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IMLS Press Contact
202-653-4799
Giuliana Bullard gbullard@imls.gov
Grant Awards Announcement: FY 14 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
Grants Will Prepare Librarians to Serve Tribal Communities, Immigrants, Underserved Youth and Preschoolers, Rare Book Researchers, and Many Others
Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced 23 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) grants totaling $7,437,595. Recipients are matching these awards with $3,614,714 in non-federal funds. IMLS received 82 applications for the program this year.
"Librarians and staff from all types of libraries, from school media centers to rare book collections to archives, need to be prepared to meet the changing informational and educational needs of their customers and constituents," said IMLS Director Susan H. Hildreth. "The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program helps them meet those needs with projects for continuing education, training, professional development, and early career research.”
The array of projects funded this year includes grants for many different library constituencies across the country. Projects include plans for improved early learning services for 1,000 New York public libraries, an institute for tribal librarians, a planning project for broadband services and training for rural Florida public libraries, professional development for youth librarians in Pennsylvania to offer STEM education, an effort to recruit MLS school librarians for schools in economically challenged eastern North Carolina, and professional development for 400 librarians to improve library immigrant services in Queens, New York.
The grants will also fund a study of the information creation process of middle school students in a school library learning lab and a project to build on a previously funded curriculum for public librarians to strengthen relationships with local government and service agencies.
Click here to view the list of funded projects.
Use the IMLS grants search tool to view our archive of grants awarded by the Institute. Search grants by grant name, institution, or project type.
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. 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.