The Library of Michigan is pleased to announce that the Improving Access to Information grant programs is open for 2022! This LSTA grant program is designed to provide public and academic libraries with the opportunity to expand services for learning and access to information and/or to develop library services that provide all users access to information. The intent is to fund one-year projects that improve access to library collections and information. The expected focus will be the improvement in access to library users in one of the three priorities listed below and that align with the LSTA priorities listed in the grant documentation. * Improve access to services & information in areas of literacy. * Improve access to services & information in areas of local history or special collections. * Improve access to information for community users with limited online access, e.g. improving equity through digital inclusion. The grant period is one year (Oct. 1 - Sept. 30) and funding is from $5,000 to $25,000. Funding is by reimbursement only. Applications are due Tuesday, May 31st by 5:00 PM EST. Eligible applicants are Michigan public libraries that are legally established and currently eligible for state aid or Michigan academic libraries that meet the standards for library service listed in the grant documentation and are currently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The grant program is competitive. New this year: * There are two application packets and applications - one for the literacy and digital inclusion priorities and one for the local history or special collections priority. * A federal Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number is required. * Application webinars are required for the local history or special collections priority application (either in person participation or watching the recording) Application Webinars: Register at www.michigan.gov/lsta<http://www.michigan.gov/lsta> in the Improving Access to Information grant section. * UEI Numbers and LM Grants - What Do You Need to Do? - Thursday, March 3rd, 2:00 PM * Improving Access to Information Grant Application webinar - Applying for the Local History or Special Collections Priority / REQUIRED - Tuesday, March 22nd, 10:00 AM * Improving Access to Information Grant Application webinar - Applying for the Literacy & Digital Inclusion Priorities - Thursday, March 24th, 2:00 PM * Improving Access to Information Grant Application webinar - Planning for a Digitization or Preservation Project / REQUIRED - Thursday, April 7th, 2:00 PM Detailed information on the grant program, including timeline, applicant eligibility, and the applications are available at www.michigan.gov/lsta<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flsta&data=04%7C01%7Creishk%40michigan.gov%7C86e3c9c7a783416e759a08d8c47fdb73%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637475400712249492%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&sdata=Xd0rPaFnT8ZAw1mfg8uMYH5I4YHbt1u3QPgwh4dY2dQ%3D&reserved=0> in the Improving Access to Information grant section. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021, www.michigan.gov/lsta<http://www.michigan.gov/lsta> Having a diverse selection of reading materials for all ages builds literacy skills, engagement, and greater understanding. [cid:image001.png@01D82D4C.EA7FAD30]