Are you a small public library serving a population of 20,000 or less looking to:

• Join the GateNet Consortium?
• Spruce up your building?
• Purchase additional computers?
• Buy new furniture?

The United States Department of Agriculture is offering funding opportunities through the USDA Rural Development Community offices.  As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, libraries are eligible to apply for funding assistance if facilities are located in a community with a population up to 20,000.  Funding will be authorized on a graduated scale, with smaller communities with low populations and low incomes receiving a higher percentage of the funding.

Grants and loans may be used for construction/renovation; land purchase for expansion; to pay necessary professional fees and purchase equipment required for operation.  Other uses may include the purchase of shelving, furniture, computers, audio-visual equipment, distance learning equipment and bookmobiles.  Please note:  Funds may not be used as for a general operating budget.

Maximum term for all loans is 40 years.  However, the repayment period is limited to the useful life of the facility or any statutory limitation on the applicant’s borrowing authority.  Interest rates for the loans may vary.

For more information about joining GateNet – please contact Leslie Bednar or for information on applying for the grants and loans, please contact Juliette Douglas at the Lewis & Clark Library System.

Penny Severn’s Summer Family Literacy

2010 LSTA Grant

Grant Amount: $2,000 – $4,800 per applicant

Contact:            Illinois State Library

Deadline:          March 26, 2010 at 11:59 p.m.
Application: Penny Severs Summer Family Literacy Grant Application

Grant Synopsis:

Offered through the Illinois State Library, Secretary of State, Illinois State Library, public libraries and their branches may quality for between $2,000 and $4,800 to provide programming that:

1) Recruits low-literate and limited English proficient families in the program;

2) Develops reading related, need-based library programs, events or activities involving low-literate and/or limited English proficient families including the following services:

a. Provides reading enrichment for low literate or limited English proficient adults,

b. Includes reading enrichment for the children of those adults,

c. Offers interactive, literacy-based, activities in which the parents and children learn together, and

d. Encompasses related library activities for the target families’ participation.

3) Includes the purchase materials to support family literacy activities; and

4) Develops relationships with adult literacy agencies.

For complete information including instructions, application form, and evaluation criteria go to:  Grant Overview and Information.  For questions contact Juliette Douglas at juliettedouglas@lcls.org or 618.656.3216 ext 108.