Keep checking out the LSTA grant updates that are posted on the LSTA Grant page. Here is a recent sample of what some of your Illinois colleagues have done with their LSTA grant funds.

• PictureIt! Global Gallery: Pat Whisler, Kewanee Public Library District. Kewanee Public Library District was awarded an LSTA FY09  Digital Imaging grant in the amount of $20,300.00.  Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Department of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).  Thanks to this funding the library was able to digitize 162 volumes of both Kewanee and Wethersfield high schools entire collections of yearbooks dated from 1904 up to 2008.  Due to grant restrictions each year after 2002 will be uploaded and added one at a time.  The “PictureIt! Global Gallery” digital imaging grant has created worldwide access to a collection that was once available only to library visitors.  The library is also entering this historical part of its community’s heritage into the Illinois Digital Archives (IDA). 
• Where Progress Meets the Prairie: Beth Fuchs, Kitchell Memorial Library. LSTA Grant 2009 received by Kitchell Memorial Library to join the Local Library System Automation Program using the shared SirsiDynix Horizon system, provides access to a full-featured, state-of-the-art library automation system
• Art and Architecture in Illinois Libraries: Allen Lanham, Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University. Artists and architects have long used the library as a pulpit from which to draw citizens’ attention to the issues and styles of the day or to enrich understanding of the local landscape and customs.  The LSTA grant for Art and Architecture in Illinois Libraries allowed us to focus research on the major role our libraries play as cultural centers for Illinois communities.
• Community Copy and Digitization Center: Phyllis Von Arb, Colona Public Library. An LSTA grant enabled the Colona Public Library to create a Community Copy and Digitization Center, providing color copying and printing, scanning, faxing, image manipulation, and OCR conversion to its patrons and community groups.
• Educating the Entrepeneur: From Dreaming to Doing using E-Commerce: Linda Means, Hoopeston Public Library. The In Sync With Technology grant provided training on starting a small business, developing a business plan,and establishing a web-based business. In addition, the grant provided tools and technology to aid the entrepreneur and other patrons
• Gaming to Get Fit: Sue Elder, Fondulac Public Library District. You may be wondering, how do you entice junior high and high school students to come to the library for fitness programs? The answer is through the use of Wii and Playstation3. With this grant the library was able to purchase flat screen TVs, Wiis, Playstation3s and fitness games.
• Public Access Laptops: Tamarah Grah, Chester Public Library. The Chester Public Library has purchased ten laptop computers and a portable storage cart for them.  The laptops have been used for basic computer skills classes, tutoring, adult and youth informational programs and public access workstations. All ten computers are identical and have Wi-Fi accessibility. The locked portable storage cart enables the library staff to safely use the equipment on both levels of the building.  The entire grant project has been a success, and the Chester Public Library staff and patrons are thrilled to have the new equipment.
• Video Games = Fun + Learning: Maggie Hommel, Park Ridge Public Library. The Park Ridge Public Library set out to show that video games could not only be fun, but also promote learning and literacy. Activities ranged from a community-wide Gaming and Learning Expo to gaming equipment checkouts for local organizations.