(June 21, 2011 -- Washington D.C.)  Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today announced that seven Native American tribes in Nevada have been awarded grant funding under the Native American Library Services program.  Funding from the seven grants, each for $7,000, will be used to support traditional library services in Nevada tribal communities and for optional staff training.

 

"Students of all ages benefit from having access to reading materials and other learning tools found in libraries," said Berkley.  "This grant funding will help Native American tribes in Nevada provide library services for these communities and will offer the option for staff training to enhance skills.  Developing good reading skills is critical to student success and these grants will help ensure quality library services are available to Nevada's Native American population," said Berkley.

 

Grants awarded through the Native American Library Services program have been used to expand library collections, enhance computers and Internet access, provide important cultural programs and give teenage youth the opportunity to take part in after-school activities.  The purpose of the Education/Assessment Option, which was awarded to all Nevada grant recipients, is to provide funding for library staff to attend continuing education courses and training workshops on- or off-site, for library staff to attend or give presentations at conferences related to library services, and to hire a consultant for an on-site professional library assessment (see: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nativeAmerican.shtm).