OLIS announced the following  LSTA sub-grant award for the years indicated. These grant programs are supported by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services with funds from the Library Services and Technology Act.

Please see About LSTA Grants for grant award criteria.

2005 LSTA Grant Awards

Grant Title:	Literacy Volunteers of Kent County, Inc.
Amount Awarded:	$9,915
Applying Agency:	Coventry Public Library
Grant Administrator:	Joseph Suffredini

Description: Kent County encompasses Coventry, West Warwick, Warwick, East Greenwich and West Greenwich. It is the mission of the Coventry Public Library to provide comprehensive library services by offering to users of all ages, free and equal access to collections and services that address their ever changing educational, cultural, and recreational needs. For the last 25 years, LVKC (Literacy Volunteers of Kent County) in partnership with the Coventry Public Library, has helped more than 800 adult ABE and ESL learners improve literacy skills through one-to-one volunteer tutoring. LVKC trains volunteers to use the methods of ProLiteracy America. These methods are proven learner-centered techniques which include the Language Experience Approach, Whole Language, and Competency-Based instruction. Tutoring is always free of charge and confidential.

LSTA funds make it possible to provide staff time to increase the number of tutor training workshops from 2 to 4 and dramatically reduce the number of students waiting for a tutor and to meet the scheduling needs of volunteer tutors. LSTA funds, also, provide information about and access to literacy materials to students and tutors. The LVKC project provides staff time to continue working with “Start Here!” program leaders to ensure that ESL students have access to this small group program. Students are assessed and their progress charted on a continual basis. All of this helps maintain a high student retention rate

Phone: (401) 822-9103
Website:www.coventrylibrary.org

Grant Title:	The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative
Amount Awarded:	$ 59,300
Applying Agency:	Providence Public Library
Grant Administrator:	Louise B. Moulton

Description: The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI), entering its seventh year, offers an intergenerational literacy program, the Family Literacy Program (FLP), for families facing social, economic, and educational barriers because of limited English language skills. RIFLI is a public library collaboration designed to benefit adult ESOL learners and their families in partnership with other community partners. The collaborating libraries are Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket, West Warwick and Providence Public Libraries.

The Family Literacy Program’s learner-driven curriculum design and actual location in thirteen public library buildings across the state helps to ensure that all participants, from very young children to the elderly will be able to access the resources and materials that will support their educational and economic goals. The RIFLI model demonstrates how the library, with all of its resources and connections to the community, can provide a valuable community resource where literacy services are enhanced with other library program offerings. FLP reaches out to newly-arrived immigrant families, acting as a first step in the complicated and demanding process of learning a new language and beginning the educational process in the United States. The target population for this program is those families most in need of the literacy services at the beginning and intermediate level of language acquisition. RIFLI’s mission is to raise the literacy level of the entire family. Beginning learners are introduced to basic vocabulary and survival language. Intermediate learners work on vocabulary development, writing, grammar, and conversational practice. Activities are based on themes determined by student-identified need and goals.

Phone: (401) 455-8134
Website: www.provlib.org/literacy/literacy.htm

LSTA Grant awards 2001 - 2004

Brief Descriptions 2000-2004