Texas State Library announces grant awards to Texas public libraries totaling $2.9 million Austin - The Texas State Library and Archives Commission announces $2.9 million in grant awards to Texas public libraries. Five hundred seventeen libraries will receive funds in spring 2002 as part of a new program, Loan Star Libraries. Loan Star Libraries is the first program of its kind in Texas. With only a few exceptions, libraries receiving awards will have complete control over how they spend their funds. Funds from the program will enable libraries to expand existing programs and collections and implement new services to meet the unique needs of their communities. The 77th Texas Legislature appropriated $2.9 million for the first year of the program. According to Director and Librarian Peggy D. Rudd, the money couldn't come soon enough. "Texas was the largest of only six remaining states that don't provide some form of direct state aid to libraries. In fact, Texas ranks 47th in the country in state support per capita for libraries. Loan Star Libraries is an exciting first step in changing that." One goal of the program is to increase library access for all Texans, no matter where they live. Loan Star Libraries encourages libraries to open their collections free-of-charge to those outside their legal service areas by offering incentives to remove these barriers. Although Texas has 548 public libraries, roughly seven percent of Texans still do not have access to a public library and must pay a fee to use a neighboring library. Eligible libraries who do not charge non-resident fees or who eliminate their fees receive a higher level of funding from Loan Star Libraries. FY2002 grant awards range from $47 to $334,320, based on each library's local operating expenditures and its provision for statewide access. Rudd expects to roll out checks in spring 2002. She notes, "Texas libraries are doing a lot with what they have, and funds from Loan Star Libraries are going to make library services in Texas that much better. I can't wait to distribute the money." View the list of 517 grantees and their awards online at http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/funding/loanstar/loanstarawards.html <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/funding/loanstar/loanstarawards.html> . Go to the Loan Star Libraries section of our Web site to access the program description, FAQs for librarians and the public, and rules governing the program. http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/funding/index.html#loanstar <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/funding/index.html#loanstar>
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