Funding Boost for North Carolina Libraries: New Initiatives on the Horizon
In a significant boost to library services across North Carolina, the Library of North Carolina has announced the distribution of 46 awards totaling $2,785,339. These grants, sourced through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), are set to enhance and expand library programs statewide.
DNCR Secretary Pam Cashwell emphasized the broad scope of these initiatives, stating, “We are proud to support communities across North Carolina through their libraries with these grants. From literacy initiatives to digital access, document preservation to health programming, these projects reflect the range of needs today’s libraries meet in their communities.”
The grants were allocated based on criteria that align with the Library of North Carolina’s strategic goals: Community Engagement, Expanding Access, and Responsive Organizations. These funds will empower libraries to develop tutoring programs, improve access to library services, create new learning spaces, and enhance material access through digitization and preservation.
A notable project includes the BHM Regional Library’s initiative to counteract geographic isolation and digital access issues in Beaufort, Hyde, and Martin Counties. They plan to introduce a mobile pop-up van to serve rural areas, addressing transportation challenges and limited broadband access while providing structured literacy programming.
Chatham County Public Libraries will embark on an innovative venture with their Library of Things collection. This project aims to promote sustainability and creativity by lending non-traditional materials, encouraging skill development, and fostering community connections.
Durham Technical Community College is set to enhance its graphic novel offerings through a comprehensive collection development and programming initiative. This includes establishing a graphic novel book club, integrating graphic novels into teaching through faculty workshops, and adding vital titles to the library’s collection.
Additionally, Western Carolina University will undertake a significant preservation project involving the Hubert Hayes Mountain Youth Jamboree collection. The initiative will digitize fragile reel-to-reel tapes, making them accessible online and preserving the cultural heritage they represent.
See the full list of awardees.
These initiatives are supported by the IMLS, under the LSTA provisions administered by the Library of North Carolina, a division of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-260837-OLS-26).
About the Library of North Carolina
The Library of North Carolina is dedicated to enriching lives through information access, strengthening communities with exceptional library services, and fostering literacy and lifelong learning for all residents of North Carolina.
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