(KLZA)-- The American Library Association (ALA) has awarded one of three 2025 Peggy Barber Tribute Grants to the Falls City Library & Arts Center. This grant, open to all public, academic, K-12, tribal, and special libraries in the US, supports meaningful programs in libraries with limited programming budgets. The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant supports a different type of library programming each year. Applicants for the 2025 grant proposed programming related to combatting isolation for older adults.

The Falls City Library & Arts Center will begin offering weekly programs to older adults such as continuing its existing craft program and adding events like chair yoga, classic movie/tv showings, group games, and special speakers - all to create a space for seniors to gather and socialize consistently.

“Libraries are vital resources that can play a critical role in helping older adults connect with each other and their communities,“ said Terry Fulmer, president of The John A. Hartford Foundation - a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults and generous supporter of the 2025 Peggy Barber Tribute Grant.

“The committee of the 2025 Peggy Barber Award was amazed by the number of library applicants passionate about helping isolated older adults,” said Tyler Hahn, committee chair and director of Cherokee (Iowa) Public Library. “The three winning libraries stood out from the impressive group of applications because of their previous and continued commitment to working with and for seniors in their community.”

Program details and an events schedule are being finalized and will soon be available at the library, on their website, and FACEBOOK page.