New Mexico State Library

Public libraries are encouraged to apply for The American Dream grant sponsored by the American Library Association and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.  Libraries must be in Dollar General communities (within 20 miles of a DG store, distribution center, or corporate office) and add or expand literacy services for adult English language learners.  70 public libraries will be chosen to receive a onetime grant of $5,000.  The deadline to apply is Sunday, Feb 28, 2010.  Click here for application information.

The National Book Foundation has announced prizes up to $2,500 for programming that uses innovative approaches to inspire a lifelong love of reading.  The deadline for applications for the Innovations in Reading prize program is Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010.  Individuals and institutions (including libraries) may apply.  Reviewers will be looking for creativity, risk-taking, a visionary quality and a novel way of presenting books and literature.  Click here to visit the website for details.

The State Library will be holding a Summer Reading 101 Online Workshop for new and experienced library staff, Friends, volunteers and board members on Wed., Feb 24 from 2 pm to 4 pm. 

Some of the basic topics that will be covered for the 2010 theme, "Make a Splash" are:  planning, promoting, working on a theme, awarding incentives, working with performers, evaluating and much more.  Please go to the announcement on this website under "Upcoming Events" to register.

Picturing America is a new grant opportunity for public libraries that received the NEH's Picturing America collection of American artwork.

Grants of $2,000 will be distributed to 30 public libraries to support public programs that highlight the Picturing America collection. To be eligible, the proposed program or program series must feature humanities content and include use of the Picturing America collection. All programs must take place July 1, 2010 - January 31, 2011 and be open to public audiences. Application deadline is March 31. For more info, including how to apply, visit the Picturing America site.
 

Reminder: 2006 GO Bonds for NM Public Libraries expire this fiscal year.  Remaining balances will not be carried over. All reimbursement requests must be recieved at the State Library by April 1, 2010. 

• Reimbursement forms and instructions
• Current balances as of 1/29/2010

For more information, contact Geri Hutchins at 505-476-9727 or geraldine.hutchins@state.nm.us

Each weekday, New Mexico News Plus gives you instant access to the government reports, legislation, court decisions, statistics and regulations mentioned in the day's news.  This service, provided by librarians at the New Mexico State Library links you to the "real thing," so you can read it right away.

More information on New Mexico News Plus