08.31.15

Hoeven: North Dakota Libraries Receive Nearly $200,000

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded $24,906 to Mayville State University through its Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries program. IMLS also awarded a total of $21,000 to the Spirit Lake Tribe, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians through its Native American Library Services Program, as well as an additional $150,000 to the Spirit Lake Tribe through its Enhancement Grants Program.

“Libraries are an important part of any community, providing materials and services that promote educational achievement, artistic development and intellectual curiosity,” Hoeven said. “Today’s IMLS grants will go towards making sure that the Spirit Lake Tribe, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians will continue to enjoy important services offered by the libraries in their communities. Additionally, today’s grant will also make it easier for rural teachers to implement STEM curriculum, which is critical to preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The funds are awarded as follows:

  • Mayville State University – $24,906 – Mayville State University will use the funds to enhance accessibility to and usage of STEM kits by rural area teachers and make it easier for the teachers to incorporate the kits into their curriculum planning.
  • Spirit Lake Tribe – $150,000 – To expand on existing library services at the Valerie Merrick Memorial Library and add additional services and materials.
  • Spirit Lake Tribe – $7,000 – To support existing library operations and to maintain core library services.
  • Standing Rock Sioux Tribe – $7,000 – To support existing library operations and to maintain core library services.
  • Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians – $7,000 – To support existing library operations and to maintain core library services.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services serves to support libraries and museums so they continue to advance innovation, lifelong learning and cultural and civic engagement. To learn more, visit their website at www.imls.gov.

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