LSTA, again...
Susan Cormier (scormier@connix.com)
Wed, 3 Dec 1997 16:17:27 -0500
Date: Wed, 3 Dec 1997 16:17:27 -0500
Message-Id: <3485F795.5348@connix.com>
From: Susan Cormier <scormier@connix.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <conntech>
Subject: LSTA, again...
I am posting this for Sharon Brettschneider (who now wishes she had done
it herself!). Does anyone out there know why the first attempt, which I
sent as an attachment, came out as gibberish? Here is cut and paste
version!
Susan Cormier
The Connecticut State Library Board approved the following LSTA grants
at its meeting on November 24th. A total of $326,789 was awarded.=20
Congratulations to these libraries.
Children in Poverty
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
=09
Hartford Hartford Public Library $ 4,500
Albany Avenue Branch
Collection Development
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
=09
Danbury Danbury Public Library $ 13,347
Hartford Hartford Public Library $ 5,000
Mark Twain Branch=09
Hartford Literacy Volunteers of $ 10,000
America-CT, Inc.
Manchester Manchester Public Library $ 3,300
New Britain New Britain Public Library $ 15,000
Willimantic Willimantic Public Library $ 15,000
Family Literacy
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
=09
Norwich Otis Library $ 11,160
Willimantic Literacy Volunteers of $ 9,918
America-Northeastern CT
Innovative Projects
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
=09
Bloomfield Prosser Public Library $ 10,000=20
Franklin Eastern Connecticut Libraries $ 14,950
Hamden Southern Connecticut Library Council $ 13,750=09
Hartford CT Commission on Children $ 15,000=09
Hartford Hartford Public Library $ 6,000
Albany Avenue Branch
New Britain New Britain Public Library $ 15,000
New Haven New Haven Free Public Library $ 12,000
Waterbury Silas Bronson Library $ 15,000
Outreach Programs for Children
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
=09
Killingly Killingly Public Library $ 6,537
Meriden Meriden Public Library $ 7,500=20
Moosup Aldrich Free Public Library $ 15,000
New Hartford The New Hartford Memorial Library $ 10,775
Tolland Tolland Public Library $ 3,875
Adaptive Technology
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
=09
Ashford Babcock Library $ 5,000
Bridgeport Bridgeport Public Library $ 4,462
Coventry Booth & Dimock Memorial $ 4,590
Library
Danbury Danbury Public Library $ 4,988
Durham Durham Public Library $ 3,112
Internet Access
Priority 1: Public libraries without Internet access
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
Granby Granby Public Library $ 2,500
Middletown Connecticut Valley Hospital $ 2,500
New Hartford New Hartford Memorial Library $ 1,830
Southport Pequot Library Association $ 2,500
Priority 2: Branch libraries without Internet access
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
East Hartford Hockanum Library Branch $ 2,500
East Hartford Wickham Memorial Library (branch) $ 2,500
Hamden Community Branch Library $ 2,500
Hamden Whitneyville Branch Library $ 2,500
Priority 3: Public libraries without Internet access available to the
public
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
Stratford Stratford Library Association $ 2,000
Priority 4: Public libraries without Internet access in the children=92s
area
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
Clinton Henry Carter Hull Library $ 1,993
Columbia Saxton B. Little Free Library $ 2,000
Coventry Booth & Dimock Memorial Library $ 1,964
Danielson Killingly Public Library $ 2,000
Durham Durham Public Library $ 2,000
East Hampton East Hampton Public Library $ 2,000
Ellington Hall Memorial Library $ 2,000
Farmington The Farmington Library $ 2,000
Guilford Guilford Free Library $ 2,000
Hebron Douglas Library of Hebron $ 2,000
Ivoryton Ivoryton Library Association $ 2,000
North Grosvenordale Thompson Public Library $ 2,000
North Stonington Wheeler Library $ 2,000
Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library $ 2,000=09
Oxford Oxford Public Library $ 1,284
Portland Portland Library $ 2,000
Salisbury Scoville Memorial Library $ 2,000
