Library Grant Links and Awards
Public library directors have received information about the third and final year of the EqualAccess™ Libraries Grants. EqualAccess Libraries is a professional development program that trains public librarians and library staff in how to address their community's most pressing needs through assessment and information gathering, the development of strategic partnerships with local organizations, and the creation of innovative work plans that reflect their community's unique character. In addition, EqualAccess participants are trained in the latest trends impacting health consumers, Baby Boomers and older adults, and youth; new uses of technology to expand services to these target populations; and creative approaches to expanding related programming.
Thirty main libraries and library branches will receive EqualAccess training (a four-day Institute to be held at Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen on April 2 and 3, and May 6 and 29, 2008) and a $3,000-$5,000 EqualAccess grant.
Libraries are eligible to apply for both an EqualAccess grant and another LSTA grant Applications must arrive at the MBLC office, attention Eleanor Stafford, by January 31, 2008.
See http://ea.webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=18847 for complete information and distinct applications for main and branch libraries.
The Director Essentials project is a collaborative of five regional library systems - CMRLS, NMRLS, WMRLS, SEMLS and MMRLS. This LSTA project will result in a website that will serve as a comprehensive resource for all Massachusetts Library Directors.
It will bring together content for public, academic, school and special library directors and be a resource for both experienced and new directors. The grant will also fund a Directors' Boot camp, an opportunity for Directors from all over the state to go past regional boundaries and share information, provide feedback and collaborate on creating content for the project.
Watch the NMRLS and other regional newsletters for progress on Directors' Essentials. If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact Mary Behrle - mary@nmrls.org.
Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and reward excellence in after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. Award recipients receive $10,000 each, an individualized plaque, and an invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference. The deadline is January 31, 2008. Details are at: http://www.cominguptaller.org/.
The Public Library Association (PLA) offers the DEMCO New Leaders Travel Grant. This grant has been established to enable PLA Members new to the profession and who have not had the opportunity to attend a major PLA continuing education event in the last five years to do so.
There is no deadline. See: http://www.ala.org/ala/pla/plaawards/planewleaders.cfm
