[Libs-Or] From IMLS - Libraries and Schools Encouraged to Apply for Picturing America

[Ann Reed]

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeannine Mjoseth [mailto:JMjoseth at IMLS.GOV] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 8:52 AM
To: Jeannine Mjoseth
Subject: Libraries and Schools Encouraged to Apply for Picturing America 

The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be read on the agency's Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/080508b.shtm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2008

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth at imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner at imls.gov

NEH Media Contacts
Lindsey Mikal, 202-606-8317
Elizabeth Fisher, 202-208-7098

Libraries and Schools Encouraged to Apply for Picturing America to Bring Great American Art to the Nation's Classrooms and Libraries 

Washington, DC-Libraries and schools have a second opportunity to apply for a wonderful, free teaching tool called Picturing America, announced Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on August 5, 2008. Picturing America, presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in partnership with IMLS, provides high-quality reproductions of great American art to public libraries and K-12 schools to enhance the study of history, social studies, language arts, literature, and civics.

"Art has so much to teach us about America's past, present, and future," Radice said. "Picturing America allows everyone, regardless of their location or income, to explore American history through the lens of our nation's great works of art."

"I am delighted to announce that we are again accepting Picturing America applications," said NEH Chairman Bruce Cole.  "The Endowment wants every school and public library in the United States to receive Picturing America, and this second application period will bring us closer to achieving that goal."

Public libraries and public, private, parochial, charter, and home school groups (K-12) in the United States and its territories are eligible to receive Picturing America materials, which include:
* Forty large, high-quality color reproductions of the selected masterpieces (24" x 36")
* A comprehensive teacher's resource book providing a wide range of ideas and background information to support educators using the works of art in core subject areas
* Lesson plans and additional resources available through the Picturing America Web site, PicturingAmerica.neh.gov

Also eligible are libraries with collections that circulate to the general public and those that offer reading programs to the public.
 
Application information can be found in the 'Apply Now' section of the Picturing America Web site, PicturingAmerica.neh.gov. Applications are currently being accepted now through October 31, 2008, with delivery scheduled for spring 2009. Please note that previous recipients of the Picturing America collection are not eligible for a second award. 

So far, 26,320 public libraries and schools across the nation have been awarded Picturing America materials. To view the list of recipient schools and libraries, please click here. In addition, the NEH and the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families are making Picturing America available to the 20,000 Head Start centers to enhance early childhood development and family literacy. 

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services 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. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
 
About the National Endowment for the Humanities Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports learning in history, literature, philosophy and other areas of the humanities. NEH grants enrich classroom learning, create and preserve knowledge, and bring ideas to life through public television, radio, new technologies, exhibitions, and programs in libraries, museums, and other community places. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at www.neh.gov.
 



Ann Reed, Federal Programs Coordinator
Library Development Services, Oregon State Library
250 Winter St. NE
Salem, OR 07305
phone: (503) 378-5027
fax: (503) 378-6439
ann.reed at state.or.us
website: www.oregon.gov/osl/ld/index.shtml