An initial study of ICMA members found some communities using their public libraries for compelling new projects, like providing services for teen and immigrant residents and supporting recycling and public safety. Over the next two years, with the help of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ICMA (International City County Managers Association) intends to multiply those novel practices and demonstrate the value of public libraries in supporting sustainable communities.

In November 2008, local governments will be able to apply for an ICMA Public Library Innovation Grant. Grants will be 18 months in length, and will focus on using the public library to address community priorities and issues. During the project, ICMA will provide a total of $500,000 in Public Library Innovation Grants to cities, towns, and counties. Individual grants will likely range from $25,000 to $75,000.
More information at ICMA website http://icma.org/main/ns.asp?nsid=4109&hsid=1&scid=25 [posted on ALA Outreach Listserv]

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