SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White today awarded $2.46 million in Fiscal Year 2003 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants to libraries and library systems for the development of new programs and initiatives that enhance library service in Illinois.

White said LSTA funds are federal dollars awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Illinois State Library. Public, school, academic and special libraries, together with Illinois' regional library systems, can apply for and compete for LSTA grants.

"LSTA grants are some of the most important grants the Illinois State Library awards each year because they are specifically designed to encourage librarians to be creative in developing new programs and services for patrons," White said. "I have visited libraries throughout Illinois and I am extremely impressed with the innovation and creativity exhibited by our librarians. They work very hard to determine the specific needs of their patrons, which may differ from one region of Illinois to the next.

"I am pleased that the Illinois State Library can help provide our local libraries and library systems with some of the financial resources they need to meet the challenges and changes of the future."

White said the LSTA grants being awarded fall into four specific categories:

• The "Dream Again" grant challenges libraries to take risks and enjoy the spirit of adventure by developing a new program, project or service for their library. Libraries can replicate successful programs implemented elsewhere. Grants range from $2,500 to $150,000.

• The "Lighting Your Own Fire/Fanning Your Flame" grant builds upon the award-winning Lighting the Fire program developed by the Illinois State Library to encourage creativity by libraries in developing grant proposals. Libraries that received initial Lighting the Fire grants in 2001 can use this year's grant to develop it further, share it with other libraries or replicate another Lighting the Fire grant. Libraries not involved in Lighting the Fire can use this year's grant to implement a past Lighting the Fire idea at their library. Grants range from $500 to $50,000.

• The Investing In Librarianship grant is intended to promote staff development. Programs may be designed to target a specific library skill such as cataloging; to provide more knowledge of library related issues such as intellectual freedom issues; or to plan a staff development day. Grants range from $500 to $4,900.

• Digital Imaging Grants help libraries, museums and other entities dedicated to the preservation of documents to create digital images of such documents. Grants range from $5,000 to $150,000.

List of FY 2003 LSTA grant recipients (PDF)