Great Stories CLUB Round II (HISTORICAL)

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.

230 libraries will be selected to receive books, supplementary matierials, and access to an electronic discussion list.  Up to 25 of the selected libraries will also receive small grants ($100-200) to support program related expenses.

    *  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 March 2008) are eligible to apply. March 2008 award recipients should make note of their current programming efforts in their fall 2008 application narrative.

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 June 30, 2009.

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.