Library Receives Program Grant

JEFFERSON CITY — Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced that McDonald County Library received a Summer Library Program Grant of $8,000.

“Missouri’s communities are greatly served by the learning opportunities their libraries offer,” Ashcroft said. “Libraries across the state use these grants to not only help students maintain and improve reading skills over the summer break but provide educational programs for patrons of all ages.”

The library will use the grant to encourage reading and exploration of the arts based on the “Tails and Tales” national theme. Activities and educational programs will be offered to children, teens and adults in an effort to foster reading and learning during the summer months. In addition to weekly programs, the library will offer passive programs through its firstever maker-space.

Summer Library Program Grants help libraries create new programs or enhance current efforts to serve patrons of all ages through projects that support an educated and informed citizenry. They also assist libraries in strengthening and expanding both the quality and availability of their services.

The Missouri State Library has approved a total of 120 grant applications for the 2021 fiscal year, totaling $1,446,775 in federal awards that the secretary’s office has distributed to libraries throughout Missouri. The grants are funded by the Library Services and Technology Act through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.