By Staff
Special to the Advance
Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Poarch Band of Creek Indians will be able to enhance and expand current services, hire a part-time Librarian, and create separate library areas for children and adults.
"We are so excited about being selected by IMLS to receive this grant," PCI education executive director Sandra Hiebert said. "It could not have come at a better time. The Education Department will soon be acquiring additional space in our current location. These funds will allow us to create a special area just for our community children. The adult portion of the library will also be updated, with additions to our collection. We look forward to revitalizing our Library and providing better services to the community."
IMLS director Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice said 15 Tribes received the "very competitive" Native American Library Enhancement Grants.
"These communities are raising the level of library services by automating access, increasing staff and hours of operation, preserving special collections, and developing programming that addresses the needs of Native Americans and Native Alaskan," she said.
Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants support projects that enhance existing library services or implement new ones. Preference is given to projects that expand services for learning in a variety of formats; provide users with access to information and resources through electronic networks and linkages; develop partnerships with other agencies and community based organizations; or target services to users of diverse backgrounds and to underserved populations.
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The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to grow and sustain a "Nation of Learners" because life-long learning is essential to a democratic society and individual success.
Through its grant making, convenings, research and publications, the Institute empowers museums and libraries nationwide to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, sustain cultural heritage, build twenty-first century skills, and increase civic participation.
To learn more about the Institute, please visit http://www.imls.gov