FOLUSA awarded Fyan Grant

Contact: Mary Jo Lynch


312-280-4273

For Immediate Release


March 7, 2003

FOLUSA awarded Fyan Grant

Friends of Libraries U.S.A. has been awarded the 2003 Loleta D. Fyan Grant for a proposal entitled, "Making Our Voices Heard: Citizens Speak Out for Libraries." Friends of Libraries U.S.A. will use the grant to develop advocacy materials geared specifically to "lay" library supporters (Friends, trustees, patrons). They also will use the materials to train library supporters in six states where the population is largely rural using three different methods of training: a) online, self-directed, b) on-site to library supporters in regional locations, c) and in conjunction with state library association conferences. The effectiveness of training will be evaluated to help plan future training by Friends of Libraries U.S.A.

"The Fyan Grant Jury is pleased to present the 2003 award to Friends of Libraries: U.S.A.," said Judy Nelson, chair of the jury. "We agree that citizen support for public libraries is essential, especially in times of economic stress. By becoming more effective advocates, library supporters will be able to affect better budgets, pass bond issues and stave off cuts to their libraries."

This $10,000 grant, given annually on a competitive basis, is named for Loleta D. Fyan, an ALA past president (1951-52) who provided funds in her will. The grant supports a project that will develop and/or improve public library services, will effect changes that are innovative and responsive to the future and has potential for broader impact and application beyond a specific local need. Applicants can include, but are not limited to, local, regional or state libraries, associations or organizations, including ALA units, library schools or individuals. Guidelines and a list of previous winners is available
online.