SPRINGFIELD Secretary of State and State Librarian
Jesse White today announced that 462 Illinois libraries will
share more than $1.5 million in FY 2000 Library Service and
Technology Act grants. The federal funds provide $500,000
each for the "Book Start," "Bring in an Expert" and "2000
Marketing" mini-grant programs.
"With these grants, financially challenged libraries
and schools will be able to provide a level of service and
develop programs that would otherwise be unaffordable in
their communities," said White.
"Book Start" mini-grants, of up to $5,000 each, will
provide print materials to 97 financially troubled Illinois
libraries and schools. The grants match each dollar raised
locally with two dollars in federal funds that can be used
to purchase recreational reading, fiction, non-fiction and
some reference materials to further develop library
collections.
Now in its second year, the "Bring in an Expert" mini-
grants will allow 251 Illinois libraries up to $4,500 each
to contract with Illinois experts to work with their staff
or community on activities for which no local funding is
available. Attorneys, architects and public relations
experts are among the professionals lending expertise to
local libraries.
The "2000 Marketing" mini-grants highlight the library
as a vital resource, promote library activities and develop
and enhance professional contacts between community media
and the library. Awards of up to $1,000 each to 113
libraries will be used to develop publicity campaigns and
purchase promotional ads, radio spots and billboards
tailored to the needs of each library community. The
campaigns will be directed to members of the community who
are not currently active library users.
The Illinois State Library administers the Library
Service and Technology Act with federal funds distributed by
the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
(A list the grants awarded in each of the three
programs is attached.)
FY2000 LSTA "Book Start" Grants PDF
FY2000 LSTA "Bring in an Expert" Grants PDF
FY2000 LSTA "2000 Marketing" Grants PDF