LIBRARY POWER – WALLACE INITIATIVE, 1988 – 2000
The Issue
School libraries were not being used to their full potential in elementary and middle schools.
The Response
The Library Power initiative sought to convert large numbers of school libraries into state-of-the-art centers to help improve teaching and learning in public schools. Schools made renovations to libraries, strengthened their collections and aligned them more closely with classroom needs; enriched classroom teaching with library activities; and fostered collaboration among administrators, teachers and librarians in planning and giving instruction.
The Results
With grants totaling more than $40 million, the largest private investment in school libraries in more than 30 years, the initiative helped more than 700 schools in 19 communities transform their libraries into hubs of meaningful educational activities. Library Power became the model on which the American Library Association based its standards for school libraries.
Research That Emerged From This Work
Library Power Executive Summary: Findings from the National Evaluation of the National Library Power Program
PUBLIC LIBRARIES AS PARTNERS IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT – WALLACE INITIATIVE, 1998 – 2001
The Issue
Libraries could be better tapped to contribute to the positive development of children and teens.
The Response
Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development awarded $9 million to nine leading public libraries and the Urban Libraries Council. The grants helped libraries devise innovative ways to serve children and teens, while furthering the library mission. The libraries introduced and expanded such activities for low-income teens as technology training, homework help, mentoring, volunteer work and jobs.
The Results
The initiative led to improved library education and career development services for teenagers.
Research That Emerged From This Work
New on the Shelf: Teens in the Library
Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development