About Us - Issues

Lifelong/Intergenerational Learning

Libraries and museums are unique in their capacity to engage learners of all ages and abilities.

Search the Awarded Grants database for grants to programs that strengthen lifelong/intergenerational learning (issue areas have only been assigned to grants awarded since FY 2009)

IMLS-funded programs and services for older adults (PDF; 432KB)
Selected list of grantees through LSTA (Library Services & Technology Act) and discretionary programs (National Leadership Grants for Libraries; Laura Bush 21st Century Librarians Program) that have provided services for aging populations. This list is organized by the American Library Association’s "Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults."

Lifelong/intergenerational learning content on the IMLS Web site:

 

One of the Special Participating Youth (SPYs) plays at the Knight table with a Treehouse Museum visitor.
May 2011: A Knight at the Museum Encourages Family Reading through Learning Quest Adventures


The Treehouse Museum's A Knight at the Museum program provides opportunities for families of children enrolled in area Head Start programs and in local public schools to participate in storybook themed learning quests centered around the museum's resources. Thanks to funding by an IMLS Museums for America Engaging Communities grant, the Treehouse Museum updated its exhibits for the program and offered the event at reduced cost to area schools. Read More

 
Student participating in a hands-on science activity during a KC Science, INC program.
March 2009: KC Science, INC – Inspiring Natural Curiosity In Science


Several years ago, Kansas City leaders decided to boost future economic growth by developing science and engineering skills in the area’s work force. There was a problem though: Kansas City’s workers and students weren’t very interested in science and engineering. Read More

 
Steve: The Museum Social Tagging Project
November 2008: Steve Eases Online Searches of Museum Web Sites


For museums seeking greater and more engaged audiences for their online collections, steve.museum may offer some answers. The concept is simple: individuals contribute descriptions about the art (and other collection objects) on museum Web sites using the steve tagger. Read More

 
National Medal
October 2008: IMLS Honors 10 Museums and Libraries for Outstanding Community Service


Five museums and five libraries have won the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Read More

 
A volunteer leads a group of students on a tour of the Japanese American National Museum. Photo by Don Farber.
October 2007: Enduring Communities delivers fresh take on Japanese American experience to history classes


Educators in five states are shedding new light on one of the nation’s darkest chapters – the internment of Japanese Americans. Enduring Communities is a three-year project that will incorporate this poignant perspective into public school history curricula. Read More