ALA and ProLiteracy seek pilot sites for adult literacy library initiative – deadline extended to July 12

For Immediate Release
Tue, 07/07/2015

Contact:

Kristin Lahurd

Literacy Officer

Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

3122803275

klahurd@ala.org

CHICAGO – ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services and ProLiteracy have joined efforts to further the initiatives outlined in the Adult Literacy through Libraries National Library Literacy Action Agenda. With a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, ALA and ProLiteracy will develop an openly accessible training and a collection of resources. The goal is to help libraries across the country create personalized action plans for serving their communities’ adult learners.

This next phase of the project will pilot resources at three public libraries and guide sites in developing and implementing individual Action Agenda initiatives. ALA and ProLiteracy will use the pilot findings to refine the instruction, guide the curation of resources and develop an electronic learning/sharing forum (listserv). The outcome will be a Web-based training with supporting resources to encourage public libraries in meeting adult literacy needs.

Pilot sites will receive a $5,000 stipend and funding to cover project travel. They will be expected to participate in an assessment of community literacy needs, complete two online courses, take part in monthly conference calls with a national advisory group, and travel for a meeting of the pilot sites.

Libraries interested in being considered as a pilot site can access more information and the application here:http://www.ala.org/advocacy/adult-literacy-libraries-action-apply-be-pilot-site

The application deadline is midnight CDT on Sunday, July 12.

Please contact Alicia Suskin at ProLiteracy with any questions: asuskin@proliteracy.org

About the American Library Association Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world, providing association information, news, events, and advocacy resources for members, librarians, and library users. The Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services supports equity and inclusion as fundamental values of the association. Initiatives undertaken by the office help ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives within the library profession and advocate for equitable access to library services for all. www.ala.org/diversity

About ProLiteracy

ProLiteracy believes every adult has the right to literacy. ProLiteracy, the largest adult literacy and basic education membership organization in the nation, is committed to creating a world in which all adults are literate. ProLiteracy has 1,000 member programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and works with 52 nongovernmental organizations in 34 developing countries.

For more information about ProLiteracy, please visit www.proliteracy.org