FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2005
Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Eileen Maxwell, emaxwell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov
Institute of Museum and Library Services Awards More Than $160 Million to State Libraries
Funding To Improve Technology and Provide Service to America's Neediest
Washington, DC— Dr. Robert S. Martin, director of the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services,
announced over $160 million in grants to state library agencies. "This is the premier federal grant program for the nation's libraries," explained
Director Martin. “It plays an important role in building the capacity of libraries to help communities address their changing educational,
economic, and social needs.”
The grants are awarded under the Library Services and Technology Act and are made to each state according to a population-based
formula; the state's library administrative agency administers the funds. States provide at least $1 for every $2 of federal support.
Technology investment continues to be a priority for libraries across the nation. In addition to offering vital community access
to the Internet, libraries use funding to pool resources for database subscriptions, for technology upgrades, and even for Web-based virtual
reference services.
State library agencies report that they use the federal funds to expand resources and programs for underserved groups. They
develop literacy initiatives, host bi-lingual story times, and focus on collection development. For homebound seniors, they offer books-by-mail
and bookmobile services.
The grants fund educational initiatives for students of all ages. Public, university, and special libraries form partnerships
with schools and school libraries to offer unique programs for schoolchildren. They deliver books and services to students in after school programs,
and they offer on-site homework centers. Libraries use the funding to help adults with special learning needs. And they encourage writing and
lifelong reading to the general public through poetry writing contests and book promotion.
For individual state press releases, contact
Eileen Maxwell at emaxwell@imls.gov.
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