"Oneota Valley Literary Foundation" has been created in Decorah

Dragonfly Books in Decorah is launching a new nonprofit organization, the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, thanks to a three-year grant it has received. The Oneota Valley Literary Foundation will center on three areas of work. First, it will bring authors into the Oneota Valley region, supporting author appearances at schools, senior centers, libraries, and other venues within the region. Second, it will be distributing books to classrooms, schools, and daycare centers, as well as other nonprofits working with youth throughout the region. Finally, it will be establishing a writer's retreat above Dragonfly Books. Community events such as author readings, children's storytimes, and poetry slams have been an integral part of Dragonfly Books since its founding in 2011. The foundation will provide the ability to expand on the existing programs and will provide a venue where regional writers and artists can engage with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, delivering interesting content to the region, while promoting literary and creative writing initiatives. The Foundation will be able to offer tax deductions for book donations and utilize volunteer staff at events and outreach programs. "We are looking forward to continuing to work with nonprofits we have existing relationships with, such as Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, while extending our offerings to other nonprofits in the region," states Dragonfly Books owner Kate Rattenborg Scott. The Oneota Valley Literary Foundation is currently awaiting receiving 501(c)3 designation and is under fiscal sponsorship with the Northeast Iowa Community Foundation. (Disclosure: Kate Rattenborg Scott is the wife of decorahnews.com owner Paul Scott)