[SEO-Members] Five Libraries Selected to Receive Open Grants

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

[cid:image003.jpg at 01DC07AD.953A12E0]Five libraries were recently selected to receive a total of $21,679.00 in federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funds through the State Library of Ohio's Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Open Grant initiative. The LSTA Open Grant supports libraries in addressing a specific need within their community while helping the State Library achieve the goals outlined in the State Library of Ohio's LSTA Five-Year Plan.

This grant initiative offers libraries flexibility in selecting their projects and encourages the development of programs and services that might not otherwise be possible.

"The State Library's Open Grant program is a great way for libraries explore the LSTA grant-writing experience," expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. "With a relatively small amount of grant funds, libraries can take the germ of an idea, test it out, and build upon the success to grow the program or service going forward. I'm excited to see the proposals from these recent awardees take flight."

Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library will receive $4,999.00 in LSTA funds to support a three-part series of monthly deaf storytimes at Dayton Public Library, Westerville Library, and Heights Libraries. These sessions will feature a deaf storyteller sharing stories in American Sign Language, accompanied by stories and activities. Additionally, a comprehensive resource guide will be developed and shared freely with other libraries and institutions wishing to better serve people in their communities who are deaf. This project is a great example of cooperation among Ohio libraries and offers the chance for an impact beyond the three participating libraries.

Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County was awarded $4,999.00 to make their historical records and newspapers more accessible through the purchase of a digital microfilm scanner. This scanner will not only provide opportunities for researchers, historians, and genealogists, it will also be used to help identify high interest items that can be digitized in the future. Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County currently hosts and LSTA funded Guiding Ohio Online (GOO) technology trainer. This new microfilm reader, in conjunction with training offered by their GOO contractor will ensure that the library's microfilm collection is accessible to a wide range of users.

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library was awarded $4,999.00 to make dedicated eReaders and additional eBooks available to the Home Access patrons their Outreach Department serves. These eReaders will address the need among many users for larger font (through adjustable font sizes) while also increasing the selection of available titles. This combination of ease of use and greater selection will provide the library's Home Access patrons a browsing and reading experience similar to that enjoyed by those who can visit the library's physical locations.

Highland County District Library's Hillsboro Public Library location will use $1,741.00 in LSTA funds to enhance services to teens by developing a dedicated Game Night program and acquiring a selection of tabletop and video games to support those efforts. This initiative will enable teens to connect with staff and with one another while building positive relationships through play.
Henderson Memorial Public Library sees the opportunity to support educators, businesses, staff, and patrons with a large-format printer that will be made available through a $4,941.00 LSTA grant. Large-format printers have many applications within the community and represent one of the many non-traditional services libraries offer as they work to meet the needs of the communities they serve. With their strong ties with schools, the local Chamber of Commerce, and non-profits, the Henderson Memorial Library expects to see high interest and value in this service.

Open Grants<https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/open-grant> are funded through the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services' Grants to States<https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grants-to-states-overview> program administered by the State Library of Ohio

What to learn more about how federal funds awarded by the State Library are used? Check out our new video series spotlighting libraries that have received federal funds awarded by the State Library of Ohio. The videos are available to view at https://library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants/awarded-grants/spotlights. We are posting new videos every week.

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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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