Alabama Public Library Service
Project Examples
Broadband
The Alabama Public Library Service awarded a CARES Act subgrant to the Alabama Supercomputer Authority (ASA) to expand their Library Broadband and Wi-Fi Initiative. ASA provides broadband and Wi-Fi services to 141 public libraries in 55 counties, representing approximately 82 percent of the state. ASA used the funds to expand services to 27 libraries in 22 Alabama counties through the installation of Wi-Fi access points and controllers, as well as internet and firewall support services. Partnering with the ASA enabled the state library to improve connectivity at local libraries in the midst of the pandemic, when they needed it most.
IMLS Funds: $150,000
Summer Library Program
Alabama Public Library Service’s statewide Summer Library Program (SLP) encourages children to read and maintain their reading skills during the summer months. Studies show that students who take part in their local library’s summer library program significantly improve their reading skills, which helps them maintain their literacy progress as they return to school. The state library assisted Alabama’s public libraries with their individual summer programs by providing them with SLP materials and manuals. One Alabama librarian remarked that with SLP support, “we welcomed hundreds of new patrons this summer and have seen them come back to the library to check out books and are eagerly awaiting the return of programs.”
IMLS Funds: $18,440
Youth and Family
The Alabama Public Library Service awarded Youth and Family subgrants to eight public libraries in the counties of Coffee, Dallas, Etowah, Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Shelby, and Washington. These libraries served populations ranging from under 10,000 to almost 100,000, and they used funds in a variety of ways to serve the families in their communities. Five libraries supported health literacy programs by purchasing books, supplies, and materials for cooking demonstrations and nutrition programs. Another recipient, the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, used funds to purchase virtual reality equipment that was well received by teens and older adults.
IMLS Funds: $105,937
Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.
Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.
Five-Year Plan Highlights
Goal 1: Strengthen the capacity, staff expertise and board effectiveness of Alabama public libraries through training, continuing education, and other learning and networking opportunities for library staff and trustees in order to advance the delivery of library and information services.
- Projects include:
- Continuing education and training
- Professional networking and sharing best practices
- Grants for public library staff to pursue MLS/MLIS degrees
Goal 2: Support library programs, services, collections and partnerships that promote learning and literacy; serve children, youth, adults and families, including underserved populations; and enhance education, civic engagement, cultural opportunities and economic vitality of Alabama and its residents.
- Projects include:
- Summer Library Program
- Grants for programs, services, collections, and partnerships
- Blind and Physically Disabled Services
Goal 3: Provide information access to all populations through the provision of statewide access to electronic resources and cooperative services, enabling technology, and increased public awareness and use of libraries for information access, knowledge, ideas and cultural heritage.
- Projects include:
- Statewide electronic resources and linkages
- Technology equipment and support
IMLS Data Collection
State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.
Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.
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Year Allotment Value 2020 $2,661,980.00 2021 $2,695,292.00 2022 $2,715,590.00 2023 $2,937,847.00 2024 $2,927,967.00
- 5 Year Plan Text
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
5 year planAttachment Size alabama5yearplan.pdf 1005.48 KB
- 5 Year Evaluation Text
At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.
5 year evaluationAttachment Size alabama5yearevaluation.pdf 5.18 MB