The Perry Public Library just became one of two libraries in the state to be part of a pilot program along with the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The IDPH received a $50,000 grant from Telligen Community Initiative (TCI) to fund an innovative program that offers public health resources and programs through libraries. The project is called “Harnessing the Power of Iowa’s Libraries,” and the Perry and Cedar Rapids libraries were chosen to get it started. The Perry Library will work alongside Dallas County Public Health on the pilot, tailoring offerings based on the Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Planning surveys conducted over the last few years. Specific programs through the initiative will be announced as the year progresses.

The grant from TCI will fund a one-year test run in Perry and Cedar Rapids, through which the IDPH hopes to construct a toolkit of best practices, success stories, and strategies that the rest of the state can emulate. To learn more about the program, stop in or call the Perry Public Library at 515-465-3569.