FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMLS Press Contact
Giuliana Bullard, 202-653-4799
gbullard@imls.gov
IMLS Awards $3.9 Million for Library Service to Native Americans and Native Hawaiians
Grants made through three IMLS programs
Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced today library grants to federally-recognized tribes, Alaska Native villages and corporations, and nonprofit organizations that primarily serve Native Hawaiians. Through three grant programs IMLS is awarding more than 250 grants totaling $3,914,556.
“Tribal and Native Alaskan and Hawaiian libraries play a critical role in responding to the learning, informational, technological, and cultural needs of tribal people,” said IMLS Director Susan H. Hildreth. “Whether for library staffing or collections development, early learning or lifelong learning, information literacy or workforce development, these grants will boost the capacity of these libraries and help them with many facets of their operations and services.”
IMLS is awarding $551,569 to three organizations serving Native Hawaiians through the Native Hawaiian Library Services grant program. This year’s grants will help recipients digitize a 500-piece audio collection; improve college readiness for students and provide career-related skills for Native Hawaiians; and create cultural field trips for community members on the islands of O’ahu, Moloka’i and Lana’i to increase appreciation of Hawaiian literature. Read more about the projects here: www.imls.gov/news/2014_hawaiian_grant_annoucement.aspx.
The 14 recipients of the 2014 IMLS Native American Enhancement grant program competed for and were awarded a total of $1,710,987. Their projects enhance library services for tribal communities through the expansion of collections and staffing, information literacy skills training, the development of a native language dictionary and collections, early learning programs, and 21st century skills training with technology, field trips and broadcast media. Descriptions of the Enhancement grants projects are here: www.imls.gov/news/2014_enhancement_grant_annoucement.aspx.
Through the noncompetitive Native American Library Services Basic grant program, IMLS is awarding a total of $1,652,000 through 237 grants to tribal libraries to support existing library operations, maintain core library services, or—through the supplemental Education/Assessment Option—fund professional development activities for library staff. A list of the 2014 Basic grant recipients is available here: www.imls.gov/news/2014_basic_grant_annoucement.aspx.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.