Trumbull Trumbull Library $ 2,000
Windsor Windsor Public Library $ 2,000
Winsted Beardsley & Memorial Library $ 1,454
Woodbridge Woodbridge Town Library $ 2,000
Priority 5: Public libraries with no graphical web access to the
Internet
City Institution Grant Amount Requested
Bloomfield Prosser Public Library $ 2,000
Bristol Bristol Public Library $ 2,000
Enfield Enfield Public Library $ 2,000
Wethersfield Wethersfield Public Library $ 2,000
Windsor Locks Windsor Locks Public Library $ 2,000
Summary Sheet
A. PROGRAM GRANTS
RECOMMENDED
Children in Poverty
1. Applicant: Hartford Public Library - Albany Avenue Branch
Hartford
Funding: $4,500
Project Abstract: =20
The Albany Avenue Branch of the Hartford Public Library seeks to
identify the reading interests of the 1,200 sixth, seventh, and eighth
graders in its service area, and to purchase 800 titles meeting these
interests. No separate collection currently exists for this age group.=20
The collection will be shelved in an area between the children=92s sectio=
n
and the adult fiction section. It is anticipated that the new
collection will attract new patrons to the library, and increase
borrowing on the part of the many students who now use the library as a
homework center.
Collection Development
1. Applicant: Danbury Public Library
Danbury
Funding: $13,347
Project Abstract:
In July of 1997, the Danbury Public Library consolidated its Foreign
Language materials in their newly renovated Audio Visual Department.
They discovered that additional titles were needed in all formats:=20
audio cassettes, videocassettes and books. With grant funds they will
add vital materials to the collection, and enhance their Language Center
by adding two dedicated computer workstations for ESL adult learners.=20
The need for ESL (English as a Second Language) training and help in the
Hispanic and Portuguese communities is critical. With added materials
and ESL workstations, and by sending a Bilingual Librarian into the
Hispanic and Portuguese communities, the Library hopes to build an
effective bridge to these fast growing immigrant populations who live
and work in Danbury.
2. Applicant: Hartford Public Library - Mark Twain Branch
Hartford
Funding: $5,000
Project Abstract:
The Mark Twain Branch of the Hartford Public Library is in the heart of
the Asylum Hill neighborhood. Hartford Public High School and West
Middle Elementary School are 2 blocks from the Library. Because
twenty-two percent of this neighborhood is non-English speaking and 45%
of the Hartford school population does not speak English, the Library
will use grant funds to purchase ESL material for its patrons. The
Library=92s ESL collection will complement the ESL collections at the
local schools. Hartford is the fourth poorest city in the nation with
28% of the city at poverty level. Library patrons cannot afford to
purchase this material themselves, and the Mark Twin Branch has a very
small collection of books in Spanish. They will purchase reference
material including encyclopedias and picture dictionaries for ESL levels
I and II (Beginner and Intermediate), as well as recreational reading
books. Formats will include videos, audio tapes, software, and books.=20
The books will be primarily English-language instructional with some
Spanish reference and fiction books. A small portion of the collection
will be in Vietnamese, Portuguese, and Laotian.
3. Applicant: Literacy Volunteers of America-CT, Inc.
Hartford
Funding: $10,000
Project Abstract:
Literacy Volunteers of America-CT, Inc. (LVA-CT) proposes to enhance
its services to English as A Second Language tutors and students through
the increase of ESL materials in its Books By Mail library located in
the state office of Literacy Volunteers of America-CT, Inc.. The
objectives of the Books By Mail Collection Development project are:
=B7 To review the Books By Mail English As A Second Language collection
and purchase new materials.
=B7 To provide Books By Mail borrowings for up to 20 English As A Second
Language tutors.
=B7 To circulate a flyer of new ESL acquisitions to all English As A
Second Language tutors throughout the state.
