Coding at Every Library: Empowering Kids in Rural Communities Across the Country

IMLS News

January 2020

GRANT SPOTLIGHT

Since 2018, the North Dakota State Library has directed the "Coding at Every Library" project to support coding clubs at 100 small and rural public libraries.

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Crosby Kemper III Named Director of IMLS

Crosby Kemper III takes the helm of the Institute of Museum and Library Services as its sixth director this week, following his commission by the White House on January 24 and confirmation by the United States Senate on January 10. IMLS, an independent government agency, is the primary source of federal support for the nation's museums and libraries.

“On a daily basis, our libraries and museums bridge, unify, and inspire communities throughout the nation,” said Kemper. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the Institute of Museum and Library Services and help ensure that everyone in the United States, wherever located, has access to essential museum, library, and information services.”

The IMLS director position is a four-year term alternatively held by individuals with special competence in the library field and those with expertise in museum services. Kemper succeeds Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, who served as director from 2015 to 2020.

Kemper is a dedicated advocate for education and learning for people of all ages and backgrounds. He comes to IMLS from the Kansas City Public Library, where as director, he established the library as one of the city’s leading cultural destinations and a hub of community engagement.

Under his direction, the library made special event programming a high-profile focus, with more than half a million people attending its evening programs or visiting exhibits in the art galleries. During his tenure, the Kansas City Public Library received multiple awards, including IMLS’s National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2008.

Kemper also recently served as chair of the board of directors of the Schools, Health, & Libraries Broadband Coalition, which supports open, affordable broadband connections for local community organizations.

Kemper’s career began in banking; he most recently served as CEO of UMB Financial Corporation. Kemper has received the Difference Maker Award from the Urban League of Kansas City, the William F. Yates Medallion for Distinguished Service from William Jewell College, and the 2010 Harmony Humanitarian Hoffman Legacy Award. His board service has included the Kansas City Symphony, the Black Archives of Mid-America, Union Station Kansas City, and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival.

Kemper is the editor of and a contributor to Winston Churchill: Resolution, Defiance, Magnanimity, Good Will, published by the University of Missouri Press. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University.

NEWS

IMLS Appoints New Associate Deputy Director for Discretionary Programs

The Institute of Museum and Library Services has selected Anthony D. Smith to serve as the Associate Deputy Director for Discretionary Programs in the Office of Library Services at IMLS.

IMLS Invests in School Readiness, Building National Network of Museums and Libraries

The initiative is a a cooperative agreement with the Boston Children’s Museum funded through a National Leadership Grant for Museums that aims to addresses persistent gaps and opportunities in early childhood education by forming coalitions of museums and libraries.

IMLS to Invest $3 Million in Professional Development, Capacity Building Across Museum Sector

With the passage of the FY 2020 budget on December 20, 2019, IMLS was allocated an additional $3 million through its largest program, Museums for America.

Transforming Communities and Ourselves: A Year in Review

Former IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew reflects on 2019.

UPCOMING DEADLINES

Native American Library Services Basic Grants: Application Deadline April 1.

Native American/Native Hawaiian Library Services Enhancement Grants: Application Deadline May 1.

IMLS ON THE ROAD

FC-STEM Collaborators Convening, National Science Foundation. Paula Gangopadhyay, Deputy Director of Museum Services. Alexandria, VA, December 4, 2019.

IMLS Accelerating Promising Practices: Digital Inclusion Cohort Gathering One: Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, Director, James Neal, Senior Library Program Officer; Kansas City, MO, December 5-6, 2019

Ed Games Expo: Helen Wechsler, Supervisory Grants Management Specialist; Washington, DC, January 10, 2020.

ED Games Expo Showcase: Making in K12 & CTE. Paula Gangopadhyay, Deputy Director of Museum Services. Alexandria, VA, January 10, 2020.

IMLS State Data Coordinators Meeting; Michele Farrell, Senior Library Program Officer; Scott Carey, Chief Information Officer; Matthew Birnbaum, Supervising Social Science Researcher; Marisa Pelczar, Program Analyst; Lisa Frehill, Senior Statistician; Albuquerque, NM, December 10-12, 2019

IMLS Library Statistics Working Group; Teri DeVoe, Associate Deputy Director, State Programs, Michele Farrell, Senior Library Program Officer Scott Carey, Chief Information Officer; Matthew Birnbaum, Supervising Social Science Researcher; Marisa Pelczar, Program Analyst; Lisa Frehill, Senior Statistician; Chris Catignani, acting Chief Operating Officer; Albuquerque, NM, December 13, 2019

" A Balancing Act: Navigating Power in Our Capacity Building Efforts" and "Moving Towards Grantmaking with a Racial Justice Lens," Philanthropy New York workshops: Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, Director, and Dr. Marvin Carr, Senior Advisor (Community Engagement and Impact); New York, NY, January 16, 2020

American Library Association Midwinter Conference; Cynthia Landrum, Deputy Director, Office of Library Services, Teri DeVoe, Associate Deputy Director, State Programs and Matthew Birnbaum, Senior Evaluation Officer; Philadelphia, PA, January 24-27, 2020

Association of Art Museum Directors Annual Meeting. Paula Gangopadhyay, Deputy Director of Museum Services. Atlanta, GA, January 26-29, 2020.

Site Visits to Grantee Institutions/ED-IMLS Project. Paula Gangopadhyay, Deputy Director of Museum Services. Houston, TX, January 29-30, 2020.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter .

IMLS News

Brief articles alert readers to new information about grants, monthly highlights of best practices, and important agency news with links to more detailed information on the website. Past and current issues of the newsletter and subscription information are available on our website .

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