ALA, USIP encourage applications for 'Muslim Journeys' and 'Public Education for Peacebuilding Support'

Up to $2,000 in matching support available forALA/NEH “Bridging Cultures Bookshelf” programs

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office is announcing a new funding opportunity for prospective applicants for the ALA/NEH Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys program. Applications for the Bridging Cultures Bookshelf will be accepted online through Oct. 25.

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Institute of International Education (IIE) have launched a new public education initiative entitled, “U.S. Institute of Peace Public Education for Peacebuilding Support.” Through this effort, USIP will support up to 250 organizations including public libraries, community college and academic libraries, enabling them to hold events that promote the understanding of peacebuilding and international conflict resolution. Eligible institutions may apply by Nov. 1 to receive up to $2,000 in matching support for programming. A second round of applications will be accepted by May 1, 2013. For complete information about USIP Public Education for Peacebuilding Support, including the application, please visit www.iie.org/usipsupport.

The ALA Public Programs Office encourages Bridging Cultures Bookshelf applicants to apply for USIP Public Education for Peacebuilding Support, in order to secure matching funds for lectures, panel discussions, forums and other public events that highlight the Muslim Journeys theme and collection materials, while addressing the goals of the USIP Peacebuilding initiative. Libraries may use the Bookshelf collection grant, valued at $1,000, as well as staff time spent on programming activities toward the USIP’s matching requirement.

The ALA Public Programs Office is partnering with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) on the Bridging Cultures Bookshelf. Available to public, academic and community college libraries, the program aims to familiarize public audiences in the United States with the people, places, history, faith and cultures of Muslims in the United States and around the world. Eligible libraries must host one public event that introduces Muslim Journeys Bookshelf themes to the library’s patrons and broader community. In January 2013, up to 1,000 sites will be selected to receive the Bookshelf, which includes:

• a collection of 25 books that highlight the pluralism of cultural forms and traditions within the Muslim World;
• three documentary films, with public performance rights;
• a one-year subscription to Oxford Islamic Studies Online, which will allow libraries access to primary source documents and current works of scholarship;
• bonus resources to support programs for public audiences including thematic essays, discussion questions, podcasts, and proprietary film and Internet content;
• materials to support program promotion, including bookmarks, posters and bookplates.

To apply or for more information about Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys, please visit www.programminglibrarian.org/muslimjourneys.

The ALA Public Programs Office promotes cultural and community programming as an essential part of library service in all types and sizes of libraries. Successful library programming initiatives have included “Let’s Talk About It” reading and discussion series, traveling exhibitions, film discussion programs, the Great Stories CLUB, LIVE @ your library and more. Recently, the ALA Public Programs Office developed www.ProgrammingLibrarian.org, an online resource center bringing librarians timely and valuable information to support them in the creation of high-quality cultural programs for their communities. For more information on the ALA Public Programs Office, visit www.ala.org/publicprograms.

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is our country’s global conflict management center. Created by Congress to be independent and nonpartisan, USIP works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve international conflict through nonviolent means. Learn more at www.usip.org.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has network of 18 offices worldwide and over 1,000 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad. www.iie.org

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports learning in history, literature, philosophy and other areas of the humanities. NEH grants enrich classroom learning, create and preserve knowledge and bring ideas to life through public television, radio, new technologies, exhibitions and programs in libraries, museums and other community places. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at www.neh.gov.

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American Library Association Public Programs Office