Grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
supports Libraries Transforming Communities initiative
CHICAGO
- The American Library Association (ALA) announced today that it has received a
grant of $1.5 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund a
two-year project, Libraries Transforming Communities.
The
Libraries Transforming Communities project addresses a critical need of the
field by developing and distributing new tools, resources and support for
librarians to engage with their communities in new ways; strengthens librarians
as community leaders and change agents; and strengthens ALA’s capacity as a
lead library support entity. The two-year project includes in-person training
and coaching of librarians and ALA staff and member leaders to support the
transformation of library services and the expanding role of libraries as
community conveners. ALA will also offer conference-based and distance-learning
opportunities. Free digital resources will be accessible through the project
website http://www.ala.org/transforminglibraries/libraries-transforming-communities.
“Building
on a deep reservoir of trust, public libraries are in an excellent position to
lead their communities toward a shared vision and a foundation for growth and
innovation,” said ALA President Barbara Stripling. “With the support of the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, libraries and librarians will be better
able to engage deeply with their constituents and support community
aspirations.”
During
the grant period, ALA will work with the Harwood Institute for Public
Innovation to provide training opportunities and learning resources. Libraries
interested in the in-person training and coaching will be recruited through an
open application process. To receive an alert when the application period for Libraries
Transforming Communities opens, interested libraries should sign up for the
ALA Public Programs Office’s PPO Grants electronic discussion list at www.ala.org/offices/ppo/about/ppolist.
The
groundwork for this project was laid during the past year when, through support
from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, ALA worked with the Harwood
Institute for Public Innovation and a core group of library leaders to develop
a framework for training consistent with ALA’s overall engagement with the
transformation and future of libraries.
“Each
library serves a unique community. Community engagement allows us to better
understand our community and the aspirations and challenges faced by community
members. The result is better library service, increased innovation, a greater
impact on the part of the library and, ultimately, a stronger and more
successful community,” said ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels.
For
Immediate Release
Tue, 12/17/2013
Tue, 12/17/2013
Contact:
Steve Zalusky
Manager of Communications
PIO
312 280 1546
