FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2020

For more information, contact:
Jen Pace Dickenson
Phone: 828-894-8721 x284
jdickenson@polklibrary.org

Library Awarded Federal Grant

COLUMBUS, N. C., (January 15, 2020) Polk County Public Libraries has been awarded a $2400 grant to be used for Youth Services Librarian, Jen Dickenson, to attend the Public Library Association (PLA) Conference 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee.

This continuing education scholarship was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-00-19-0034-19). These federal funds are investments that help libraries deliver relevant and up-to-date services for their communities. Library Director, Marcie Dowling, said “professional conferences like PLA 2020 are essential for providing library staff the opportunity to explore ways that libraries across the county serve their communities and envision how Polk County Public Libraries can adopt fresh approaches to meet the evolving needs of our community. Dozens of information sessions, roundtable discussions, and vendor demonstrations will enrich Jen as she seeks to serve the youth of Polk County.”

The LSTA grant program administered by the State Library of North Carolina funds library projects across the state that advance excellence and promote equity by strengthening capacity, expanding access, and community engagement in North Carolina’s libraries.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. Through the LSTA Grants to States program IMLS provides funds to State Library agencies using a population-based formula. State libraries may use the appropriation to support statewide initiatives and services; they may also distribute the funds through competitive subgrants to public and academic libraries.  To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

Polk County Public Libraries has two libraries, Columbus Library and Saluda Library, as well as outreach services. PCPL offers books, movies, music, audiobooks, and downloadable eBooks and audiobooks, as well as public computers and wireless internet access. PCPL offers regularly scheduled programs for people of all ages. To learn more, visit www.polklibrary.org.

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