=20
4. Applicant: Manchester Public Library
Manchester
=20
Funding: $3,300
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
Manchester Public Library wishes to develop services for the growing
number of non-English speaking residents in Manchester. The acquisition
of a core collection of materials for the use of the non-English
speaking communities, and planning for further service to similarly
undeserved populations will be the primary goals of this project. In
addition, information services will be promoted for non-English
speakers. The Library has virtually no foreign language circulating
material geared to adult leisure reading, except for one Spanish
language magazine and some incidental Spanish language items in the
adult and children=92s book collections. The Hispanic community, while a
small percentage of the population of the city, is rapidly growing. The
Mary Cheney Library is the =93main=94 library for Manchester, and it is
located within a block from an area where many of the Hispanic citizens
reside.
=20
5. Applicant: New Britain Public Library
New Britain
=20
Funding: $15,000
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
The New Britain Public Library recognizes that Polish and Spanish
speaking residents are underserved by the library=92s collections. With
these grant funds they will develop Polish and Spanish language
collections both print and non-print to meet local needs. Selections
will be made based on advice from Advisory Committees representing both
linguistic minorities.
=20
6. Applicant: Willimantic Public Library
Willimantic
=20
Funding: $15,000
=20
Project Abstract - Willimantic Public Library:
=20
The Children=92s Department of the Willimantic Public Library proposes
to use the funds from this grant to purchase approximately 1,000 items
of Spanish or Spanish/English bilingual materials. These items will be
publicized to the Latino community through many community groups serving
that population. In addition, storytimes and outreach will be
accomplished through the Family Literacy part of Literacy Volunteers.=20
Finally, an event will be held in the Children=92s Department to bring
together the books and Spanish-speaking children and parents who will be
using them.
=20
=20
Family Literacy
=20
1. Applicant: Otis Library
Norwich
=20
Funding: $11,160
=20
Project Abstract:=20
=20
Otis Library and Literacy Volunteers of America/Southeastern
Connecticut (whose Norwich office is housed in Otis Library) will
conduct an intense series of Family Literacy programs targeted
principally at families whose first language is not English. They will
work with the Norwich schools, Centro de la Communidad, and other
relevant agencies to recruit families from the targeted population to
participate in the project. Literacy Volunteers will recruit and train
volunteer tutors for this project. Otis Library will hire a program
director who will plan, direct, schedule, and participate with staff and
volunteers in English language literacy enhancing programs for
participating families.
=20
2. Applicant: Literacy Volunteers of America - Northeastern CT
Willimantic
=20
Funding: $9,918
=20
Project Abstract:=20
=20
Literacy Volunteers of America - Northeastern Connecticut (LVNC) and
the Willimantic Public Library will use grant funds to implement a
family literacy program, Share a Story, that will provide eligible
Windham Heights families with the opportunity to experience the benefits
of positive parent and child interaction through the pleasures of
reading.
=20
Staff at LVNC believe that the early years are critical to a child=92s
educational future and that parents who early on begin to perform and
feel comfortable in the role of educator will improve their child=92s
school success. With this concept in mind, LVNC, the Willimantic Public
Library, and numerous area agencies have created a family literacy
program designed to:
=B7 increase library usage,
=B7 encourage enthusiasm for reading in adults and children,
=B7 help parents to become the educator that they must be if their child
is to succeed in school,
=B7 provide parents with English, literacy and life-job skills training
when needed, and
=B7 build on the already existing adult learner and parenting resource
sections in the Willimantic Public Library.
=20
=20
Innovative Programs
=20
1. Applicant: Prosser Public Library
Bloomfield
=20
Funding: $10,000
=20
Project Abstract - Prosser Public Library:
=20
In an aggressive step to boost library use and attendance by their
target population, the Bloomfield Public Library System will celebrate
Black History Month (February 1998) at both the Wintonbury Branch
Library, and the town=92s main library, Prosser Public Library. They wil=
l
host a two-part, scholar-led discussion series on the Amistad Incident.=20
Created by Connecticut Reading Connections, this discussion series
explores the story of 53 Africans, who, in 1839, sparked the first civil
rights case in the United States. This programming effort will be
supported with a sizable addition to the library system=92s collection of
materials relevant to the African-American experience.
