FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Katherine Bowen, kbowen@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is pleased to announce the Native Hawaiian Library Services (NHLS) grantees for 2010: Alu Like, Inc., which will be awarded $420,000, and Hawai`i Maoli, which will receive $150,000. The grant program supports projects that increase access to, and use of, Hawaiian cultural and language resources; improve children’s reading skills; and help Native Hawaiians acquire literacy, computer, and employment skills.

With its grant, Alu Like, Inc. will provide access to its Native Hawaiian Library (NHL) resource materials from four library sites on three islands and globally from Ulukau: The Hawaiian Electronic Library. Main library services in Honolulu include resource materials in Hawaiian and English, a books-by-mail program, assistance in basic-skills learning for adults and young adults, and family literacy events. The NHL Hawaiian language materials collection, including Ka Ho‘oilina Hawaiian language journal, archival Hawaiian language newspapers, and Hawaiian language dictionaries and other reference materials, all Web-accessible, provide much-needed support to the Hawaiian language immersion schools and to those who work in and with the Hawaiian language.

Hawai`i Maoli, in partnership with Chaminade University and local Hawaiian civic clubs, will create the He Ola Malaila ("there is life there") Digital Repository for materials pertaining to traditional arts and activities, land and water rights and issues, and the language and history of Hawaii. These materials will provide a unique grassroots perspective on 100 years of Hawaiian history, from the end of the monarchy through the beginning of statehood up to the present. Outreach about the new online resources to community members and students will have the goal of increasing general literacy by engaging Native Hawaiian learners in cultural literacy activities that relate directly to Native Hawaiian heritage and history.

The next deadline for Native Hawaiian Library Services grant applications is May 16, 2011. Please contact Senior Program Officer Alison Freese at 202-653-4665 or afreese@imls.gov with any questions.
 

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. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.