is casual and the meetings usually last only an hour.
     On Saturday, September 24th, Dr. Anne Holt will return to give another Introduction to Grant Writing program from noon to 3 p.m. in the library auditorium.  The cost is only $30 per person, payable at the door.  Registration is required since space is limited.  If you're interested in joining us, you can register by calling the library at 229-985-6540 or by emailing mccls@mccls.org.
     During Origami Week, October 24 - November 11, we'll be inviting children to come for an origami program to make cranes that represent peace for children.  The cranes will be put on display in the Childen's Library.  Volunteers are needed to help us hang them.  We're aiming for 1,000 cranes!  Our local printer, Mashburn's Printing, has donated the colorful paper for the project.  Participants will also be constructing other origami to be displayed on the Holiday Tree in the Children's Library during the month of December.
     Last year we looked forward to the River of Words display, but it didn't arrive.  This year, we are planning to exhibit the display October 17 - 29.  The event is coordinated in Georgia by the Georgia Center for the Book and Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), a program of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.  River of Words is a national poetry and art competition for students in grades 4-12, who create visual art or poetry that shows an understanding and appreciation of their natural environment, and specifically of their own watershed.  So, now you know why we are looking foward to sharing this event with the community.  I always look to see how many Georgia children are included.  You just might find someone you know.
     As a reader and a writer, I always look foward to a Janisse Ray author event.  In 2010, over 200 people came to hear Janisse read from her books and discuss her passions.  On Tuesday, November 8 at 6:30 p.m., the Library and our Novel Destinations Book Club will host another Janisse Ray event.  This time she will talk about her latest publication, Drifting into Darien, a Personal and Natural History of the Altamaha River.  Janisse is a writer, naturalist, activist, organic gardner, seedsaver, tender of farm animals, and slow-food cook, who attempts to live a simple, sustainable life with her husband on their farm in southern Georgia.  People who know her never want to miss one of her programs.
     And I'm sure this is not the last event of the year, but on Tuesday, December 6th, Inspiration from Hats by Moses will be featured during a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the library auditorium.  The work of 6th grade students from Williams Elementary School, who are taught art by Alisha Montgomery, will be on display.  The hats, made from paper bags, will also be displayed in the library's lighted cases in the main foyer during January 2012.
     As you can see, we plan to be busy with exciting events that the public and our patrons will enjoy.  Be sure to add these treasures to your calendar and show up for a delightful time.  We love sharing these good times with you.

Here's a heads-up about a grant writing program

     We've had Dr. Anne Holt give a program at our library three or four times, either on grant writing or how to publish your book.  And it's amazing how many participants attend, because those are topics our public wants.
     Well, here's a heads-up...Dr. Holt is coming again.
     Yep, she's going to teach another "Introduction to Grant Writing."  This is a topic many people are interested in, because we are all looking for ways to help fund the programs and efforts we want to present to our communities.
     Put this date on your calendar now and plan to attend.
     "Introduction to Grant Writing" by Dr. Anne Holt will be Saturday, September 24th, noon to 3 p.m.  The cost is minimal considering the benefits you'll gain from the information she will give you.  For only $30.00 per person, you will learn about grant writing guidelines, a model narrative budget, the GEORGIA funders list, writing do's and don'ts, and tips on finding matching funds.
     It's really necessary for your to register, however, because the space is limited.  And registration is easy.  If you 're in the library, you can register at the front check-out counter.  Or you can call us at 229-985-6540.  Or you can email us at mccls@mccls.org.  And if that doesn't work, you can even contact Dr. Holt at 850-977-5110 or email her at ahholt@ahholt.com.
     If you're connected with a business, school, church, or some other organization that needs funds to help you carry out your community programs, then this is the event you need to attend.
     Sign up now.  Once the word gets past this blog and out into the community, the seats will fill up fast.