E-Rate Window Is Open

Discounts For Internet Service

For public libraries interested in participating in the E-Rate Program, the filing window has opened for FY2024-25.  Under the auspices of the FCC, the federal E-Rate Program helps make Internet service more affordable by providing substantial discounts on monthly Internet bills from local Internet providers.  The program also offers discounts on internal Internet connections, all to eligible schools and public libraries.  

The now widespread use of digital resources for student achievement, coupled with the need for online job searching, for online retirement instruction, and for general work-life skills in the digital age has led to a critical need for excellent broadband Internet in school and public libraries.  Participating in E-Rate can help save local library budgets between 60-80% off the cost of monthly Internet service.

Form 470 is the first of three forms which must be filed in sequence to begin the process.  Form 470 opens the required bidding process to let Internet vendors know that you are seeking service for your library. The Form 470 window is likely to remain open into early February; the closing date has yet to be determined by the FCC.

The Library Resource Technicians (LRTs) at each District are ready and able to help you get started with E-Rate, including setting up an appointment to walk through filing Form 470 with you using Teamviewer Screen Share.  If you would like to set up an appointment for this purpose, simply contact your District LRT:

- Amanda Grom for NW / SW Districts  

- Dori Buls for Central / SE Districts

- Trisha Frazier for NC / NE Districts

 Book Club In-A-Bag Kits

At Sioux City Public Library

Sioux City Public Library has kits to check out for book club fans.  These kits are available to borrow for any adult patrons who are interested in leading a book group or for anyone looking to make recommendations to their book group.

Fiction and nonfiction titles are included in this collection.  Among the titles are Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder, Midwest Futures by Phil Christman, Days Without End by Sebastian Barry, Paradise Falls: The True Story of an Environmental Catastrophe by Keith O’Brien.

What’s Included

- A handy book club tote bag

- Six (6) copies of each book; titles are curated to spark conversation

- A sheet with tips for hosting a book discussion and questions that can help start
the conversation

Patrons can find the full assortment of these kits on Sioux City Library's catalog or browse through them in person at the Wilbur Aalfs Downtown Library.  The kits are kept behind the main circ desk and check out for six weeks.  

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