Campus News
March 8, 2022
GC library selected for competitive federal humanities grant
$10,000 grant will help the library recover from the coronavirus pandemic
The Garrett College Library 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, Garrett College 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.
According to the ALA, Garrett College is one of more than 370 libraries that applied for the grant.
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 appreciative to be chosen for this amazing opportunity," said Library Director Jenny Meslener. "This grant will allow the library to increase access to its special collection materials, raise awareness and support humanities scholarship activities, and support student success at Garrett College."
Garrett College will use the grant funds to digitize library special collection materials including funds for a part-time library/humanities specialist, support new and existing humanities courses and curricula, and fund the summer Joan Crawford Lecture Series.
"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."
