Neuse Regional Library receives two grants from the State Library of North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. — The State Library of North Carolina announced the 2023-2024 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant awardees today. This year's federal allotment will be distributed on behalf of North Carolina's libraries through programs and services available under the North Carolina LSTA Five Year Plan.
The 48 awards, totaling $2,590,904, go to local library projects that:
· Promote Community Engagement,
· Provide Equitable Access, or
· Support Responsive Organizations
LSTA grants are awarded in response to specific needs of public, academic, and community college libraries.
“Libraries are essential and trusted community institutions,” said Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson. “They provide programs and services that make all our lives richer, from checking out books to toddler story time to internet access for homework and job searches. These federal funds are investments that will help libraries deliver relevant and innovative services to their communities.”
Gaston College’s Morris Library will enhance the existing learning resources offered to the Gaston College community with an Emerging Technologies Lab. The lab will provide a creative learning environment where students work independently or in small groups to collaborate, create, learn, and share ideas, focusing on supporting STEM through experiential learning opportunities.
Pettigrew Regional Libraries will offer emergency medical training in their libraries for its residents. The programs will be available for children and adults and will train residents on what to do in an emergency, such as calling 911, basic first aid, administering Narcan, and CPR training. Additionally, the library will be equipped with AED machines and trauma kits.
The Haywood County Public Library plans to create a literacy walk as part of the new community orchard and garden project planned for the Canton Recreation Park. Grant funds will enable the establishment of a story walk, which will promote early literacy skills and will encourage people of all ages to engage in physical activity. The literacy walk will begin at the entrance of the park, just over a half mile walk from the Canton branch, enabling a connection with the community outside library walls.
Chapel Hill Public Library aims to help adults with limited-English proficiency (LEP) apply for a driver’s license in North Carolina. Chapel Hill Public Library will engage local immigrant and refugee community members to design, produce, and distribute a series of short videos and materials that will outline driver’s license requirements, highlight resources, and provide tips for navigating the process of getting a license.
These grant awards are made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-253645-OLS-23).
Neuse Regional Library
SenseSationalStorytime & Multi-Sensory Environment Awarded: $30,805
Neuse Regional Libraries will increase inclusivity and accessibility through the implementation of sensory-enhanced storytimes to help improve cognitive function, emotional development, and social and motor skills in participants. Additionally, the Library will support free play through a multi-sensory environment (MSE) that welcomes children and young adults and their families to engage in a safe and comfortable space that encourages as little or as much stimulation as desired at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. The development of sensory-enhanced storytimes by trained staff and an MSE will create healthy places for participants, parents, and caregivers to connect with one another and build lasting relationships through shared reading and play experiences.
Neuse Regional Library
Mind Over Matter Awarded: $42,655
Neuse Regional Libraries will implement a series of programs to address community mental health issues and expand access to social services. Health care professionals will lead discussions on topics such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and sleep deprivation. A full-time social worker will be hired to connect community members with resources that will help them access mental health services and other important social services. This position will also help lead the Let's Connect initiative, an existing pilot program which utilizes social work interns from East Carolina University and was created in response to the strain COVID-19 placed on rural communities that were already struggling. Computers and hotspots will be purchased to encourage both on-site and off-site participation.
A full list of awardees appears at: https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/services-libraries/grants-libraries/lsta-grant-information.
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