=20
2. Applicant: Eastern Connecticut Libraries, Inc.
Franklin
=20
Funding: $14,950
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
This project will establish a program in sixteen participating
libraries to provide a library =93Welcome Packet=94 to the parents of
newborns. The packet will include a book and gift for the baby, and
information for the parents on the importance of reading to their
children, and on library materials and services available. Each library
will initiate or enhance their infant and parenting collections to
support and encourage newborns and their parents as library users. This
project will be coordinated by Eastern Connecticut Libraries to promote
resource-sharing and cooperative purchasing among the participants.
=20
3. Applicant: Southern Connecticut Library Council
Hamden
=20
Funding: $13,750
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
Connecticut Reading Connections (CRC) is a state-wide project of the
Southern Connecticut Library Council that supports book discussion
programs in public libraries. Recognized as a national model for
humanities-based programs in public libraries, CRC proposes to extend
their innovative program to economically distressed communities in
Connecticut. The =93Connecticut Model=94 of public library programs
consists of four sessions held two weeks apart led by a scholar who
gives a brief introduction and guides the remainder of the one to one
and a half hour session. Typically one title is discussed at each
session. Without the benefit of the services and materials that are
provided by the CRC staff and office, the public libraries in these
communities could not afford to host a scholar-led four part book
discussion series. The communities chosen for the project will be
determined by (1) their ranking in the AENGLC listing of communities in
Connecticut (with the highest number indicating the higher degree of
economic distress in the community) and (2) the libraries=92 desire to
host a grant-funded CRD book discussion series, as expressed through
their return of the Library Interest Form mailed in Spring 1996 and
their indication of a preferred season to host the series during the
Fall 1996-Winter 1998 session.
=20
4. Applicant: Connecticut Commission on Children
Hartford
=20
Funding: $15,000
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
To reach out to children and families who are non-library users, the
grantee will create a series of television infomercials for public,
cable, and commercial stations. Each will have a real person being
asked questions such as, =93Do you visit your local library?=94 =93Do yo=
u
take your child to the library?=94
=09
The infomercials will address the perceived barriers to using the
public library. The grantee will film Connecticut librarians, in their
libraries, giving a tour showing the variety of books, videos, tapes,
etc.; showing how to get a library card; explaining that taking out
books does not cost money; describing programs for children, parents and
children, and how librarians are waiting to help children and families.
=20
5. Applicant: Hartford Public Library - Albany Avenue Branch
Hartford
=20
Funding: $6,000
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
The Albany Avenue Branch of the Hartford Public Library seeks funding
for cameras, film, other supplies, and contractual personnel costs, to
launch an innovative photography program. Middle school students from
the Upper Albany area will learn basic photography techniques in a
series of workshops, take photographs of their neighborhood, and present
a selection from the results to the Hartford Collection at the main
library. Use of library resources will be strongly emphasized as a
background to this activity. Increases in self-esteem, academic skills,
and library knowledge are expected outcomes. The program will also
serve as a pilot for similar efforts, using the same equipment, in other
branches of the system.
=20
6. Applicant: New Britain Public Library
New Britain=20
=20
Funding: $15,000
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
The New Britain Public Library is painfully aware that among the
Hispanic population (possibly as much as 24% of total) library
utilization is very low. Under the direction of Ann Montgomery Smith,
Director and Project Manager, the Library will develop a Hispanic
Advisory Council, hire a part-time staff member to spearhead outreach
and public relations activities, and develop a proactive plan of
programs, meetings, collaboration, and publicity to increase awareness
and use of library services among the Hispanic population.
