Latest news with #LibrariesasPillarsofEducationandDemocracy
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas City Public Library awarded $500,000 to expand literacy, teen programs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Public Library (KCPL) has been awarded a $500,000 grant to expand its programs, the Carnegie Corporation of New York announced Tuesday. The KCPL is one of 11 public library systems to receive a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York through its Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative – which is aimed at helping public libraries expand access to adult literacy and college readiness programs. This national effort builds on the foundation's renewed commitment to libraries as trusted public institutions that help reduce political polarization. New upscale beach-themed restaurant to open in Kansas City Power & Light District 'Andrew Carnegie believed libraries were ladders upon which anyone and everyone could rise, and that belief continues to guide us,' Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie, said in a news release. 'At a time when trust in public institutions is fraying, libraries retain public trust. We are delighted to support these grantees as they provide essential programs and community services.' The KCPL was selected as part of an effort to help deliver critical services that promote socioeconomic mobility. 'Libraries are critical infrastructure in our communities – spaces that nurture learning, connection and possibility,' KCPL Director and Chief Executive Abby Yellman said in a news release. 'We are honored to receive this grant, which reaffirms the vital role libraries play in the ecosystem of community life. This generous support strengthens our commitment to expanding opportunity for all while fostering a shared sense of community and belonging.' The grant will be used to expand three of KCPL's flagship programs: Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment (RISE) Teen Leaders of Today (TLOT) The Kansas City Digital Media Lab (KCDML) The KCPL said it established RISE in 2014 to connect immigrant populations with quality library services, resources and lifelong learning opportunities through outreach, education and advocacy. The program serves more than 3,000 patrons and offers more than 100 English language classes each year. The Carnegie Corporation grant will support the development of new multilingual courses to offer instruction that supports workforce certifications in high-demand fields. The KCPL's college and career readiness programs for teens and tweens will also be expanded thanks to the award. TLOT offers teens leadership and volunteer opportunities at the KCPL's branch locations. The Digital Media Lab, based in the Southeast Branch, gives teens access to a variety of digital tools and training in two broad areas of focus: media production and engineering. Potential Royals move to Kansas sparks mixed reaction in Overland Park 'Libraries are places where people build knowledge, skills and agency,' said Ambika Kapur, an education program director at Carnegie. 'This initiative reflects our belief in investing in civic participation—wherever people come together to learn.' Carnegie has been one of the largest philanthropic funders of libraries, from the early construction of libraries in the United States, to helping establish the endowment of the American Library Association, funding the nation's first graduate library school and digitizing archival collections around the world. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gwinnett County Public Library gets $350,000 grant from Carnegie Corporation
One of the oldest philanthropies in the United States gave the Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) a major grant. According to the library system, the Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded $350,000, which they plan to use for expanding English language classes, in partnership with Gwinnett County Public Schools. The Carnegie Corporation said GCPL was one of 11 libraries across the U.S. to get an award from the Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'Andrew Carnegie believed libraries were ladders upon which anyone and everyone could rise, and that belief continues to guide us,' Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie, said in a statement. 'At a time when trust in public institutions is fraying, libraries retain public trust. We are delighted to support these grantees as they provide essential programs and community services.' TRENDING STORIES: 'Black Mecca' no longer? Atlanta prices cause families to move out of the city Atlanta Public Schools announces new first day of school, 13 new principals Georgia father drowns after getting caught in Gulf rip current Through the additional funding, GCPL said they'll be able to increase the number of free English classes and recruit more community volunteers. The funding will also go toward stipends for volunteer English teachers and bus passes for those participating in the program. 'Fluency in the English language is essential for everyone to participate in American society, culture, politics, and business. We are delighted that the Carnegie Corporation has recognized the importance of English language classes and libraries in general to maintain a literate and engaged citizenry,' Charles Pace, Executive Director of Gwinnett County Public Library, said. 'Thanks to this generous award we will be able to better support the English language learner needs of the Gwinnett Community than ever before.' The Carnegie Corporation said more than 1,400 applicants sent requests for funding from the program. The organization said they 'prioritized initiatives' that had shown both strong demand from their communities and success either teaching Adult English language and literacy to build job readiness, or college access programs for teens with academic, civic and leadership skills, college admissions knowledge and with support from families as they transition to college. 'Libraries are places where people build knowledge, skills, and agency,' said Ambika Kapur, an Education program director at Carnegie. 'This initiative reflects our belief in investing in civic participation — wherever people come together to learn." [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
