State Library Awards Over $170,000 in LSTA Competitive Grants
by Marsha McDevitt-Stredney 4 days, 1 hour agoSeven public libraries and one university have been selected to receive LSTA Competitive Grants. During its December meeting, the State Library of Ohio Board approved over $170,000 in funding from the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) for proposals that requested over $5,000. These grant funds are provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Ashtabula County District Library and Ohio Northern University Library were awarded Ohio LSTA Competitive Grants in the category of Literacy. The purpose of the Literacy category is to support the library’s role in the development of learning and experiences where literacy is defined as the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms and tools, and it encompasses early literacy, digital literacy, functional literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and others.
Bexley Public Library, Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, Jackson City Library, and Mentor Public Library were awarded Ohio LSTA Competitive Grants in the category of Library as Community Anchor. The purpose of the Library as Community Anchor category is to support the role libraries play in strengthening their communities and providing a destination for learning, engagement, social support and expression. This can include areas of employment-related help, economic development support, civic engagement, gathering spaces, and support for the mental health of those served.
Clermont County Public Library and Stark County District Library were awarded Ohio LSTA Competitive Grants in the category of Outreach and Engagement. The purpose of Outreach and Engagement category is to assist libraries in providing new and innovative ways of offering services to users and potential users and in reaching individuals at a range of locations and through a variety of methods, typically outside of the traditional library facility. Efforts may include reaching populations not otherwise served by the library and the establishment of new or novel partnerships.
“The State Library’s LSTA Competitive Grant program once again lived up to its name, as evidenced by this year’s strong set of applicants,” expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. “The eight libraries awarded funding proposed a wide variety of initiatives, programs, and services to better serve their constituents. I’m excited to see how they play out, and how they might serve as examples to other Ohio libraries considering implementation of similar services.”