LSTA Grant Recipients

Digital Imaging

Digital Imaging projects allow libraries to create Internet-ready versions of their materials and collections, specifically Illinois-related historical and cultural materials. State-wide, 21 projects were awarded LSTA grant funding for a total of $785,998.00

(Joliet)
University of St. Francis
$5,732.00
“Sharing Our Past: Digitally Archiving the History of the University of St. Francis”
“Sharing Our Past: Digitally Archiving the History of the University of St. Francis” greatly expands the University of St. Francis’ Library Archives’ outreach efforts by digitizing photographs, manuscripts, and other materials related to the history of the University of S. Francis, the City of Joliet, and Will County. This project will ultimately make an important part of Illinois higher education history available to the people of Illinois, genealogy researchers and area historians.

(Plainfield)
Plainfield Public Library District
$20,259.00
“Will County: Preserving History's Heritage”
Will County, established in 1836, has a rich and varied past. Settled by various nationalities and incomes, each of it residents put their own unique stamp on its history. Our project will collect histories of Will County properties and make them accessible online, fully searchable, in a database designed to record not only the address of historic properties, but the names and stories associated with these homes. Working with government agencies and other libraries we will construct a local history tool that can be used for research by adults and children to immerse themselves in the history of Will County.
 

In Sync With Technology

In Sync With Technology projects focus on improving library services for people of all ages across Illinois by developing library programs or services that integrate new technologies or significant equipment. State-wide, 54 projects were awarded LSTA grant funding for a total of $1,538,457.00. 

(Bradley)
Bradley Public Library District
$50,000.00
“Wii Connect”
Wii Connect is designed to get teens and pre-teens out of their bedroom and basement lairs and into the community by enticing them with technology and programs focused on their favorite pastimes: computers and gaming. The Bradley Public Library District is providing new technology including Wii and animation software as well as more computer stations to draw this group into the library. We will also have classes for the new software and Wii game nights where teens can play self-designed games. Lastly, we will use Web 2.0 applications such as blogs, photo sharing sites, and web apps to strengthen the connection.

(Coal City)
Coal City Public Library District
$50,000.00
“Technology 411 For Everyone”
"Technology 411 for Everyone" will provide access to new and improved computer technology to the residents of the Coal City Public Library District. Additional computer workstations, larger monitors, and specialized software will provide enhanced computing opportunities at the library. Seniors and adults will benefit from larger screens and more workstations, teens from gaming programs on enhanced systems, and children K-12 will benefit from Spanish curriculum to compliment the Coal City Unit District #1 new language curriculum.

(Colona)
Colona District Public Library
$14,206.00
“Community Copy and Digitization Center”
The Community Copy and Digitization Center will bring much needed technology services to the city of Colona and its surrounding rural area. Currently, there are no facilities for color copying available to the public, in the Colona school system, or at City Hall. This project will enable the Colona District Public Library to provide not only color copying and printing capabilities, but image scanning, optical character recognition, document conversion, fax service, and appropriate training to staff and community members. It will also supply the necessary technology for planned digitization projects by the library itself.

(East Dubuque)
East Dubuque District Library
$17,500.00
“Mini Print/Design Center”
The Mini Print/Design Center will enhance current services and provide new services. The East Dubuque District Library will purchase a color copy machine and layout/design software. Non-profit organizations can use resources to promote their activities for their service projects by creating small runs of their newsletters, signs and brochures. Training on the software and copy machine will be provided. Community and school support includes a work station with tools (staplers, laminator, paper cutter) and use of a computer lab for instruction. Local leaders have committed to ongoing instruction of their members.

(Homer Glen)
Homer Township Public Library District
$50,000.00
“Destination Station: a Learning R/evolution @ Homer Library”
Homer Township Public Library District is targeting youth and adults to undertake a personal learning adventure at our library. The Destination Station: a Learning R/evolution @ Homer Library project will enrich the community by encouraging resident use of the library as a Destination Station for technology and personal growth. We will provide tools that support new ways of working and learning, including directed self-discovery. As the community center of information we will excite and motivate users of all ages with improved opportunities to experience new technologies on their learning adventures.

(Johnsburg)
Johnsburg Public Library District
$19,300.00
“In Sync with Planet Earth”
In Sync with Planet Earth will be the catalyst for the Johnsburg Public Library to lead the community towards more environmentally-friendly practices. New energy efficient computers will be purchased to supplement and replace existing computers. These new computers will also be used as a tool to educate the community on the advantages of energy saving computers and the importance of proper e-waste recycling. Additional earth-friendly activities and programs for children and adults will help to educate the community regarding additional ways to help protect our planet now and for the future.

