Library Grant Links

For Public Libraries:

The ALSC/BWI Reading Program Grant is designed to encourage children's reading programs in a public library by providing a grant of $3,000, while recognizing ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) members for outstanding program development.

The applicant must be a member of ALSC, and develop a theme-based summer reading program in a public library. Proposals with innovative ways to encourage involvement of children with physical or mental disabilities are encouraged. The deadline is December 1, 2006.

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The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications for its "Grow Your Own @ Your Library" institutional scholarships.

PLA will award nine public libraries grants of $8,000 each to be distributed to staff members who are working to obtain a master's degree in library and information science.

The scholarship terms require that $6,500 be used directly for payment of tuition at the undergraduate level, or for coursework at an ALA-accredited library schoo l at the graduate level, for as many staff as the recipient library chooses. The remaining $1,500 is to be used to support attendance for one or more of the selected scholarship recipients to attend PLA-sponsored continuing education.

The deadline for submitting an application is December 1, 2006. The online application form is available at www.pla.org.

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Is your library the Best Small Library in America? The deadline is November 1. www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606273.html

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We have two public libraries interested in taking part in, The Big Read, a collaborative of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Arts Midwest.

Would your library like to take part in a multi-community one-book program? The book titles are set by the program and each proposal pre-selects one of the eight titles at the time of application: www.neabigread.org/books.php

Contact mary@nmrls.org if your library is interested. The next deadline is in April 2007, for programs that will take place July - December 2007.

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For Public and School Libraries:

The American Library Association (ALA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are pleased to announce the newest We the People Bookshelf. This year's theme is "The Pursuit of Happiness."

Part of the NEH's We the People initiative, this annual collection development grant project will award sets of 15 classic books for young readers to 2,000 libraries across the country.

The list of "Pursuit of Happiness" titles is posted at www.ala.org/wethepeople. Guidelines and applications are available online at www.wethepeople.govor via www.ala.org/wethepeople until January 31, 2007.

Congratulations to NMRLS members who received We the People "Becoming American" grants in 2006:

Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
Coolidge Middle School Library, Reading
Muriel Morse Memorial Library at Ford School, Lynn

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Youth Leaders for Literacy is an initiative of the National Education Association (NEA) and Youth Service America to help youths direct their enthusiasm and creativity into reading-related service projects.

Grant applications should propose youth leadership in developing and implementing a literacy project that begins on NEA's "Read Across America Day," March 2, 2007, and culminates on YSA's National Youth Service Days, April 20-22, 2007.

The National Education Association will award twenty grants of $500 each to support student-led initiatives.

Complete program information, examples of funded projects, and application guidelines are available at the NEA Web site: www.nea.org/readacross/volunteer/

The deadline is: November 24, 2006.

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For All Libraries:

IMLS Calls for Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant Applications

Recently, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) called upon libraries, archives, and library agencies, associations, and consortia to apply for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant program.

The program supports efforts to recruit and educate the next generation of librarians and the faculty who will prepare them for careers in library science. It also supports grants for research related to library education and library staffing needs, curriculum development, an early career development program for untenured, tenure-track library and information science faculty, and continuing education and training. Applications, guidelines, and examples of successful proposals can be, found on the agency's Web site at www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/21centuryLibrarian.shtm

The application deadline is December 15, 2006. Awards will be announced in mid-June 2007.