=20
7. Applicant: New Haven Free Public Library
New Haven
=20
Funding: $12,000
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
The New Haven Free Public Library is seeking a $15,000 LSTA grant to
establish an innovative library program to the Spanish speaking
population of the City of New Haven. The funds will be used to present
Hispanic cultural programs in the Spanish language. The programs will
consist of literary, poetic, dance, and musical heritage of Hispanics in
New Haven. There will be seven cultural programs presented. The
expected result will be a 30% increase in attendance in programs,
increase in library membership by 20%, increase in the circulation of
Spanish language materials by 20% and increased awareness and usage of
the public library=92s services and materials by Hispanic patrons by 20%.
=20
8. Applicant: Silas Bronson Library
Waterbury
=20
Funding: $15,000
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
The goal of the Silas Bronson Library is to create a research and
writing laboratory, with a minimum of four computers, for young adults,
ages 14-19. This age group, which represents approximately 20% of the
Library=92s users, has not been the focus of any significant initiative i=
n
recent memory. The creation of a writing lab will provide a vital
service to those in this age bracket, especially those who do not have
easy access to technology outside of the public school system. The lab
will be available for more hours than the schools are open; the Library
is open evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and throughout the summer. The
Library will plan and conduct workshops geared for this age group on
word processing, resume writing, search techniques using CD-ROMs and the
Internet. The location of the lab will be in the main reading room
adjacent to the adult reference collection and reference desk permitting
easy access to available help from the Reference Librarians on duty.
=20
=20
Outreach Programs for Children
=20
1. Applicant: Killingly Public Library
Danielson
=20
Funding: $6,537
=20
Project Abstract:=20
=20
In an effort to connect children, parents and books, the Killingly
Public Library and Literacy Volunteers of America - Quinebaug Valley
propose to reach out through the network of 30 currently state licensed
home-based child care providers in Killingly and provide kits of
specially selected paperback and board books for the preschoolers. The
kits will also contain activity materials, story mitts and all materials
necessary to set up an in-house lending library. The children will be
able to take the books home to share with their families. The
home-based child care providers will also receive training in story
sharing, simple craft ideas, and sensitivity training through Literacy
Volunteers as how to recognize and react to potential family literacy
problems. A twice a year gathering will be offered at the library for
the children, their parents, and their caregivers to establish the
connection between the library and the books.
=20
2. Applicant: Meriden Public Library
Meriden
=20
Funding: $7,500
=20
Project Abstract: =20
=20
The Meriden Public Library, in collaboration with Children First
Initiative (CFI), plans to utilize the services of the CFI Outreach
Coordinator to work with Meriden=92s young minority and low income
children (birth - age 8) and their parents. The CFI Outreach
Coordinator will spend 15% of his/her time on the Library Bookmobile
with the Bookmobile Librarian. Together they will travel to Meriden=92s
neighborhoods, schools, parks, camps, and daycare centers providing
bilingual programming for parents and children, encouraging attendance
at appropriate parent training, support, and leadership groups offered
by the library and CFI. They will also encourage the utilization of
existing preschool, daycare, afterschool, and enrichment programs for
children. New parenting and children=92s materials will be purchased for
the Bookmobile, and parents will be encouraged to obtain library cards
and access its services.
=20
3. Applicant: Aldrich Free Public Library
Moosup
=20
Funding: $15,000
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
The library will use grant funds to continue and expand two existing
programs: Reading One on One and Book Buddies. These programs have
been very successful at reaching children attending preschool and
kindergarten. The grant will allow the library to employ a person to
administer and expand Reading One on One and Book Buddies, as well as
build future funding from the local community (residents and business),
and foundation grants to ensure the continuation of these programs.
=20
4. Applicant: The New Hartford Memorial Library
New Hartford
=20
Funding: $10,775
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
The library=92s plan is to get more and better books into the hands of
children under the age of four, and into the hands of pre-school and
day care teachers who might not be able to regularly visit the library.=20
The library will purchase 650 new books and tapes on a variety of
subjects, in a variety of formats to supplement their collection of
books so that they may deliver 25-60 books each month to area daycare
center, pre-school programs, and nursery schools. Librarians will
choose and purchase the books, volunteers will make deliveries, and the
teachers and children will use the materials. Four day care centers and
schools have already agreed to advise and to participate.
