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JKPL applies for $30K grant
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Posted on Apr 06 2012
By Clarissa David
Reporter
Reporter
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library recently applied for a grant that seeks to augment limited local funding for “critically needed” library services, particularly for underserved villages on island.
Executive director John Gonzales said Wednesday that they submitted their application for the 2012 Library Services and Technology Act Competitive Grant for the Pacific called “JKPL Bookmobile & Internet Library Outreach Service.”
“JKPL Bookmobile & Internet Library Outreach Service aims to develop new and strengthen existing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations in order to expand services for early learning and provide underserved individuals access to information and educational resources offsite in outlying rural areas with limited functional literacy or information skills and with limited or no access to transportation,” reads the project design of the grant application.
Gonzales said the $30,000 grant, if approved, will pay for two part-time outreach staff, a few hours for a supervisor, and for books that will be given to book clubs in various schools.
“This grant will continue to valuably augment dwindling local resources in order to strengthen and preserve our library outreach services,” Gonzales told Saipan Tribune via email.
According to Gonzales, there is a possibility to access more than $30,000 if grant funds become available, which was the case in 2009 when they received almost $65,000, double the original grant amount.
“We expect to find out the award in the summer 2012,” he added.
In their grant application, JKPL expounded on how the CNMI’s state library continues to face challenges through anticipated budget cuts as the local economy continues to decline, putting the delivery of library outreach services at risk.
