ACRL makes pledge to support the Cultural Communities Fund
Lainie Castle
Program Officer, Communications
312-280-5055
For Immediate Release
April 10, 2006
ACRL makes pledge to support the Cultural Communities Fund
Gift will provide ongoing support for programming initiatives in academic libraries
CHICAGO - The Public Programs Office (PPO) of the American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce that the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of ALA, has pledged to support the ALA Cultural Communities Fund (CCF) with a gift of $20,000.
The Cultural Communities Fund is an endowment created to help libraries across the country bring communities together through cultural programming.
Academic, school and public libraries will be eligible to benefit from CCF-supported training and programs.
CCF is an initiative of the Public Programs Office, which was established in 1990 to foster cultural programming as an integral part of library service in all types of libraries.
"On behalf of ACRL and its Executive Board, I am pleased to offer support to CCF," said Camila Alire, president of ACRL and dean of University Libraries at the University of New Mexico. "We realize the impact that cultural programs have on an academic library, connecting the campus to the larger community. Many of ACRL's members and their libraries have benefited from past PPO grants. We are glad to help continue this work through the CCF."
"ACRL's contribution means a lot to the Cultural Communities Fund campaign," said Deborah L. Jacobs, director of The Seattle Public Library and chair of the Public and Cultural Programming Advisory Committee (PCPAC). "This gift is an endorsement of the wonderful programs that the Public Programs Office offers to libraries, and the skills and resources passed along to library programmers.
Receiving positive feedback and support from ACRL confirms that this work is necessary, significant and valued."
As chair of the PCPAC, Jacobs is spearheading the CCF fund raising campaign. The goal for 2006 is to raise $140,000 by July 31, in order to qualify for matching funds per the terms of a Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. To make a contribution toward this goal, visit
www.ala.org/ccf.
The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association, is a professional association of academic librarians and other interested individuals. It is dedicated to enhancing the ability of academic library and information professionals. To learn more, please visit
www.ala.org/acrl.
Founded in 1990, the Public Programs Office of the American Library Association is charged with fostering cultural programming as an integral part of library service in all types of libraries nationwide. The unit assists librarians across the country by providing leadership, resources, training, and networking opportunities in order to provide library users of all ages with cultural opportunities. To learn more, please visit
www.ala.org/publicprograms.
To find out more about the Cultural Communities Fund or to make an online contribution, visit www.ala.org/ccf or contact Deb Robertson, Director of the Public Programs Office, at 312-280-5057 or droberts@ala.org.
