The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services announced grants totaling more than $163 million to state library agencies. "This funding helps libraries meet the changing needs of their communities," said Dr. Radice. A recent national study from the American Library Association underscores this assertion - 92% of American's surveyed believe libraries will still be needed in the future, even with all of the information available on the Internet.*

The grants are awarded under the Library Services and Technology Act and are made to each state according to a population-based formula; the state's library agency administers the funds. New Hampshire will receive $1,173,868. States provide at least one dollar for every two dollars of federal support.

The Institute's Grants to State Library Agencies help expand learning resources and access to information for individuals of all ages, from all walks of life. "These funds help libraries promote literacy; provide services to children, teens and families; connect seniors to health information; offer computer training and even develop community disaster preparedness plans," said Radice. Highlights of how the New Hampshire State Library uses these funds to benefit residents of New Hampshire include:

The New Hampshire State Library has provided unlimited statewide licenses and content to online databases for all public libraries, public schools, and other New Hampshire Automated Information Systems members. All databases are available at every public library, there is no cost to access these resources. More than 100 public and school librarians attended training workshops on how to search and administer these online databases. Citizens use of New Hampshire's virtual library increases each year.

The Library Development Services Section is the primary outreach arm of the New Hampshire State Library to other libraries in the state. Project activities included Web-enabled collection of public library statistics, remote and face-to-face consultations, and state library representation at numerous cooperative groups of librarians and trustees. Three Library Development Services consultants handled more than 1,700 requests and inquiries on many topics, and 28 technology training classes were offered, reaching more than 250 librarians.

For more examples, please access the IMLS Web site at www.imls.gov/results/asp?state=30&program=1003&description+on&sort=year.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 15,000 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, convening, 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, built 21st century skills, and provide opportunities for civic participation. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

*American Library Association. @ your library: Attitudes Toward Pubic Libraries Survey 2006 [January 2006].
www.ala.org/ala/ors/reports/2006KRCReport.pdf