Institute of Museum and Library Services Awards $1,858,287 to Support Library Service in Iowa

Washington, DC—Dr. Robert Martin, Director of the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), announced grants totaling over $160 million to state library agencies. “These grants play an important role in building the capacity of libraries to help communities address their changing educational, economic, and social needs,” said Martin.

The grants are awarded under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and are made to each state according to a population-based formula; the state’s library agency administers the funds.  Iowa will receive $1,858,287.  States provide at least $1 for every $2 of federal support.

IMLS Library Services and Technology Act funds help state library agencies make library resources and services, which can be prohibitively expensive to the individual, readily available to an entire community.  Examples of how the State Library of Iowa uses these funds include:

• Developing the annual Summer Library Program used by libraries to reach an average of 129,000 children a year;
• Purchasing a statewide license for EBSCOhost that all Iowans can use from school, work, home or the library to access full-text magazines and newspaper articles;
• Developing and maintaining the Iowa Center for the Book website and the many programs of the Center;
• Providing grants to help libraries assess building and renovation needs;
• Providing grants to libraries for innovative community programs developed in partnership with other local organizations; and
• Providing continuing education programs for librarians and library trustees.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners.  The Institute fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries. The Institute also encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit of libraries and museums.  To learn more about the Institute, please log onto: http://www.imls.gov.