=20
5. Applicant: Tolland Public Library
Tolland
=20
Funding: $3,875
=20
Project Abstract:=20
=20
Tolland Public Library will use grant funds to create a collection of
15 storytime kits to lend to licensed day care providers in the town of
Tolland. This grant will enable the Library to serve children who,
because of their enrollment in a day care program, are not able to
attend traditional library storytime programs either at all or on any
regular basis. A survey of day care providers in Tolland has shown a
great need for this service and desire to use the kits. The kits will
contain picture books and other materials that will help the day care
providers create a storytime program for the preschool children in their
care. Without the kits these children would have very limited or no
access to library storytime services. The project will be cosponsored
by the Tolland Childcare Provides Association, which will provide the
Library with input on the contents of the kits and will publicize the
program to its members.
=20
=20
=20
B. TECHNOLOGY GRANTS
RECOMMENDED
=20
Adaptive Technology
=20
1. Applicant: Babcock Library
Ashford
=20
Funding: $5,000
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
Babcock library plans to purchase the following items which will
assist patrons who are visually or hearing impaired:
=20
=B7 Omni3000 (software) which translates text into speech, provides both
auditory and visual representation, magnifies spoken word and has voice
command recognition and optical character recognition capabilities and a
talking dictionary
=20
=B7 Naturally Speaking Delux (software) which allows many to register
their voice patterns and allows for voice to text translation. With the
use of a large screen monitor patrons with hearing loss can read what
is said. Patrons with manual dexterity problems will also benefit.
=20
=B7 HP Scanner to be used with the speech synthesizer
=20
=B7 Computer with a minimum of 200mh and 64mb to handle the software.
=20
2. Applicant: Bridgeport Public Library
Bridgeport
=20
Funding: $4,462
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
Bridgeport Public Library will use grant funds to purchase equipment
and software to facilitate access to print and Internet resources for
individuals with impaired vision. Purchases will include the following:
=20
=B7 Optilec software for five computers and Magic software for 6-10
computers to magnify computer programs, such as Netscape, Microsoft
Word, for main library and branches.
=20
=B7 An Optilec machine which can be attached to a computer running Optile=
c
software. It uses the computer=92s monitor and enlarges print in books
and magazines. The library will also purchase Optilec overlays for
keyboards and key covers with large letters.
=20
3. Applicant: Booth & Dimock Memorial Library
Coventry
=20
Funding: $4,590
=20
Project Abstract:
=20
Booth & Dimock will use grant funds to purchase items to increase
computer use by patrons with manual dexterity problems, patrons with
visual impairments and patrons who are mobility impaired. Items that
they propose to purchase are:=20
=20
=B7 Simply Speaking - voice activated software, a scanner and a touch
screen will be installed on one of the public access terminals.
=20
=B7 A large screen monitor and the software necessary to provide enlarged
print will be installed on one terminal.
=20
=B7 A computer, monitor, modem, and printer to accommodate the adaptive
equipment indicated above.
=20
=B7 A work station which is accessible to individuals in wheelchairs.
4. Applicant: Danbury Public Library
Danbury
Funding: $4,988
Project Abstract:
Danbury Public Library will use grant funds to purchase two
workstations that are wheelchair accessible, and to purchase hardware
and software to assist patrons who have sight and limb-related or motor
control impairments.
5. Applicant: Durham Public Library
Durham
Funding: $3,112
Project Abstract - Durham Public Library:=09
The Durham Public Library will use grant funds to purchase a sound
powered lectern, portable assistive listening devices, and additional
receivers which can be used in the two meeting rooms, an activity room
and, when necessary, at outdoor events.
--=20
Susan Draper Cormier
Children's Services Consultant and
Acting Director, Willimantic Library Service Center
860-456-1717 or 1-800-253-7944
FAX 860-423-5874