This is good news for areas in the state that struggle with poverty: *The BUILD Initiative - Boston, MA* Award: $314,884 A cooperative agreement between IMLS and the BUILD Initiative will create deliberate and mutually beneficial connections between the efforts of museums and libraries and those of early childhood systems’ builders to support the growth and development of children from birth to age eight, with an emphasis on children from birth to age five. The partnership will build relationships across the fields/sectors and embed connections in ways that can be replicated and sustained. All objectives will be achieved through engagement with library, museum and early learning leaders in five pilot states: Arizona, Georgia,* Michigan*, Pennsylvania and Washington. -- Christine Lind Hage, President, United for Libraries Library Director, Rochester Hills Public Library 500 Olde Towne Road Rochester, MI 48307-2043 248/650-7122 Raising a reader is: Talking * Singing * Reading * Writing * Playing