Apply for ALA’s $5,000 Gaming Grants
By SLJ Staff -- School Library Journal, 2/25/2009
If you’re a public or school librarian who’s found a creative way to connect literacy and gaming, the American Library Association’s Office for Literacy and Outreach Services wants you to apply for one of its $5,000 grants. They’re designed to help librarians expand and further develop innovative literacy gaming services for kids ages 10-18.
Ten $5,000.00 grants will be awarded to libraries that clearly demonstrate creativity, sustainability, and a strong commitment to literacy-related gaming services. Winners will also continue to receive ongoing support and technical assistance from a team of library gaming experts.
“There is no doubt that gaming and literacy go hand-in-hand,” says Dale Lipschultz, Literacy Officer of Office for Literacy and Outreach Services. “Board and video games come with text of all kinds including instructions, menus and much more. Learning the language and mechanics of any game, from chess to Little Big Planet, involves acquiring a new vocabulary and a new set of 21st century literacy skills.”
Last November, hundreds of libraries across the country celebrated ALA’s first annual National Gaming Day @ your library. Libraries of all types joined in the celebration by registering for two national gaming activities: a national video game tournament and board game challenge.
The grant application is available online, and eligible applicants include public, school, or academic librarians that serve kids 10-18. A cover sheet must be completed and signed by the library director and project coordinator.
Winners will be announced during National Library Week, April 12-18. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm, Friday, March 20.
For additional information about the grant contact: Dale Lipschultz, Literacy Officer, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, by phone, (312) 280-3275, or email, dlipschultz@ala.org.
