JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced Keller Public Library has been awarded a Reading Challenge Software Grant of $544.
Reading Challenge Software Grants help public libraries implement the reading challenge/tracker software solution of their choice to provide partial or full online summer reading programs in 2020, as well as other reading challenges throughout the year.
“Missouri’s libraries play a vital role in their communities, providing key resources and learning opportunities year-round,” Ashcroft said. “These grants help our libraries continue to offer their summer reading programs, with the added ease of online accessibility.”
Keller Library Director Jordan Myers said the grant will be used to provide a virtual summer reading program.
“This program will be targeted to patrons from 0 to 18 years of age. Our focus will be a summer reading challenge, which will follow the theme of Imagine Your Story,' ” said Myers. “The activities will include a virtual animal education program, virtual escape rooms, a story walk partnered with Dexter Parks and Rec, and many other fun activities to get our younger patrons excited about reading! More information will be available online and in the library.”
This summer reading challenge project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the office of the Secretary of State.
The Missouri State Library has approved 141 grant applications in the 2020 fiscal year, totaling $810,019.50 in federal awards that the secretary’s office has distributed to libraries throughout Missouri. The grants are funded by the Library Services and Technology Act through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.