(Joliet)
Joliet Public Library
$13,804.00
“Look at Us”
There are many libraries in Illinois that own items of interest to their communities and to the rest of state. Most of these libraries do not have the money, the time or the expertise for individual digitization projects. With "Look At Us!", The Joliet Public Library will establish a mobile digitization center that will travel to area libraries to give them the chance to digitize and preserve these special items. We will work with libraries and area historical societies. All digitized items will be available on a website created especially for this project as well as available through library online catalogs.

(Lanark)
Lanark Public Library
$24,999.00
“Netting Dollars and Sense”
Netting Dollars and Sense grant is to ensure that the residents of the Lanark area have access to state of the art computers, high speed internet access, E-commerce software, and a wide range of programs, classes, speakers and workshops. The target audiences, of all ages will be novices with entrepreneurial spirit, small business owners, home-based businesses, unemployed, handicapped, retired workers, or just those wishing to be challenged in a new venture. Partnerships with several professional institutions and individuals will be the leaders and teachers to make this information and educational opportunity available in the community.

(New Lenox)
New Lenox School District 122
$50,000.00
“Integrating Technology Through Literacy Centers and Booktalks”
Students will complete various literacy center activities that are focused on picture book authors. Centers include activities that integrate technology at an application level. All students can be engaged at the same time. After completing the literacy centers students will have a greater understanding of each author, their characters, and their craft. The students will apply this new knowledge and choose the book that is their favorite and complete a technology rich book talk. Book talks will become part of a podcasted booktalk database across the district. 

(Odell)
Odell Public Library District
$17,077.00
“2009: A Tech Odyssey”
The Odell Public Library District's "2009: A Tech Odyssey" grant is targeted towards its entire population of 1404. With this grant, the library will purchase six laptop computers, which will be used to help train individuals and small businesses to use software and hardware technology. In addition, one laptop computer will be available to use to interview veterans via the Veteran History Project. To facilitate these services, a scanner, color printer and digital camera will be purchased. A microfilm machine will be purchased to help provide access to the defunct Odell Times newspaper and other local newspapers for genealogy purposes.

(Richmond)
Nippersink School District #2
$39,734.00
“Library Tech Trek”
Nippersink School District 2, Richmond/Spring Grove, Illinois a K-8 district of 1,600 students located in northeastern McHenry County, composed of three libraries: Richmond Grade School (K-5), Nippersink Middle School (6-8) and Spring Grove Elementary School (K-5) will create a new library computer literacy program "Library Tech Trek." Librarians will collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate library and classroom curriculum by teaching search strategies through online resources such as Novelist, EBSCO, NetTrekker, and a new library automation to foster 21st Century Literacy. Partnering with Parent Teacher Organizations, school librarians will align this technology driven program with the District Technology Plan, Media Technology Committee, Illinois State Standards, and NCLB.

(Rochelle)
Rochelle Township High School District #212 - High School
$9,333.00
“L.i.V.E. @ the L.M.C.: Linking Individuals in a Virtual Environment at the Library-Media Center”
With L.I.V.E. @ the L.M.C., Rochelle Township High School is Linking Individuals in a Virtual Environment at the Library-Media Center. This Library 2.0 program attracts teen patrons who like reading and discussion, but who cannot participate in traditional book clubs due to extracurricular activities, work, and family responsibilities. These patrons enjoy the programs flexibility, convenience, and variety. This variety includes previously underserved patrons who have not joined book clubs before, such as ELL, special education, and at-risk students. L.I.V.E. @ the L.M.C. provides additional library computers for patron use and technology upgrades to meet the demands of these activities. 

(Rockford)
Rockford Public School District #205
$41,057.00
“BRRRRRR Blog”
Rockford Public Schools proposes one student library computer for each of the 38 elementary libraries. Six elementary libraries in a pilot program will receive two more. All libraries will use the student computers as teaching stations for the databases and our computer catalog. Students in the pilot program will be invited to share their Book Responses, Reflections, and Recommendations so students within a class, classes within a school, and classes between schools will have a chance to React, Rebut, and Revue on the Library Media Services BRRRRRR Blog to help them improve their reading and critical thinking skills.

(Rockford)
Prairie Area Library System
$37,791.00
“Video Training Rises to the Next Level”
With 11,000 square miles to cover in the Prairie Area Library System, the ability to participate in networked training, meetings, or continuous learning opportunities via video conference from a more local location saves transportation time and costs for librarians. This grant will provide funds to improve FY2009 LSTA Grants services through upgraded video conference equipment in the three PALS service centers, bringing them to the next level technologically and connecting PALS librarians system-wide.

(Rockton)
Hononegah Community High School District #207
$11,852.00
“If You Blog It, They Will Come”
One of the main roles of the Hononegah High School library is to create lifelong readers. Technology attracts busy teens to the library. Blogs, wikis, and podcasts are nothing new to high school students. The In Sync With Technology grant would enable our library to improve its programming and services. Our goals include Podcasting library programs, publicizing student-created digital booktalks, and creating student blogs about popular books. Our library needs to be more user-centered and incorporate the type of technology that has been embraced by the YouTube and iPod generation. Ultimately, we want to connect with the teens we serve.

