OLIS awarded 4 public libraries Learning Grants through the 2019 LORI Grant Program. The LORI Learning Grant Program provides opportunities for Rhode Island libraries to apply for smaller LORI Grants to work on innovative, forward-looking projects for youth learning that can be replicated in other libraries. LORI Learning Grants must meet the priorities of the 2018-2022 OLIS Five Year State Plan for the expenditure of LSTA funds. Specifically, grants must support learning opportunities in libraries for youth ages 5-18 related to Summer Learning or Connected Learning.
2019 Learning Grant Introduction, Instructions and Process
LORI Grants are supported through the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and funded through the IMLS Grants to States program under the Library Services and Technology Act.
Grant Award: $2,000.00
Contact: Amanda Chapman, Library Director
Project Partner: North Kingstown School Department, Office of Family Learning
The library will partner with the North Kingstown School Department’s Think Tank program to mitigate summer learning loss by bringing 1st and 2nd grade children to the library weekly for educational programming, book selection, and participation in the summer reading program. Parents in nearby supportive housing will be invited to join their children at the library and to join in the activities.
Grant Award: $2,000.00
Contact: Meg Paquette, Children’s Librarian
Reach for the Stars focuses on providing Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) based enrichment opportunities on a family-friendly schedule. Through a variety of services and programs, library staff will provide educational displays and circulate STEM-based kits for families with children ages 5-10 in order to engage in playful learning while observing the beauty of the universe. The project supports A Universe of Stories, the theme of the 2019 Rhode Island Summer Reading program.
Grant Award: $2,000.00
Contacts: Babs Wells and Rhonda Hevenor, Children and Young Adult Department Heads
The goal of the Summer Learning Lab is to diminish summer learning loss for children in grades 2-8 by engaging teens in grades 8-12 as tutors. Caregivers will apply to enroll children as students and determine the subject areas for which children need tutoring. The opportunity is open to youth in Smithfield and surrounding communities. Young adults will learn career development skills by applying for and being interviewed before being offered positions as tutors. Tutors will receive required volunteer hours for community service programs. iPads and apps as well as other tools will be purchased to facilitate tutoring and learning.
Grant Award: $2,000.00
Contact: Rashaa Al-Sasah, Teen Services Librarian
Youth ages 14-18 from West Warwick will take part in a 5-week career exploration project in conjunction with the Comprehensive Community Action Program. The project will teach 21st-century skills as teens explore career pathways and interests. Youth will create a multimedia project highlighting the arts, culture and history of West Warwick.