Public libraries can play a dynamic role in communities.  However, many libraries across the country are struggling to take on a larger role in meeting their community’s needs and require increased support from their city or county administrator.Â
ICMA Public Library Innovation Grants, made possible through a partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, are available to local governments that develop innovative ways to actively engage their public libraries in meeting specific community goals.
The grants will be anchored by a partnership between the office of the chief administrative officer (city, county, or town manager) and the public library, recognizing the importance of the manager/librarian partnership in creating and sustaining change and innovation. A series of leadership workshops and project coaching will help grantees solidify the partnership, ensure the short-term success of the project, and secure new resources to support the long-term use of libraries in addressing community priorities and issues.
ICMA will provide a total of $500,000 in Public Library Innovation Grants. Individual grants will range from $20,000 to $60,000. Only U.S. local governments and libraries are eligible to apply. Applications, guidelines, and a budget template are available at www.icma.org/publiclibrarygrants.Â
Deadline: January 9, 2009, 5:00 p.m. EST