Library Grant Opportunity Targets Development of Teen Skills

by guest blogger Linda Baum

While I don’t have the time these days to write about everything that goes on at Library Board meetings, one item of business at last week’s meeting (5/16/12) is worth talking about.

Middletown Library Director Susan O’Neal discussed a federal grant opportunity, special because of its magnitude and potential to quickly make concept into reality. The up-to-$100,000 IMLS grant (Institute of Museum and Library Services) is for the purpose of planning a teen zone learning hub. Ms. O’Neal envisions a space equipped with modern technology that stimulates the imagination and encourages young people to collaborate. It would be a place where teens could go to continue their education after the school day ends.

The grant includes salary for a project designer, so the Library would be creating a job, thought it may be a temporary consultant’s position.

Ms. O’Neal noted that Middletown would be competing for the grant against big city libraries and that the chances of winning weren’t high. However, she said that she had obtained a federal grant for a smaller library in the past, so it’s possible.

The Board voted in favor of allowing Ms. O’Neal to move ahead with the grant application, but questioned if she could find time in her busy schedule for the 35-40 hours it would take to complete the application by the June 15th deadline. She replied, “…I want to, and I will find a way to do it.”

Ms. O’Neal is to be commended for her efforts on behalf of our Library and community.

For more information about the grant specifications, you can listen to the Board’s 49-minute discussion below.