"This an exciting time to be engaged with libraries as we are entering into a renaissance period. We are finding even more ways to connect with our patrons in unique and meaningful ways. IMLS plays an important part in helping the Colorado State Library (CSL) in supporting libraries around our great state. Funding that comes through LSTA allows CSL to provide innovative services, important resources, and relevant training and support for all of our public, school, special, and academic libraries. The end goal is stronger, more connected citizens and communities throughout Colorado and libraries enable that to happen."
-- Nicolle Ingui Davies, Assistant Commissioner, State Librarian, Colorado State Library

Growing Readers Together
The Colorado State Library’s Growing Readers Together project increased early literacy experiences and targeted young children in the care of non-licensed caregivers. Colorado library staff connected family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) caregivers with early literacy resources, and libraries also received funding to create dedicated spaces, expand collections, and provide outreach and programs. The project encompassed grants to public libraries throughout Colorado, training for library staff, take-home materials for caregivers, progress on a comprehensive early literacy website, and partnerships at the state and local level. LSTA funding also supported the creation of a video demonstrating home early literacy practices, Spanish translation services for the video, and on-air interstitials on Rocky Mountain PBS Kids programming.
IMLS Funds: $51,237.81 

Statewide Digital Collections: Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection
The Colorado State Library’s Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection (CHNC) provided free online access to 500+ newspaper titles published in Colorado from 1859 to 2020. They were digitized from microfilm or from the original paper publication and made available online for genealogists, teachers, students and general researchers. Newspapers within the collection come from throughout the state and included papers published in English, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Slovak, and Swedish. CHNC provided access to over 2 million digitized pages from these newspapers, and federal funding supports the maintenance and management of the growing collection and its partnerships.
IMLS Funds: $57,693.94 

Employment and Computer Access  
Identifying a need to bolster workforce development programming, Trinidad/Carnegie Public Library staff used CARES Act stimulus funds to help the community while making a broad impact. Library staff subscribed to two databases that offered online classes and a rapid resume-maker tool. Library staff also purchased collection development materials on the topics of mental health, how to create resumes, and how to job hunt. Recognizing that the library was one of the only places in town with available computers, staff purchased Chromebooks for patrons to check out. To reach children during the pandemic, they offered take-and-make activities for patrons to pick up and complete at home. 
IMLS Funds: $4,021