FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2009

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Awards More Than $1.2 Million to Support Native American Libraries

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded $1,217,000 to 208 Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages as part of the Native American Library Services program. With this funding, the libraries will be able to strengthen their core services for the benefit of the tribal communities and villages they serve. Click here for a list of grant recipients.

The awardees may use their funds to support existing library operations; maintain core library services; and, with the Education/Assessment Option, provide their library staff with continuing education courses, training workshops, or the opportunity to present at conferences. These recipients may also hire a consultant for an on-site professional library assessment. Basic Grants are in the amount of $5,000, with an additional $1,000 for the Education/Assessment Option.

“As centers of community learning and interaction, libraries are poised to help their patrons navigate the ever-changing technological and economic landscapes,” said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director. “With these grants, we at the Institute hope to assist the 208 libraries serving Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages in strengthening their essential library services, developing new programs, and training their library professionals to better assist and adapt to the dynamic needs of their communities.”

Federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages and corporations are eligible to apply for the Institute’s Native American Library Services grant programs. In addition to the Basic grant, the Institute also administers the Native American Library Services Enhancement competitive grant program. Enhancement grant recipients may receive up to $150,000. The 2009 Enhancement Grant awards will be announced in mid-September.

The next application deadline for the Native American Library Services Basic Grants and Basic Grants with Education/Assessment Option is March 1, 2010. The deadline for Native American Library Services: Enhancement Grants applications is May 3, 2010.

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 17,500 museums. Its mission is to grow and sustain a “Nation of Learners” because life-long learning is essential to a democratic society and individual success. Through its grant making, convenings, research and publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build twenty-first-century skills, and increase civic participation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.