NMRLS has received a grant for $32,500 from the Verizon Foundation to support members' literacy efforts. This project is designed to provide direct assistance to support efforts in enhancing literacy initiatives in six member libraries in Hamilton/Wenham, Lawrence, Lynn, Lowell, Lynnfield, and North Reading. These libraries will support local programs for English as a second language, information literacy, and early literacy.

The focus in Lawrence and Lowell and partial focus for Hamilton-Wenham is support for English as a second language (ESOL) and adult basic English (ABE) resources in their communities. Specific language materials to address needs of Arabic, Brazilian-Portuguese, Cambodian/Khmer, Chinese, Spanish, Thai, and Turkish-speaking communities are areas of need. This grant will provide financial support for hiring trainers to purchase needed literacy materials (books, DVD's, kits) to support the ABE and ESOL tutoring programs as well as funding part-time consultants to assist with the English tutor training program and to offer tutor training session for new tutors.

In Lynn and Lynnfield, grant funds will be directed to support an information literacy outreach program. Funding will support development of print and online resources that promote and assist residents in using a rich array of online services available at no charge in the library or from home. Sample topics include: business/financial and travel resources, as well as advice to parents to assist children with homework. For outreach to local schools, grant funds will be used to fund portable computer/projection equipment for demonstrations.

The North Reading and part of Hamilton-Wenham's grant funds will expand programs in support of early literacy programs and for materials (e.g., books and learning aids) related to language development, sign language use with infants and early literacy skills, and phonemic awareness books. This enhancement will include the purchasing of both books and learning aids such as DVDs.

In addition to support for literacy, the Verizon Foundation provides support for community technology, workforce development, and education in local communities. Visit www.verizon.com/foundation for more information.