The goal of New Initiatives grants was to help break down barriers<\/strong>,\u00a0imagine the impossible<\/strong>, and foster creativity<\/strong>. We funded ideas that sought new<\/strong> ways to tackle problems, face challenges, or fulfill needs in libraries. Check our winners below!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_tabs _builder_version=”4.23.4″ tab_font_size=”13px” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_tab title=”2023 Grant Recipients” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Jenna Ballard, Chittenango Middle School<\/strong><\/p>\n Book Nook Boxes<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n A sixth grade ELA class will create personalized book subscription boxes for students in a fifth grade ELA class.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Kristen Neri, Manlius Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Manlius Library Care Kits<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Manlius Library staff will develop community-oriented programs and resources for underserved populations, such as the elderly and individuals with low-vision. They will create a low-vision kit and three levels of memory kits for those with dementia, and their caregivers, that will both circulate and be used during librarian outreach visits to senior residences, day programs, and senior centers.<\/span><\/p>\n Claire Ehrlich, Mohawk Valley Community College<\/strong><\/p>\n Multilingual Bestseller Collection<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Mohawk Valley Community College’s Utica campus library will extend its popular leisure reading collection to include the most widely-spoken non-English languages on campus.<\/span><\/p>\n Amanda DuBose, Syracuse University<\/strong><\/p>\n A Pop-Up Collection at the Syracuse Stage<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This project will provide a point of access for an underserved segment of the student\/staff\/faculty population by bringing library resources to them.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”2022 Grant Recipients” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Shauna Modrow, Onondaga County Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Teen Book Box<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Hazard branch library will create a monthly \u201cTeen Book Box\u201d service that will offer a tailored \u201csubscription\u201d-like literary-themed book box for teen library patrons across the city.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Margaret Martin, Soule Branch Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Soule Branch Library SEL Manga\/Anime Afterschool Program<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Soule Branch Library, located directly across the street from HW Smith preK-8 School, proposes a weekly social emotional learning (SEL) tween manga\/anime afterschool program for the 2022\/23 school year, augmented by a specially curated manga collection with a focus on youth mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Darcy Barber, Liverpool Central School District<\/strong><\/p>\n Dynamic Elementary Library Shelving<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This project will create dynamic elementary library shelving which will empower our K-2 readers to independently and successfully browse for, and locate books of interest to them<\/span>.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Aneisa Linton, Westhill Central School District<\/strong><\/p>\n Westhill Libraries Summer Book Bonanza!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This project will provide books free of charge that children may keep as their own. The promotion of reading coupled with access to free books will encourage children to read more over the summer months and combat summer learning loss.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Heather Leahey, Willow Field Elementary School<\/strong><\/p>\n Full STEAM Ahead at WFE Library<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The library is preparing to become better suited for K-2 students and will begin to incorporate more STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in the library.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Lindsey Cesari, Baldwinsville Central School District<\/strong><\/p>\n Making for Mental Health<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The librarian and school counseling staff (guidance counselors, school psychologists, and social workers) will collaborate to help students create mental health tools (like an origami worry box or stress balls) and then learn how to use them.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Jackie Alex, Bolivar Road Elementary – Chittenango Central Schools<\/strong><\/p>\n Sunshine Days<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The school librarian will work with a team of teachers to deliver Social Emotional, Character Education, Culturally Responsive, and Mindfulness Lessons to the students in our Pre-K -Grade 4 school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”2021 Grant Recipients” _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Alyssa Ali, Maxwell Memorial Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Sensory Garden<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The library’s side yard will be transformed into an attractive, accessible, safe space for young children and their caregivers, to explore on their own or as part of library programming, a sensory nature-oriented experience.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Jen Tolley, Northern Onondaga Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Homebound Delivery Tablets<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Outreach staff at the Northern Onondaga Public Library seeks to make it possible for patrons enrolled in our Homebound Delivery program to enjoy digital materials by beginning to loan out tablets with pre-downloaded items.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”2020 Grant Recipients” _builder_version=”4.23″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Jennine Bloomquist, Camden Middle School<\/strong><\/p>\n Biking by the Book<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n An irresistible combination, this program focuses on combining the stress-reducing activities of exercising and reading for maximum results.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n Pauline Shostack, Onondaga Community College<\/strong><\/p>\n Scalable Makerspace Fan Creation Station<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This proposal will allow OCC to create a three-tiered USB powered personal fan makerspace creation station. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, 3D printing, and more.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n Maggie Gall-Maynard & Alyssa Newton, Onondaga Free Library – Karen Fenner & Karin Backus, Westhill Central School District<\/strong><\/p>\n On the Trail: From New York to Nome<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Onondaga Free Library, in partnership with Westhill Central School District, will present an innovative month-long learning opportunity around the theme of the Iditarod. The learning activities will include access to GPS monitoring of the 2020 race, opportunities to use virtual and augmented reality, and a presentation by Iditarod racer, Karen Land, and one of her sled dogs, Noggin.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n Tatiana Sahm, Onondaga County Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Nature Backpacks for Libraries<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Nature Backpacks for Libraries are circulating kits in a backpack, which include items such as binoculars, magnifying glasses, and short format, engaging reading material about local flora and fauna. Nature Backpacks will boost STEM learning and encourage scientific curiosity.