Institute of Museum and Library Services offers Picturing America to libraries and schools

The Institute of Museum and Libray Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.

Picturing America, presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides high-quality reproductions of great American art to public libraries and K-12 schools to enhance the study of history, social studies, language arts, literature and civics. Picturing America allows everyone, regardless of their location or income to explore American history through the lens of our nations’s great works of art. The Endowment wants every school and public library in the United States to receive Picturing America.

Libraries with collections that circulate to the general public and those that offer reading programs to the public are encouraged to apply. Public libraries are eligible to receive Picturing America materials free of charge. Included in the package are:

*Forty large, high-quality color reproductions of the selected masterpieces (24″x36″)

*A comprehensive teacher’s resource book providing a wide range of ideas and background information to support educators using the works of art in core subject areas.

*Lesson plans and additional resources available through the Picturing America Web site Picturing America.neh.gov

Application information can be found in the ‘Apply Now’ section of the Picturing America Web site, PicturingAmerica.neh.gov. Applications are currently being accepted now through October 31, 2008, with delivery scheduled for spring 2009. Libraries and schools have a second opportunity to apply for a wonderful, free teaching tool and bring great American art to their patrons and students. Previous recipients of the Picturing America collection are not eligible for a second award.

Art has so much to teach about America’s past, present and future. To learn more about the Institute of Museum and Library Services, visit www.imls.gov. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at www.neh.gov.