Outreach, Public

Participants for IMLS funded project, “Future Ready with the Library” announced

From the American Library Association:

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), in partnership with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL), has announced the 24 participants of its IMLS grant funded project, Future Ready with the Library. The 24 participants make up the second cohort of the project.

The participants are:

  • Bartz, Vicky. Ortonville (Minnesota) Public Library
  • Bauer, Mary. Cedaredge (Colorado) Public Library
  • Bundy, Amanda. Kaibab Paiute Tribal Library; Fredonia, AZ
  • Burley, Linda. Burley (Idaho) Public Library
  • Chalman, Kate. Charles Ralph Holland Public Library; Gainsboro, TN
  • Crawford, Claire. Geneseo (Illinois) Public Library
  • Deck, Todd. Tahama County Library; Red Bluff, CA
  • DeHoff, Lois. John R Wooden Middle School; Martinsville, ID
  • Dickerson, Heather. Lewis and Clark Library; Lincoln, MT
  • Durbin, Cynthia. Cascade (Idaho) Public Library
  • Fee, Jay. Keene (New Hampshire) Public Library
  • Gillum, Holly. Ashley Public Library; Hamburg, AR
  • Heideman, Ann. Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Library; Mount Pleasant, MI
  • Hollingsworth, Erin. Tuzzy Consortium Library; Barrow, AK
  • Hutchinson, Bailee. Bolivar- Hardeman County Library; Bolivar, TN
  • Kesseler, Nisa. Petosky (Michigan) District Library
  • Kunnerup, Carol. Mott (North Dakota) Public Library
  • Lancaster, Abby. Lincoln County Library System; Afton, WY
  • Mayfield, Pattie. Bertha Voyer Library; Honey Grove, TX
  • McCann, Robin. Perry Middle School; Perry, OH
  • Shimek, Allison. Fayette Public Library; LaGrange, TX
  • Simpson, Sherry. Dover (Arkansas) Public Library
  • Walker, Keri. St. James Parish Library; Vacherie, LA
  • Wickham, Meredith. J Elliot McMullin Public Library; Newton, MS

“I’m excited to see how the library staff in Cohort 2 partner with community organizations to transform library services for and with middle school students in their small, rural, and tribal communities,” said YALSA President Sandra Hughes-Hassell. “Enabling teens to not only explore their passions, but to develop career and college ready skills, is critical to teens’ personal growth, academic success, and career development – a key component of YALSA’s vision for 21st century public library services.”

Through this project, YALSA and ARSL will support the members of the second cohort as they each work with a community partner to develop college and career readiness services for the middle school students in their area. The project requires participating library staff to commit approximately 2 – 3 hours per week throughout 2018.

Members of the second cohort will also participate in a two-day orientation at ALA’s 2018 Midwinter Meeting in Denver, CO, February 8-9 and take part in a virtual community of practice through the rest of the year.

Currently in its second year of implementation, the Future Ready with the Library project will engage a total of 80 library staff, separated into three cohorts, over a three-year period. Learn more about the project on our website. Individuals interested in participating in the next group of cohorts can sign up to receive email notifications about the project by filling out this quick online form.

About YALSA
The mission of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is to support library staff in alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all teens ‒ especially those with the greatest needs ‒ on the path to successful and fulfilling lives. For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to www.ala.org/yalsa, or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.

About IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About ARSL
The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL), is dedicated to the positive growth and development of libraries.  ARSL recognizes the uniqueness of small and rural libraries and is committed to providing an environment that encourages excellence within this community of practice, supporting their goals of service and speaking on behalf of this important constituency. ARSL strives to create resources and services that address national, state, and local priorities for libraries situated in rural communities. To learn more, visit arsl.info and follow us on Facebook.