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(Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and Books)

Award Eligibility and Guidelines

Program Description

The Great Stories CLUB is a reading and discussion program that targets underserved, troubled teen populations. The program reaches teens through books that are relevant to their lives, inviting them to read and keep the books, and encourages them to consider and discuss each title with a group of their peers. It seeks to show that reading can be a source of pleasure, a tool for self-exploration, and a meaningful way to connect to the wider world. Its ultimate goal is to inspire young adults who face difficult situations to take control of their lives by embracing the power of reading.

The program is built on partnerships between libraries and a variety of organizations that serve troubled teens, including juvenile justice facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, nonprofits serving teen parents, alternative high schools, agencies serving teenaged foster children, shelters serving homeless and runaway youth, and other agencies.

In 2008, Great Stories CLUB grants will be awarded to 200 libraries. Award notification will take place by March 1, 2008.

Eligibility

• Applications will be accepted from all types of libraries (public, school, academic and special) in the United States and its territories.
• Unless the applicant library is located within an organization that serves troubled or at-risk teens (such as an alternative high school or residential treatment facility), the library must work with a partner organization.
• All other applicant libraries must work with a partner organization that serves troubled teens in order to be considered. Possible partner organizations include but are not limited to juvenile justice facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, nonprofits serving teen parents, alternative high schools, agencies serving teenaged foster children, and shelters serving homeless and runaway youth. Please contact publicprograms@ala.org if you have a question about partner eligibility.
• Institutions that provide services to troubled teen populations are encouraged to contact their local library, and create a partnering relationship with the library as the applicant.
• Individuals and organizations other than libraries are not eligible to apply.
• Ineligible applications will not be reviewed.
• Repeat applicants (libraries that received a Great Stories CLUB grant in 2005) are eligible to apply, provided that the library's final report has been submitted.

Online Application

Applications are due by February 15, 2008. View the online application instructions.

Program Requirements

Libraries selected to participate in the Great Stories CLUB will be required to do the following:

• Each library must hold a minimum of three book discussion programs with participation by 6-10 teens (ages 13 and up).
• Each library will present a plan for implementing the book discussion programs (in cooperation with their program partner, if applicable).
• Up to one copy of each book may be retained for use by the book discussion leader and one copy may remain in the library collection.
• The libraries must supply the remaining books to participating teens to keep. The books will not revert to the library collection, but be a gift to the participating teens.
• The library must complete an online final program report form by December 31, 2008.

Award Details

200 libraries will be selected to receive the following:

• 33 books (11 copies of each of the three titles)
• Supplementary materials including tip sheets, discussion questions, related reading lists and additional online resources
• Access to an electronic discussion list for participating librarians
• Access to a project-based wiki

Please note: Up to 20 libraries will also be selected to receive small grants ($100, $150 or $200) to support program-related expenses. If you would like to be considered for a small grant, please complete the optional Budget Narrative area of the online application.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Quality and completeness of program description (including proposed dates, information about the target audience, plans to recruit teen participants, etc.)
• Evidence of a workable and appropriate partnership (if applicable)
• Target audience need

To be considered for a small cash grant, libraries must complete the budget narrative statement within the online application. Please include how much money is being requested ($100, $150 or $200), how the funds will be used, and why these uses are important to the success of your Great Stories CLUB program. Cash grants will be awarded based on need, as well as the overall contribution that funds will make to the program.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of librarians, in collaboration with the staff of ALA's Public Programs Office and YALSA. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Award Notices

Libraries that apply for the Great Stories CLUB will be notified via email and/or letter regarding the success of their applications by March 1, 2008. Books will be shipped by April 1, 2008.

Use of Books

Books must be distributed to participating youth to keep. One copy may be given to the book discussion leader, and one copy may remain in the library collection.

Reporting Requirements

The library must complete a final program report form by December 31, 2008. Links to the form can be found on the project directors resource page.

Award Administration Timeline

Please contact publicprograms@ala.org with any questions.

Related Links

• Great Stories CLUB