Federal Grants Supporting Local Libraries

The State Library of North Carolina recently announced the 2016-2017 Library Services and Technology Act grant awards for local library branches across North Carolina.

These federal funds are investments that help libraries deliver relevant and up-to-date services to their communities. LSTA funds are used to meet the needs of children, parents, teenagers, adult learners, and senior citizens through services and programs including computer instruction, homework centers, literacy programs, digitization of special collections, access to e-books and adaptive technology, bookmobile service, and development of outreach programs.

“North Carolina libraries change lives through collections, programs and services targeted to the specific requirements of each local community,” said North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) Secretary Susan Kluttz. The State Library of North Carolina is a division of NCDNCR.

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The needs of North Carolina’s current and future local workforce are also supported with these funds by offering programs, services, and support to the unemployed and under-employed, as well as the business community. In addition, library services for underserved communities and persons having difficulty using a library, specifically the blind and physically handicapped, have been supported by approximately ten percent of grant funds in recent years. To find out more about how funds are used in North Carolina, please visit our state profile page.

Cal Shepard, State Librarian, states “the impact of these grant projects is remarkable! Each project plan is developed locally and targeted to meet local needs. Whether that’s workforce development for adults or robotics for teenagers, libraries use these funds to develop new services, meet unmet needs, and better serve their diverse user base. The wide range of projects is truly inspiring and underscores the vital role that libraries play on campus and in their communities.”

This year’s federal allotment of $4,229,540 will support library programs and services in response to specific needs of public, academic, and community college libraries as identified in North Carolina LSTA Five Year Plan.

The 48 awards to local libraries are for projects that:

– advance literacy and lifelong learning;
– expand access to library resources and expertise;
– promote partnerships and collaboration; and
– digitize materials important to the cultural heritage of North Carolina.

These grant awards are made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

A full list of awardees appears at www.ncdcr.gov.