The Malden Public Library has won an important grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Massachusetts State Library.
The Malden Public Library has received a $19,981 federal IMLS/LSTA grant to be used for Project “YA” Upgrade, a program which targets teens and preteens. Over the next two years, the library will focus on teen-centered programs with the help of its Teen Advisory Board, a group of high school and middle school students who want to take an active role in the library. In collaboration with the Malden YWCA, the library will pilot a “Reading to End Racism” program in which teen leaders are trained to lead discussions with their peers about sensitive cultural issues which affect teens.
The federal funds will be used to purchase non-fiction books for educational and recreational purposes, graphic novels, anime DVDs, and teen CDs. In addition, some new furniture has been ordered for the young adult room and A/V equipment has been purchased for after school Dance Dance Revolution programs to be held twice a month. Other programs for teens include a workshop on “How to Draw Comics” and henna tattoos.
Under federal legislation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, through the Library Services and Technology Act of 1996, provides funds to State Libraries using a population based formula. State libraries may use the appropriation to support statewide initiatives and services; they may also distribute the funds through subgrant competitions or cooperative agreements to public, academic, research, school, and special libraries. Federal funds support primarily activities using technology for information sharing between libraries and other community services. It also funds programs making library resources more accessible to urban, rural, or low income residents, or others who have difficulty using library services. For more information about the federal IMLS/LSTA grants, please visit the IMLS Web site at www.imls.gov or contact your state library.