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n Erin Cassidy, Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville<\/strong><\/p>\n Art in Conversation: Jacob Lawrence & James Baldwin<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Art in Conversation: Jacob Lawrence & James Baldwin is a project designed by the Everson Museum of Art and the Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville to address socially relevant topics and provide an opportunity to spark community dialogue.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Anne Nassar, Little Falls Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Paint Your Masterpiece<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The program would supply participants with everything patrons need to paint a picture: canvas, paint, a brush, and an art teacher (via Zoom). Then, Little Falls Public Library will host an art show in our gallery.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n Jennifer McDonald, LaFayette School District<\/strong><\/p>\n Little Embedded Libraries<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This project will build little libraries and install them throughout the school district at historical sites and important institutions. The little libraries will be “library boxes” transmitting wifi signals that connect to any wifi capable device to provide digital content created by school students.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n Julia Schult, Baldwinsville Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Baldwinsville Library VR Tour Kit<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Baldwinsville Public Library will create a “VR Tour Kit” which can be circulated to schools, businesses, clubs, and nonprofit organizations in our area. The kit would contain everything needed to create an online 360-degree tour of physical space they would like to share with people online.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n Joellyn Murry, Liverpool Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n School Story Walks<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Liverpool Public Library would like to partner with Liverpool School Librarians to provide story walks at each of them elementary schools. They will provide each school with a new story every week from April until the end of the school year.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n Megan Gillander, Oneida Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n OPaL’s News Network<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Oneida Public Library would like to provide the education, equipment, and technical assistance for area youth to record, edit, and share their own news stories via OPaL’s News Network, a library YouTube channel.<\/span><\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”2019 Grant Recipients” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Carol Johnson, Mundy Branch Library<\/strong><\/p>\n STARLAB Roving Planetarium Visits Syracuse City Libraries<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n STARLAB roving planetarium will visit Syracuse city libraries in support of the 2019 summer reading program theme, “Universe of Stories.” The planetarium presentation will enhance STEM learning, encourage scientific curiousity among urban youth, and engage children.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Nickie Marquis, Skaneateles Library<\/b><\/p>\n Explore the World Kits<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n These kits will spark a child’s curiousity in the people and places around the world using aspects of reading, geography, and play.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Mary Klucznik, Chittenango High School<\/strong><\/p>\n New Media: The Silent Generation<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n “The Silent Generation” will create a podcasting studio in the Chittenango High School library designed for students enrolled in the New Media course and accessibile to all Chittenango high school students.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”2018 Grant Recipients” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Karen Fenner, Westhill High School<\/b><\/p>\n Expeditions for Everyone<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Google Expeditions kits will provide students with virtual trips that can pair with teacher curriculum. In partnership with\u00a0Onondaga Free Public Library<\/b>, kits will be available for programming and activities during the summer months or for special events during the school year.<\/p>\n Nicole Hershberger, Northern Onondaga Public Library at Cicero<\/b><\/p>\n Community Playdate: An Anji Play-based Outreach Pilot<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Based on the practices and philosophy of \u201cAnji Play,\u201d this partnership with the\u00a0Town of Clay Department of Recreation <\/b>will provide opportunities for children to experience self-determined, free, and open-ended play. Libraries provide information to parents about how to read, sing, talk, and the means for play but not the modeling. This pilot will test this Anji Play approach in a library sponsored community based setting.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Sue LeBlanc, Madison-Oneida BOCES<\/b><\/p>\n From School to Public: Providing a Bridge for Student & Family Use of Public Library<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n This program aids to leverage school librarian-student relationships to promote public library use and combat “summer slide.” School librarians will collaborate with local public librarians to be involved with summer public library programming.<\/p>\n Jake Hare, Liverpool Public Library<\/b><\/p>\n Virtual Traveling<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n VR hardware can be used to provide patrons of existing programs with a richer, more engaging multimedia experience. Programs that are already popular can use it to enhance the experience of attendees and new outreach programs can take the materials out of the library building to expand patron services.<\/p>\n Doreen Bergman, OCM BOCES<\/b><\/p>\n Celebrating Diverse Readers!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n To meet the needs of a growing English as New Language population the grant will help create a dual language library. Mini-collections of these picture books will be shared with students and their parents throughout the region.<\/p>\n Joshua Finnell, Colgate University<\/strong><\/p>\n Data Analysis & Collaboration Network<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This project aims to create a consortium of \u201cisolated statisticians and data librarians\u201d across the State of New York for faculty and students at smaller universities and colleges.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n April Bliss, Dunham Public Library<\/strong><\/p>\n Stop Motion Publicity Videos<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Library teens will create videos to express their appreciation for the library providing a safe place and supportive staff so they can continue to learn and grow by exploring innovative technologies.<\/p>\n Final Report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Elizabeth Hartnett & Janice Murray, Oneida\/Herkimer BOCES<\/b><\/p>\n Engineering in a Novel Way<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n This project will create sets of lessons and supporting materials that combine ideas of Novel Engineering and Information Literacy for K-6 grade levels. Teacher Librarians will create kits that support these lessons to circulate to area schools to support STEAM and Information literacy.<\/p>\n
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