Start that book discussion group!
The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities provides the basic ingredients your library needs to run a successful reading and discussion series. Series are connected by themes. Funds are available to cover the cost of books and discussion leaders. Simply provide the space, eager readers, and your library's enthusiasm! The deadline is rolling. http://www.mfh.org/grants/grantypes/reading/index.htm

Upcoming Spring Grant Deadlines

Libri Foundation Books for Children Grants
The Libri Foundation helps small rural libraries acquire quality children's books. Deadlines for 2003: March 15, July 15, November 15. http://www.librifoundation.org/

IMLS Leadership Grants for Museum - Library Collaborations
Applications are due April 1. http://www.imls.gov/grants/l-m/l-m_lead.asp

Essex National Heritage Partnership Grants
Application deadline is noon on April 3. http://www.essexheritage.org/inside/programsandservices/grant/index.shtml

National Endowment for the Humanities Consultation Grants for Museums, Libraries, and Special Projects
Applications must be received by April 7 for projects beginning in September 2003; deadline is September 16 for projects beginning in May 2004. http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/public-consult.html

National Endowment for the Humanities Focus Grants
These small grants enable educators to develop new ways to teach humanities topics. The deadline is April 15. http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/hfg.html

National Endowment for the Humanities Preservation Assistance Grants
The deadline is May 15. http://www.neh.fed.us/grants/guidelines/pag.html

National Endowment for the
Humanities Challenge Grants: Special Initiative for Local History Applications are due May 1 for programs beginning in January 2004. http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/localhistory.html

Improving Literacy Through School Libraries
These competitive grants from the U.S Department of Education are designed to improve student-reading achievement. Funds support the upgrading of school libraries and media centers, and professional development for school library media specialists. To be eligible, 20% of the students in your community must be from families with incomes below the poverty line.

President Bush has requested $12.5 million for this program for federal FY2003. The DOE is developing a final schedule and application for the 2003 competition that will be posted on the grant web site. The web site will also list eligible communities, which include Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Revere, and Salem. The projected application deadline is late Spring. http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/LSL/