The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be read on the agency's Web site at http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/061710.shtm FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 17, 2010 IMLS Press Contacts 202-653-4632 Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask] Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] IMLS Awards More Than $1.4 Million to Support Native American Libraries Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded $1,495,000 to 218 Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages and corporations as part of the Native American Library Services Basic Grant program. With this funding, the libraries will be able to strengthen their core services for the benefit of the tribal communities and villages they serve. For a list of grant recipients, please go to http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/061710_list.shtm. After consultation with tribal librarians, the basic grant award was increased from the $5,000 level in previous years to $6,000 this year. Thirty-one applicants were awarded $6,000 basic grants, totaling $186,000. Another 187 tribes received basic grants with a supplemental $1000 education/assessment option totaling $1,309,000. Awardees may use their funds to support existing library operations; maintain core library services; and, with the Education/Assessment Option, provide their library staff with continuing education courses, training workshops, or the opportunity to present at conferences. These recipients may also hire a consultant for an on-site professional library assessment. "Through this grant program, Native American and Alaska Native libraries are making great strides in providing access to information and education resources that are critical to success in the 21st century," said Marsha L. Semmel, IMLS acting director. "The 2010 awardees will carry on the tradition of providing innovative and meaningful programs that involve the entire community." Federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, regional corporations, and village corporations are eligible to apply for the Institute's Native American Library Services grant programs. In addition to the Basic grant, the Institute also administers the Native American Library Services Enhancement competitive grant program. Enhancement grant recipients may receive up to $150,000. The 2010 Enhancement Grant awards will be announced in mid-September. The next application deadline for the Native American Library Services Basic Grants and Basic Grants with Education/Assessment Option is March 1, 2011. For more information, please go to http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nativeAmerican.shtm. The deadline for Native American Library Services: Enhancement Grants applications is May 2, 2011. For more information, please go to http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nativeEnhance.shtm. About the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.