“This grant will allow our library to better serve our patrons and plan strong, enriching humanities programming as we come out of the pandemic.” Johnson Learning Commons will use the grant funds to host an Arkansas author, a musical artist, and a textile artist.
2022-03-16 00:00:00[March 16, 2022 | MENA, Ark.] has been selected as one of 200 libraries nationwide for the American Library Association’s American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries opportunity, an emergency relief program to assist libraries that have been adversely affected by the pandemic.
With funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Johnson Learning Commons will use funds to anchor itself in the community as a strong humanities institution. The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library deliver excellent programs and services related to culture, history, literature, and other humanities subjects.
More than 370 libraries applied for the grant, according to ALA.
The participating libraries, selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process, include public libraries, academic/college libraries, K-12 libraries, and tribal, special and prison libraries. The recipients represent 45 states and Puerto Rico and serve communities ranging in size from 642 residents in Weir, Kansas, to the city of Los Angeles. Libraries were chosen with an emphasis on reaching historically underserved and/or rural communities.
“We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Brenda Miner. “This grant will allow our library to better serve our patrons and plan strong, enriching humanities programming as we come out of the pandemic.” Johnson Learning Commons will use the grant funds to host an Arkansas author, a musical artist, and a textile artist.
Two events of the three events will be held in April. Brooks Blevins will present on April 12 at 1:30 pm in the Ouachita Center. Blevins authored Arkansas Arkansaw. His presentation, “How to Speak Hillbilly in Seven Simple Steps,” may sound like a comedy routine, it’s a historical look into some of the peculiarities of the dialect of the Ouachitas and Ozarks. Ben Shreve, formerly of Mena, will hold a musical performance at 7 p.m., also in the Ouachita Center. Final details on the third event are still being finalized but is expected to be held in June.
“Libraries have faced significant hardships throughout the pandemic —from budget cuts to staff furloughs to building closures — especially in our communities of the greatest need,” said ALA President Patty Wong. “This crucial support from NEH will enable our beloved institutions, and the dedicated people who run them, to rebuild and emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”
American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021."
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