[Federal Register: March 27, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 59)] [Notices] [Page 14767-14768] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr27mr97_dat-111] [[Page 14767]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part VI Department of Education _______________________________________________________________________ Library Research and Demonstration; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 1997; Notice [[Page 14768]] DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [CFDA No. 84.039D] Library Research and Demonstration; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 Purpose of Program: The Library Research and Demonstration Program provides grants to institutions of higher education and other public or private agencies, institutions, and organizations for research and demonstration programs related to the improvement of libraries, education in library and information science, the enhancement of library services through effective and efficient use of new technologies, and dissemination of information derived from these projects. Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education that meet the definition of eligibility under the terms of 20 U.S.C. 1141(a) and other public or private agencies, institutions, and organizations. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 12, 1997. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 11, 1997. Applications Available: March 28, 1997. Available Funds: $1 million. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $200,000. Estimated Number of Awards: 5. Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: Up to 24 months. Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 85, and 86; and (b) the regulations in 34 CFR Part 700. Invitational Priorities: The Secretary invites applications in which libraries help enhance the reading skills of young children. The Secretary is particularly interested in applications that meet one or more of the following invitational priorities. However, an application that meets one or more of these priorities does not receive competitive or absolute preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)). Invitational Priority 1. Projects that demonstrate new and promising library reading programs to raise the reading skills of young children. Projects should be linked to school reading programs and involve librarians, teachers, principals, and reading specialists. Invitational Priority 2. Projects that develop and implement cooperative efforts among libraries, schools, and community-based organizations to recruit and train volunteers for after school, weekend, and summer library reading programs. Projects may organize corps of parents and grandparents to serve as tutors to provide reading help to children who need extra help. Invitational Priority 3. Projects that demonstrate model partnerships among libraries, local businesses, and community groups to stimulate young children's interest in reading. Projects should encourage the expansion of library resources through donations of computer hardware, reading software, and books. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 27, 1996 President Clinton announced The ``America Reads'' Challenge, a major initiative to ensure that all children can read independently and well by the third grade. Approximately 40 percent of American third-graders don't read at the basic level on national reading assessments. The President invited our nation's schools, libraries, universities, communities, business leaders, and others to help meet his reading challenge. This invitational priority is a direct response to this challenge. By supporting demonstrations of model library reading programs coordinated with the schools and disseminating those programs that make a difference, we can move closer to the national goal--an America where every 8-year old can read. FOR APPLICATIONS OR INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Dunn, U.S. Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Room 300, Washington, DC 20208- 5571. Telephone (202) 219-2299. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Services (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Information about the Department's funding opportunities including copies of application notices for discretionary grant competitions, can be viewed on the Department's electronic bulletin board (ED Board), telephone (202) 260-9950; on the Internet Gopher Server (at gopher:// gcs.ed.gov); or on the World Wide Web (at http://gcs.ed.gov). However, the official application notice for a discretionary grant competition is the notice published in the Federal Register. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1021, 1032. Dated: March 24, 1997. Marshall Smith, Acting Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement. [FR Doc. 97-7814 Filed 3-26- 97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P