FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2008

CONTACT: Diane Nevill, (623) 930-3554, Public Information Officer

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale Public Library was recently notified that it will be receiving $101,521 in funds granted by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Agency under the Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The largest grant, for $49,407, will expand self-checkout technology to all Glendale libraries. Currently, only Foothills Branch Library has machines which allow borrowers to check out their own items. Along with the equipment, all three facilities will add software that allows library users to pay fines and fees with their credit or debit cards at the self-check machines. It is anticipated that the 3M equipment will be installed by the end of the summer.

The Youth Departments at all three locations worked together on What E.L.S.E. (Enhancing Life Skills/Experiences) Is Happening @ the Glendale Libraries? Three distinct programs were designed for various life stages. All Glendale libraries will provide early literacy activities for babies and their parents, evening family events and night GED prep classes for high school dropouts, ages 16 and up. Funding for this grant was $32,695.

The program for babies is called the Itty Bitty Readers Program. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to develop and practice early literacy skills with children ages 2½ years and under. Incentives will be given for adults who read to and interact with their babies, as recommended in Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library.

Because there are so many parents in the workforce, librarians saw a need for quality evening family programming. Foothills Branch Library has planned interactive, intergenerational, two-team programs that are designed to build family relationships. The Main Library and Velma Teague Branch are providing opportunities for families to enjoy evening events that will enhance their interests and expand cultural understanding.

The GED Prep Classes will provide opportunity, materials and support for a total of 50 teens and adults in a class setting to prepare them to take the GED test. Teachers from Rio Salado Adult Learning Center will teach the three-hour classes, which run for 12 weeks. On-site child care will be provided for the participants’ children, ages 2-9. The classes will be held at all three library facilities.

The final grant, Glendale History Online, brings a photographic history of Glendale alive for both residents and researchers. The library will be working with the Glendale Historical Society, Sahuaro Ranch Park Historical Area, Glendale Community College and Thunderbird School of Global Management. Old photos will be digitized, described and housed on the Arizona Memory Project. Links to all of these Glendale collections will be available on the organizations’ websites. Glendale Main Library will have periodic exhibits of photographs in the various collections. The cost of the Glendale History Online project is $19,419. Photos are expected to start going online in Fall 2008.

For more information, call Diane at 623-930-3554.