Sesquicentennial National Library Program

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NEH invites proposals for a cooperative agreement to develop, promote, and administer a nationwide library reading and discussion program that engages the public in reflection on the American Civil War and its legacy, during the 2011-2015 Civil War sesquicentennial.The successful applicant will work in partnership with NEH to design a multisession library reading and discussion program for general audiences, focusing on the Civil War and its legacy. Specifically, the successful applicant will develop the intellectual framework, select appropriate reading materials, and identify or develop ancillary materials for use in library programs. In addition, the organization selected for this award will participate in identifying program sites; providing training opportunities for site librarians and administrators; purchasing, creating, storing, and distributing program materials; developing, implementing, and managing a competitive subgranting program in which small grants will be made to fifty libraries; serving as the administrative and communications hub for fifty-six statewide programs; and conducting a wide-ranging outreach effort to encourage adoption of the program. The primary audience for the program consists of the patrons of public libraries across the country. Libraries may benefit from this program in one of three ways:by successful application for a competitive grant, with grantees receiving twenty-five copies of the reading materials and a $2,500 stipend for programming purposes (applications accepted January-March 2011, with programs beginning fall 2011); by application to the agency in their state responsible for administering this project on a statewide basis (beginning January 2012); or by accessing materials online and obtaining the books to be used in the reading and discussion program with their own or local funds. Ultimately, libraries, historical or cultural organizations, and individuals will be able to explore the program themes online and obtain the books on their own.

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