Subject: Libraries, Schools Must Apply for NEH/IMLS Picturing America by Nov. 14

Hello, state arts agency communications managers and PIOs:

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies just received this time-sensitive communication about a program presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services. You can read about the program below, but we wanted to let you know about it immediately because of the imminent application deadline. Your agency may want to forward information about this new program on to your local libraries and schools: http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/102208b.shtm

We will be sure to keep you abreast of such "breaking news" items as they come over our transom!

-- Sue Struve Communications Manager National Assembly of State Arts Agencies Washington, D.C.

Subject: Time to Apply for The Big Read

Application Deadline: February 3, 2009

Washington, DC\x97The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), announces the fifth deadline for The Big Read. The purpose of The Big Read is to revitalize the role of literature in American popular culture. Grants ranging from $5,000 \x96 $20,000 are available to encourage local communities to inspire reading by developing and carrying out programming revolving around a single work of literature. Programming must be conducted between September 2009 and June 2010. This will be the only application deadline in 2009.

Organizations selected to participate in The Big Read will receive:

* a grant,
* financial support to attend a national orientation meeting,
* educational and promotional materials for broad distribution,
* an organizer\x92s guide for developing and managing Big Read activities,
* guidance on working with local media,
* inclusion of the organization and its activities on the Big Read Web site, and
* the prestige of participating in a highly visible national initiative.

The Request for Proposals can be downloaded at www.NEABigRead.org. The proposal deadline is February 3, 2009. Questions should be directed to Arts Midwest at 612-238-8010 or TheBigRead@PROTECTED.

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Subject: Grant opportunity for facilities serving at-risk teens!

The ALA Public Programs Office and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) are now accepting applications for the latest round of Great Stories CLUB grants. Electronic applications will be accepted through November 14 at www.ala.org/greatstories.

Launched in 2005, the Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and Books) is a reading and discussion program designed to reach underserved, troubled teen populations through books that are relevant to their lives. All types of libraries (public, school, academic and special) located within or working in partnership with facilities serving troubled teens, including juvenile detention centers, in the United States and its territories are eligible to apply for a Great Stories Club grant.

For more information on the Great Stories CLUB, including guidelines, book descriptions, application instructions and a link to the online application, visit www.ala.org/greatstories.

With questions, please contact the ALA Public Programs Office, publicprograms@PROTECTED

Best wishes, Barb

Barbara A. Macikas, Executive Director Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies and Reference and User Services Association divisions of the American Library Association 50 E. Huron St. Chicago, IL 60611 Voice: 312-280-4395 Email: bmacikas@PROTECTED Fax: 312-280-5273 www.ala.org/rusa or www.ala.org/ascla

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