YOUTH SERVICES GRANTS

by Ann Hoey
Youth Services Consultant
NH State Library

If you are looking for grants to improve library service for youth, here are a few that may apply to your situation:

Children's Literacy Foundation - This organization was established to help foster a love of reading among children in New Hampshire and Vermont. Each year CLiF awards 12 grants to public libraries in New Hampshire communities with populations under 5,000 to help purchase new books for children up to the age of 12. In 2005, the following New Hampshire communities received a grant from CLiF: Brentwood, Canterbury, Center Ossipee, Center Sandwich, Deering, Franconia, Gilmanton, Harrisville, Meriden, Richmond, Rumney, and Wentworth. For more information and an application, visit www.clifonline.org/. Next application deadline is February 1, 2006.

Libri Foundation - This foundation helps rural libraries acquire new, quality children's books. Last year's New Hampshire recipients included the public libraries in Gilmanton, Lincoln and Milton Mills. Visit www.librifoundation.org for more information. The next application deadline is March 15, 2006.

Kids, Books and the Arts - This grant program is done in conjunction with the New Hampshire Summer Reading Program. Sponsored by the New Hampshire State Library, the program awards grants to public libraries participating in the statewide New Hampshire Summer Reading Program that want to bring a quality children's performer to their communities during the summer. A showcase of these performers will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at the CHILIS Spring Conference at the Margate Resort in Laconia. Grant applications are mailed or sent by van to all public libraries in February and are usually made available for downloading at the State Library's website. This year's deadline for applications is March 31, 2006.

Ezra Jack Keats Minigrants - The Foundation offers minigrants of $350 to school and public libraries for programs that encourage literacy and creativity in children. Programs relating to the work of Ezra Jack Keats are welcome, but not required. Visit the website at www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrants.htm for more information and the application. Deadline is September 15 of each year.

Granite State Reads - A partnership of the Verizon Foundation and the Park Street Foundation, this program offers financial support to organizations that provide literacy assistance to New Hampshire residents. Grants help to fund family and children's literacy programs as well as adult literacy programs. New Hampshire library recipients include Carpenter Library, Pittsfield, Keene Pubic Library, and Pillsbury Free Library, Warner. Information and applications are online at www.granitestatereads.com/. The next application deadline is November 15, 2006.

ALSC / BWI Reading Program Grant - The ALSC / BWI Reading Program Grant is designed to encourage reading programs for children in a public library by providing financial assistance of $3,000, while recognizing ALCS (American Library Services for Children) members for outstanding program development. The applicant must plan and present an outline for a theme-based summer reading program in a public library. The Committee encourages proposals with innovative ways to encourage involvement of children with physical or mental disabilities. For more information, www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/profawards/bookwholesalers/bookwholesalers.htm. The application deadline is December 1 of each year.