WebJunction’s Crossroads offers information about the Rural Information Center.  Learn about the Rural Federal Funding Database, including two USDA programs–one for facilities and one for distance learning and telemedicine, as well as many other resources. ...

Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, is named Library Journal’s 2015 Librarian of the Year. ...

InfoPeople is offering an online course from February 24-March 23, 2015 on building a digital branch.  For those outside California, and those not InfoPeople partners, the cost is $150.  Click here for course description and registration. ...

Nonprofit groups can apply to receive at least three months of free advertising on Google’s Web site to promote their missions. Read more. ...

The Big Read is accepting applications for programs which enourage reading and partiipation. Amounts range from $2,500 to $20,000.  The deadline is Janaury 28, 2015.  Learn more. ...

York County Libraries receive grant to benefit children. ...

The American Association of University Women, AAUW,  is offering Community Action Grants for projects that promote education and equality for women and girls.  The deadline is January 15, 2015.  Read more. ...

Upstart’s Collaborative School Library Award recognizes colaboration betweeen school librarians and teachers.  The award is $2500.  Learn more. ...

eSchool News provides five trends that will impact education. ...

The Huffington Post Blog explains why librarians are essential and mentions the 2011 Pennsylvania School Library study as referenced in School Library Journal.   ...