Contact: Stephanie Kuenn
YALSA Communications Specialist
312-280-2128
skuenn@ala.org
NEWS
For Immediate Release
December 16, 2008
CHICAGO —Through funding from Verizon Communications, Inc., the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will award up to 20 mini grants, consisting of $450 in cash and a prize packof Teen Tech Week products, to YALSA members offering inventive activities, resources and programming for Teen Tech Week, March 8-14, 2009.
Visit www.ala.org/teentechweek to read the official rules and download the application form. This contest is open only to YALSA members. Applicants for the TTW Mini Grants must submit the official application form to the YALSA office at yalsa@ala.org by Jan. 19, 2009. Winners will be notified the week of Feb. 9, 2008. In addition to $450 cash for the winners’ TTW plans, they’ll receive a prize pack featuring Teen Tech Week items.
“Due to the economy, many libraries are experiencing budget cuts, ironically at a time when libraries are seeing an increase in usage. Technology programs can be expensive, so it's important that we can support members and their communities by offering these grants,” said Sarah Cornish Debraski, YALSA President. “With $450 you can put on an amazing program and it doesn’t cost a thing to apply—so don't miss out!”
Teen Tech Week 2009, which will be celebrated March 8-14 with a theme of Press Play @ your library, is about connecting teens with different technologies, especially those available through the library. Teen Tech Week also encourages teens to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology. Registration and resources are available at www.ala.org/teentechweek.
For more than 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, videos and audio books for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists, or contact the YALSA office by phone, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390, or e-mail, yalsa@ala.org.