Second Round of NTRLS HELP Mini-Grants

The NTRLS Services Planning Committee has decided to offer a second round of HELP Mini-Grants to member libraries in the amount of $18,000. Extra funds became available when NTRLS staffing levels fell to six employees. The applications for this second round of grants are due by March 15, 2007. Awards will be given in April 2007. All grant funds must be spent by August 11, 2007. As a reminder, the scope of the grant has been expanded “to fund projects that are enhancements of existing services; however, first priority will be given to projects that request the assistance of paid consultants for specific library development projects (taken from the HELP Mini-Grants Application form found on the NTRLS website).” In the first round of funding, the Services Planning Committee gave awards for a variety of projects including: (1) producing a video to introduce children to library services; (2) hiring a consultant to perform a space needs assessment; and (3) renewing an electronic subscription as well as purchasing equipment to process books. I must stress that Grant applications will be evaluated heavily on the ability to meet the spending deadlines specified above. If you have a summer project needing funds, please do not hesitate to apply. Applications can be found on the NTRLS website under Featured Links. If you have any questions, please call me at 800-856-3050.