CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Literacy and Outreach Services is seeking applications from public, school and academic libraries interested in developing and implementing innovative literacy gaming services for youth ages 10-18.
This program is part of ALA's
Libraries, Literacy and Gaming initiative funded by Verizon.
Ten $5,000.00 grants will be
awarded to libraries clearly demonstrating creativity, capacity, sustainability
and a strong commitment to literacy-related gaming services. In addition,
the winning libraries will receive ongoing support and technical assistance
from a team of nationally recognized library gaming experts. Winners
will be announced during National Library Week, April 12-18, 2009. The grant
application is available online at http://librarygamingtoolkit.org/rfp. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm, Friday, March 20.
"There is no doubt that gaming
and literacy go hand-in-hand. 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," said Dale Lipschultz, Literacy Officer,
Office for Literacy and Outreach Services.
Gaming is one example of how
libraries continue to change to meet the needs of their communities
and users, offering innovative programs and services that educate, entertain
and expand interaction with their patrons.
On Nov. 15, hundreds of libraries
across the country celebrated the 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.
For additional information about the grant contact: Dale Lipschultz, Literacy Officer, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, by phone, (312) 280-3275, or e-mail, dlips...@ala.org.
~Beth G