State Libraries Win $150 Million From Institute Of Museum And Library Services
Grants totaling $150,435,000 to state library agencies in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories have been announced by Dr. Robert S. Martin, Director of the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
“This is the premier federal grant program for the nation’s libraries,” explained Director Martin. “These grants help provide library service to America’s rural and urban residents, particularly to children living in poverty. The grants also provide libraries with technology to keep the public connected to the important information they need and use.”
The grants are awarded under the Library Services and Technology Act and are made to each State according to a population-based formula; the State’s Library Administrative Agency administers the funds. States provide at least $1.00 for every $2.00 of federal support.
State Library Agencies report using the federal funds to help patrons prepare for and find employment through skills and career assessments testing, resume and cover letter writing workshops, and by providing free access to local electronic job banks.
Early childhood education is also a priority at libraries. Libraries team-up with organizations such as Head Start, WIC, and housing authorities to promote school readiness, provide family literacy programs, and disseminate children’s books and information on local pre-school programs.
Libraries will continue to use these federal funds to invest in technology. Information available via the Internet has increased. So, too, have visits to the library. Public libraries remain the number one point of online access for people without Internet connections at home, school, or work-95% of them provide free public access to the Internet.
