Maryland Public Libraries Receive Federal Grants
Library Services and Technology Act funds will support projects, staff development, strategic plans
Baltimore, MD — The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is pleased to announce that public library systems across the state this summer received nearly $268,000 in federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding. These competitive grants, supported by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), support staff development, innovative pilot projects, and preparedness by funding strategic and facility master plans.
“As Maryland’s public libraries continue to grow, LSTA funding is critical to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve,” said Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller. “We’re grateful to IMLS for its continued support of Maryland’s libraries and for its help funding the tools and resources our libraries provide for all Marylanders.”
Every year, MSLA distributes nearly $2 million of LSTA funds to Maryland public libraries. The MSLA Public Libraries and State Networking Branch (PLSNB) serves as grant liaisons to public libraries that receive these LSTA funds. The following library systems received funding in the latest grant cycle:
- Baltimore County Public Library - The library system’s Long-Term Device Lending Library will continue to provide much needed Internet access and Chromebook devices to customers with demonstrated need.
- Calvert Library - Funding will support ongoing strategic plan efforts that focus on early literacy, engaging community members of all ages, and issues of access, anti-racism and inclusion.
- Carroll County Public Library - The library system will contract with external experts to guide them through the strategic planning process so the library system can better serve patrons and adapt to the changing needs of the community.
- Charles County Public Library - Funding will allow the library system to utilize cutting edge software and equipment to offer patrons the opportunity to develop essential on-the-job skills by completing courses on trades including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and more via library and personal devices.
- Frederick County Public Library - As part of an effort to demystify artificial intelligence (AI), this funding will support a free author event for the public that allows for engagement and dialogue about AI, and provide in-person training and learning opportunities for public library staff to become more familiar with how AI might affect library services.
- Howard County Library System - Libraries and AI for You will equip library instructors to design and lead AI literacy classes grounded in the library system’s values of responsible use, teach community members and library coworkers how to use generative AI, and offer solutions to greatly improve the quality of their lives.
- Howard County Library System - The library system’s Seed Library provides the public with opportunities to develop their own at-home gardens and encourages healthy, sustainable lifestyles by offering seeds for free and hosting educational presentations and events.
- Kent County Public Library - Kent County Public Library's Cultivating Community Programming Series aims to empower and engage multi-generational community members through hands-on gardening experience, landscape engineering and education.
- Prince George’s County Memorial Library System - The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System will develop a new strategic plan for 2025 to 2028 to ensure that its vision, mission and priorities align with the changing needs of the community.
- Queen Anne’s County Library - The library system will contract with an outside agency to conduct a feasibility study for a new branch in northern Queen Anne’s County.
- Queen Anne’s County Library - This funding will allow the library system to purchase period product dispensers and products for public restrooms, helping the library support the community, particularly those who live in poverty and students who walk to library locations after school.
- St. Mary’s County Library - The library system is set to purchase tools and equipment for programming in a makerspace that will empower and foster lifelong learning in pre-K and elementary school students, addressing the need for fine motor skills development and promoting technology literacy.
- Talbot County Free Library - Funding will support the library system’s purchase of equipment and collections for young children, followed by a series of sensory programs for young children and their caregivers with activities that will help build efficiency skills needed for literacy development.
- Wicomico Public Libraries - The Wicomico County library system will conduct a feasibility study for a site to replace its current flagship Paul S. Sarbanes library in downtown Salisbury with a renovated facility on the east side of the city.
- Wicomico Public Libraries - The library system will establish two Memory Labs, following a model of digital preservation of personal and community materials, that will enable people with collections of analog media to convert and preserve their items in easily-savable and reproducible digital formats.
- Worcester County Library - Funding for the Worcester County Heritage Project will support the library system’s efforts to address gaps in local history by developing a series of digital videos. As a start to the Maryland 250 celebration, this project will help the community and visitors explore and understand the past and the area’s shared cultural heritage.
###
For additional information, contact:
Tim Pratt, Communications Manager
(667) 219-4787 | (443) 695-6772 (cell)
timothy.pratt@maryland.gov
About the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA)
The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is an independent agency providing strategic leadership and guidance to Maryland’s public libraries. MSLA promotes the planning and implementation of library programs, supports staff and career development through education and training, and facilitates resource sharing among libraries. MSLA oversees the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, Maryland’s Public Libraries, the State Library Network, the Public Library Capital Grants Program, and the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library.
Maryland Libraries: Inspiring Library Innovation.
|
