[OPLINLIST] State Library of Ohio Announces IMLS LSTA Grant for Literacy Project

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

[cid:image004.jpg at 01DBFA3E.4FFA4640]The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) has been awarded $48,000 in federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) LSTA funds for a multi-year collaborative project titled "The Science of Reading: A Guide for Ohio's Public Libraries to Help Raise Literacy Achievement." This project aims to enhance Ohio's third-grade reading scores and promote literacy as a vital life skill. The State Library of Ohio Board approved the grant following a recommendation by State Librarian Mandy Knapp and a presentation by TLCPL Youth Services Coordinator Nancy Eames during its July meeting. Support for this project demonstrates the State Library of Ohio's dedication to assisting public libraries as community partners in implementing Ohio's Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement, which was developed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

Project Goals and Outcomes
The primary goal of this project is to provide public libraries throughout Ohio with a comprehensive and actionable toolkit designed to improve literacy achievement within their communities, specifically targeting kindergarten through third-grade children. The initiative will offer training and an online collection of resources for libraries by building on existing K-12 education efforts, the current Reading Blueprint at TLCPL, and the broader shift towards materials and strategies aligned with the Science of Reading. By piloting and assessing various elements of the initiative at TLCPL, alongside other participating large urban libraries and small libraries, the project will identify and overcome implementation challenges across Ohio's diverse range of libraries and communities.

Public libraries have long supported literacy through established programs and caregiver outreach associated with the Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read initiative and Ohio Ready to Read for children ages 0-5. This project will extend similar opportunities and messaging for kindergarten through third-grade children and their caregivers, reinforcing libraries' traditional role as supporters of literacy and education and as accessible sources for reading materials.

"I am very pleased with this innovative and necessary project on the Science of Reading," expressed State Librarian Mandy Knapp. "Several State Library of Ohio Board members noted the high quality of this proposal. I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this project and its impact on Ohio children."

Project Phases


  *   Phase One: Scheduled from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, this phase will involve an evaluation of Toledo's existing early literacy initiative (the TLCPL Reading Blueprint) by an external evaluator. This evaluation is expected to refine the training, programs, services, and messaging associated with the Reading Blueprint.
  *   Phase Two: Running from April 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026, this phase will introduce a version of the Reading Blueprint-along with the accompanying training, programs, services, and support-to other participating libraries in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati for implementation and piloting. Similar evaluation processes to those in Phase One will be conducted.
  *   Phase Three: From February 1, 2027, to June 30, 2027, this phase will expand the initiative to three smaller libraries, testing its applicability outside urban settings and larger organizational structures. Morley Library, Pickaway County Library, and Twinsburg Public Library have agreed to participate at this stage.
  *   Phase Four: Taking place from July 1, 2027, to October 31, 2027, this phase will focus on integrating lessons learned and potential improvements from the evaluations to develop training and a toolkit that public libraries across the state can utilize to more effectively support literacy achievement within their communities.

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Marsha McDevitt-Stredney
Director, Marketing & Communications
State Library of Ohio
274 E. 1st Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
Tel: 614.644.6875
marshams at library.ohio.gov<mailto:marshams at library.ohio.gov>
library.ohio.gov<https://library.ohio.gov/>

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