(Stillman Valley)
Julia Hull District Library
$21,700.00
“Mac and Windy Get Married: Bringing Library Technology Instruction Into the 21st Century”
We've all seen the commercials: slow, unstylish, outdated PC resigns to quick, young, trendy Mac. But what if the two joined in happy union? The Julia Hull District Library proposes this unique concept with a project entitled "Mac and Windy Get Married: Bringing Library Technology Instruction Into the 21st Century." By providing patrons with MacBooks dual-booted with Mac and Windows operating systems, the library will enhance its technology instruction programs for adults and seniors. Instructional sessions will include the basics--laptop use, operating system variances, office applications, web and catalog searching--to more creative technologies such as home movie design.

(Wilmington)
Wilmington Public Library District
$25,361.00
“Community Connections”
The Wilmington Public Library District with other organizations in the community will collaborate to offer programs that incorporate technology at various facilities. The programs may include computer classes, movie nights, and/or gaming nights. We would offer programs at schools, nursing homes, and other facilities. We would like to use volunteers from various organization to help with the programs. We would offer classes for the schools on wikis, blogs and other new trends in computer world. We want to provide access to information, educational resources, and technology for individuals of all ages.

(Winnebago)
Winnebago Public Library District
$39,795.00
“Library Technology for the Future”
The Winnebago Library District is growing; it is expected to triple the population it serves in the next 5 years. It is important that we have Library Technology for Future for our patrons. As a result of patron surveys; we must update our old technology to more capable equipment. Other needs include training for librarians to offer podcasts, online book clubs, and wiki resource pages to our website. Patrons are also requesting classes on Office programs and digital photography. With this grant we will be able to accommodate our growing senior population with large screens and voice activation software.

(Winnebago)
Winnebago CUSD #323
$49,996.00
“Viewing War Through Different Lenses”
Viewing War Through Different Lenses is an innovative collaborative project that will allow Winnebago Community Unit School District and five surrounding rural communities to record and document the lives of library patrons affected by war (i.e. Veterans, Holocaust survivors, home front, etc.). This grant ensures the project has the necessary integrated technologies needed to complete it. Using school and public libraries, students assisted by staff will complete research and conduct oral history interviews. Projects will be posted on the web and archived in all libraries and with the Library of Congress, London's Imperial War Museum, and Chicago's Prizker Military Library.  

Value of Resource Sharing 

The Value of Resource Sharing allows libraries to add their holdings to an online consortium, linking the catalogs of multiple libraries together and this greatly increases patrons' access to library resources across the state. State-wide, 28 projects were awarded grant funding for a total of $390,283.00.

(Earlville)
Earlville Public Library District
$12,294.00
“Come Share With Us”
The Earlville Library District will be applying for an LSTA grant entitled "Come Share With Us." The library plans to join Prairie Area Library System's automation program (PrairieCat). Since the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2007 our library has had 800 interlibrary loan requests. Staff members ordered 777 of those items through PrairieCat. This past year we only sent out two items to other libraries in the state. We wish to enhance cooperation and collaboration within and beyond the library community by allowing library patrons statewide to have increased access to resources at libraries.

(Malta)
Malta Township Public Library
$16,400.00
“Movin' On Up….”
Like the Jeffersons, Malta Township Public Library is "Movin' On Up..." From a small library where books were checked in and out and summer reading was 'programs,' things have changed drastically. A new expansion, the passage of an operations referendum and 16 plus programs are just the beginning. Our patrons' needs and wants continue to grow, and one way to meet this demand is with additional resource sharing by becoming a full member of the PAL's PrairieCat automated system. While small in space and budget, library staff and board desire to be large in service.

(Pecatonica)
Pecatonica Public Library District
$8,500.00
“Full Membership For All”
The Pecatonica Public Library District realizes the great importance of reciprocal borrowing to our patrons and sister libraries. By becoming a full member of PrairieCat, we will be able to offer our library patrons greater access to thousands of materials. They will no longer be bound to our hours of operation, as they will be able to search the catalog and manage their accounts from any computer that has Internet access. Our library will also be able to reduce the workload of our staff be eliminated duplicate steps for two systems.

(Sherrard)
Sherrard Public Library District
$25,000.00
“Become an OnLine Library to Better Serve Every Patron Within the Sherrard Public Library System”
It is the mission of the Sherrard Public Library District to serve our 7,288 patrons through resource sharing of our materials and materials of all libraries within the Prairie Area Library System, and the State of Illinois, and to become an online library. Sherrard Public Library System is located in the north central region of the State. Although it was established in 1976, the last three years have seen the most significant growth with a 30% increase in active cardholders.