EqualAccess Libraries(tm) Application Materials Are on the Way!

From Beth Wade at MBLC:

The Mass Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has partnered with Libraries for the Future (LFF) to institute the EqualAccess Libraries(tm) professional development program in Massachusetts.

EqualAccess is a three-year initiative, already successfully implemented in Arizona and Pennsylvania, whose purpose is to help public librarians assess, and in partnership with local organizations, address their community's most pressing needs. EqualAccess focuses on building librarians' community programming skills, expertise in youth, health, or lifelong programming, and ability to use technology to expand and enhance programs and services.

A cornerstone of the program is the four-day EqualAccess Libraries Institute, which provides libraries with the tools to become increasingly community-responsive centers of information and education.

The 2006 Massachusetts EqualAccess Libraries Institute will be held on March 13th, March 14th, April 25th, and May 31st at the Palmer Public Library in Palmer, MA. Participating libraries are encouraged to send two librarians to the Institute; smaller libraries with limited staff may send one librarian.

Each library will receive a $5000 EqualAccess Library grant as part of a special LSTA EqualAccess Library Initiative Program. Grantees will use funds to implement Youth, Lifelong, or Health Access programs. (The EqualAccess program is available for public libraries that have approved long range plans on file with the MBLC and are certified to receive State Aid to Public Libraries throughout the application and award process.)

Application materials will be sent to all public library directors in the state of MA and should arrive in the first week of January 2006; fifteen libraries will be chosen to participate in EqualAccess this year.

For more information about EqualAccess Libraries(tm), check out the EqualAccess website at <http://ea.webjunction.org/> , or contact the MA EqualAccess Program Manager: Eleanor Stafford @ Eleanor.Stafford@state.ma.us - or 1-800-952-7403, ext. 228.